All of us look forward to going back home for holiday break, mostly for the food, family, and friends. Fall break is just a tease for us, but we are in the home-stretch for a full month home. Winter time in Philadelphia is highly anticipated. And after a stressful finals week, here is why going home to The City of Brotherly Love is the absolute best.
1. The Christmas Village
It's impossible to not be in the holiday spirit after stopping by the Christmas Village. We have the opportunity to experience an authentic German Christmas right in the heart of the city, with unique pop-up shops, delicious food vendors, and all around great vibes. And lucky for us, the village is around all season from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.
2. 101.1 Christmas Music
Despite their switch to "More FM", we will forever know 101.1 FM as B101. The debate over when the appropriate time to begin their 24/7 Christmas Music is a recurring topic at our Thanksgiving tables. This year the music began well before Thanksgiving. (Which I am not complaining about.)
3. The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
If you haven't been to one of Philly's two famous outdoor ice-rinks during this time of year, you are missing out. It's worth the usual wait, especially if you have some hot chocolate from The Lodge next-door. The Blue Cross RiverRink in Old City has everything, arcade games, music, food, and of course an unbeatable view of the Delaware Water Front.
4. The Rothman Ice-Rink and Christmas Garden at Dilworth Park
Open for their third season, another popular ice-rink is the Rothman Ice-Rink at Dilworth Park. This rink is best known for it's awesome view of City Hall. Dilworth Park added a brand-new Christmas Garden this year. They invite children of all ages to wander through twinkling lights and holiday gardens. And afterwards, you can warm up in their heated tents with festive foods. How charming?
5. Christmas in Peddler's Village
Peddler's Village in Bucks County becomes the most adorable Christmas festival during this season. The unique shops, old fashioned ciders, and plethora of holiday decorations make it one of my family's favorite spots. And of course the famous gingerbread house competition which displays unreal cookie recreations of famous buildings never ceases to amaze us all.
6. Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is something we all must make the trip to see at least once this season. Longwood transforms into a magical place, their fountain shows and half million lights all over the gardens make the cold air bearable.
7. Macy's Christmas Light Show
For our day's we will spend wandering the city with our friends, we all know to stop by the Macy's in Center City. This show has been going on since our parents were kids. So hearing the sound of the Wanamaker Orchestra alongside all of the lights, has become tradition.
8. Reading Terminal Market
While the Reading Terminal Market year-round is amazing, it becomes a little more special this time of year. The market's indoor railroad line with 17 trains over a one-third mile long track makes the food stop even more enjoyable.
9. New Year's Eve Fireworks On the Waterfront
Penn's Landing in the summer is one of our favorite spots for concerts, but in the winter the best time to go is NYE. Each year, thousands of Philadelphians flock to the Delaware Water Front to see the spectacular light show. If you're lucky, you might even be able to witness the magic from the ice.
10. Mummers Day Parade
Even as a Philly native, I still cannot tell you exactly what a Mummer is. The tradition dates back to 1901. But, I do know that this is likely the most anticipated event of the season. The younger generations have made the parade an excuse to keep drinking through their hangovers, while the rest just simply enjoy watching the one-of-a-kind parade being around such high energy. We surely take pride in our strange tradition. And each year we cannot wait to see what crazy sequined, feathered costumes the mummers create for us. This parade is truly the perfect ending to the holiday season in Philly.
