press release

Winter Attractions Return to Dilworth Park this November

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

Ice skating, Wintergarden and cold-weather fun through February 2023!

PHILADELPHIA (October 18, 2022): All of Dilworth Park’s popular winter attractions are returning in November. The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will again offer skating seven days per week, the Greenfield Lawn will host reindeer topiaries in the Wintergarden and the west facade of historic City Hall will once again be illuminated by the Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross with support from 6abc. The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will round out the park’s seasonal transformation.

On Tuesday, November 1, winter in Dilworth Park will officially begin with the opening of the Wintergarden. The outdoor oasis features hundreds of twinkling lights woven throughout 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 the space. A favorite for visitors of all ages, the Wintergarden is a perfect place to pause amid the festive bustle of Center City. Warmed mulled wine, available to guests 21 and over, will be available for purchase from the Chaddsford Winery kiosk.

On Friday, November 4 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 skate performance with children from the Laura Sims Skate House in West Philadelphia. The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin will offer festive food and drink items to commemorate the celebration. 

Dilworth Park visitors can support local businesses and crafters by shopping small at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, returning Saturday, November 19. More than 40 local vendors will offer unique and diverse products, including handmade jewelry, skin care, artwork, home décor, clothing and more.

And on Monday, November 21, Dilworth Park’s beloved Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross returns to animate the west façade of City Hall with colorful projections and sounds synonymous with winter cheer. Produced with support from 6abc the Center City District, the show was created by Philadelphia-based art and design studio Klip Collective.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will be open daily through February 26, 2023. 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 $5 for children 10 and younger, and $8 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 Troёgs and Michelob Ultra. Outside on the PNC 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.”  

This season’s events and amenities include:   

Wintergarden
November 1-March 26, 2023

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 4, 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 4-February 26, 2023

Experience the city’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 26, 2023. To reserve a sled email, sleds@rinkmanagement.com.

Cocktails and Cold Ones
Wednesdays, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.   
November 9-February 22, 2023 

Sip $7 Hornitos Tequila® cocktails, $6 wine and $5 Blue Point Toasted Lagers, plus discounted weekly food specials, every Wednesday night at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin.  

College Nights presented by Temple University
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.   
November 10-February 23, 2023         

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 19-January 1, 2023
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 presented by Independence Blue Cross
Daily, 5 p.m.-9p.m.
November 21-January 1, 2023

The west façade of historic City Hall will be illuminated with a full show premiering every hour. Show times are nightly at the top of the hour.

Santa Express
Friday, November 25
10:30 a.m.-Noon

Santa Claus is coming to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line! Kids will have the opportunity to ice skate with him during the 11 a.m. session. Members of the East Passyunk Opera Project (ePOP) will also be in attendance leading holiday carols throughout the morning.

Storytime with Santa
Saturday, December 3
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Spend the afternoon with Woodland Santa as he reads stories and takes photos with children in the beautiful Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn. Crafts, including wooden ornament making, will also be offered.

Lunar New Year Celebration presented by Temple University
Saturday, January 21, 2023
5  p.m.- 7 p.m.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a prancing lion, traditional Chinese dancers and a delicious menu in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, where the first 100 guests will receive a lucky red envelope containing secret prizes. Ice skating sessions will be available throughout the evening.

Free in February presented by Rothman Orthopaedics   
Mondays and Tuesdays, February 6-February 21, 2023

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. 

Superhero Skate
Saturday, February 4, 2023
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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

Ice Festival
Saturday, February 18, 2023
1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Celebrate the final days of the winter at Dilworth Park with intricate ice sculptures, dueling ice carving demonstrations and a full-size baby grand piano made entirely from ice. Additional offerings include ice skating at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, an ice dance performance and themed food and beverages.

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