Are you celebrating Christmas in
Philadelphia this year? If you are, then you're in for a good time. Don't believe others when they say that New York City is the only fun place to spend the holidays. The Big Apple certainly offers a lot of excitement around this time of year, but Philadelphia has a lot in store too! Go to the local Macy's for example, and see its annual Christmas Light Show. It's as much a spectacle as the New York's department store window displays. Check out the city's annual Christmas Village too. It's a treasure trove of fascinating finds you'd love to give to your loved ones for the holidays.
See Macy's Christmas Light Show
Christmas light displays are always a major fixture in any big city and Philadelphia is no different. Here, one of the must-sees is Macy's annual Christmas Light Show. The famous department store puts on dazzling displays of twinkling lights, familiar holiday staples, and a huge Christmas tree. It may not be as outlandish as the window displays you may have seen in New York City, for example, but it's still a fun thing to see. It's also a great way to spend time in between doing your Christmas shopping. Talk about convenience!
See Philadelphia Zoo's LumiNature Light Show
Who would've thought that Philadelphia Zoo would be one of the best places to visit when you spend the holidays in Philadelphia? Let's not forget that Philly gets very chilly around this time of year, so perhaps visiting a park full of animals that might also be too cold to play outside may not be a good idea. But it's not really the critters you're going here for during Christmas. It's Philadelphia Zoo's famous LumiNature Show. From late November to early January, the city dresses up its beloved zoo in the most extravagant light displays that will take your breath away.
Source: Philadelphia Zoo
Explore The Miracle on South 13th Street
S 13th Street is a largely residential
neighborhood in Philadelphia. At any other time of the year, it's only a quiet street of brownstones and standard apartments. But come Christmastime, the residents decorate their homes unlike any other. From their colorful twinkling lights and adorable Santa and snowmen statues, the entire street turns into a holiday wonderland. The decorations here look so breathtaking that the city made it 'The Miracle on South 13th Street.' a popular sight during this time of year. You won't want to miss it when you're in Philly during Christmas.
Check Out LOVE Park's Christmas Village
You really ought to go to the iconic LOVE Park when you can spend a free
day in Philadelphia. Not only is it one of the most famous spots in the city, but it turns into a Christmas Village every year. Admittedly, it's not as lovely as Europe's dreamy Christmas markets, but it nevertheless will charm your pants off just the same. Food stalls that sell spiced wine, apple cider, strudels, and all sorts of knick-knacks perfect for gifts surround the iconic big red “Love” sign, offering as much holiday cheer as any person needs.
Source: Flickr.com/ Kevin Burkett.
Visit The Peddler’s Village
Want to check out another Christmas village in Philadelphia? Then look no further than the picturesque Peddler’s Village. Here, the city has set up an entire holiday commune complete with gift shops, snack stalls, and of course, eye-popping light displays. Throughout the holiday season, the village also puts on live performances, fun games, and more. This is the type of place anyone who just
moved to Philadelphia and celebrating Christmas here for the first time ought to check out. It'll be easy to get into the city's holiday groove if you have some fun here.
Have Fun at The Yuletide Celebrations at Liberty Hill
Yes, you read that right! Philadelphia has another Christmas Village to offer during the holidays. The Yuletide Celebrations at Liberty Hill is a must for anyone looking to experience a true Philly Christmas. The place boasts a European-style market, a live music festival, and a community carnival all in one! You don't even have to choose! All that excitement and holiday cheer are in just one place. You can practically spend the entire Christmas season here and every day will give you one surprise after another. What more could you ask for?
Go Skating at Dilworth Park
Ice skating is as staple of a holiday activity as giving gifts and having holiday dinners. If you fancy yourself a skater, then go to Dilworth Park! This is the city's official outdoor rink, perfect for spending time outside and enjoying the city's winter breezes. You may have to contend with the extremely chilly weather, but it's a small price to pay for doing one of the most beloved activities during Christmas in Philadelphia. And if you do it with your loved ones, especially with your special someone, then all you'll feel is warmth.
Stay Home with Friends & Family
Finally, when all else fails, you can always spend time with friends and family in your
luxury home in Philadelphia. The city has a lot of great things in store, sure, but there's no replacing the company of your loved ones. Host a Christmas party, invite people for dinner, or open your gifts together on Christmas morning. Not only is it free, but you also get to stay warm in what is notoriously one of the coldest cities in the country around this time of year. What's not to love?
If you want to spend Christmas in Philadelphia, you'd be surprised at how much there is to do and see around here. From light shows to fun Christmas villages, Philly has a lot to offer every holiday season!
