Tag Archives: Philadelphia CVB

Norwegian Cruise Line will offer voyages out of Philadelphia in 2026

PhilaPort has this week announced that it will commence cruise operations in 2026, welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Norwegian Jewel®, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,330 guests, will homeport from Philadelphia from April 16 through Oct. 17, 2026, featuring 24 calls to the city.

During the summer 2026 season, Norwegian Jewel will offer seven-to-nine-day voyages to the island paradise of Bermuda. When the weather turns cooler, embarking from September 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail 10 and 11-day open-jaw voyages to Canada and New England. The ship will alternate homeports between Philadelphia and Quebec City featuring calls in quainter ports in the region like Saguenay, Charlottetown and Halifax, Canada in addition to well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine and Boston.
The economic impact from cruise vessels is significant. In launching cruise operations PhilaPort anticipates that if growth continues among this segment by 2028, this industry could generate over 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, and over $40 million in annual county and state tax revenue.

“The Port of Philadelphia plays a significant role in making our Commonwealth an economic leader on the global stage supporting thousands of local jobs and connecting millions of people with the best of what Philadelphia and the Commonwealth has to offer. Now, with the addition of Norwegian Cruise Line coming to the Port in 2026, millions of Pennsylvanians and passengers from across the region will have another reason to visit Philadelphia’s waterfront,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.

“With all eyes on Philadelphia as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Port will continue to help support and grow Philadelphia tourism to create economic opportunity for our region, workers, and businesses.”

As the birthplace of America, where the country was founded, Philadelphia has a large number of world-class attractions or sights to be seen. In addition, Philadelphia has a variety of ethnic neighbourhoods and famous cultural institutions.

In terms of economic impact, the industries that will gain the most from the new service include hotels and restaurants. Museums, historical sites, zoos and parks will also benefit, as will provisioning companies and transportation services.

“Twenty Twenty-Six is going to be a big year for the City of Philadelphia,” said Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors. “We are celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday, hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, the PGA’s 108th Championship, as well as NCAA March Madness games. NCL’s weekly cruises will add to the festivities and offer its guests a lot of fun things to see pre- and post-cruise!”
“Further expanding access to Philadelphia by welcoming cruise ships is a huge win for the city.” Said Gregg Caren, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor Bureau.

“Cruise service can offer many benefits to Philadelphia’s tourism economy, from basics like overnight stays in local hotels for cruise departure days, to adding options for international travellers while visiting Philadelphia. We are hopeful this opportunity will unlock further potential for the city’s tourism industry.”
The Port of Philadelphia is located in the heart of the richest consumer market in the world. Thirty million people live within 100 miles, or a two-hour drive, of the Port. Now people looking to take a cruise will not have to fly or travel long distances to embark on a voyage. Norwegian Jewel features a variety of accommodations options and amenities for guests to enjoy onboard including 16 dining options, 13 bars and lounges, world-class entertainment, and more. Cruisers will now be able to set sail directly from PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.

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

About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit DiscoverPHL.com.

About PhilaPort
PhilaPort, The Port of Philadelphia, is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania charged with the management, maintenance, marketing and promotion of publicly-owned port facilities along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, as well as strategic planning throughout the port district. PhilaPort works with its terminal operators to modernize, expand and improve its facilities, and to market those facilities to prospective port users. Port cargoes and the activities they generate are responsible for thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the Philadelphia area and throughout Pennsylvania.
PhilaPort Media Contact: Sean Mahoney, Senior Director of Marketing, PhilaPort
[email protected]

About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
NCL Media Contact: [email protected]

Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest horticultural event in the United States

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has held the Philadelphia Flower Show since 1829. The event attracts 250,000 attendees from across the globe. It raises $1 million for PHS programs that promote sustainability, health, and well-being.

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

With a new theme each year, the Philadelphia Flower Show invites premier floral and landscape designers from around the world to bring dazzling displays to life in Philadelphia. The event draws both floral artists and aficionados, bringing them together to marvel at the show’s breath taking arrangements.

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

2024 Flower Show

The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will mark the event’s 195th year. It will be held March 2-10, 2024 with “United by Flowers” as its theme. Organizers say the theme is a celebration of “the colourful community that comes together to share in their love of gardening, flowers, and plants, and the impact they make on our lives all year round.”

In addition to its usual impressive floral displays, the 2024 show will also feature the world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition. Both expert and amateur horticulturalists are encouraged to enter their displays which will be judged by experts from around the world.

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

As well as enjoying the flower exhibits, guests can take part in a number of events and activities to enjoy at the show. New this year is a specialty Behind the Blooms Tour which goes deeper into the realm of horticulture at the Flower Show. Led by expert-level horticulturists, and designed for master gardeners, participants learn about the Show’s diverse and sustainable plant varieties as well as garden design concepts.

Flowers After Hours is an after-hours dance party which takes place on 9th March. The evening features music and entertainment among the Flower Show floral, garden, and landscape designs. Immerse yourself in an iridescent celebration with this year’s theme, Shimmer & Shine. The event is for guests 21 years of age and older and takes place from 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm.

At Butterflies Live you can experience native and exotic butterflies surrounded by flowering plants in a serene setting that allows hundreds of butterflies to spread their wings. Younger Flower Show guests can have fun in the free Kids Cocoon activities area where they can have a go at planting a seedling, read a story, and enjoy hourly program of activities from many local horticulturally-focused partners.

Tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show are now on sale here.

For information on things to see and do in Philadelphia go to www.discoverPHL.com

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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.

Philadelphia Names Most Walkable City by USA Today

Philadelphia was named the 2023 Most Walkable City in the U.S by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards.  The city was selected by a panel of travel experts and won based on reader votes.

“Philadelphia is consistently ranked amongst the nation’s most walkable cities and we are happy to see the city again receiving national recognition for its ease of access” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This award confirms what we already knew about Philadelphia – it is an accessible destination that is easy to navigate on foot, from river to river.”

The list of 20 competing cities was determined by a panel of travel experts, looking for walkable cities that offer many hotels, restaurants and attractions, all accessible to visitors by pedestrian-friendly streets.  Philadelphia was voted number one by USA Today readers and members of the public after a 28-day voting period.

 

Above images courtesy of Visit Philadelphia, L to R: Independence Hall, Barnes Foundation and Old City

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.

 

 

Healthy Philadelphia

If you are looking for a healthy and active city break, look no further than Philadelphia, a very outdoorsy city boasting a huge urban park system and extensive walking, running, and cycling trails.
Many of Philadelphia’s attractions and much of the city’s magnificent collection of outdoor public art can be reached by foot so you can keep to your daily step target whilst enjoying all there is to see and do throughout the city.
If the weather isn’t playing ball, head inside to break into a sweat at one of the many hotel and public gyms. When hunger strikes, your health regime is not at risk, with many choices of healthy food options to be found.

Outdoors exploration
Philadelphia boasts one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world. Taking up over 2,000 acres, Fairmount Park incorporates more than 60 individual parks, as well as more than 200 historic buildings, an impressive collection of public art and the country’s first zoo and more, all within its borders.

Above: Fairmount Park Boxer’s Trail. Photo courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy

An extensive system of trails winds throughout the city, making it easy to get around without the need for transportation.

For more information on Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces click here.

Running

Philadelphia is built for runners, with a huge number of running trails throughout the city which you can explore alone at your own speed. Alternatively, you can join a group run, these are organised by one of Philadelphia’s many running clubs and take place most weekdays and weekends. Most are free to join and no advance reservation is required.

Philadelphia Marathon is one of the top 10 marathons in the U.S. and includes a full marathon, half marathon, 8K and kids fun run. This year’s events take place between 17th and 19th November.

Above: Philadelphia Marathon

For more information in running in Philadelphia click here.

Running tours
Visitors can enjoy an informative tour of the city whilst at the same time doing cardiovascular exercise.

SeePhillyRun’s tours pair fitness with history, as tour groups follow the guide on all-levels running trails throughout the city, stopping along the way to learn more about historical sites, cultural institutions, and public art. No running tour would be complete without an obligatory run up the “Rocky Steps” – the 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous by fictional character Rocky Balboa during his training in the movie “Rocky.”

Above: Running Tour. Photo courtesy of SeePhillyRun

Cycling

Indego is Philadelphia’s affordable and convenient bike share program. Offering more than 130 stations throughout the city with both classic and electric bikes available.

Above: Philadelphia bike share. Photo courtesy of Indego

At Fairmount Park you can cycle on or off-road for miles. Don’t miss Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park where you can take in amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a paved scenic trail ideal for cycling. It stretches along the river for 25 miles from South Philadelphia to Manayunk and winds past Boathouse Row along Kelly Drive into the Countryside of Philadelphia.

Click here for some suggested Philadelphia bike itineraries.

Skating
Lace up your skates, stretch out your legs, and enjoy some fresh air at one of Philadelphia’s popular outdoor skating rinks. Skate beside Philadelphia City Hall at the Rothman Orthopaedics Rink in Dilworth Park, at the heart of the city. Starting in the spring, usually in April and continuing into the summer through July, the rink offers daily roller-skating sessions. Then, during the winter months – typically from November through February – the rink transforms into an ice-skating rink where visitors are encouraged to embrace the cooler temperatures and warm up with a skating session.

Above: Roller skating at City Hall

For another rink option, head to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink along the Delaware River Waterfront, a 12,000-square-foot riverside rink which offers ice skating during its annual months-long Winterfest and roller skating during its annual months-long Summerfest.

Hotels with gyms

Many hotels in Philadelphia have gyms so guests can start or end their day with a workout:

• The Bellevue Hotel

A stay at this historic city centre hotel gives you access to the massive 93,000-square-foot Sporting Club at the Bellevue fitness facility which even includes an NBA-sized basketball court.

• The Rittenhouse

The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, where you’ll find a heated indoor pool, fitness facility which features top scale equipment including RealRyder and Peloton indoor cycling bikes, an outdoor fitness deck, indoor pool plus sauna and steam rooms.

• Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

Hotel guests can enjoy panoramic sky-high views of Philadelphia whilst swimming in the city’s premier Infinity Edge Pool.

Above: Pool at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons

• Kimpton Hotel Palomar

The hotel encourages guests to be active as much as possible, with a 24/7 fitness centre equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and yoga mats provided in each room. Guests also have free use of the hotel’s custom-designed bikes and for kids there are Micro Kickboard scooters available.

Healthy food
A Philadelphia cheesesteak makes for a great treat on your cheat day, but lighter, healthier options are available at plenty of restaurants.

• Vegan and Vegetarian

Vedge, which has been ranked as one of Thrillist’s 33 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in America, offers elegant dining with an internationally-inspired, vegan, seasonal menu which features dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced vegetables,

Primary Plant Based, a casual vegan restaurant in the Fishtown neighborhood offers very reasonably priced, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients from a globally-inspired menu.

Charlie Was A Sinner is a cocktail bar that specializes in drinks made with fresh fruit juice and organic alcohol. Healthy vegetarian small plates are available, including charred shishito peppers or avocado toast topped with radishes and red onions.

• Sushi

Hiroki is a fine dining restaurant offering unique sushi options focusing on tradition and technique.

At Morimoto you can enjoy creative and delightful twists on Japanese staples, like tofu created fresh at your table, and seafood tobanyaki cooked and served in its own hot plate and red miso broth.

For a luxurious sushi dining experience, consider Omakase by Yanaga. This relatively newer restaurant in Philadelphia offers an exclusive, luxurious 25-course dining and sake pairing experience.

Above: Omakase by Yanaga, photo by J.Ryan for PHLCVB

  • Farm to Table

The pioneer of farm to table cuisine in Philadelphia, Fork serves seasonally focused contemporary American cuisine.

Talula’s Garden offers a healthy and delicious inventive spin on farm-to-table classics.

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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.

 

World Premier of Disney100: The Exhibition comes to Philadelphia, Immersing Guests in the Magic of Disney

The world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition, which celebrates Disney 100 Years of Wonder, launches a World Tour at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute on February 18, 2023.

Created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, the exhibition will immerse guests in the beloved stories that have been dazzling guests since 1923, when Walt Disney set his company on a path that would revolutionize the entertainment industry.

President and CEO of The Franklin Institute Larry Dubinski commented, “The Franklin Institute is thrilled to host Disney100: The Exhibition, the first major event to mark the global celebration of Disney’s 100 years, allowing fans throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond the very first opportunity to see these crown jewels come to life in beautifully crafted galleries reflecting the creative empire synonymous with imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder.”

Over the past 100 years, Disney has brought its iconic stories and characters to life in new and innovative ways, becoming part of the global culture and creating generations of memories for billions. Disney100: The Exhibition invites guests to step into their favourite stories using innovation and immersive technology throughout ten galleries in the 15,000-square-foot exhibit.

The Walt Disney Archives opens its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney’s “Crown Jewels” – more than 250 rarely seen original artworks and artifacts, costumes and props, and other memorabilia. Disney has curated special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions – from Disneyland to Walt Disney World® Resort and beyond.

The ten magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries, with moving stories, unique interactive installations, and exciting background information, will take visitors on a journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, celebrating the classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World, as well as the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.

This exhibit joins a long list of fantastic family friendly things to see and do in Philadelphia, as well as exciting new openings and world premieres around the city.

-ENDS-

For Further Press Information 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.

About The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic centre of activity. As Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

About the Walt Disney Archives
For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research centre for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

 

FAMILY FUN IN PHILADELPHIA

Families looking forward to returning to the US following the November 8 border reopening could consider Philadelphia as a top option. The city has a multitude of attractions and events to offer each member of the family, no matter their age or interest. However long you have to explore the city, you will wish you had more time as the options are seemingly endless.

Attractions

The region offers plenty of family-friendly theme parks, zoos and aquariums to fill you days and thrill any age.

The city is home to America’s first zoo- Philadelphia Zoo which has nearly 1,300 animals, and boasts a first-in-the-world animal travel system, Zoo360, which enables primates and big cats to move above and across the main visitor pathway.

Above- Philadelphia Zoo

Sesame Place is the only theme park in the world dedicated to the beloved children’s TV show. Wowing crowds with kid-friendly roller coasters, water rides and amusements, it is located a short drive north of the city.

Also a short drive from downtown Philadelphia, Crayola Experience is well worth the hour drive from Centre City. The crayon-inspired experience has multiple levels of arts and craft fun, including areas where you can melt crayons into sculptures, create spin art designs and make and name your own crayons.

Above- Crayola Experience

Museums and Galleries

For children who love to press every button, flick every switch, and pull every lever, Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum is a must visit. Located in Fairmount Park West, the vast space is home to more than 12 permanent and temporary hands-on exhibits to help children discover the power of learning through play.

Above- Please Touch Museum

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the first natural sciences institution in the Americas. Dinosaur fans will find it hard to leave Dinosaur Hall which has more than 30 species represented, about half of which are full skeletal mounts. You can also view dinosaur eggs, footprints, sculptures, palaeontologist tools, a life-size model showing the internal anatomy of a Stegosaurus, and a green-screen video studio where they can project their own images into a world full of dinosaurs.

At the museum’s Permian Monsters exhibit, which runs until January 17th 2022, visitors can explore what the world looked like before the dinosaurs and step back 290 million years to when bizarre-looking creatures dominated life on land and sea.

The Franklin Institute is one of America’s most celebrated museums and is known for its all-ages, hands-on exploration of key science concepts, including a giant walk-through heart, planetarium, immersive brain exhibit and more.

In early 2022 the Harry Potter Exhibition will have its world premier at the Franklin Institute. This ground-breaking exhibition will celebrate the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World using best-in-class immersive design and technology.

Outdoors

With one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world there is plenty of space for your littles ones to run around and let off steam. Families can stay active on land or water, with and walking and cycling trails throughout the city.

The city has as much to explore outdoors as it does in its numerous museums and galleries. Philadelphia has in fact been called the world’s largest outdoor art gallery, most famous for its however the city’s is similarly rich, with genres including textile art, stickers, mosaics, tiles and wheatpasting.

To explore the famous Philadelphia murals join Mural Arts Philadelphia for a walking, trolley, or train tour of the nation’s largest public art program to learn more about the engine behind a citywide movement that has resulted in over 4,000 colourful murals in neighbourhoods throughout the city.

Above- Mural Arts Tour

Morris Arboretum is a 92-acre arboretum that is bursting with year-round greenery and plenty of kid-approved activities, including a 50-foot-high canopy walk and the Garden Railway. You can download activity cards

Dining

The fantastic dining experiences in Philadelphia are well renown and visitors of all age are sure to leave with satisfied and full bellies.

For families that can’t agree on what to eat, Reading Terminal Market is the place to head to. One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers a huge choice of dishes to choose from including Asian, Middle Eastern, Pennsylvania Dutch and Philadelphia classics, you are sure to find something to pleases even the fussiest of eaters. Feast on an incredible selection of locally grown & exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, chocolates, ice cream and other crave-worthy confections.

Above- Reading Terminal Market

Craft Hall opened as a new experiential dining destination. Created as a maker’s space, the open concept highlights how the dishes are made, providing a unique experience and better understanding of the craftsmanship that goes into creating them. Located near the Delaware river in Northern Liberties, Craft Hall offers food and activities that the whole family can enjoy and was voted the “Best Bar for Parents” by Philadelphia Magazine, there is a pirate themed play area for the kids to enjoy whilst the adults sample the craft beer brewed on site.

For more information on family friendly dining in Philadelphia click here.

Festive Philadelphia
Philadelphia over the festive period is not to be missed and there are a host of fantastic Christmassy things to do that will please all the family.

Dilworth Park within the city centre gets a dramatic seasonal transformation with the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink, the Deck the Hall Light Show, Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.

Above- Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

LumiNature returns to the Philadelphia Zoo, featuring dozens of illuminating, animal-themed displays and Franklin Square will host a festive mini golf course, charming carousel, and the popular Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, which features over 100,000 lights throughout the park that are accompanied by Christmas music.

Above- LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Christmas Village is a Philadelphia holiday tradition which takes place in LOVE Park and the northern part of City Hall. The pop-up market will feature over 110 local artisans and makers selling hand-crafted goods out of traditional German wooden shopping stalls. Popular kids’ attractions within the Village include the Ferris Wheel and Kids Train and a two-tier holiday carousel plus there are daily live performances and themed weekend activities.

A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the historic Wanamaker Building features whimsical holiday scenes made of over 100,000 LED lights, including a 34,500-LED tree, that dance along to classic tunes from the Wanamaker Organ (the largest playable instrument in the world).

For information on these and more family friendly festive fun click here.

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitor Bureau has produced a series of suggested itineraries for short stays in the city. Click here for a three-day family itinerary.

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.

    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.

    Plan Ahead For Three Phenomenal New Cultural Experiences In Philadelphia This Autumn

    There is no better time to start planning ahead for a future visit to the city of Philadelphia, with exciting new offerings beginning this Autumn from celebrated arts and cultural institutions ready to welcome back UK travellers. Continue reading →

    Philadelphia Expands Impressive Cultural Offering With Four New Museum Experiences In 2021

    Philadelphia is already home to an impressive number of cultural activities, indoors and out, and the opening of four new museum experiences this year brings even more choice to travellers planning a visit to the City of Brotherly Love.

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    Philadelphia Welcomes Four New Hotel Developments In 2021 Catering To All Travellers

    Philadelphia continues to add to its extensive collection of hotels this year, making it easy for future travellers to Pennsylvania’s largest city to find something that suits their travel needs and budget – from luxurious hotels to cosy neighbourhood boutiques.

    Continue reading →