PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia’s premier wintertime attractions at Dilworth Park will return this season with new safety protocols in accord with City, State, and CDC guidelines, including mandatory masks, except when eating or drinking. The winter attractions will open in careful stages, starting on Friday, October 30, with the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn featuring topiaries, seasonal plantings, and socially distanced outdoor seating.
On Friday, November 6 at 12 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the official start of the season with the grand opening of the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin, featuring a new online reservation system and an open-air layout to support safe social distancing and limited rink capacity. Lastly, on November 21, visitors can browse and buy unique gifts from local vendors at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.
The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will remain open daily through February 28, 2021. The new, online reservations system will provide safe contactless purchasing opportunities with scheduled timed, 90-minute skating sessions in order to control the rink capacity for skaters. Guests will be able to make an online reservation for their desired skate session and can print their tickets at home or use a QR code on their mobile device when they arrive at the rink.
In addition to tickets, guests will be able to purchase and reserve lockers to secure and maintain possession of their personal belongings. Those with pre-purchased tickets will enter quickly through the queue line where they will receive their skates and lock prior to starting their skating session. In-person sales, based on availability, will also be also offered onsite. Admission is $5 for children 10 and younger, and $7 for adults; skate rental is $10 per person and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets and for additional information about ticketing procedures and other rink amenities, visit DilworthPark.org.
Additionally, The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin will feature a new, open-air layout and warm heat lamps. Space will be adorned in winter-inspired foliage and dangling lights, perfect for photo-ops. With a food purchase, guests 21 and older can enjoy seasonal cocktails made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Haku Japanese Vodka, plus beer from Stella Artois and local winter favorite Troegs Blizzard Hops. Comfort food classics, like cheesesteak spring rolls and tomato soup, will be on the menu, along with treats for the kids. The Dilworth Park Café will feature a unique menu of its own, including day-to-night offerings that range from grab-and-go lunch staples to after-work cocktails to-go.
The Wintergarden is free and open to all. Guests 21 and older can purchase warm mulled wine at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk conveniently located inside the garden. New this season, guests can indulge in local favorite Oath Pizza located at the Southern end of the park near the Wintergarden. A vintage horse trailer converted into a mobile bar will also be stationed in that area serving seasonal brews from Conshohocken Brewing Company, plus wine from Chaddsford.
Programs at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin are presented by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Temple University, and 6abc. This season’s event highlights include:
• Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn
October 30-February 28, 2021
An open-air wonderland of lights, topiaries, and rustic décor perfect for photo-ops and relaxing strolls. A Chaddsford Winery station will offer warm mulled wine for purchase to guests 21 and older, complete with a souvenir mug. The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation has provided additional support for this season’s Wintergarden.
• Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink Opening
November 6, Noon
The winter season kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring some of the city’s most valuable assets: healthcare workers.
· Cocktails and Cold Ones
Wednesdays, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. November 11-February 24, 2021
Sip $7 Hornitos Tequila cocktails, $6 wine, and $5 Bud Light Seltzers, plus discounted weekly food specials every Wednesday night this season at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin.
· College Nights presented by Temple University
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
November 12-February 25, 2021
College students pay $2 for 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 23-January 1, 2021
Support local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade trinkets, treats, and crafts galore! Returning favorites and new additions will be scattered throughout the park, leaving plenty of space for guests to shop safely. Visit DilworthPark.org for hours and a full list of vendors.
CCD and the park’s café operators have implemented increased health safety procedures throughout the park and visitors will be reminded to adhere to all CDC guidelines. CCD staff is all wearing masks. Anyone who feels sick, or has come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, should refrain from entering the park. CCD staff, café and rink staff will be distributing free masks to guests in the park.
The winter season at Dilworth Park is presented by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute and supported by 6abc and Temple University. All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. The full event schedule for winter 2021 is to be announced. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th St., on the west side of City Hall. Visit DilworthPark.org to learn more.
