City Hall: Dilworth Park

year it gets bigger and better. The block is lit from 5 pm until midnight.

If you drive, be patient, if you decide to park near each block and walk, the residents request that you social distance and wear a mask.

Rittenhouse Square & Addison Street

Rittenhouse Square has a different, more romantic vibe, especially during the holidays, when it’s filled with 5,000 lights and white globes hanging from the trees. It’s nearly impossible not to smile. Even if no one can see your smile under your mask they’ll see it in your eyes. After you take in the Square, head south to the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Addison Street, between Pine and

Lombard. The trees arching over the little street are draped in white lights yearround. But, it’s so charming that it’s still a don’t-miss whenever you’re nearby in the evening and especially when you’re out appreciating the holiday lights. Addison is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.

In just a couple of years,

Winter at Dilworth Park has become a beloved holiday tradition. This outdoor activity returns in 2020 with some new social distancing protocols in place. Masks are required.

The Deck the Halls Holiday Light Show has been redesigned so it doesn’t draw crowds. The remarkable illumination of the west side of City Hall will be continuous throughout the evening. Watch as City Hall is transformed into a giant pinball machine, Christmas sweater, gingerbread house and more. It runs on Fridays & Saturdays from 5 - 11 pm and until 9 pm on other days.

And don’t miss the massive Christmas tree, topped with a Liberty Bell, or the Wintergarden, an open air garden with whimsical reindeer topiaries, festive twinkling lights and a new rustic arbor and the fire pits. There’s also an ice skating rink and carousel (not free).

Then head across the street to Love Park to take in Christmas Village. This charming holiday activity, which is modeled after traditional Christmas villages in Germany, is back this year with a new safety protocol.

Boathouse Row

Philadelphia’s iconic Boathouse Row will be lit in Chanukah colors thorough December 17, Christmas colors from December 19 through 25 and Kwanzaa colors from December 26 through January 1. The best place to take in the lights and snap a few pictures is from the Fairmount fish ladder off the Schuylkill River Trail just off MLK Jr. Drive.

West Chester: Griswolds Christmas