It may feel more like early fall than almost Thanksgiving, but according to the calendar it’s already almost time to lace up our ice skates. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River waterfront opens Nov. 27 and runs until Feb. 28. The outdoor ice skating rink will again be surrounded by trees strung with lights, and the ski chalet-style Lodge will be back with cozy spots to kick back, plus plenty of food and drink options — but there are also a few extra treats in store this year. The Berley brothers, the duo behind Old City’s old-fashioned ice cream shop Franklin Fountain (the one with the line snaked around the block in the summer) are setting up a Confectionary Cabin set next to the fire pits and serving up drinking chocolate, s’mores kits and other sweets. Related:Malcolm Jenkins, Alicia Vitarelli and more tell us what to do in November Garces Group, led by chef Jose Garces (Amada, Village Whiskey), will provide the savory eats in the Lodge, like short rib fries and tacos from a pop-up Distrito stand. This is also where you’ll be getting craft beers and hot spiked drinks, like apple cider with Jim Beam Maple. New for this year are a set of three-sided cabins with electric fireplaces and cushy seats, for rent or, if not claimed, for whomever grabs them first — think of it as the answer to Summerfest’s coveted hammocks. The Winterfest preview party is Nov. 24.
Lace up your skates, it’s almost time for Winterfest on the waterfront
Matt Stanley
