Press release

Winter Traditions Return to Dilworth Park

Contact:  
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Center City District offers ice skating, outdoor dining and cold weather fun through February 2022!
 

PHILADELPHIA (October 14, 2021): Beginning this November, some of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions return to Dilworth Park. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn. In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.  

Dilworth Park’s winter season will begin on Monday, November 1 with the opening of the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn presented by TD Bank. Featuring festive décor, playful topiaries and twinkling lights, the Wintergarden is an oasis for visitors to pause amid the festive bustle of Center City. Warm mulled cider, available to guests 21 and over, and other beverages are available for purchase from the Chaddsford Winery kiosk located within the space.

On Friday, November 5 at 11:30 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the grand opening of this year’s Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin with an enchanting twist. On opening day, “Woodland Winter at the Rink” will feature a cluster of skating fairies and a stilt walking sprite. That evening at 6 p.m., the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin will offer themed food and drink items as the performer greets guests. On Saturday, November 6 at 1 p.m., “Woodland Winter” fun will continue with a live ice carving demonstration, crafts for children and a scavenger hunt through the Wintergarden.

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will return on Saturday, November 20 with over 40 local vendors. Visitors can begin their holiday shopping while strolling through this unique outdoor market. Find handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home décor, clothing, local Victory Brewing Company Hop Hazer and much more.

And on Monday, November 22, Dilworth Park’s Deck the Hall Light Show will return to illuminate the west façade of Philadelphia’s historic City Hall. The colorful projections will run on a non-stop loop, helping to highlight and animate the building’s unique architecture. Produced with support from the Center City District and 6abc, the display was created by Philadelphia-based art and design studio Klip Collective.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will remain open daily through February 27, 2022. Online reservations for timed, 90-minute skating sessions are encouraged. To view skating session times and purchase tickets, visit rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.  Admission is $5 for children 10 and younger, and $7 for adults; skate rental is $10 per person and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Guests with pre-purchased tickets must check in at the ticket window upon arrival. In-person sales, based on availability, will also be offered onsite. Patrons can also reserve lockers ahead of time and purchase locks during check-in.

Relax with a visit to the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, decorated with elements reminiscent of a cozy ski chalet. Spacious seating is provided for diners ready to enjoy hearty seasonal dishes and sweet bites – perfect for fueling up between skating sessions and shopping trips. Adults 21 and older can enjoy cocktails made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Suntory’s Haku Vodka. Favorites like Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra will also be offered. Head outside to the PNC Terrace to enjoy toasty fire pits. 

“We’re excited to kick off another season of The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin at Dilworth Park,” said Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics, and Professor of Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals. “Year after year, we look forward to the rink opening and providing the people of Greater Philadelphia a fun and safe place to celebrate the holiday season. Special thank you to the team at Center City District for creating this amazing space and continuing to raise the bar every season.”

This season’s events and amenities include:   

Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn presented by TD Bank
November 1-April 3, 2022

An open-air greenspace filled with lights, topiaries and rustic décor - perfect for photo-ops and relaxing strolls. A Chaddsford Winery kiosk offers warm mulled cider for purchase to guests 21 and older. The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation has provided additional support for this season’s Wintergarden.

TD is also proud to support the Wintergarden to create a healthier and more sustainable Center City.

Woodland Winter at the Rink
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink Opening Weekend

Friday, November 5, 11:30 a.m. | 6 p.m.:

The winter season kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, complete with skating fairies, an enchanted stilt walker and magical snow flurries. In the evening, themed food and drink items will be offered in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin.

Saturday, November 6, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.:

Opening weekend continues with an ice carving demonstration, crafts for kids and a woodland scavenger hunt and bubble magic with a real-life fairy.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Daily, November 5-February 27, 2022

Experience the city’s most-anticipated wintertime destination, open 7 days a week. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions. Purchase tickets online ahead of time, and find the full schedule, at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.

Children and adults with physical/developmental disabilities can reserve a sled for skating beginning on January 3 through February 27, 2022. To reserve a sled email, sleds@rinkmanagement.com.

Cocktails and Cold Ones
Wednesdays, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.   
November 10-February 23, 2022 

Sip $6 Hornito’s Tequila cocktails, $5 wine and $4 Blue Point Toasted Lagers, plus discounted weekly food specials, every Wednesday night at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin.  

College Nights
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
November 11-February 24, 2022       

College students pay $2 admission with a valid student ID. Online reservations are encouraged. Skate rental not included. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market 
November 20-January 1, 2022
Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.  

Support local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade jewelry, artwork, home décor and more. Visit DilworthPark.org for hours and a full list of vendors.

Deck the Hall Light Show
Daily, November 22-January 1, 2022

Philadelphia’s premier holiday light experience returns to illuminate the west façade of historic City Hall. The projections will play on a non-stop loop Sundays-Thursdays from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. 

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
January 4-February 22, 2022

Professional instructors and trainers from Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut will lead outdoor workouts for participants of all skill levels.

Superhero Skate
Saturday, January 15, 2022
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Kids are invited to skate with their favorite superheroes on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink! Costumes are encouraged.

Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 29, 2022
5  p.m.- 7 p.m.

Sponsored by Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communications, guests are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year with a prancing lion, traditional Chinese dancers and a delicious menu in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. Ice skating sessions will be available throughout the evening.

Free in February presented by Temple University  
Daily, February 1-February 27, 2022

Throughout the month of February, enjoy free admission to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, courtesy of Temple University. Guests will receive one free pass at the end of their session to return for another skating session anytime during the month of February, subject to availability during remaining timeslots. Skate rental not included.

Center City District and all park food operations follow the City of Philadelphia’s current health safety guidelines. Visit phila.gov to learn more. Masks are strongly encouraged outdoors when not actively eating or drinking and are required indoors when ordering food. Center City District, café and rink staff will offer free masks to anyone who requests one.

The winter season at Dilworth Park is presented by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Temple University, TD Bank and 6abc. All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th St., on the west side of City Hall. Visit DilworthPark.org to learn more. 

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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, Twitter and Instagram.  

About Rothman Orthopaedic Institute:

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is the largest musculoskeletal practice in the United States according to Becker’s Review. A world-leader in the field of orthopaedics, Rothman Orthopaedics partners with health systems, hospitals and physicians to build enduring musculoskeletal systems of care in communities that are high-quality, compassionate, affordable and grounded in evidence-based medicine.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute orthopaedists treat patients in over 50 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and most recently in Florida through its partnership with AdventHealth. Rothman also has surgical privileges at 58 facilities across the tristate region. With experts in nine orthopaedic sub-specialties including spine, hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopaedic oncology and trauma, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is recognized for excellence in clinical treatment methods, research, education and technology.

Consistently recognized as national and regional “Top Docs,” Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is proud to be the official team physicians for the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, the iconic Radio City Rockettes, The Big East Conference, as well as over 40 college and high school teams.

For more information about Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, please visit www.RothmanOrtho.com.