Tag Archives: LOVE Park

Festive Philadelphia

As the holiday season approaches, Philadelphia transforms into a winter wonderland filled with joy and celebration. From twinkling light displays to cozy winter markets, the city is brimming with holiday cheer. Discover the festive fun awaiting in Philadelphia with these holiday activities.

Above: Delaware River Waterfront Winterfest photo by M Stanley

Holiday Markets in Philadelphia

During the holiday season, downtown public spaces are converted into festive markets. Philadelphia Christmas Village, the city’s authentic German Christmas market in the iconic LOVE Park, features over 100 local artisans selling hand-crafted goods from wooden stalls, along with a beer garden and family-friendly activities like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and children’s train. In Dilworth Park, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is perfect for holiday shopping, featuring dozens of local vendors selling handmade holiday-inspired crafts and gifts. Enjoy food, confections, and local beer from stands set up on the west side of historic City Hall.

Above: Philadelphia Christmas Village

Festive Experiences at Philadelphia Attractions

Some of Philadelphia’s favourite attractions get into the holiday spirit with special activations. America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, lights up during LumiNature, where over a million lights create illuminating, animal-themed displays across various themed zones. Historic Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland with the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, seasonal comfort food at Franklin’s Winter View, and a festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf course adorned with Philadelphia landmarks. At Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, unwind in cozy cabins beside fires, enjoy hot cocoa, and ice skate along the Delaware River.

Above: Luminature

In the countryside of Philadelphia, A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens offers strolls through over 1,000 acres of beautifully decorated trees and holiday light displays, cozy fire pits, and the evening glow of half-a-million holiday lights. For sea-sonal fun, Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater features daily dives by Scuba Santa, views of the world’s largest underwater Christmas tree, and much more.

Above: A Longwood Christmas

The Holidays at Macy’s

Since 1956, Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the historic Wanamaker Building has been a beloved Philadelphia tradition. Over 100,000 LED lights create whimsical holiday scenes, including a stunning tree, all synchronized to the tunes of the Wanamaker Organ—the world’s largest fully-functional pipe organ.

Also at Macy’s is Dickens Village, where visitors can step into the story of Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol.” This 6,000-square-foot walk-through experience brings to life over two dozen scenes from the classic holiday tale.

Above: Macy’s Christmas Light Show. Photo by J.Ryan for the PHLCVB

Hanukkah Celebrations

Philadelphia celebrates Hanukkah with special events and menorah lightings all through the city. The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lightings, special events, and a showcase of their expansive gift shop. During the first night of Hanukkah, celebrate at the Betsy Ross House with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony alongside treats including latkes and jelly donuts. Philadelphia’s Chanukah Parade, a free evening event, features live music, decorated vehicles, a giant menorah, and a festival at Independence National Historical Park with crafts, treats, a gelt drop, a fire juggler, and more.

Above: Hanukkah Giant Menorah. photo by J Ryan for the PHLCVB

Kwanzaa in Philadelphia

Join the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) to celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday rooted in African harvest traditions that promote family, community, and culture. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, interactive workshops, and community discussions that highlight and honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa. In partnership with AAMP, Franklin Square hosts a family-friendly Kwanzaa bazaar with Black-owned vendors from across the region.

Above: Kwanzaa at African American Museum in Philadelphia photo by J Fusco

Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia is marked by spectacular fireworks displays over the Delaware River, centered at Penn’s Landing and visible along the waterfront. The next day, see the spectacular Mummers Parade — the nation’s oldest continuously operating folk parade. Watch this annual Philadelphia tradition as the charismatic Mummers strut along Broad Street to ring in the New Year. The colorful and extravagant costumes and performances are judged at the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Start planning your next American adventure to Philadelphia now.

BONUS: SHOPPING IN PHILADELPHIA

In addition to the wonderful pop-up holiday markets, visitors can shop for gifts at these options around the city — with no tax on clothing and shoes! Start at the expansive Fashion District Philadelphia, a downtown shopping mall with global brands and local names that spans one million square feet (92,903 square meters). Or venture to the charming, cobblestone streets of Old City, where local boutiques showcase unique handmade items and innovative products from local artisans. Rittenhouse Row in Rittenhouse Square features trendy storefronts and national retailers, with fashion-forward stores like Joan Shepp and Boyds alongside high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. and Free People.

For more information on Philadelphia go to www.discoverphl.com

For Further Press Information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Anna Watt – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07815 898995
Email: [email protected]

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

 

 

 

IT’S ALL ABOUT ROMANCE IN THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

If you are looking for a romantic destination to whisk your loved one away to in 2022, look no further than Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love offers plenty of options for romantic love with luxurious hotels, picturesque gardens, intimate restaurants and so much more.

Snap and Smooch

A visit to Philadelphia is not complete without a stop at the famous LOVE Park, located in the heart of the city. Formally known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, the park is now affectionately referred to as LOVE Park thanks to Robert Indiana’s LOVE statue, where couples flock to get an iconic selfie. The quintessential public art piece has been there since 1976 and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Like its LOVE Park counterpart, the AMOR statue is another great backdrop to a photo of you and your love. Located in Sister Cities Park, the six-foot-tall sculpture translates to “love” in both Spanish and Latin.

Romantic Art

Philadelphia is known as the Mural Capital of the World, with these large scale works of public art displayed on walls throughout the city.

One of the city’s most popular mural projects is Steve Powers’ A Love Letter For You. Composed of a series of 50 rooftop murals, these works can be collectively perceived either as messages from a lover to their partner, or as odes to the city itself. The series of pieces can be explored via a two-hour Love Letter Train Tour by nation’s largest public art program, Mural Arts Philadelphia. They also offer a special Valentine’s Day tours of the Love Letter murals in early February each year.

Romantic Strolls

With 37 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes all located within 30 miles of Philadelphia, the region has more gardens in close proximity than anywhere else in the United States.

Couples can walk hand-in-hand through more than 1,000 acres of beauty at Longwood Gardens in nearby Kennett Square, plus there are tropical gardens and waterfalls to explore in the four acres of glass-enclosed conservatories. In Northwest Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum is a 92-acre garden that offers an ever-changing landscape of colourful gardens, champion trees, winding paths and water features. 30 minutes west of downtown you will find Chanticleer, which is known as pleasure garden, a 35-acre contemporary and imaginative botanical garden within a historic setting.

Something different

Fairmont Park’s Whispering Benches allow couples a unique way to whisper sweet nothings to each other. Seated on benches at opposite sides of the Smith Memorial Arch, when they whisper into the monument, the bench carries the voice to their partner on the other side.

The Clay Studio offer a fun date experience with an evening of pottery-making by candlelight, complete with food and champagne. Once finished guests can explore the rotating exhibitions of ceramic works in the Studio’s galleries and browse the gift shop to find an assortment of handmade items including mugs, artwork, gifts and more.

The Food of Love

Philadelphia’s The Love restaurant is named to entice lovers. Just steps away from beautiful Rittenhouse Square, this bilevel sanctuary features an exciting drinks menu inspired by personal travels to vineyards, breweries and cideries in the region, and the creative cuisine is equally as enticing.

Harp & Crown offers a fun date night experience, with an upscale American restaurant by critically acclaimed chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson, offering a varied menu and exciting cocktails, plus an intimate bowling alley in the basement.

For something a little different, Double Knot is a Japanese speakeasy, also by Michael Schulson. The secret izakaya in the basement of a coffee shop offers sushi & robatayaki meats.

Romantic Stays

The luxurious Rittenhouse Hotel – a prestigious hotel located in the city centre, boasts a spa, indoor heated pool and sun terrace. For dining, Lacroix at The Rittenhouse is an award-winning restaurant that serves progressive international cuisine.

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, the Notary Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has decor inspired by the 1920s. Offering a compelling blend of historic architecture and modern luxury with bedrooms that are warm and welcoming including luxurious beds and marble bathrooms.

Soaring high above the city skyline, the Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Centre offers luxury accommodations with uninhibited views of the city. For romantic pampering couples can have the Night Spa experience where they get to enjoy a couple’s massage on the city’s most coveted pool deck accompanied by champagne and a bouquet of roses, and then a dip in a private infinity-edge pool whilst soaking in the views.

Perfect for those that like a modern self-catering option, Lokal Hotel Old City is an “invisible service” boutique hotel, offering bright and airy rustic style apartments complete with kitchens and living areas, flat-screen TVs and iPads. There is even a grocery delivery service available so you don’t need to shop for provisions.

For more information on romantic Philadelphia click here.

For current travel resources to Philadelphia, including details about the city’s COVID-19 vaccine rate and guidelines, plus tips on travelling to and exploring the city click here.

ENDS

For Further Press Information, please contact:
Anna Watt
[email protected]
07815 898995

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organisation has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets

ENJOY A WONDROUS WINTER ESCAPE TO PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, the first World Heritage City in the U.S and the City of Brotherly Love, is home to American history, chef-driven cuisine, abundant outdoor space, and an unparalleled arts and culture scene. It is a fantastic destination for a fun filled winter break offering a multitude of things to see and do throughout the festive season and into 2022.

Philadelphia boasts a number of pop-up Christmas markets including one of the largest in the United States, several Ferris wheels, carousels and ice rinks, multiple must-see holiday light displays, and dozens of other festive experiences. Combine this with the fact you can take advantage of tax-free shopping as well as cheaper accommodation and flights than to other major US cities, means it is a great choice all round.

Yuletide highlights include the Christmas Village In Philadelphia which returns to LOVE Park and City Hall until 24th December. Featuring over 110 local artisans and makers selling hand-crafted goods out of traditional German wooden shopping stalls, colourful fairground rides, a food court and beer garden.

Just a few steps from the Christmas Village you will find a host of other festive treats at Dilworth Park which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. These include a Cabin, beautifully decorated with elements reminiscent of a rustic ski chalet where you can enjoy cocktails around a firepit, Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, where you can enjoy a stroll through the gorgeous reindeer topiaries and seasonal plantings and the city’s much loved Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink.

A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the historic Wanamaker Building features colourful holiday scenes made of over 100,000 LED lights, including a 34,500-LED tree. The light show is voiced by legendary actor Julie Andrews and features the “The Nutcracker” and “Frosty the Snowman” backed by the sounds of the world-famous Wanamaker Organ (the largest playable instrument in the world). For 2021, the holiday show will be performed once a day at 10:30 a.m. from 1st to 24th December, and at 11:30 a.m. from 26th to 31st December.

For top festive suggestions in and around the city click here.

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitor Bureau has recently launched its new 2021 Holiday/ Winter Official Visitor Guide, with hints and tips on what to see and do in the city between now and March 2022. Highlighting festive activities plus essential events, attractions, restaurants and shops in each neighbourhood, as well as exciting new experiences throughout the city as well as suggestions on where to go for the ultimate Instagram photo.

Top exhibits include the world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which comes to the Franklin Institute from 18th February and the critically acclaimed retrospective of iconic American Artist Jasper Johns: Mind/ Mirror at the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is running until 13th February.

Foodies will enjoy exploring some of Philadelphia’s new restaurant options which include LMNO, a Baja-Mexican venture from acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr, which is also part book store, part music venue and part art gallery. Traditional Low country Southern cuisine is now being served at Rex In The Royal which is inside the historic Royal Theatre, once a central piece of Black culture in Philadelphia in the early 20th century.

The guide can be viewed and is available for download here.

For current travel resources to Philadelphia, including details about the city’s COVID-19 vaccine rate and restrictions plus tips on travelling to and exploring the city click here.

ENDS

For Further Press Information, please contact:
Anna Watt
[email protected]
07815 898995

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organisation has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.