Philadelphia Christmas Phun

Four years ago Don and I dropped Ashley off at a friend's dorm for the night. We met up with Kevin and walked around Center City Philadelphia. Though spending time with Kevin is always fun, for some reason I did not blog about the evening, but I did remember it. I particularly remembered the light show on the side of City Hall. Between the pandemic and life, we did not make it back to the city at the right time of year. This week, for some reason, I decided it would be fun to go back and see it.

Don and I went on a Tuesday night in the middle of December. It was about 40 degrees out -- so not warm, but also not bitter. We had fun strolling around the Christmas Village which starts in LOVE Park and continues across the street to City Hall, and inside its courtyard around the two-story carousel they bring in for the season.

The Christmas Village booths ranged from mulled cider to local food to ornaments to Philly-inspired souvenirs with a few international artisan and jewelry booths thrown in. There was something for everyone. I picked up a gift for Ashley (shhh...don't tell her). By going midweek we could enjoy the shops and the vibe without feeling crowded.

We walked down Market Street to Second Street, past where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, and where lawmakers voted on it in 1776. I still get goosebumps every time I pass these places because they make my elementary school history lessons come to life in ways I never imagined growing up in North Jersey. 

Street view of City Hall

We also walked around the entire City Hall trying to find the side where the light show was taking place. It had to be taking place, right? This was a Philadelphia tradition. We even asked someone at the information booth. After a quick search, she said it only takes place on the weekend. Confused, we walked away wondering if we should return on the weekend.

Over dinner at the Iron Hill Brewery on Market Street we did our own Google search. Turns out this the first year they have not done the light show because they did not receive a corporate sponsor. It also said, it was only a six year tradition and they are fundraising for a new, permanent LED lighting system for 2024. Mystery solved. We don't have to return.

Independence Hall

Research brought up another option for the night: Miracle on South 13th Street. The 1600 block of South 13th Street lights up like the Griswold Family on steroids. Every house (except for the one for sale) brings out the lights. It made me think of a Christmas version of Bordentown's Thompson Street.

A few years ago Don and I went on a group bike ride through this area with a Philadelphia bike group. We thought about going back this year with the tandem, but the date did not work out for us. We made a note to try to go next year. I think a running group also goes together. 

Parking as you can imagine is impossible, so we opted to drive down the street. Unfortunately there was someone who wanted to go faster than us gawkers, so we went around the corner and drove down it a second time. Out of nowhere a small white sports car was behind us and wanted to go faster. So, we looped a third time and were able to savor it and take some pictures. When we asked our waiter about it, he said to take an Uber and expect a traffic jam. The traffic jam would have been preferred to the tailgaters. 

This only shows, there are free opportunities to get into the holiday spirit in Philadelphia.

Merry Christmas!