Feeling Festive in Philly
By Mary Skobieranda
As finals season approaches, accompanied by a multitude of papers and tests, it is incredibly easy to let the Christmas season pass us by. Somehow, I always find myself feeling less than festive in the weeks leading up to winter break. Thankfully, taking time to enjoy the charm of the Christmas season does not have to be something left behind in childhood. Lucky for Villanova students, we are a quick trip away from so many places that let us embrace the Christmas spirit like we did in the good old days.
Enjoy a hot chocolate at Reading Terminal Market
Find a safe haven from the dropping temperatures and pop into this historical and cheery public market, a staple of Philadelphia culture, to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Old City Coffee. While you’re there, you might also want to treat yourself to dinner, choosing from one of eighty options for different styles of cuisine. You can’t leave the market without trying a fresh, warm treat from Beiler’s Bakery, owned by the same Pennsylvania Dutch family since 1984!
Ice Skate on the Delaware River
Located at Penn’s Landing on the waterfront, the Blue Cross RiverRink is a cheery atmosphere for ice skating in Philly! After you’re done, the heated lodge is perfect for tired legs and warmth after ice skating and truly looks like a scene from a Christmas movie. Or, if you’re like me, you might need to take a break after a six year old has lapped you on the rink for the tenth time. Also, the rink has a picturesque and festive cabin with treats to enjoy and cozy fire pits that actually keep you warm!
Explore Christmas Village
Right in center city, located by City Hall, this quaint open-air set up of dozens of vendors in little wooden huts is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Nearby, Dilworth Park area has a tree with colorful lights, festive music, a pop-up restaurant and a rink for ice skating. This is a great place to find crafty and original gifts for friends and family to avoid scrambling after finals are over!
The Miracle on South 13th Street
There is truly nothing as festive as exploring mazes of extravagant Christmas lights. During the Christmas season, this street in South Philadelphia is lit by the unbelievable amount of lights covering each neighborhood home, a tradition lasting several years. This is a great place to catch a glimpse of Philly culture and cuisine, while also strolling down what evidently must be the most merry street in all of of the greater Philadelphia area.
Often, a well deserved break gives you something to look forward to and makes studying exponentially easier when you return, refreshed, to the material. There is no better way to do this than head into Philly for a couple hours of festive fun. Take advantage of the incredible city in our backyard, give yourself a break from your treasured seat in Falvey, and don’t let the cheer of Christmas slip away!
