December 3, 2025

By Basil Tutza

Winter Break is approaching fast—and with Philly’s slew of holiday events, any student can find a local spot for some post-finals festivities. Whether you’re an out-of-state student or a seasoned local, these Philadelphia traditions are sure to dazzle with their exclusive 2025 events and additions.  

Love Park Christmas Village 

Nothing in Philadelphia is more synonymous with the holiday season than the LOVE Park Christmas Village. With City Hall as a backdrop, the village signals the arrival of winter to Center City; and, until December 24th, will be hosting unique events every day of the season. December 10th, for instance, will mark the second of the village’s three Greenery Workshops, where participants are taught how to shape succulents into long-lasting holiday decor. Christmas Village also boasts over 100 food and craft vendors, a double-decker carousel and Ferris wheel, and, in a 2025 first, a 30-foot tall German Christmas pyramid. And, best of all, for students on a budget: admission is free! 

Winter at Dilworth Park 

Cozied up next to Christmas Village is Dilworth Park, whose “Winter at Dilworth Park” event calendar spans all the way to February 22nd. Dilworth is home to Philadelphia’s famous Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink and Cabin, where, after a frosty skating session, students can find warm food and beverages indoors by the fire. Of particular note are the rink’s College Nights, where students with a college ID can skate for only $3. Dilworth also offers its own Holiday Market, a sculpture and lights display at the Wintergarden, and a variety of food and drink popups throughout the winter months.  

Franklin Square 

Historic Franklin Square also hosts a variety of events through February 28th, including its impressively-sized Electrical Spectacle Light Show and the 18-hole Chilly Philly Mini Golf. With nightly gatherings spanning from costume parties to street curling, there’s a festive function for any student. 

Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village 

You won’t want to miss the Wanamaker Building’s Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village; 2025 is, after all, the event’s last year before an anticipated multi-year hiatus. The two free events—both indoors, for those wanting to escape the winter chill—bring holiday staples to America’s first department store. Thousands of lights, soundtracked by the famous Wanamaker Organ, lead into a full animatronic recreation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol—and, in a brand-new extension of Christmas Village, a fully indoor vendor venue. The event ends December 24th.  

Miracle on South 13th Street 

And, finally, for students looking for a more local feel, “A Miracle on South 13th Street” is a fully neighborhood-run house light display that covers the street’s 1600 block (between Tasker and Morris Streets). The 30-year tradition, lasting through January 1st this year, sees the entire block cloaked in lights, featuring both traditional twinkles and music-synced strips. Running nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the strip also hosts scheduled themed nights and frequent charity drives.