Philadelphia Prepares for Christmas (Yes, Already!)

Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. In the way of most Americans, a lot of Philadelphians aren’t thinking about turkey and pumpkin pie. They are already decking the halls, busting out the holiday playlists, and getting in the Christmas spirit. The people want to make merry, and Philadelphia is ready to give merriment to them with a spate of activities that have either already started or will be kicking off soon.

The City of Brotherly Love is already gearing up for Christmas with multiple holiday events throughout the city.

The Franklin Square Holiday festival kicked off yesterday with “a winter beer garden, gourmet hot chocolate stations, s’mores vendors and more.” On Saturdays during the event, which runs until New Year’s Eve, you can see Santa Claus on Saturdays. There will be various themed nights during the event, including “Star Wars” and “Frozen.”

Just outside of City Hall is Dilworth Park’s Wintergarden. The Rothman Institute Ice Rink opens today, and you can indulge in this beloved winter pastime with skating lessons and skate rentals. There will also be a Light Show and Holiday Market later in the month. The latter features more than 40 local artisans, confectionaries and businesses, so you can stock up on Christmas goodies.

Departing from the Betsy Ross House every Thursday is the Tippler’s Yuletide Cheers and Beer Tour. You’ll surely be feeling the warmth of the season on this historic tour, which provides a peek into the past: specifically 1777, when the British occupied the city during the holidays. Drink tastings are held at stops along the way so you can sip while you saunter.

Then there’s the German Christmas Market in LOVE Park, which is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Over 80 vendors and artisans will be on hand selling treats, ornaments, scarves, and hot spiced mulled wine. The sights and sounds are beautiful, and attendance is always booming: some 750,000 attendees visited the Market last year.

These are just a sampling of the holiday events that Philadelphia has to offer in November. Get out there and get festive!