By Molly Given
It’s about that time of year when the Delaware River Waterfront really lights up, and there’s a full slate of holiday happenings getting ready to kick off this Friday, Nov. 28.
The opening date marks the start of service for the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest (plus festive offerings at Cherry Street Pier) with outdoor firepits, warming cabins, and special food and drink options to enjoy along the way.
“For more than 30 years, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has been Philadelphia’s premier destination for skating, memories, and winter fun,” says Joseph A. Forkin, president and CEO of DRWC. “This season, our winter tradition expands to Cherry Street Pier with holiday shopping and art installations that invite everyone to make new memories and rekindle family traditions along the Waterfront.”
Open seven days a week, including holidays (unless otherwise noted), Winterfest admission is free with pay-as-you-go amenities. Some favorites returning to the venue this year include a Ferris wheel, indoor arcade, and a giant holiday tree, which will be lit during a public ceremony on Dec. 5.
Skating tickets, cabins, firepits, or Rinkside Lounge packages are also available to reserve for any holiday party or festive gathering. As a release notes, skate admission is $5, and skate rental is $12. Independence Blue Cross members can receive free skate admission for themselves and up to three guests by showing their IBX card online or in person (skate rental not included). Military personnel and first responders also receive free skate admission for themselves and up to three guests with valid ID (in person only; skate rental not included).
The rinkside Lodge at Winterfest will also keep guests satisfied with options like hot chocolate, spirited cocktails, and local brews. Otherwise, on-site food and beverage partners include Chickie’s & Pete’s, Skelly’s Amusements, Skelly’s Pizza Port, Philly Taco, and—new this year—Philadelphia’s historic spirits supplier, Jacquin’s, which will take over the outdoor Porch Bar with a lineup of winter-themed cocktails from their brands. Overall, the menu throughout the venue will feature bites like Crabfries, birria tacos, pizza, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and more.
Then, down at Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphians can check out a Holiday Art Show next month, or peruse a curated gift guide from the Artist in Residence there.
With the latter, beginning Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29), Pier artists will offer handmade gifts from Philadelphia creatives who work out of their Cherry Street Pier studios (that date will also launch the 2025 Cherry Street Pier Artist Gift Guide). As a release notes, shoppers and visitors will be able to purchase art prints and textiles, collages, jewelry, Philadelphia-centric pieces, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes from a variety of price ranges.
The Holiday Art Show, on the other hand, will kick off Friday, Dec. 5, as part of the First Friday Series, and will remain on site for the weekend (until Dec. 7). It’s set to start just ahead of the Holiday Tree Lighting (powered by PECO) at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.
To stay up to date on DRWC happenings throughout the year, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com