Franklin Square is brilliantly lit for the season. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
With Christmas just around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the city’s major seasonal attractions you should make sure to visit. From light shows to dance shows, there’s plenty of holiday cheer to still go around.
Here are our top must-see picks:
The Macy’s Holiday Light Show: This Philadelphia holiday tradition dating back to 1956 makes for the perfect seasonal family outing: free, festive, and certainly flashy. Open through New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Village at Dilworth Plaza: Browse through the Village's 80 quaint, wooden booths full of gifts for everyone on your list. Open through Christmas Eve.
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular: Sparkling Christmas lights, a 1940s swing-dance rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock," and ice sculptures coming to life are a sampling of what the program features, shown on the 2,100 square foot screen, the the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world. Open through New Year’s Eve.
Blue Cross RiverRink: Philadelphia's only public outdoor ice rink is Olympic-sized and features an indoor heated facility with a snack bar, game room and more. Open through March 6th, 2011.
The Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker: World-class dancing meets sumptuous costume and set design, with a cast of characters to enchant each audience member. Open through New Year’s Eve.
Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad: Kids and adults alike delight in this 500 square foot model railroad display with almost a third of a mile of track and twelve working train lines. Open through January 2nd, 2011.
Longwood Gardens Christmas: Nothing short of a winter wonderland, Longwood Gardens gets strung in half a million brilliant lights strung on over 39 miles of cord. Holiday performances further supplement the magic, with everything from children's choirs to a capella troupes to a handbell ensemble. Open through January 9th, 2011.
Peddler’s Village: With more than 70 specialty shops and eight restaurants, you’ll love the Village's charm and its beautiful, festive decorations. Open through January 1st, 2011.
And, of course, the city is bedecked in millions of brilliant lights from Franklin Square to Love Park to Philadelphians’ homes. Feast your eyes on a video of the holiday lights, online.