The countdown to Winterfest is on: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest returns November 27

Philadelphia's beloved winter tradition opens November 27 with a festive Opening Weekend including the annual Holiday Tree Lighting powered by PECO

The countdown to winter is officially on! In just 100 days, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will once again transform the Delaware River Waterfront into Philadelphia's ultimate winter wonderland. Opening Friday, November 27, the beloved seasonal destination will return with ice skating, cozy cabins and firepits, festive food and drink, and holiday fun along the Delaware River.

Opening Weekend runs Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting powered by PECO taking center stage Sunday at 6 p.m. The celebration will light up Winterfest's towering holiday tree and officially welcome the holiday season to the Waterfront. Entertainment, special guests and additional details about Opening Weekend and the Tree Lighting will be announced this fall.

Winterfest will remain open through Sunday, February 28, giving visitors more than three months to skate, gather, and enjoy the season against the backdrop of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

"For more than three decades, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest has been a place where Philadelphians come together during the holiday season. Seeing generations of families make Winterfest part of their traditions is incredibly special." said Joseph A. Forkin, President and CEO of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. "From welcoming the season's first skaters to gathering around firepits and cozy cabins, there's an energy on the Waterfront that signals the holidays are here. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another season."

"At IBX, caring means helping people stay well in every sense of the word. That's why we're proud to continue our decades-long support of Winterfest, a beloved Philadelphia tradition that inspires connection, encourages movement, and creates joyful moments all season long," said Steve Fera, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross.

WINTERFEST 2026-27 AT A GLANCE

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Season: Friday, November 27, 2026 - Sunday, February 28, 2027
Location: 101 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Admission: Free
Ice Skating: $5 admission; $12 skate rental
Hours: Open 7 days a week, including holidays, unless otherwise noted.

Regular Hours

• Monday-Thursday: 1:00 PM-11:00 PM
• Friday: 1:00 PM-1:00 AM*
• Saturday: 11:00 AM-1:00 AM*
• Sunday: 11:00 AM-11:00 PM

*After MLK Weekend, Friday and Saturday closing time changes to 12:00 AM (midnight).

Holiday Hours: December 19, 2026-January 2, 2027
During this period, open 11:00 AM-1:00 AM daily, with the following exceptions:

• Christmas Eve (12/24): 11:00 AM-8:30 PM
• Christmas Day (12/25): 1:00 PM-8:30 PM
• New Year's Eve (12/31): Special hours apply

Information: RiverRink.com
Tickets and Reservations: On-sale date will be Wednesday, October 28, 2026

For more than three decades, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has been a seasonal destination on the Delaware River Waterfront. Winterfest transforms the riverfront into a winter gathering place centered around an NHL-sized outdoor ice rink with views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge.

Admission to Winterfest is free, with pay-as-you-go amenities that let visitors plan their visit their way. Returning favorites include outdoor firepits, private warming cabins, the Rinkside Lounge and The Lodge at Winterfest, where guests can warm up with hot chocolate, festive cocktails, local brews and seasonal food and drink. Classic amusements, including the Ferris wheel and indoor arcade, will return in December. Additional details about food and beverage partners, entertainment, programming and seasonal attractions will be announced closer to opening.

Guests are encouraged to reserve skating tickets, cabins, firepits and Rinkside Lounge packages in advance once reservations become available at RiverRink.com.

Independence Blue Cross members receive free skate admission for themselves and up to three guests by showing their IBX member ID card online or in person; skate rental is not included. Military personnel and first responders also receive free skate admission for themselves and up to three guests with valid ID when purchasing in person; skate rental is not included.

SAVE THE DATES:

Opening Weekend
Friday, November 27 - Sunday, November 29, 2026
Winterfest kicks off its 2026-27 season with three days of ice skating, seasonal attractions, food and drink, and holiday fun along the Delaware River.

Holiday Tree Lighting powered by PECO
Sunday, November 29, 2026 | 6 p.m.
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting returns Sunday evening, bringing the community together as Winterfest's towering holiday tree lights up the Waterfront for the season. Entertainment, special guests and additional details will be announced this fall.

New Year's Eve Fireworks
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Celebrate New Year's Eve on the Waterfront with fireworks over the Delaware River. Additional details will be announced.

Fire & Ice Valentine's Day Party
Saturday, February 13, 2027
Winterfest's annual Valentine's weekend celebration returns in February. Additional details will be announced.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Winterfest is open seven days a week, including holidays, unless otherwise noted. Admission is free, with skating and other experiences available separately. With limited on-site parking, visitors are encouraged to arrive via public transit, rideshare, bicycle or on foot using the Delaware River Trail.

For more information about these events and additional Waterfront programming, visit DelawareRiverWaterfront.com or follow the Delaware River Waterfront on Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact:
Kathleen Conlon
215-241-4576
[email protected]