Fishtown Freeze Returns With Live Ice Carvings, Holiday Markets, Photos With Santa and Two Days of Neighborhood Shopping

The Fishtown District is gearing up for one of its most anticipated winter traditions as Fishtown Freeze returns for its seventh year on December 6, transforming Frankford Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood into a festive outdoor showcase of art, entertainment, and holiday shopping. Presented by Fishtown District and Ice Sculpture Philly, this free, family-friendly celebration invites visitors to explore dozens of ice sculptures, enjoy live carving demonstrations, sip seasonal beverages, snap photos with Santa, and shop from local small businesses all weekend long.

This year’s event promises the largest and most creative Fishtown Freeze yet, with five live ice carving demonstrations and more than two dozen custom sculptures placed throughout the neighborhood. Internationally acclaimed artists from Ice Sculpture Philly will be crafting everything from towering displays to intricate character pieces—each ready to be photographed before they melt away.

Visitors can stroll Frankford Avenue throughout the day to explore outdoor markets, warm up with food and drink specials, and take advantage of a complimentary trolley running from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to make it easier to visit every stop along the route.

Photos with Santa

12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave)

Mural City Cellars Winter Wonderland

12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
1825 Frankford Ave
In partnership with NKCDC, the garden will feature a live ice carving at 1:30 p.m., mulled wine, drink specials, vendors, and Shopping Spree bottle and merchandise discounts.

Evil Genius Beer Company: Ginger Jawn Christmas Pop-Up

Opens at 12:00 p.m.
1727 N Front St
Step inside floor-to-ceiling holiday décor, sample the Santa I Know Him beer release, and join the Santa 0.5K Charity Run at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include a comp beer and Santa hat.
All proceeds benefit holiday gifts for underprivileged families.

Mamajuana Cafe Philly: Holiday Tree Lighting

Opens at 12:00 p.m.
1431 Frankford Ave
Stop by to see Fishtown District’s official new 25-foot holiday tree, decorated with 10,000+ lights, plus festive cocktails and a winter menu.

Neighborhood Ice Sculptures

Starting at 12:00 p.m.
More than two dozen sculptures installed throughout Fishtown, available until they melt.

International Bar Outdoor Market

1524 N Front St
Featuring spiked Mexican hot chocolate, beignets, and vendor specials.

Johnny Brenda’s Maker Market & Grill

1201 Frankford Ave
Bratwursts on the grill, beer poking with Requiem Brewing, and a local maker’s market.

Live Carving Highlights

• 12:30 p.m. – Rivers Casino (1001 N Delaware Ave)

• 1:30 p.m. – Mural City Cellars Garden (1825 Frankford Ave)

• 2:15 p.m. – The Battery (1325 Beach St)

• 4:00 p.m. – Garage (Frankford & Girard)

• 5:30 p.m. – LMNO (1749 N Front St)

More All-Day Activities

• The Battery: indoor/outdoor open house with s’mores and a live carve

• Brooklyn Bowl: bowling and ice art

• Fabrika: outdoor Christmas patio with live music and drink specials (4–10 p.m.)

• Front Street Cafe: specialty cocktails and a holiday-themed prize raffle

A full list of participating sculpture locations includes Cake Life Bake Shop, Fishtown Jewelers, Philadelphia Distilling, Vince’s Pizzeria, Riverwards Produce, Sancho Pistolas, Mural City Cellars, and many more.

To complement Saturday’s Freeze festivities, the Fishtown Holiday Shopping Spree returns with exclusive sales, treats, and holiday perks at more than 25 independent retailers, boutiques, cafés, and bars. Visitors can support small businesses while enjoying complimentary drinks, snacks, and special promotions.

Highlights include:

• Cake Life Bake Shop: holiday cookie boxes and Peppermint Mochas

• Cloud 9 Clay: 35% off select pottery

• Fishtown Jewelers: 15% off all inventory

• Franklin & Poe: White’s Boots Made-to-Measure Event

• Front Street Café: half-priced specialty cocktails

• H&H Books: up to 50% off

• Minnow Lane: complimentary hot apple cider

• Myrtle & Magnolia: raffle prizes with every purchase

• PROPERgoods: free 4″ plant with $50 purchase

• Riverwards Produce: $6.99 meal deal

• Wild Heart Tattoo: holiday flash tattoos and charm bar

• And many more Sip & Shop experiences, pop-ups, and promotions