NOVEMBER EVENTS KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN PHILLY

Written by on 10.11.22

In Philadelphia, Thanksgiving is cause for celebration, since it marks the official start of the holidays in Greater Philadelphia.

Many of the season’s holiday traditions kick off, joining attractions like Winter in Dilworth Park and the Philadelphia Marathon. For 2022, the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade — the oldest parade of its kind in the nation — returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Here are some of the best things to do and see in Philly leading up to Thanksgiving, below.

Wintergarden at Dilworth Park

November 1, 2022 – March 26, 2023

City Hall’s front yard transforms into an open-air wonderland of lights, topiaries and rustic décor,  perfect for fall and winter photo ops. The 21-plus crowd can warm up with mulled wine from an on-site Chaddsford Winery kiosk to get into the true “spirit” of the season.

At  Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street

 

Winter in Franklin Square

November 16, 2022 – February 26, 2023

Franklin Square celebrates the winter season with free nightly light shows inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s legendary kite and key experiment. Free light shows set to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes  illuminate the square every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until close. Before or after the show, grab a burger or beverage fireside from the on-site Square Burger, play a round of festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf or hop aboard the classic Parx Liberty Carousel. Located at Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street

LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo

November 17, 2022 – January 7, 2023

This immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia spectacle. After the animals are tucked away for the evening, the zoo lights up with more than 1 million holiday lights in 14 zones. New displays for 2022 include a 15-foot tall glowing blue gorilla and an under-the-sea-inspired holiday tree,  joining familiar favorites like a 100-foot-long aquarium tunnel (complete with enormous jellyfish) and a 21-foot-tall brilliantly bright snake. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages round out the feelings of winter spirit. Timed tickets are required. Located at the Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

November 19-20, 2022

One of the most historic races in the nation, the Philadelphia Marathon covers fast and mostly flat terrain, crossing the heart of Philadelphia and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Liberty Bell Center. Its origins date back to the 1920s. The 30,000 racers taking on the marathon begin and end their journey on the tree-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The 26.2-mile course, scheduled for November 19-20, 2022, winds through the city’s historic attractions and scenic outdoor spaces, passing along the charming streets of Old City on Penn’s Landing by the Delaware River and eventually arriving near the green and leafy pathways of the Fairmount Water Works, located on the Schuylkill River. Along the route, athletes can refuel at hydration stations and get cheered on by thousands watching the action.

While the Philadelphia Marathon race routes are all a little bit different each year, spectators can see the runners from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th Street and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive from Spring Garden Street to Fountain Green Drive.

For more info https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/ 

Philadelphia’s 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thursday, November 24, 2022 | 8:30 a.m.-noon

The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade — originally founded in 1920 — brings larger-than-life floats, marching bands, dazzling dancers, A-listers and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This year’s eclectic mix of performers and celebs includes everyone from The Spinners and C+C Music Factory to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Philadanco, Carson Kressley, Blue Man Group and much more. Parade route runs from 20th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Topics: Holidays Philadelphia , Philly Restaurants , Philly Things to Do , Winter