Seasonal & Holidays

Ice Rink, Market, Wintergarden Coming To Center City Park In November

Dilworth Park will once again host Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink​, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market​, Wintergarden, and more.

Ice skaters make their way around the new rink at the base of City Hall, Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia.
Ice skaters make their way around the new rink at the base of City Hall, Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

PHILADELPHIA — Center City Philadelphia's Dilworth Park is ready to bring winter fun yet again, as it is preparing to host the popular Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, Wintergarden, the Deck the Hall Light Show, and more.

Winter in Dilworth Park will officially begin with the opening of the Wintergarden on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Wintergarden features hundreds of twinkling lights woven throughout woodland décor, including a massive overhead arbor.

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Topiaries in the shape of reindeer will be themed to match their unique backstories, and seasonal foliage will be planted throughout the space.

A Chaddsford Winery kiosk will be selling warmed mulled wine to guests 21 and over.

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Then, later in the week, a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4 to celebrate the opening of Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin.

Program highlights include a pop-up snow shower and a skate performance with children from the Laura Sims Skate House in West Philadelphia.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin will offer festive food and drink items to commemorate the celebration.

The rink will be open daily through Feb. 26, 2023.

Online reservations for timed, 90-minute skating sessions are encouraged. View skating session times and purchase tickets online here.

Admission is $5 for children 10 and younger, and $8 for adults; skate rental is $10 per person and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Guests with pre-purchased passes must check in at the ticket window upon arrival.

In-person sales, based on availability, will also be offered. Lockers can be reserved ahead of time and locks will be sold onsite.

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will open on Saturday Nov. 19, showcasing more than 40 local vendors offering handmade jewelry, skin care, artwork, home décor, clothing and more.

Then on Monday, Nov. 21, the popular Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross returns to animate the west façade of City Hall with colorful projections and sounds synonymous with winter cheer.

Produced with support from 6abc the Center City District, the show was created by Philadelphia-based art and design studio Klip Collective.

This season’s events and amenities include:

Wintergarden

Nov. 1, 2022 to March 26, 2023

The Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn is a picturesque and whimsical outdoor sanctuary for visitors to relax amid the bustle of Center City. Highlights include rustic décor, playful reindeer topiaries and twinkling lights. Adults 21 and older can purchase warm mulled wine at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk conveniently located within the space.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink Opening Day

Friday, Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m.

The winter season kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, complete with an ice skating performance and a pop-up snow shower.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink

Daily, Nov. 4, 2022 to Feb. 26, 2023

Experience the city’s premier wintertime destination, open 7 days a week. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions. Purchase tickets online ahead of time and find the full schedule at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com. Weekday hours will change in January and February.

Children and adults with physical/developmental disabilities can reserve a sled for skating beginning on January 2 through February 26, 2023. To reserve a sled email, sleds@rinkmanagement.com.

Cocktails and Cold Ones

Nov. 9, 2022 to Feb. 22, 2023 — Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sip $7 Hornitos Tequila® cocktails, $6 wine and $5 Blue Point Toasted Lagers, plus discounted weekly food specials, every Wednesday night at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin.

College Nights presented by Temple University

Nov. 10, 2022 to Feb. 23, 2023 — Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

College students pay $2 admission with a valid student ID. Online reservations are encouraged. Skate rental not included. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Nov. 19, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023 — Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Support local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade jewelry, artwork, home décor and more. Visit DilworthPark.org for hours and a full list of vendors.

Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross

Nov. 21, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023 — daily, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The west façade of historic City Hall will be illuminated with a full show premiering every hour. Show times are nightly at the top of the hour.

Santa Express

Friday, Nov. 25 — 10:30 a.m. to Noon

Santa Claus is coming to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line! Kids will have the opportunity to ice skate with him during the 11 a.m. session. Members of the East Passyunk Opera Project (ePOP) will also be in attendance leading holiday carols throughout the morning.

Storytime with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 3 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spend the afternoon with Woodland Santa as he reads stories and takes photos with children in the beautiful Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn. Crafts, including wooden ornament making, will also be offered.

Lunar New Year Celebration presented by Temple University

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a prancing lion, traditional Chinese dancers and a delicious menu in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, where the first 100 guests will receive a lucky red envelope containing secret prizes. Ice skating sessions will be available throughout the evening.

Free in February presented by Rothman Orthopaedics

Mondays and Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 2023 to Feb. 21, 2023

On Mondays and Tuesdays in February, enjoy free admission to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, courtesy of the Rothman Orthopaedics Institute. Skate rental is not included.

Superhero Skate

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 — 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Kids are invited to skate with their favorite superheroes on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink! Costumes are encouraged.

Ice Festival

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 — 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Celebrate the final days of the winter at Dilworth Park with intricate ice sculptures, dueling ice carving demonstrations and a full-size baby grand piano made entirely from ice. Additional offerings include ice skating at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, an ice dance performance and themed food and beverages.

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