Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
When the temperature drops, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest transforms Penn’s Landing into a winterized riverfront park.
A cold-weather version of the summertime roller skating oasis that is Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, Winterfest houses an Olympic-size ice skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge, a majestically lit holiday tree (featuring tens of thousands of LED lights!), an outdoor seating area with fire pits, cozy warming cabins and plenty more.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is open from November 25, 2022 through March 5, 2023 and serves as an annual favorite among residents and visitors of every age, offering plenty of fun, food and drinks.
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.
— Photo by M. Stanley
A seasonal tradition for more than 25 years, the RiverRink brings skating to Penn’s Landing with spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River.
Timed skating tickets are available on-site and online in advance, and cost $5 to skate. No skates? No problem: Rentals are $12.
Just because summer is over does not mean the boardwalk is closed! Illuminated boardwalk games are available all season long — as are rides on the twinkling 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Attractions are pay-as-you-go but the cozy vibes are free.
Heated cabins and firepits can be reserved for 90-minute increments in advance. Cabins are $78 for a single that accommodates 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.
— Photo courtesy Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
After a few laps on the RiverRink, warm up at the open-air lodge, where winter cocktails and comfort food from FCM’s Black Iron BBQ and Chickie’s and Pete’s are on the menu.
For dessert, there’s hot cocoa, fried Oreos and funnel cake.
Outdoor concessions are also available for those who like to take in the sites and the crisp winter air with their meal.
General admission to the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is free and open to the public.
Admission to ice skate 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.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
A guide to the most wonderful time of the year in Philadelphia and the Countryside...