Christmas in Philadelphia: 75 Top Events, Holiday Bars, Concerts, Light Shows, Tree Lightings and More
From Aversa PR
1) Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Love Park and City Hall (Courtyard and North Broad)
November 19 to December 24, 2022
https://www.philachristmas.
Returning for its 15th season, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will once again transform LOVE Park and City Hall (Courtyard and North Broad section) into an authentic, traditional and open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th to Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th, 2022, with a special preview weekend planned for November 19th to November 20th, 2022. Follow the smell of gingerbread and hot cocoa to Center City where you will find the double-tier Christmas Village Carousel, magical giant Ferris Wheel and the whimsical Kids’ Train. The festive Käthe Wohlfahrt tent returns with popular Christmas gifts from Germany, including glass ornaments, music boxes, nutcrackers, Schwibbogen and incense smokers. New this year, be excited for an updated LOVE Park section with brand-new wooden booths, changing the face of the market drastically and creating an even more cheerful feeling. By popular demand, Helmut’s Strudel will make its way back to the market, along with wine and spirits tastings, an exclusive Christmas Village beer and other festive surprises. Stay tuned for details, menus and vendor details in late October or early November when the full season guide and release is announced.
2) The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park
November 19, 2022 to January 1, 2022
https://www.madeinphila.com/
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will once again return to Dilworth Park from Saturday, November 19, 2022 to Sunday, January 1, 2023. Inside festively lit tents, a wide range of local merchants, craftsmen, designers, and small businesses from the greater Philadelphia region will offer their handmade holiday-inspired decorations, gifts, and fashions. Visitors will have the unique chance to shop goods and gifts that can’t be found at a usual shopping mall – including artwork, home goods, ornaments, sweets, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, and more. There will be something for everyone on Santa’s list! After exploring the large selection of local vendors, Philly Phamous Foods is a quick and easy spot to enjoy Philadelphian inspired favorites like roast pork sandwiches, or locally crafted sodas and snacks. The Market will be back in conjunction with other attractions like the Rothman Ice Rink, the Rothman Cabin, the “Deck the Hall” light show, and the Winter Garden at Dilworth Park. Along with the Christmas Village vendors in the City Hall Courtyard and North Broad section, both Holiday markets will complement each other and turn Center City Philadelphia into an extravagant winter wonderland! The outdoor pop-up Market is curated by organizers of Christmas Village in Philadelphia, which will be set up in the courtyard of City Hall and across the street in LOVE Park for its 15th season. Admission to the Market is free. For additional information, visit www.madeinphila.com, follow @philaholidays on Instagram, and like Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market on Facebook. Beat the weekend crowds – weekday visits are strongly recommended!
3) Vintner Wonderland
Renault Winery and Resort
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
November 18, 2022 to February 26, 2022
Watch for more specific dates for tree lighting, Festival of Trees and other elements
https://www.renaultwinery.com/
Vintner Wonderland is a celebration of a successful harvest at Renault Winery. This winter festival provides the opportunity to gather loved ones, savor the season, and create enduring memories. From ice skating with Flight on Ice, to culinary and wine, to local artisans and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone this season at Renault. Experience the enlarged and improved outdoor Vintner Rink, open through February and designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels. While visiting, make a day! Sip on a hot signature cocktail, taste sweets from the new cafe, or make a dining reservation outside in the Champagne Patio Garden with festive igloos and fire pits – while all the live bands perform. For a more intimate experience, dining reservations in the Tasting Room are a must. Renault’s renowned culinary team has created a new winter menu to enhance your Vintner experience. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list in our Vintner Village! Regional and local craft vendors and artists will be selling their goods and Renault Winery will also be selling its merchandise.
On Friday, December 2, 2022, help light Renault’s famous barrel tree made from real wine barrels – located at the very center of all the holiday action. Santa Claus himself will be there to flip the switch. The night will be perfect for taking your holiday greeting card photos with Santa himself. Come dressed in your best and ready for what will be a magical evening to kick of the holiday season. Santa Clause will also host Stories with Santa on December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd, at 3:00pm, 4:30pm and 6:00pm. Breakfast with Santa is back on December 4th, 11th and 18th, with seatings at 9:30am and 11:30am in the Champagne Ballroom. For the grown-ups, look for new Cookies and Cocktails on December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd, at 6:00pm. Also new, sign-up for Gingerbread Cookie Making Classes on December 8th and 15th at 6:00pm.
The Festival of Trees is back! The holidays are all about sharing, caring and spreading joy, during the Vintner Wonderland season the Renault family will give back to the community by supporting the Faces 4 Autism. Renault team members will decorate holiday trees that will be displayed on the property and will be auctioned off at the Festival of Trees Gala on December 8th. Please visit Renaultwinery.com for more information on how to get involved.
Why not make a trip out of your visit to Vintner Wonderland? Our Chateau Renault hotel is the perfect home base as you explore the many facets of our festival and beautiful property.
4) Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-up Market
Saturday, December 10, 2022
11:00am to 4:00pm
North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd Street
https://www.
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is proud to present its 3rd Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 11:00am to 4:00pm at North Bowl (909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA). Featuring over 35 craft and handmade goods vendors, this year’s market will fill the mezzanine of North Bowl, Northern Liberties’ expansive bowling alley and date night hot spot. This year’s festivities will feature Northern Liberties branded swag and gifts, family fun, letters to Santa, ornament making, and a special visit from Krampus. New: Expanded to be both inside and outside this year! The event is free and open to the public. For more details and updates, visit explorenorthernliberties
5) Northern Liberties Artists at Work and Second Saturday
Saturday, November 12, 2022
4:00pm to 6:00pm
https://www.
Northern Liberties dives into the holiday shopping season with Second Saturday and Artists at Work, an art crawl featuring crafters and artists live-creating and live music throughout Northern Liberties. This episode features seventeen locations, making for a full day of fun. Sponsored by the Penn Treaty Special Services District, Artists at Work celebrates Northern Liberties’ past and present as a district of creative, independent spirits by activating seventeen storefronts with live art-making. Artists at Work will take place at seventeen locations with artists setting up outside storefronts or inside of the addresses depending on their medium and needs. Participating locations will include 1040 Creative, Anejo, Brotherly Love Gallery, Casa Papel, Creep Records, Jerry’s Bar, Just Cravings, Once Worn Consignment, Pera Turkish Cuisine, SET NoLibs, Starbucks, The 700, The Fairmount House, The Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop, Trunc, Tuck Barre and Yoga and Tula Yoga and Wellness. Participating artists will include Anastasia Alexandrin, Sheena Garcia, Keith Warren Greiman, William Hilton, Pauline Houston McCall, Oronde Kairi, Kierston Marie, Marcy Morris, Shae Payne, Ryan Psota and others to be announced.
6) Old City Holiday Shopping Stroll
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
5:00pm to 7:00pm
www.oldcitydistrict.org
Old City shops will stay open late on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 for special holiday shopping hours from 5:00-7:00pm. Receive a free Old City tote bag with any purchase – while supplies last – at participating locations! Also, don’t miss the Farmers Market at Christ Church’s Holiday Makers Market from 3:00-7:00pm. Look for a list of stores and locations, promotions and features and other details – but for now, save the date and make it a night in Old City. For more information about Old City District, Historic Holidays in Old City, and holiday happenings, visit www.oldcitydistrict.org
7) Old City Holiday Shopping Pass
November 26, 2022 to December 30, 2022
Old City District
https://www.oldcitydistrict.
Festivities kick off on Small Business Saturday, November 26, 2022, with the debut of the FREE Old City Holiday Pass! Sign up at www.oldcitydistrict.org and enjoy special offers and deals at dozens of shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions all holiday season long, through December 30th. Plus, have the chance to win weekly Old City holiday prize packs!
SKATING RINKS AND VILLAGES
Stay tuned for NEW locations for Flight on Ice this year – surprises coming to counties and cities near you! New locations will surprise you, stay tuned!
8) Vintner Wonderland with Flight on Ice
Renault Winery and Resort
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Opening Weekend: Friday November 18th – to Sunday November 20th
9) Flight on Ice
Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink,
4901 West Chester Pike
Newtown Square, PA 19073
https://www.flightonice.com/
Full release coming this week
10) Flight on Ice – NEW!
Neshaminy Mall Rink,
707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020
Outside the AMC Movie Parking Lot
Free skating, Santa Claus, ribbon cutting, etc. open to public and media
Fight on Ice is excited to bring our award-winning attraction to your backyard in Bensalem Pa for the first of hopefully many years to come. You can find our popular 60×100 outdoor “real” ice skating rink conveniently located in the parking lot connected to the former Sears Automotive Center and right outside of the AMC Movie Theater. You can expect a winter wonderland filled with fun for the whole family including affordable skate rentals, free on-site parking, festive music, lighting, video & decor, delicious food & beverages, heated hospitality tents perfect for private parties, next-level entertainment, and a robust calendar of family-friendly themed events. If you’re local, own your own skates and think you might be coming often then a season pass is the way to go. Additionally, a portion of all sponsor and rink proceeds will be donated to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 Survivors Foundations.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Please consider Christmas Village, Made in Philadelphia and Vitner Wonderland for light stories, plus the biggest light show in the region:
11) Philadelphia Zoo Presents LumiNature
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
November 17, 2022 to January 7, 2023
https://www.philadelphiazoo.
Philadelphia Zoo’s dazzling winter light show experience is back! LumiNature returns for another season of breathtaking sights, sounds and surprises from Thursday, November 17, 2022 to Saturday, January 7, 2023. With more than a million twinkling lights across 14 one-of-a-kind artistically illuminated zones, LumiNature is sure to wow adults and children alike as they take a magical journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. Highlights will include a brand new Penguin Prismatic show featuring a 40 ft. tall penguin, plus a new coral and under the sea holiday tree, a new 15 foot tall glowing blue gorilla, 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel, enormous jellyfish, a 21-feet tall brilliant colored snake, hundreds of illuminated penguins, giant cat eyes glowing in the dark of night, a 22-feet-tall Butterfly Tree, a Wilderness Express Train, and a 25-foot tree made entirely of lit flamingo lawn ornaments. LumiNature is a nighttime experience, with timed entrance tickets available every half hour from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. All guests must pre-purchase timed-tickets at philadelphiazoo.org/
HOLIDAY TEA AND ART DE NOEL
12) Holiday Tea Service and Art De Noel
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
120 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.sofitel-
Afternoon tea service is back just in time for the holidays! Head to Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square and make winter and holiday memories with one of the most celebrated afternoon tea services in the Philadelphia Region. The culinary team presents all of your tea service favorites from sweet to savory – plus enjoy a selection of amazing teas and a cocktail. Holiday tea service is set for Friday and Saturday, 1:00pm to 3:00pm, but check the website for dates as the holiday approaches for updates. Menu offerings include plain and seasonal scones, tea sandwiches and pastries, plus an exquisite selection of teas to pick from. Also, come out and celebrate the holidays with one of the most out-of-the-box, creative and visually stunning Christmas displays in Center City with Art De Noel. Look for final dates, times, pricing and menus as November approaches and please add to your radar as the longest running and most festive holiday tea service and festive food traditions in Philly.
PHILLY’S MOST FESTIVE CHRISTMAS BARS AND RESTAURANTS
13) Craftsman Row Saloon Christmas Pop-up
Opens Wednesday, November 9 through January 2023
Philadelphia’s Most Festive Restaurant
112 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.
Craftsman Row Saloon, at 112 S. 8th Street, announces the debut of their annual Christmas Pop-up that is bigger, brighter and has even more bling for the 2022 season. The Jewelers’ Row restaurant and bar is known as Philadelphia’s most festive sit-down restaurant. Owners and operators brother sister duo George and Vasiliki Tsiouris are thrilled to welcome back all the holiday merry-makers into the Christmas wonderland that features over 5,000 feet of garland, thousands of twinkling lights, thousands of sparkling, shiny and colorful ornaments, hundreds of vintage and unique tree trimmings, hundreds of bows, stockings, santas, and of course an Elf on the Shelf hidden among the festive decor. Along with the floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall transformation, look for giant signature over-the-top holiday milkshakes like past offerings that included the Ugly Sweater with eggnog, crushed gingerbread cookies, holiday m&m and sprinkle rim, gingerbread sandwich, holiday marshmallow peep, rock candy, and Pumpkin to Talk About Milkshake with pumpkin pie and munchin, edible leaves and caramel drizzle. Stay tuned as they prepare the 2022 over-the-top shakes to unveil in November! From the kitchen, look for a brand new Christmas Dinner burger with everything you would want from grandma’s Christmas table, including savory stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes fries and more. Guests will be able to drink cocktails out of jewel-toned ornaments, and one of the cocktails pays homage to Elf and comes with an elf-sized clothespin with sayings inspired from the movie. Craftsman Row Saloon Christmas Pop-up will remain open through the season through at least January, when they will convert it to a Mardi Gras Pop-up. Anticipated hours are Wednesday to Thursday, from Noon to 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday, Noon to 10:00pm, and Sunday Noon to 9:00pm – but look for the final hours in November.
14) Tinsel Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Black Friday to New Year’s Eve
116 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
https://www.facebook.com/
Teddy Sourias and Craft Concepts Group announce the return of Tinsel Christmas Pop-up Bar at 116 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia. The mad elves from Tradesman’s, BRU Craft & Wurst, Blume, U-Bahn, Uptown Beer Garden, Kontrol, Sueno and Finn McCool’s Ale House have spent months decking the halls bringing back this holiday sensation. Look for all new designs, new artists, more decor, more hours, extra twinkle, added glitter, festive holiday tunes, new cocktails, custom cups and ornaments, and much more bling. We have tons of new surprises to share for the new season – plus some returning favorites.
Tinsel is Philadelphia’s original Christmas pop-up bar located in a 100+ year former jewelry shop. Tinsel passes the baton from the sparkle of diamonds to now the twinkle of hundreds of holiday lights. Tinsel brings new life into the street level space that was vacant in the heart of Midtown Village. Come spread some holiday cheer with Tinsel – and enjoy the sights, sounds and sips of the season. Tinsel is expected to be open from Black Friday to New Year’s Eve – with final dates, schedule and hours to be announced as November approaches.
15) U-Ville
Thanksgiving Week to New Year’s Eve
Uptown Beer Garden, 1500 JFK Blvd.
Official open to public Friday, November 18th
16) The Igloos at Figo Ristorante
Igloo Experience and Dining under the Tree, plus new Christmas Bar
1033 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.uptownbeer.com/
Igloos will be up and decorated by Thanksgiving – if not earlier.
More igloos this year! More holiday themed and more decor!
Taking a page right from the arctic, the city’s most fantastical igloos are popping up one by one, on Philadelphia’s Restaurant Row in Northern Liberties. Glu Hospitality presents their award-winning igloo experience to take dining under the stars to a new level – each coming with heat, clear views of the nighttime skies, full table service and more insulation for the heat. They seat between four and six people, and they give a full view of the Northern Liberties sidewalk scene. Glu is also building a giant outdoor Christmas bar and enclosing the entire outdoor covered cocktail garden and adding gorgeous outdoor heaters. Additionally, Glu is hosting and purchased the Northern Liberties Christmas Tree – which will debut on Tuesday, November 29th, at 6:00pm, and feature a giant tree next to the Igloos and the Figo Pizzeria, giving Igloo diners the most festive views in Northern Liberties. The Igloos will also host the grand return of the Ice Queen and the Northern Liberties Princess Brunch, on Saturdays, December 10 and 17, 2022, and Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Countdown to Noon with Cinderella returns on New Year’s Eve Day – free this year, and included with brunch reservations. For more on Figo, visit https://www.figoitalian.
* Seating for those will be 3-8ppl Monday-Thursday and 5-8 people Friday and Saturday
*Reservations Required (Resy) with a non-refundable deposit of $5 per person Friday-Sunday
17) The Greenhouses at Harper’s Garden
Holiday Greenhouses and Holiday Patio in Center City
31 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
https://www.
Greenhouses and heating enclosure will start to be set-up in early November – with Christmas decor going up for Thanksgiving week. Philadelphia’s most famous Greenhouses are back – enjoy the festive decor and views of the stars for those holiday nights in Rittenhouse neighborhood. The team is excited to be able to return this unique dining option to the neighborhood. Two sizes of greenhouses will be available to reserve. The smaller greenhouses seat a party of four to seven, whereas the larger greenhouses seat from six to nine guests. They are all individual mini-dining rooms with ventilation, heat, decor, plants and flowers, tables and chairs, and a working door. These individual dining rooms are in addition to Harper’s Garden enclosed, heated trellis which will be decked out in all its glory with holiday plants and decor.
18) Evil Genius Beer Company
Philadelphia’s Most Festive Brewery
1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Kicks off Thursday, December 1, 2022
http://evilgeniusbeer.com/
Philadelphia’s most festive brewery Evil Genius Beer Company is back with all its festive glory at The Lab in Fishtown, at 1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Celebrate the start of the official season on Thursday, December 1, 2022, with a Evil Genius Beer Company Tree Lighting Party titled Twas an Evil Christmas, which is open to the public, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with the tree lighting at 7:30pm. Evil Genius will light up the nearly 20 foot tree inside, and feature decorations across the The Lab for the holidays. Outside, the Evil Genius Beer Garden will be transformed into a little winter wonderland, where you’ll be able to have a delicious beer or hot cider and hot wine while picking out your Christmas Tree from Front Street Trees.
While Santa may be making an appearance earlier in the month, this day is the official celebration for the return of Evil Genius Beer Company’s famous holiday beer, Santa!! I Know Him! which is a festive Saison, 7.2% ABV, now in cans everywhere Evil Genius is sold. This holiday saison is brewed with rose hips, chamomile, black currants and dark Belgian candi syrup. Deep, complex and intriguing, this bone-dry Belgian-style ale is sure to spice up the nights spent at home during the cold winter months. Have you been naughty or nice this year – or both? During the season, stop by for beer, cheer, spiked holiday drinks, great holiday vibes, and lots of great shopping ideas for beer lovers on your list.
Other festivities include the Santa 0.5k charity race around the block on December 4th. Sleigh My Name Sleigh My Name Christmas Drag Brunch returns with TWO dates this year on Sundays, December 4th and December 11th, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and more to be announced.
19) Lola’s Garden
Main Line’s Most Festive Outdoor Heated Patio and Greenhouse
51 St Georges Rd, Ardmore, PA 19003
Decorated in time for December festivities and holiday parties
https://www.
Covered in late October for sweater weather with decorations by Thanksgiving week.
Lola’s Garden embraces the cold months with flavorful fare, warm drinks, and a heated, outdoor enclosure of their stunning trellis. Come visit one of the Main Line’s largest indoor-outdoor festive restaurants during the holidays. Locals fell in love with the stunning open-air seating that Lola’s Garden had to offer during the warm Spring and Summer months. As the cold weather approaches, the team is excited to be able to offer an equally beautiful setting as they enclose the outdoor structure offering an all-weather, heated dining area perfect for family lunches, date night dinners, and now private party offerings. The seasonal atmosphere enhancements are only matched by the evolved food and beverage offerings also rolling out this November.
Chef Andrew Wood has been busy stirring up a multiplicity of upgrades to the already delectable culinary program. Lola’s Garden covered trellis will be able to offer over 125 seats, in addition to existing 100 indoor seats, with both areas being offered to reserve for your next exceptional event. Lola’s Garden new early winter cocktail menu concurrently launches with the design and culinary enhancements. Ranging from warm, cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections, each cocktail was designed to perfectly pair with menu selections, focusing on the same seasonal and local ingredients. Reservations and private party inquiries for Lola’s Garden are available through the website. For more information visit Lolasgardenrestaurant.com, follow LolasGardenArdmore, and/or call 484-412-8011.
20) Juno
1033 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Holiday greenhouse and covering for season
https://www.junophilly.com/
Six holiday igloos will be ready will Thanksgiving week!
tinseltine
Tinsel & Tine provides year-round free promotion, sparking conversations and awareness, celebration and reviews of the movie industry - from local indie shorts to international films/filmmakers, to studio driven movies/moviemakers. Mixed with a spotlight on Philly Happenings. #MiniMovieReview #PhillyCalendar
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