From December 19 through January 3, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest celebrates the holidays with longer hours, daily programming, and two SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will be open seven days a week including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. With new amenities like winter warming cottages, Franklin Fountain’s Confectionery Cabin, a dazzling holiday tree and a truly stunning site, Blue Cross RiverRink is the perfect spot for a family outing, a reunion with friends, a beautiful date night, or the ultimate party spot to watch the SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront with two Parties on Ice.
SUGARHOUSE NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS ON THE WATERFRONT
Since December 31, 1991, Philadelphia has celebrated the New Year with a huge fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront. For the last 6 years, residents and visitors have had a chance to enjoy two fireworks shows, and will do so again this year thanks to the continued support of SugarHouse Casino. New this year, we’ll be showing fireworks at midnight on large screens around town including the Lit Brothers Building (8th & Market), Commerce Square (on Market between 20th and 21st) and the cube at the Kimmel Center (Broad & Spruce) .
The two SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, one at 6PM and one at Midnight, will each be synchronized to a different soundtrack that will be played along the waterfront and simulcast on KYWNewsradio. The 6PM fireworks will also be broadcast live on NBC10 and Telemundo62. These shows use over 4,000 devices, representing four tons of net explosives. The largest shells are 10 inches, shoot 800 feet in the air, and explode with a diameter of almost 600 feet, making these fireworks the biggest in the city. Enjoy the sights and sounds of New Year’s Eve fireworks from multiple locations on both the Camden and Philadelphia waterfronts and throughout the region including: SugarHouse Casino, Penn’s Landing, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Adventure Aquarium, Independence Seaport Museum, Moshulu, Dave and Busters, and more.
BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST PARTIES ON ICE
While there are tons of great places to see the SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, the best view in Philadelphia is at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Parties on Ice are each 3 hours long, and tickets include ice skating, light refreshments, musicians and entertainment (and of course, the best spot to watch the SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront). Amenities at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest consist of: beautifully decorated warming cottages, food by Franklin Fountain and Garces Group, a ski-chalet style Lodge complete with comfortable couches, tables, and fireplaces, a kid’s Lodge filled with arcade games, rocking chairs and heat lamps, an observation platform and of course, Philly’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. All together, the waterfront is transformed into a winter wonderland for skaters and non-skaters to enjoy.
The Party on Ice from 5-8PM is ideal for families and for those who have other commitments later in the evening, while the 10PM-1AM party caters to those who want to ring in the New Year out on the town. Enjoy delicious light refreshments, pay-as-you-go beer, cocktails and champagne, music, Mummers, face painting, party favors, and of course, spectacular fireworks shows at 6PM and Midnight.
EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS (DECEMBER 19 – JANUARY 3)
- Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest: Monday through Sunday: 11AM-1AM
Note special hours on these days
- December 24: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will be open from 1-8:30PM
- December 25: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will be open from 1-8:30PM
- December 31: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will be open from 10AM. Visitors can enjoy the rink from 10-11:30AM, 12-1:30PM, or 2-3:30PM before the Parties on Ice begin at 5PM.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Skate your heart out at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, and then relax and enjoy the FREE activities and entertainment planned throughout the holidays. 12 Days of Christmas Movies, Holiday Flea, face painters, musicians, circus troupes, make and take crafts, and more will all be available FREE on-site. A complete list of entertainment can be found on HERE.
