Contact:
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Ice skating, Wintergarden and cold-weather fun through February 2024!

PHILADELPHIA (October 24, 2023): Center City District (CCD) is ramping up its year-round programming in Dilworth Park with our annual “grand finale” of winter events and attractions starting in November.

The Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn will be the first of many seasonal amenities to debut, opening on Friday, November 3. The outdoor oasis features hundreds of twinkling lights woven through woodland décor, including a massive overhead arbor. Topiaries in the shape of reindeer will be themed to match their unique backstories, and seasonal foliage will be planted throughout. A favorite for visitors of all ages, the Wintergarden is a place of delight for young children and a perfect place for adults to pause amid the festive bustle of Center City. Warmed mulled wine, available to guests 21 and over, will be available for purchase from a Chaddsford Winery kiosk located within the space.

On Friday, November 10 at 11:30 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the grand opening of this year’s Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin. Program highlights include a pop-up snow shower and a performance with skaters from the Laura Sims Skate House in West Philadelphia. The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin will offer festive food and drink items to commemorate the celebration.

Following the ribbon cutting, the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will be open daily through February 25, 2024. Online reservations for timed, 90-minute skating sessions are encouraged. To view skating session times and to purchase tickets, visit rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com. Admission is $6 for children 10 and younger, and $9 for adults; skate rental is $10 per person and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Guests with pre-purchased passes must check in at the ticket window upon arrival. In-person sales, based on availability, will also be offered. Lockers can be reserved ahead of time and locks will be sold onsite.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin is the perfect place to relax between skating sessions and shopping trips, offering a full menu of seasonal dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere. At the bar, adults 21 and older will find tasty cocktails made with Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and Haku® Vodka, plus local and craft beers, including Kona Big Wave and Michelob Ultra. Outside on the TD Bank Terrace, toasty fire pits are available to enjoy at no charge.

“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, 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.” 

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will also open for the season on Friday, November 10. The open-air marketplace will feature more than 40 local vendors from the Philadelphia region with a diverse and unique selection of products. Dilworth Park visitors can expect everything from home goods and jewelry to skin care, artwork and artisan treats. The full list of vendors can be found at dilworthpark.org.

Starting this year, CCD is pleased to announce that all of City Hall and Dilworth Park’s transit headhouses are being outfitted with year-round color-changing LED lights similar to the vibrant lighting on South Broad Street’s building facades and this will replace the time-limited, Deck the Hall Light Show. Most of the installation of the permanent new lighting is expected to be completed in December, though some of the work may be completed in early 2024 and a special ceremony is being planned to “turn on” the new permanent lighting installation.

This season’s events and amenities include:   

Wintergarden
November 3-March 17, 2024

The Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn is a picturesque and whimsical outdoor sanctuary for visitors to relax amid the bustle of Center City. Highlights include rustic décor, playful reindeer topiaries and twinkling lights. Adults 21 and older can purchase warm mulled wine at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk conveniently located within the space.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink Opening Day
Friday, November 10, 11:30 a.m.

The winter season kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, complete with an ice skating performance and a pop-up snow shower.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Daily, November 10-February 25, 2024

Experience Philadelphia’s premier 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. Weekday hours will change in January and February.

Children and adults with physical/developmental disabilities can reserve a sled for skating beginning on January 2 through February 25, 2024. To reserve a sled email, sleds@rinkmanagement.com.

Cocktails and Cold Ones
Wednesdays, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.   
November 15-February 21, 2024 

Sip $7 Maker’s Mark® Bourbon cocktails, $6 wine and $5 Hazy Beer Hug plus discounted weekly food specials, every Wednesday night at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. This weekly happy hour is perfect for after-work outings with colleagues, catching up with friends and post-skating relaxation.

College Nights presented by Temple University
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.   
November 16-February 22, 2024 

College students pay $3 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 10-January 1, 2024
Sundays-Thursdays, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.  

Support small businesses and crafters by shopping local this holiday season. This unique outdoor market creates a one-stop destination for gifts including handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home goods, clothing, skin care and more. Visit DilworthPark.org for hours and a full list of vendors.

Santa Express
Friday, November 24
10:30 a.m.-Noon

Santa Claus is coming to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink on SEPTA! Kids will have the opportunity to ice skate with him during the 11 a.m. session.

Ice Festival
Saturday, January 20, 2024
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Celebrate the continuation of winter at Dilworth Park with ice skating performances, ice sculptures, dueling ice carving demonstrations and a full-size baby grand piano made entirely from ice.  Ice skating at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, activities for the family and plenty of warm food and beverages round out the day.

Superhero Skate
Saturday, February 3, 2024
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m
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Kids are invited to skate with their favorite superheroes on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink! Costumes are encouraged.

Free in February presented by Rothman Orthopaedics   
Mondays and Tuesdays, February 5-February 20, 2024

On Mondays and Tuesdays in February, enjoy free admission to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, courtesy of the Rothman Orthopaedics Institute. Skate rental is not included.

Big Game Tailgate
Saturday, February 10, 2024
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Get ready for the big game at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin!  Enjoy food and drink specials while gearing up for football themed activities.

Love on Ice at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Grab your sweetheart for this Valentine’s Day themed Cocktails and Cold Ones event. Enjoy drinks and food in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin along with other special Valentine’s Day activities.

Lunar New Year Celebration presented by Temple University
Saturday, February 17, 2024
5  p.m.- 7 p.m.

Temple University is proud to support this year’s Lunar New Year celebration 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.

The winter season at Dilworth Park is presented by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Temple University 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.