Get Ready For the Electrical Light Show, Street Curling, Chilli Mini Golf & More at Winter in Franklin Square
One of Philly’s hottest winter attraction is back. Winter in Franklin Square featuring the center piece of the park, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. Winter in Franklin Park opens on Thursday, November 21st and will feature a slew of engaging activities including an indoor heated lounge, street curling, fire pits, mini golf, and more.
The Electrical Spectacle Light Show is the key to holiday nighttime fun in Franklin Square. Sparked by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius and themed to his electric discovery with a giant kite and key, the Electrical Spectacle is a free light show that illuminates the Square nightly with shows every 30 minutes from 5 pm until closing. Visitors marvel at the hundreds of thousands of lights (more than ever) as they shimmer and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of seasonal classics.
New to the holiday classic line up will be Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), from The Philly Specials’ 2022 debut album, A Philly Special Christmas, is performed by Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata. Other holiday hits will include All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey, Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano; Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Tchaikovsky with Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a – Russian Dance performed by Charles Dutoit & L’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal; Sleigh Ride performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS® featuring Ann Hampton Callaway; A Christmas Festival, performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS® featuring Ann Hampton Callaway; and Carol of the Bells (Starchild Excaliber Drumadelic Remix) performed by the London Festival Orchestra.
Activities and Attractions
● STREET CURLING
Franklin Square Street Curling returns this winter in an adaptation of the Olympic team sport in which players slide granite stones toward a target on a sheet of ice. Street Curling (no ice, here) is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (Rocks) across the slippery surface toward the target (The House). At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session. Fun for all ages and skill levels.
● CHILLY MINI GOLF
Description automatically generatedChilly Philly Mini Golf (through January 26) transforms Center City’s only outdoor miniature golf course both daytime and evenings. Experience lights, seasonal music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends throughout the course.
● BEN ON THE ROCKS TENT/LOUNGE
The heated tent will be open nightly, surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Beer Garden. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and seating throughout the Square, as well as the beautiful indoor heated tent. Open every night the Festival is open beginning at 5 pm, serving a variety of hand-crafted cocktails.
● SquareBurger
Will be available both daytime and nighttime, offering classic comfort foods with seasonal additions.
SPECIAL EVENTS NOVEMBER and DECEMBER:
● Winter in Franklin Square Opening Night (Thursday, November 21)
● Philadelphia Dance Academy performing scenes from The Nutcracker (November 24, 5-7 pm).
● Jingle and Mingle with Santa (November 29 and 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 5-7 pm) and bring pets for Santa Paws (December 14). On Thursday evening December 12, Santa will make an additional special appearance from 5-6 pm. Keep an eye out for Santa near the Franklin Square Fountain, double-checking his naughty and nice lists and posing for elfie-selfies. FREE.
● Brunch with Santa includes a holiday brunch inside the Ben on the Rocks heated tent while visiting with guests and posing for photos (December 21, 11 am-1 pm, $25 adults and $20 children).
● Gift-Making (December 13, 5:30 – 7:30 pm) – Children can create gifts for their families with area arts organizations. FREE.
● In cooperation with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Franklin Square will hold an evening to spotlight Kwanzaa: Celebrating Ujamaa: Kwanzaa Quizzo and Evening Bazaar with AAMP at the Franklin Square on December 29, 5 – 8 pm.
● Hanukkah Celebration with Old City Jewish Arts Center (December 30).
● Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown, Tuesday, December 31, 5-8 pm – will ring in the New Year with the most family-friendly celebration in town. Crafts and the famous Square Drop at 6 pm plus the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square.
SPECIAL EVENTS IN WINTER 2025:
● Boozy Ben’s Birthday “Bengo,” January 4-5, 5 – 7 pm – Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo to celebrate the Founding Father’s birthday inside the Ben On the Rocks heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
● Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Weekend, January 18-20 – Bring NEW scarves, hats, and gloves to donate to Bethesda Project, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, housing, and supportive services to adults experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Get one free Parx Liberty Carousel ride or free admission to the Betsy Ross House per person with each donation. Donations can be dropped off at Franklin Square (6th & Race Streets) or Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street).
● A group of people in clothing
Description automatically generatedIce Princess Weekend, January 25-26, 5 – 7 pm – Frosty fun comes to Franklin Square with ice carving, children’s activities, and everyone’s favorite royalty. Visit Elsa and Anna, everyone’s favorite Frozen princesses, as well as Tiana from The Princess and the Frog and Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto. Free crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● Love is in the air for February when Philly Mini Golf with Love (January 30 – February 23) takes over the course. Center City’s only miniature golf course is transformed for love-themed winter fun in Franklin Square, celebrating the season of love with special décor and music. The 18-hole game features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Rocky Steps, and Ben Franklin Bridge. Tickets are $15 adults/$12 children (3-12); FREE for children under 2.
● Lunar New Year Celebration, Saturday, February 1, 5 – 7 pm – Celebrate the Year of the Snake with partners from Philadelphia’s historic neighboring Chinatown: Philly Suns Lion Dancers, crafts for children with the Asian Arts Initiative, red envelope surprise giveaways, and a free dumpling workshop with Michael Chow from the popular Chinatown restaurant Sang Kee.
● Boozy Ben’s “Bengo,” Fridays, February 7, 14, 21, 5 – 7 pm – Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo inside the Ben On the Rocks heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
● Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE Date Night, Friday, February 14, 5 – 7 pm – Couples who book Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE get a special treat along with their love-themed date night.
● Presidents’ Day Quizzo, February 15-16, 5 – 7 pm – The Franklin Square Quiz Master will be on hand to test Presidential trivia skills.
