This weekend, Philadelphians can celebrate the cold weather with an outdoor event filled with winter-time activities. Chestnut Hill on Ice, a socially-distanced attraction, is an annual favorite in the Chestnut Hill area, and this year will be just as exciting, but will also have safety at the forefront of all designs.
Chestnut Hill on Ice is free for all Philadelphians with pay-as-you-go options, some returning from years before as fan favorites, including the iceless ice rink. The rink is back for another year, but this all-weathers activity has some changes. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 19 skaters will be allowed in the rink at one time and tickets ($10) should be purchased in advance. The popular Yurt Village is also back this year for anyone who feels like “glamping.” Laurel Hill Gardens will be filled with tents fitted out with chic furnishings styled by HOST Interiors and Summer Classics. Master artist Peter Slavin of Ice Sculpture Philly will also be outfitting a yurt with furnishings carved entirely from ice in the Village as well.
Speaking of Slavin, the master sculptor and Philadelphia’s own Ice Sculpture Philly will perform Live ice carving shows at Chestnut Hill on Ice on Friday, Jan. 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. Ice Sculpture Philly is the world’s first performance ice sculpting company combining action, adventure, humor, drama, and audience participation while Slavin is a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love.
Other events at the outdoor extravaganza include the eight-foot ice bonfire encased in a pillar of ice (Saturday at 5:30 p.m.); warming stations with fire pits located along Germantown Avenue, offering attendees the chance to warm up while enjoying warm adult and children-friendly beverages and snacks; and Stateside Vodka offering bottle sales at their mobile bar at Laurel Hill Gardens on Friday and Saturday.
According to the release, returning for the third year, Chestnut Hill’s restaurants will engage in a friendly competition to see who can cook up the most delicious chili, and Philadelphians can taste one or taste them all while exploring the Hill on Friday and Saturday. Participating restaurants include El Poquito (Beef Chili), Chestnut Hill Grill (Vegetarian Chili), McNally’s Tavern (Turkey Chili), All the Way Live Cafe (Chickpea Chili), Cosimo’s Pizza Cafe (Beef Chili), Mimi’s Market & Café (Turkey and Veggie Chili), Campbell’s Place (Beef Chili), Chestnut Hill Brewing (Vegan Chili) and more to be announced soon.
Chestnut Hill on Ice will also have live music from Chorduroy Acoustic Duo on Jan. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. Audiences can sit outside, enjoy some tunes, and relax with an extensive list of beers and boozy cocktails that can be enjoyed in an ice mug, including a new winter-themed cocktail— a Salted Caramel Vodka Hot Chocolate. Also new this year is a way to meet the Snow Queens (Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.) as a meet and greet at 150 East Evergreen Avenue. This cute photo opportunity will require masks, but you don’t need to register in advance.
Chestnut Hill on Ice will take place along Germantown Avenue between Rex Avenue and Willow Grove Avenue on Friday, Jan. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 30, from noon to 6 p.m. with a rain date set for Feb. 5 and 6.
For more information about Chestnut Hill and the Chestnut Hill on Ice event, visit chestnuthillpa.com
