Copied to Clipboard
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Philadelphia’s Delaware River Waterfront gets a snazzy seasonal makeover each winter when Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest returns.
Boasting a new layout for its 2024/2025 season, the cozy, cold-weather park once again features all of the amenities visitors know and love, including an ice skating rink (with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge serving as a breathtaking backdrop), a ski chalet-style lodge, a majestically lit holiday tree, an outdoor seating area with fire pits, cozy warming cabins, and plenty of hot beverages and seasonal snacks.
Celebrating 31 years on the waterfront, Winterfest is an annual favorite among residents and visitors of all ages. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is open now through March 2, 2025.
The centerpiece of the waterfront experience remains the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, the only regulation National Hockey League-sized outdoor ice skating rink in Philadelphia.
The RiverRink brings skating to Penn’s Landing with spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Delaware River.
— Photo by M.Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Timed skate sessions do sell out, so it’s highly recommended that visitors purchase tickets online in advance.
The cost to skate is $5 per session, and skate rentals are available for $12.
New for 2025, the RiverRink offers ice skating lessons led by the Fireworks Skating Academy. Private, semi-private and small group lessons can be booked here.
— Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Just because summer is over does not mean the boardwalk is closed! Illuminated boardwalk games are available all season long — as are rides on a twinkling 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel.
All games and attractions are pay-as-you-go, but the cozy vibes are free.
After a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing quite like the comfort and warmth experienced fireside with friends and family. (We’re talking both literally and figuratively here).
Heated cabins and fire pits can be reserved in advance in 90-minute increments. Cabins are $78 for a single that accommodates up to eight people and $125 for a double that accommodates 12 to 15 people.
Fire pits are $30 for 90 minutes and s’more kits are available to purchase at concessions to round out the toasty experience.
After a few laps on the RiverRink, warm up inside The Lodge, with winter cocktails, comfort food and cozy seating.
The Lodge Bar pours a variety of cool-weather-friendly cocktails, like hot toddies, spiked hot chocolates and boozy coffee, wine, and beer.
A Chickie’s and Pete’s location inside The Lodge serves up bar staples and — of course — Chickie’s signature Crabfries®, while Skelly’s Pizza Port dishes out pizza by the slice and pie.
James Beard Award-winning restaurant Cantina La Martina rounds out the The Lodge’s offerings with a menu of Mexican street food like tacos, nachos and elote.
Outside, Skelly’s Amusements offers hot cocoa, fried Oreos and funnel cake for dessert.
With an awesome lineup of themed skate nights, a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Skate, weekly free bingo, rinkside DJ sets and more, the waterfront park hosts more events this season than ever before. Check out the full schedule of weekly programming and special events on the official website.
New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia is twice as nice with two spectacular fireworks shows lighting up the Delaware River Waterfront.
During two ticketed time slots — 5 to 8 p.m. (good for the kids!) and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Winterfest offers attendees a front-row seat to the Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront while gliding across the ice rink.
Tickets are required and also include a spin on the waterfront Ferris Wheel (always a crowd-pleaser), family-friendly entertainment, giveaways (while supplies last), plus access to Winterfest’s pay-as-you-go boardwalk games, arcade games, rides, food and drink.
General admission to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is free and open to the public seven days a week.
Ice skating at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink is $5 with skate rental available for $12. Independence Blue Cross cardholders and employees receive free skating admission.
The wintertime attraction is easily accessible by SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line and bus routes.
For more information on Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, click the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
Dozens of great winter season events to keep the post-holiday fun going …