Top Winter Activities in Philadelphia

Top Winter Activities in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to events, activities, and attractions that rejuvenate the city during the colder months. Here is a roundup of some of the best things to do in the city during the winter.

Rocky Fest

Celebrate the week-long Rocky Fest, a city-wide tribute to the legendary Philadelphia film franchise with a series of exciting events honoring the city’s beloved fictional boxer and the iconic landmarks that brought his story to life.

From Nov 30 through Dec 8, visitors can hop on the Rocky Bus Tour. The tour takes fans to several must-see spots from the Rocky series including, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, and the Italian Market.

Celebrate Rocky Date Nights during Rocky Fest with two unforgettable events. On Dec 6, recreate Rocky and Adrian’s first date at UPenn’s 1923 Ice Rink with skating and themed contests. On Dec 7, experience the magic of the Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature event, the same zoo Rocky proposed. Both nights offer unique ways to relive classic Rocky moments while enjoying the city’s most beloved spots with your special someone.

There’s no better way to celebrate Rocky than with a movie marathon of all six Rocky films at the Philadelphia Film Center from Dec 6-8. And learn more about the statue of Rocky III that stands at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Join Dr. Paul Farber for “RockyU: The Rocky Statue” on Dec 6, exploring the monument’s creation and cultural significance. Follow DiscoverPHL’s social media accounts to stay up to date on more surprises and announcements.

Winter Festivals

Dilworth Park is home to popular winter attractions, including the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, The Cabin, and Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn. Lace up your skates and hit the rink for a 90-minute skating session next to City Hall. The rink’s accompanying Cabin invites visitors to warm up around fire pits and recharge with a menu of seasonal food and drink, including local beer and festive cocktails. Or kick back and relax in the Wintergarden. The whimsical outdoor sanctuary features topiaries, twinkling lights, and rustic décor.

Winter at Dilworth Park. Photo by M. Stanley for Center City District.

Historic Franklin Square transforms into a whimsical winter destination every year. Take a spin around the park’s charming carousel or marvel at the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show. The show features more than 200,000 bulbs that glow, twinkle, and dance along to a playlist of holiday favorites. Grab some seasonal comfort food and hot beverages from Franklin’s Winter View, a heated tent surrounded by firepits where you can warm up. Each winter, the park’s year-round mini golf course becomes a festive wonderland that is fun for the whole family. The Chilly Philly Mini Golf course features an array of seasonal décor amid miniature versions of Philadelphia landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, the Rocky Steps, and the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Head to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest to relax by a fire, sip hot cocoa, and ice skate beside the Delaware River. The waterfront’s Lodge offers a heated space with cozy cabins where you can enjoy seasonal food and drinks from local vendors.

Holiday Events

Philadelphia is also home to pop-up markets and seasonal celebrations throughout November and December. Get some holiday shopping done at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, where local artisans sell crafts, gifts, food, and other goods. Unique finds are also plentiful at Christmas Village in Philadelphia, the city’s authentic German Christmas market. Shop from more than 100 vendors selling handmade goods out of traditional wooden shopping stalls. This outdoor market is spread throughout LOVE Park – home to the iconic LOVE Sculpture.

Head to Macys to enjoy the Macy’s Christmas Light Show, featuring 100,000 LED lights that dance along to classic holiday tunes inside of the historic Wanamaker building. Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting at the Betsy Ross House. Children will be given dreidels and menorahs at the event. Or celebrate Kwanzaa at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Family-friendly activities include arts and crafts recognizing and honoring the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa celebration at African American Museum in Philadelphia. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

There are plenty of ways to ring in the Year of the Snake in Philadelphia, home to one of the largest Chinatowns on the East Coast and a vibrant Asian population. The city was ranked as one of Thrillist’s 12 Best Places to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in the U.S. because of its authentic Chinese cuisine, traditional lion dances, family-friendly festivals, and parade. Each year, The Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Troupe performs traditional lion dances in honor of the Lunar New Year, preserving the cultural significance of the dance. The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Dilworth Park also hosts an annual Lunar New Year celebration.

Lunar New Year Parade. Photo by A. Lee.

Catch a Live Show

Celebrate and support the arts in Philadelphia by going to a live show from one of the city’s many performing arts organizations. The Philadelphia Orchestra entertains audiences every holiday season with performances celebrating Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the Lunar New Year. The Philadelphia Ballet also brings George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – a beloved holiday tradition – to life every December. Beyond the holidays, the winter is packed with live shows from all the city’s performing arts organizations, including Ensemble Arts Philly which offers a Broadway Series.

Philadelphia Ballet George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Photo by A. Iziliaev.

Annual Events

Philadelphia is the proud host of many annual events with some of the most notable ones happening each winter. The Philadelphia Auto Show features hundreds of vehicles from pre-production models to classics, and even some Hollywood icons. The event showcases the latest models and trends in the industry. Held inside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the show is one of the largest auto shows in the U.S. and typically happens every January or February.

The Philadelphia Flower Show, is the largest and longest running flower show in the nation. The event features dazzling floral displays and elaborate gardens set up inside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center every March. With a new theme each year, the world’s premier floral and landscape designers showcase their talents.

PHS Flower Show 2023. Photo by Pel Productions for the PHLCVB.

Looking for a bite to eat in between activities? Check out our food and drink page.