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Spend a day in Philadelphia during the break

Allison Coyne, Editor-in-Chief

December 15, 2023

A perfect day trip to take during Christmas break is Philadelphia. Philadelphia has amazing holiday shops, delicious food, and fun events.

On a typical day, the drive from John Carroll to downtown Philadelphia takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes. Transportation options such as the Philly PHLASH are available once inside the city in addition to several parking garages in the area.

The Christmas Village is an authentic German Christmas market in LOVE Park, which is located in the heart of the city. With over 110 vendors selling everything from jewelry to art, the village is a perfect place to look for gifts for loved ones.

Furthermore, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal or warm drink. Bratwurst, schnitzel, and raclette sandwiches are very popular, along with spaetzle, a German-style noodle. For something lighter, grab Belgian fries, a pretzel with Dusseldorf mustard, or a strudel. Hot chocolate is another yummy option and can be purchased in a Philadelphia Christmas Village mug.

Throughout the village, there are lots of things to see and do. Take a ride on the carousel or the Ferris wheel before taking pictures with Santa. Do not forget to go see the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The event is free, but a small donation gives the opportunity to vote for the design contest winner.

This year, the Christmas Village will be open until December 24.

Another great event is the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Located in Dilworth Park, across from LOVE Park, this is a perfect pairing to the Christmas Village.

Browse through over 40 vendor booths that feature locally-made arts and crafts, or stop for a dessert.

For something more active, head to the ice-skating rink in the center of the Holiday Market. The admission fee is $9 for adults and $6 for children ten and under for a 90-minute session. Skate rentals and lockers are also available for $10, and reservations are encouraged.

The Holiday Market will be open through January 1 and the ice-skating rink will be open until February 25.

The Independence BlueCross Riverrink Winterfest is another place to put on skates and enjoy a gorgeous view. Overlooking the Delaware River, Winterfest is stunning at night. Admission is $5, and skate rentals are $12, with reservations also recommended. They also offer cozy cabin and fire-pit rentals, which provide a space to enjoy their food and drink options. Winterfest Holiday Market closes on December 23, but the rink will be open through February 24.

Finally, no trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a stop at Reading Terminal Market. While the market is open year-round, it is home to some of the best food in Philly and is a must-go whenever in the city.