Rittenhouse Row is Center City’s premier shopping district. Filled with some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and experiences, you are sure to find special gifts and treat yourself too! Enjoy our suggestions below for friends, families, and couples. Then take a stroll through Rittenhouse Square under the twinkling lights and glowing orbs high in the trees – we guarantee you’ll find inspiration and holiday spirit like nowhere else!

Experience: Nothing says it’s the holiday season quite like ice skating at Dilworth Park. Arrive right in the center of it all with the accessible Broad Street Line, walk up the glass entrance, and find City Hall transformed into a winter wonderland! For couples or friends interested in ice skating, the Rothman offers 90-minute skate sessions into the evening. To warm up, head into the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin for snacks and drinks, or take your food to the PNC Terrace and relax by the cozy fire pits.

A short stroll from Rittenhouse Square is the Academy of Music, home to the Philadelphia Ballet’s magical production of The Nutcracker. Be sure to experience this beloved family classic featuring dazzling costumes and choreography, battling mice and enchanted toys, all accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s unmistakable score.

Bar & Beverage: If the kids are craving a warm treat after ice skating, bring them over to Max Brenner at 1500 Walnut Street. This chocolate restaurant – the only one in the U.S. that’s located outside of New York City – is renowned for its original recipe hot cocoas like Peanut Butter and Oreo! A few decadent sips from your Max Brenner Hug Mugs and the family will be ready for the rest of the day in the Center City District.

Friends should be sure to check out Uptown Beer Garden where the outdoor space transforms into U-Ville for the holidays. Located at 1500 JFK Boulevard, this Christmas-themed bar features festive colorful lights, igloos, and best of all, drinks! Warm up in one of the private igloos and enjoy drinks served in Christmas mugs and ornament glasses.

Dining: A day of shopping and ice skating will work up an appetite, and Alice Pizza & Restaurant at 235 South 15th Street is a delicious and convenient spot for the whole family to refuel. Savor this authentic pizza al taglio experience the Roman way and get ready to continue the rest of your day.

Friends looking for an “Instagrammable” vibe should look no further than Rouge at 205 South 18th Street. This park-side bar and restaurant’s outdoor space transforms with ski lounge-inspired decor for the holiday season. Settle into a cozy tent decorated with skis and Christmas lighting, and enjoy American bistro fare and comfy faux fur throws next to a fire pit.

Shopping: Rittenhouse Row, featuring more than 200 businesses and named one of North America’s top retail corridors, will surely help in checking off gifts from your list! For families, stores to highlight include:

• Born Yesterday, 1901 Walnut Street
• Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut Street
• Kids Foot Locker, 1510 Chestnut Street
   

For the fashionistas that love a shopping destination and experience all-in-one, Anthropologie does just that! Located at 1801 Walnut Street, this architectural masterpiece constructed before the turn of the 20th century, is a well-known store in the Center City District. During the holiday season, Anthropologie decorates the inside and outside of the store with life-sized ornaments and tinsel! Other stores to visit include:

• Rescue Spa, 1601 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor
• Scotch & Soda, 1705 Walnut Street
• rag & bone, 1601 Walnut Street
• Indochino, 1718 Walnut Street
• Athleta, 1722 Walnut Street
• Bluemercury, 1707 Walnut Street
   

Trying to Plan Another Day?
After a day (or week!) of festive adventures throughout Rittenhouse Row, there’s still so much more to see for the holidays across Center City District. For another set of adventures just east of Rittenhouse Row, check out our guide to spending the holidays around Midtown Village.