Philadelphia’s waterfront is gearing up for another season of winter magic.
The opening day for Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is officially set for Friday, Nov. 27, bringing ice skating, local bites, seasonal drinks and plenty of other surprises beneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
The venue will host a schedule of events as well, including the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. The free celebration begins at 5 p.m. with musical performances, and at 6:55 p.m., the spotlight will turn to the ornately decorated 45-foot holiday tree.
“Our Holiday Tree Lighting powered by PECO is a uniquely Philadelphia tradition,” says Erika Joy Erb, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “From our staff selecting the tree each year to the work of our in-house team to unload, mount, light and maintain the tree throughout the season, we’re proud to host a homegrown holiday experience, and look forward to welcoming the city back for another memorable season at the RiverRink.”
As always, the focal point of the season is the NHL-sized outdoor rink, where skaters can take in views of the Delaware River. Admission is free, with skating priced at $5 and skate rentals at $12. Hungry visitors can also dig into returning vendors like Chickie’s & Pete’s, Philly Tacos and Skelly’s Amusements, or try some newcomers to the lineup, including Brazilian BBQ and a dedicated s’mores station. There’s also an expanded free fire pit area, plus a seasonal bar extending into the skate house and arcade this year.
Some perks to keep in mind for 2026: Independence Blue Cross members receive free skate admission for themselves and up to three guests with a valid member ID, while military personnel and first responders can enjoy the same benefit with a valid ID when purchasing in person. (Note, skate rentals are not included in either offer).
Visitors can also reserve holiday cabins, the heated Rinkside Lounge and private event spaces for celebrations ranging from smaller gatherings to larger groups of up to 360 guests.
Winterfest will also host celebrations for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. The annual Visit PA New Year’s Eve fireworks will return on Dec. 31, and the Fire & Ice Valentine’s Day Party is officially scheduled for Feb. 13. And there's another reason to show RiverRink some love — public voting for the “Best Skating Rink” through USA Today runs now through Nov. 30, with the winners announced Dec. 3.
Winterfest (101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd) will run through Feb. 28. The venue will hold extended holiday hours from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2 and adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com
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