See the U.S.A.: Holiday Fun in Philadelphia


The holidays in Philadelphia are enchanting. Many families have traditions that take them into the city for a special day. If you have yet to visit any of the popular, well-loved holiday events, maybe this is the year you do.

6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade


This parade first marched down Philly streets in 1920 and is celebrating the 98th year this November. Local choirs, dance groups, marching bands and more rehearse their performance for the big televised, parade hoping to entertain the thousands who are watching. Huge floats and giant balloons and celebrity guests make their way along the parade route. The most important guest, of course, is Santa who arrives in grand fashion to ring in the holiday season. The parade is fun to attend and very festive. 
Some of the balloons from past parades have included the Cat in the Hat, Curious George, The Grinch, Mr. Potato Head and more. The floats come in all different themes and sizes but each one delights parade-goers. The parade is held on Thanksgiving Day (November 23rd) and begins at 20th and Market Streets and then runs along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the bandstand outside of the Museum of Art.
The best places to catch this Philly tradition include the area around the steps of the Art Museum and the south side of Eakins Oval. You can also get good locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway such as Logan Circle. If you don’t care much for November weather, TV coverage begins at 8:30am the day of the parade on 6ABC. For more information, visit dig.abclocal.go.com/wpvi/html/paradelanding/index.html.



Dilworth Park

City Hall transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The Rothman Institute Ice Rink is installed and America’s Garden Capital Maze is constructed. Local artisans sent up their booths for the Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market and the city’s official tree is lit. Dilworth Park becomes your destination for fun winter skating and shopping. This year, the rink and the maze will open on November 10th and the market will open on November 18th.

New this year is the Deck the Hall Light Show which features a wonderful choreographed light show. The show will highlight the west portal of City Hall and be visible from Dilworth Park and along West Market Street. It will be presented multiple times each night, seven days a week from November 20th through January 1, 2018. For more information, visit dilworthpark.org/wintergarden/


Christmas Village


Returning to LOVE Park this year, the Christmas Village marks its 10th year of shopping and fun holiday events. Christmas Village will feature over 80 vendors selling authentic European food,
ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world! There will be special performances and events taking place so be sure to check their calendar and sign up for their newsletter. You can find more information here: http://www.philachristmas.com/.


Macy’s Christmas Light Show & Dickens Christmas Village

One Philadelphia tradition that many people have watched is the Macy’s Christmas Light Show held in the Grand Court of the historic Wanamaker department store. I can remember watching the show several times as a child and still enjoy watching it. The light show is free and performances are every two hours beginning at 10am while the store is open. Shows will start November 24th and run through December 31st.
While you are there for the light show, be sure the visit Dickens Christmas Village! Located on the Third Floor, you can walk through a life-size, fully animated version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and feel as though you are a part of 1840s London. Take a peek into the window as Scrooge meets each of the ghosts and learns the true meaning of Christmas and has a change of heart. Dickens Christmas Village is also free and opens the day after Thanksgiving.  



Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest


Dilworth Park isn’t the only winter wonderland in Philadelphia. If you head to Penn’s Landing, you will find that the riverfront has been transformed into a popular place for winter festivities. Enjoy skating beside the Ben Franklin Bridge on the regulation skating rink or warming up near a fire pit. There’s also a game room, a chalet-style lodge and Christmas movie showings. Enjoy hot chocolate, ice cream waffle sandwiches and hot fudge sundaes at the Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin. They also have s’more kits for roasting over the fire pits! The fun starts after Thanksgiving and runs through March 4, 2018. For more information, visit www.riverrink.com.


Franklin Square

From November 9th through December 31st, Franklin Square is lit up with 50,000 lights to create a magical winter park for visitors. The Franklin Square Holiday Festival features a light show, loads of family fun, delicious foods, and special events. You can visit Santa, take a ride on a carousel and a miniature train, play a round of mini golf, and even try a local beer or two. For more information, visit www.historicphiladelia.org.


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