Most of us look for attractive sun and sand destinations when it comes to planning getaways during winter, but it is far from the only option. There really is nothing more magical than a clear, snowy winter in the festive season to get you in the spirit.
If you plan to visit Philadelphia this winter, prepare yourself for potential snow, with lows just under 30°F and highs less than 50°F, snow is definitely on the horizon for an atmospheric few months in the city.
But what should you do if you find yourself in the crisp, chilly and atmospheric city of Philadelphia this winter? Here are some awesome things to do:
1. Book a Memorable winter escape with Viagem
Book a memorable winter escape in a Viagem apartment in Philadelphia. Whether you are a leisure seeker or business traveler, there’s nowhere better to treat yourself to a beautiful winter break than in one of our apartments in Philly. Our range of private and spacious apartments set in the most awe-inspiring locations in Philly, and well-appointed with modern comforts and amenities are just perfect for your stay. Here’s our home listings in Philadelphia, browse now to discover your next winter getaway.
2. Go Ice Skating
Philadelphia is full of outdoor ice-skating rinks, and most locals have their skates in order to enjoy them. Bring your own or rent a pair as you hit the ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest or the Dilworth Park Rothman Ice Rink. This is a great place to meet new people, and also soak up some of the city’s atmosphere as the surrounding buildings are decked-out for the festive season.
3. Get Discounted Entrance to Philadelphia Zoo
Don your scarf and gloves and head to Philadelphia Zoo. Entrance is discounted in the winter months, and the queues are also noticeably shorter, so it is a great time to visit. If you are there in December, head to the zoo in the early evening for LumiNature, a special night-time multimedia light and music spectacle full of luminous animals and unexpected illusions. Reward yourself after with a hot chocolate or mulled wine to warm your fingers.
4. Hit the German-Style Christmas Village
If you find yourself in Philadelphia in December, go to the German-style Christmas Village. The pretty European square features 80 wooden booths selling exclusive products that make great Christmas presents, as well as some delicious festive food and drinks. German sausage and mulled wine are definitely on the menu.
5. Walk the Streets in search of the Best Christmas Lights
People across the city get into the festive spirit by going all out when it comes to their Christmas lights and decorations. You may well find something spectacular around any corner of the city. Start your search with a bang by heading to South 13th Street, which has become known nationally for its spectacular displays.
6. Discover the Founding of the Nation at the Major Historic Sites
While hitting the pavement in the bitter cold might not appeal, there is no visiting Philadelphia without taking such important historic sites as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross House, where she sewed the first American flag. Luckily, all of these sites are contained within a pretty small historic district, where you will also find plenty of bars, restaurants and coffee houses to warm you up along the way. Pop into Fork for farm to table cuisine, or check out the food hall inside the historic Bourse building for vendors selling everything from Korean tacos to Filipino lumpia. For drinks head to the Independence Beer Garden, with 40 beers on tap for an enjoyable winter in Philadelphia.
7. Escape the Cold on one of the City’s Amazing Museums
As well as being home to some of the country’s most important historic sites, Philadelphia is also teeming with museums. Explore their collections while escaping the cold for a few hours. Start at the Penn Museum, which has recently been refurbished and is now showing exciting new display of international collections. Art lovers should head to the Barnes Collection, which is experimenting with some of the most interesting interpretation you are likely to encounter. Finally, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for their exhibition of Design for Different Futures. Also make sure to take your photo with the Rocky statue at the bottom of the museum’s stairs, and do your own iconic Rocky run (a perfect boomerang moment).
8. Ring in the New Year with Rivers Casino Fireworks on the Waterfront
If you pass the New Year in the city, the Rivers Casino does one of the most impressive pyrotechnic displays that you are likely to see anywhere, to mark the changing of the year. And no need to miss your evening plans with friends and family. As well as their midnight show, the casino also put on an earlier 6 p.m. show. There are loads of places nearby where you can watch the Delaware River light up.
9. Take in the Mummer’s Parade
It is worth not sleeping away New Year’s day in Philadelphia, and instead heading to the Mummer Parade, a Philly tradition dating back to 1901. Thousands of locals put on some spectacular, over-the-top costumes to parade along Bond Street to City Hall accompanied by song and dance. There are even competitions for the best groups. Don’t let the cold weather scare you off spending the festive months or winter in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.
10. Get inspired at Philly Home Show
You will love the Philly Home Show, a two-weekend long event packed with lots of home suppliers and the best products for home design. You can get many ideas and inspirations as well as expert advice for your home project at this event. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet designers, exhibitors and renowned people from the home design world.
11. Don’t Miss the Center City District Restaurant Week
Come see what Philly is cooking up at over 125 top restaurants offering unbelievable deals on multi-course menus at the Center City district Restaurant Week. Get an incredible opportunity to sample delicious meals from these restaurants in various locations including Mission Taqueria. This event takes place twice a year and it returns in January with 13 days of dining across eateries renowned for their tasty-looking menus and exceptional value.
12. Enjoy Craft Brews at Big Philly Beerfest
Take a journey of beer discovery at fifth-annual Big Philly Beerfest taking place at at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Explore fresh and unique brews, and enjoy beers from a variety of local and national craft brewers. There will be live music all through the event as well as exclusive craft beer demonstrations and tastings from the best in the industry.
Winter is a great time to visit Philadelphia because it offers you a beautiful weather as well as a wide range of exciting activities you wouldn’t want to miss. Need accommodation? You can book an unforgettable stay in one of our Philly apartments, they are all located in the heart of the city, with a short distance from many of Philly’s top attractions.
