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Giavana Suraci 
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Seasonal attractions, world-class dining, shopping and more!

PHILADELPHIA (November 17, 2022) - Every winter, visitors from across the region come to Center City to enjoy holiday traditions found only in Philadelphia. From the Macy’s Light Show and Santa sightings to City Hall’s Holiday Tree, Christmas Village and the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, major attractions can be found in every part of the Center City District (CCD). This year, plan the perfect holiday excursion while exploring the many shopping, dining and arts & culture destinations that define the District year-round.  

No matter the season, Center City offers a walkable, vibrant atmosphere accented by outdoor cafes, public spaces and seasonal décor. Its five unique retail neighborhoods, Midtown Village, Market East, Jewelers’ Row, Rittenhouse Row and the West Market Parkway District, each provides a well-rounded experience, especially during the holidays. And with CCD providing daily cleaning, safety and outreach services, visitors can feel comfortable exploring all there is to enjoy while checking must-do’s from their list.

Plan the perfect day in Center City by following CCD’s suggested itineraries by neighborhood:

Midtown Village:
Local shopping, creative cuisine and light-show nostalgia

With an eclectic assortment of local merchants, Midtown Village makes it easy to shop small. Handcrafted soaps and artisanal chocolates can be found on the same street as Philly-centric sportswear and gifts. Hop from store to store before landing at Macy’s Center City, where the iconic Light Show and Dickens Village return for the holidays. When it’s time to settle down for dinner, stroll down 13th Street to find some of the best, and most diverse, restaurants in the region.  End the night with a festive cocktail at a funky seasonal pop-up, or enjoy a cold beer at the city’s oldest tavern.

Market East:
Food halls, shopping malls and festive décor

Convenience is king along Market East, where big-box retailers make shopping a breeze. Affordable stocking stuffers can be purchased at the iconic Lit Brothers Building, and the Fashion District mall is a one-stop-shop for well-known national brands. As you enter the District, past the life-size ornaments on display by the entrance, be sure to line up to meet Santa! At lunchtime, head over to the Reading Terminal Market, where dozens of local food and beverage purveyors offer a diverse selection of international cuisines. Later that evening, visit East Market’s Snow Walk to find a massive Christmas tree and holiday lights.

Jewelers’ Row:
“Silver Linings” and gifts that sparkle

The country’s oldest diamond district is known for more than just gemstones, with over 300 retail storefronts to choose from. After gift shopping, catch a matinee performance at the Walnut Street Theatre, or treat yourself to a facial at a nearby spa. Grab a bite at one of the neighborhood’s many fine dining, casual or quick-service restaurants before heading into a decades-old chocolate shop to satisfy your sweet tooth. Before the day ends, stroll under immaculate holiday lights on your way to enjoy a boozy Christmas-themed milkshake.

Rittenhouse Row:
Luxury retail, fine dining and world-class arts & culture

Rittenhouse Row is Center City’s premier shopping district, with luxury retailers lining the same streets as national brands and local boutiques. Browse for the perfect gift before an afternoon of ice skating at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Dilworth Park, or before strolling through Rittenhouse Square to admire the dangling orbs that illuminate its treetops. A day of shopping, ice skating and sight-seeing will work up an appetite, and there is no shortage of fine dining and casual restaurants to visit. Before ending the evening with the Nutcracker at the Academy of Music, stop for drinks in an outdoor ski “chalet” or beer garden filled to the brim with holiday decor.

West Market Parkway District:
Lounges, lights and LOVE in the air 

The West Market Parkway District is part of Center City’s modern office corridor, comprised of new restaurants, retailers and the continuing construction of new high-rise developments. Start the day in Christmas Village at LOVE Park, where more than 100 vendors are set up in rustic wooden booths. Gift ideas include handmade toys, artwork, clothing and skincare. Grab a snack at the Village before heading over to the Comcast Center for the Comcast Holiday Spectacular. Later, continue holiday shopping at the Shops at Liberty Place before settling in for dinner or drinks at a rooftop bar in front of cozy firepits.  

As pedestrian volumes on Center City sidewalks approach pre-pandemic levels and as more workers are returning to downtown offices, CCD has ramped up safety, outreach and crime prevention efforts in partnership with public and private security to create a welcoming environment for residents, workers and visitors during the holiday season and beyond. In addition to 110 sidewalk cleaners who sweep and pressure wash sidewalks and remove graffiti, public safety programs have expanded to more than 90 staff, which include Community Service Representatives, bicycle safety patrol and the Ambassadors of Hope. To learn more about CCD’s expanded safety programs, visit centercityphila.org. 

 “Where else in the region can you find world-class arts & culture, award-winning restaurants and over 500 retail storefronts, in addition to classic holiday attractions that can only be found in Philadelphia?,” said Michelle Shannon, VP of Marketing and Communications for the Center City District. “Center City is diverse and vibrant. We offer an experience for every person of any age or background. We support restaurant and retail employees. We embrace arts & culture. This is how we holiday, and we’d love you to join us.”

Learn more about Center City’s unique retail neighborhoods and seasonal attractions at centercityphila.org/holidayevents.

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 The Center City District, a private-sector organization dedicated to making Center City Philadelphia clean, safe and attractive, is committed to maintaining Center City’s competitive edge as a regional employment center, a quality place to live, and a premier regional destination for dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Find us at www.centercityphila.org and on Facebook and Twitter.