Contact: 
JoAnn Loviglio 
T 215.440.5546 
jloviglio@centercityphila.org 
pr@centercityphila.org  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Pedestrian-friendly shopping returns for one final Sunday in 2025 along an expanded footprint on Walnut Street  

PHILADELPHIA (November 4, 2025) — Open Streets: West Walnut, produced by the Center City District (CCD), will return one last time in 2025 with a special holiday edition on Sunday, December 7.  

Since its launch in September 2024, the popular street closure program has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors from across the Philadelphia region. For the first time, CCD will expand the route to include the 1400 block of Walnut Street. 

To mark this special edition of Open Streets: West Walnut, CCD will host a one-of-a-kind installation at the intersection of 18th and Walnut streets — a baby grand piano made entirely of ice. Artists from Ice Sculpture Philly will build the piano throughout the day as passersby observe. In the afternoon, spectators can enjoy a live performance. 

CCD collected data to evaluate the impact of Open Streets: West Walnut during its first full year. Businesses along the route reported 62% higher foot traffic and 36% higher sales on Open Streets Sundays compared to typical Sundays. 

"In 2025, visitors from every corner of Philadelphia came to Center City to experience our commercial corridors re-imagined as pedestrian-focused thoroughfares," CCD President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta said. "This holiday season, we're excited to deck the halls and bring the community together for a day of shopping and holiday festivities along our premier retail corridor, Rittenhouse Row." 

The hours for Open Streets: West Walnut on December 7 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with street closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Walnut Street from Broad to 19th and along 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust. Sansom, 15th, 16th, and 17th streets will remain open to vehicular traffic.    

These pedestrian-only thoroughfares act as an extension of public space for guests to stroll, shop, and socialize. In addition to the ice piano, CCD is planning ambient entertainment throughout the day, including strolling bubble magic, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday carolers and more. A family-friendly zone will feature games and toys for families, and seating pods will be set up along the route. The full schedule of entertainment can be found at centercityphila.org/openstreets.   

Shoppers are also encouraged to enjoy a meal or cocktail at one of the many restaurants along the route that will also be open for business, some of which will offer expanded outdoor dining. Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants. Some businesses plan to expand outside and onto the sidewalk, and some will offer special discounts and promotions. 

There will be no supplemental vendors on the street; visitors are encouraged to support the businesses located on the closed streets and surrounding areas. 

Open Streets: West Walnut is produced by CCD with support from the City of Philadelphia and Rittenhouse Row. These events are weather permitting and subject to change. Select performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77. 

To find the full list of participating businesses, frequently asked questions and more, visit centercityphila.org/openstreets.                                                                            

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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.