This is my first Christmas living in Philadelphia and there are so many things in the City to get into the holiday spirit! One of my favorite things about this time of year is the lights. I love to see the strings of lights in Christmas Village and all of the trees lit up and decorated in the city. Living and working in Center City has made it easy to take a short walk after work to see the tree at City Hall or the Art Museum. There are endless ways to get into the Christmas spirit here in Philly and then go home to get warm by a tree while you watch a Christmas movie. 

Here are my top things to do in Philadelphia at Christmas!

Christmas Village

Wooden booths are set up in Love Park making it easy to get your Christmas shopping done while you get in the holiday spirit! Be sure to stop by for food and a drink while you walk around too! I stopped by after work but unfortunately, they were already closed by the time I got there. The shops were closed, but it was still so pretty to walk through at night! 

Dilworth Park & City Hall

This is a must see, must do activity in Philly during Christmas time! I stopped by after work one day to see the tree light lighting and it really got me in the Christmas spirit! City Hall is transformed into an ice skating rink, a popup to keep warm and drink, or shop at one of the vendor booths set up. 

Blue Cross RiverRink WinterFest

I don’t know if I will get to go this year with my busy schedule, but I went years ago when I was in college. Grab some friends to go skating or drink by the fireplaces set up. Come for the food, skate a bit and stay for the view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge lit up at night!

Miracle on 13th Street

What I miss most about living in the suburbs is seeing all of the homes decorated for Christmas! I am hoping to make it to 13th street in South Philly to see the street all lit up and decorated. 

Macy’s Christmas Lights Show

Macy’s in the Wanamaker Building has a 100,000 light show narrated by Julie Andrews every two hours during store hours. I just love to walk through department stores during the holidays because it always gets me in the holiday spirit! I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping this year, but I am sure I can find an excuse to go to Macy’s to browse!

Art Museum Tree

Get in the holiday spirit and visit the Christmas Tree in front of the Art Museum. While you are there, you can see the perfect view of the city all lit up! I went after work one day because it is near my apartment and the view of the tree with the city in the background is so pretty. Bonus points if you can run up the stairs in your winter coat and not be out of breath!

Tinsel

It’s a Christmas themed pop up bar in Center City  that looks like Christmas threw up inside.  The walls are decorated with bows, presents on the ceiling and a chandelier made of ornaments! Can’t forget about the Christmas themed drinks like a snow globe shot!