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12 Winter Festivals for Philly Families: Fire and Ice, Maple Sugaring, and More

Enjoy ice carving demonstrations and lights galore at Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler's Village. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
Enjoy ice carving demonstrations and lights galore at Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler's Village. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
12/24/23 - By Kristen Sullivan

Before cold winds, freezing temperatures, and shorter days lead to the wintertime blues, Philly families can enjoy some of the many amazing winter festivals to keep spirits high while we await warmer weather. We've rounded up some of our favorite festivals held in the area this time of year. So, bundle up and browse through our list to find the perfect festival for your family to enjoy this winter season.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, check out our roundup of nearby snow tubing spots, or visit our Winter Activity Guide.

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Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive storywalk, Photo courtesy of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum
Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive storywalk, Photo courtesy of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum

Philadelphia

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Now through February 29, 2024
Philadelphia
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.  READ MORE

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Festival

January 15th, 2024
Philadelphia
This free festival hosted by Woodmere Art Museum allows guests to commemorate Dr. King and other civil rights heroes by participating in artmaking, storytelling, and music. READ MORE

Groundhog Day Family Festival

January 27th, 2024
Philadelphia
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive story walk, and video appearance of Tinicum Tim, the resident groundhog. READ MORE

CultureFest! Lunar New Year

January 27th, 2024
Philadelphia
Ring in the Year of the Snake at Penn Museum's 44th annual Lunar New Year celebration. Bring the whole family to learn about vibrant Asian traditions with a full day of festivities, including storytelling, art-making, live music, and dance performances, ending with a traditional Lion Dance. READ MORE
Maple tree tapping season is coming up with plenty of festivals and ceremonies to attend! Photo by Susan Miele
Maple tree tapping season is coming up with plenty of festivals and ceremonies to attend! Photo by Susan Miele

Suburbs

Fire & Frost Fun

January 5th - 13th, 2024
Peddler's Village
Fire. Ice. And the last weekend for holiday lights! From 4-8pm on Friday & Saturday, enjoy live fire artistry and ice carving demonstrations, fire pits, outdoor food and drinks, and a Village-wide display of over 30 ice sculptures (including an Ice Throne perfect for selfies). READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

January 27th, 2024
Mount Holly, NJ
Guests at this annual Mount Holly festival can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling the vendors on High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards

January 28th, 2024
Princeton, NJ
The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration at Terhune Orchards. Raise a glass of hot cider and join in on the fun.  READ MORE

Lititz Fire & Ice Festival

February 16th-25th, 2024
Lititz
Experience live ice carvings, musical entertainment, food trucks, shopping, a kids carnival featuring face-painting, craft stations, and inflatables, a chili cook-off, and a vendor fair during Lititz Fire & Ice Festival. READ MORE

Annual Tree Tapping Ceremony in Somerset County

February 24th, 2024
Fairhope
Held the last Saturday in February annually, visitors can experience the tree tapping ceremony and see how trees are tapped to extract their sweet sap.  READ MORE

Maple Sugar Festival at Peace Valley Nature Center

March 2nd, 2024
Doylestown
Visit Peace Valley Nature Center to experience how maple sugar was collected and made during the pioneer days. Travel to the sugar bush to bring back some maple sap to add to the boiling pot of soon-to-be syrup. READ MORE

Mount Hope Maple Madness

March 2nd & 3rd, 2024
Fairfield
Take a tour with Strawberry Hill Naturalists. See the process of making maple syrup from tree to table, try your hand at sugaring techniques, and taste the finished product. Discover the magical process of making maple syrup. Pancake breakfast and local vendors selling authentic PA syrup make this event especially sweet. READ MORE

Pennsylvania Maple Festival

April 20th-21st & 24th - 28th, 2024
Meyersdale
Celebrate spring and the tapping of local maple trees for sap at the Pennsylvania Maple Festival. Families have the opportunity to learn about the culture, industry, and commerce from the last 170 years. READ MORE

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