The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is Back With Holiday Decor, S’more Kits, Heated Lodges, Ferris Wheel & More
The 28th Season of Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest officially kicks off on Black Friday, November 26 and will run through March 6, 2022. Between the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s (DRWC) signature National Hockey League sized ice skating rink; 60-foot Ferris Wheel; thousands of sparkling lights; a 40+ foot holiday tree; s’mores kits for purchase to cook around the fire pits; the return of the heated lodge, and some exciting new food and drink offerings; this year’s park promises a winter wonderland for cozy and safe gatherings indoors, outdoors and much more.
Also new at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest this year, FCM introduces a new food and beverage concept for the lodge with Black Iron BBQ. Inspiration for this seasonal venture can be found up the street at FCM Hospitality’s Craft Hall. Utilizing their 700 pound smoker, guests can expect classic BBQ technique with a twist of Philly flavors – providing the perfect, stick to your ribs comfort foods on those cold days exploring the beautiful riverfront. Signature sandwiches such as the pulled pork and shaved brisket are sure to please family members of all ages. Vegan options such as an Impossible burger will also be available. If the holiday season
has you feeling nostalgic, be sure to warm up with their tomato soup topped with pretzel croutons to give it the quintessential Philly twist.
Skelly’s Amusements, a Summerfest favorite, is cooking up a number of warm-weather delights, including s’mores kits, hot cocoa, fried oreos, and funnel cake. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Lodge favorite Chickie’s & Pete’s will return once more with their signature cheesesteaks, boneless wings, Crabfries, and more.
Boardwalk games and rides don’t have to end along with the Summer – visitors will be able to cozy up with a few extra layers and see all of the sparkling lights from 60 feet above with a ride on the Ferris Wheel ($5). Cabin rentals are available for 90 minute increments ($75 for a single – 8 people; $125 for a double – 12 to15 people). For the second year in a row, fire pits can be reserved in advance to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all ages ($25 for 90 minutes). Cabin and firepits can be reserved at https://www.showclix.com/event/winterfest-cabin-and-firepit-rentals-2021.
Advanced timed ticketing will be offered for ice skating ($5 skating and $10 skate rental) as well as on site, though advance ticketing is recommended. Tickets can be reserved at https://www.showclix.com/event/blue-cross-riverrink-winterfest-2021.
“We have experienced record turnout in the past year and we are very proud to attribute that to our unique ability to offer Philadelphians and visitors a safe and fun environment with incredible views, without sacrificing our high standard of creating visually stunning, immersive spaces, and programming a robust lineup of events, markets, food and drink. As so many friends and family are able to return to gathering for the holidays, we are thrilled to be able to welcome everyone to celebrate together safely indoors and with cozy accommodations outdoors. We are especially excited this year for folks to have the chance to hop on the Delaware River Trail and walk, run, or bike from Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest over to check out the amazing lineup of events and food and beverage offerings at Cherry Street Pier. It’s going to be a great season!,” said Joe Forkin, president of DRWC.
And, of course, everyone’s favorite traditions include all of the incredible and largely free events offered at Winterfest. This year’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO will take place on Friday, December 3 and includes 13 acts and 40 performances that include America’s Got Talent Singers Bianca Ryan and Dylan Zangwill, a Mexican Folk Dance Group, a Gospel Band, Synchronized Skaters, dancers, choirs, steel orchestras, and more.
“PECO is thrilled to share in the return of the tradition of the Holiday Tree Lighting once again. For over 25 years PECO has proudly supported DRWC’s events and programs,” said PECO President and CEO Mike Innocenzo, “The magic of the lights is an integral component of the festive season and PECO is honored to power the Holiday Tree Lighting and to be a part of the incredible memories that DRWC does such an amazing job of helping people to create in a safe environment. This tradition remains one of our favorites.”
Ushering in a New Year filled with hope and anticipation would not be complete without The Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront which will light up the evening sky with two shows at 6:00 pm and Midnight. Between Parties on Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink, a New Year’s Eve Party at Cherry Street Pier, and the very exciting addition of the Waterfront’s first ever New Year’s Day Fireworks Spectacular presented by Visit Philly, there will be no shortage of celebrations to welcome 2022. More exciting details will be available in the weeks o come at www.delawareriverwaterfront.com. “Rivers Casino Philadelphia is proud to support this New Year’s Eve fireworks shows along the Delaware River waterfront, as it has every celebration since 2009,” said Emily Doñes, community relations manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “This time-honored city tradition is the perfect way to ring in 2022.”
BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST SPONSORS
Winter Programming is made possible by Independence Blue Cross, Rivers Casino
Philadelphia, Visit Philadelphia, NBC10 and Telemundo62, and PECO, Xfinity, Truly Hard
Seltzer and Bevy Long Drink.
