Living in Philadelphia, we often miss out on the scenic hikes and nature walks we might have in the countryside. But you should still grab a jacket, a friend and a warm beverage and leave campus to enjoy a day in the great urban outdoors.
Passyunk Passeggiata
This weekly street festival runs every Wednesday from now until Christmas and includes a farmers’ market, shopping and happy hour. Located at 1904 E Passyunk Ave., the festival opens every week at 2 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. with live music, happy hours, and restaurant specials. Featured shops include Amelie’s Bark Shop, Capogiro and Mancuso’s Cheese Shop. Musicians perform at two locations, at 11th and Tasker streets and at 13th and Mifflin streets. Performers include The Blue Pharoahs and Mia Johnson.
Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electric Spectacle Holiday Light Show
Located in Franklin Square, this light show runs from November 10 to December 31 and the show itself begins every 30 minutes from 4:30 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Aside from the light show, the festival itself includes shopping, activities and pop up performances. Food will be served in Winter Beer Garden, which will offer cider, egg nog, burgers, hot dogs, craft beers and cakes. Look out for the live ice sculpting performance on December 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and for a meet and greet by the Pennsylvania Ballet performers from The Nutcracker on November 18th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Skating at Rothman Ice Rink
Open this season from November 11 to February 26, the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park offers skating for the hours listed below for $15 including skate rental. The rink also offers the opportunity to take lessons throughout the season. The Rothman Cabin at the rink will serve craft beers and poutine all season. Coming up is the grand opening of the rink on November 11. The opening, featuring music and a food drive, will celebrate veterans and active military.
Monday – Thursday: Noon – 9 p.m.
Friday: Noon – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Peddler’s Village Kick off to the Holidays
Peddler’s Village, located in about an hour and a half away in Buck’s County, will host a holiday festival from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 11, which will include tree lightings, parades, crafts and snacks. The photo ops will be worth the distance to Peddler’s Village, since the old, cozy festivities of Peddler’s Village will guarantee you likes on your profile picture this holiday season. Enjoy strolling through streets and browsing in shops to kick off the holidays.
Run Through the Museum District
We recommend the wooded area along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from City Hall to Fairmount Park. It's pretty, it's free, it's healthy and it's always open. Go about two hours before sunset for the most pleasant fall light (right now we'd go at around 4 p.m.).
