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HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA, INC. ANNOUNCES WINTER IN FRANKLIN SQUARE PRESENTED BY CITIZENS FEATURING THE ELECTRICAL SPECTACLE LIGHT SHOW PRESENTED BY PECO
Photos by Jeff Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc
PHILADELPHIA, October 21, 2022 - Historic Philadelphia, Inc., (HPI) the non-profit organization that manages and operates award-winning Franklin Square, is bringing back sparkling lights and winter magic from November through February in this beautiful public space. Visitors can celebrate the magic of the season both day and night in festive Franklin Square, with evening activities beginning at 5 pm. Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO will sparkle from November 16, 2022 – February 26, 2023. The spectacular, light show, themed to Benjamin Franklin’s electric discovery with a giant kite and key, is a free, outdoor, nighttime show, with additional attractions both day and night in one of William Penn’s original squares. Franklin Square is open November 16 – January 8 daily (closed November 26, December 25, January 1), 10 am - 9 pm; January 12 – February 26 Thursday – Sunday, 10 am - 7 pm. The nighttime festivities run 5 - 9 pm each day the Square is open. All hours are weather permitting.
Media are invited to the Opening Night on Thursday, November 16, 2022, with a kickoff speaking program at 5 pm and the first Electrical Spectacle show at 5:30 pm.
Highlights for the season include Chilly Philly Mini Golf both daytime and evening, seasonal music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, in addition to the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at night. The Ben’s Sweets and Treats heated tent will be open with food and drink, surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Beer Garden. Special events bring visits with Santa, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah celebrations, and the renowned New Year’s Eve Square Drop to add to the festive fun.
Seasonal Philly Mini Golf
One of the highlights of winter fun for all ages is the Chilly Philly Mini Golf (November 16 – January 29), transforming Center City’s only miniature golf course both daytime and evenings. Experience lights, seasonal music, and larger than life wintertime friends throughout the course. The 18-hole game features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks. The fun continues, with love in the air for the month of February when Philly Mini Golf with Love (February 1 – 26) takes over the course. Tickets are $15 adults/$12 children (3-12); FREE for children under 2.
Daytime in Franklin Square
During the day, delight in playing 18 holes of wintery splendor while playing Chilly Philly Mini Golf, spin with holiday music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, dine on comfort food and special seasonal fare at SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage, and slide, swing, and climb in the playgrounds.
Nighttime in Franklin Square
The Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday nighttime fun in Franklin Square. Sparked by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius, Electrical Spectacle is a free light show that illuminates the Square nightly with shows every 30 minutes from 5 pm until closing. Visitors marvel at more than 200,000 lights (more than ever!) as they shimmer and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of seasonal classics.
The Electrical Spectacle Light Show features five songs, two songs for each show, on a rotating basis, kicking off on November 16 and running through January 8, 2023. The songs are Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano; Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Tchaikovsky with Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a - Russian Dance performed by Charles Dutoit & L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal; Sleigh Ride performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS® featuring Ann Hampton Callaway; A Christmas Festival, performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS® featuring Ann Hampton Callaway; and Carol of the Bells (Starchild Excaliber Drumadelic Remix) performed by the London Festival Orchestra.
Beginning on January 10, Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis will be the solo song for each show running nightly through February 26. Electrical Spectacle shows begin at 5 pm daily and run every 30 minutes until 9 pm, weather permitting.
Ben’s Sweets and Treats
Ben’s Sweets and Treats will operate nightly beginning at 5 pm (only through January 8) serving a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, classic and spiked hot chocolate, seasonal beers, and wine. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and seating throughout the Square as well as the beautiful indoor heated tent. SquareBurger also available both daytime and nighttime for comfort classics.
“As another holiday season rapidly approaches, Citizens is again excited to partner with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. for Winter in Franklin Square,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic President, Citizens. “Events like this are a great way to showcase Philadelphia’s vibrancy, while also providing a fun opportunity for families to embrace all of the magic of the holiday season.”
“Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is excited to bring the sparkle back to Franklin Square this winter, which wouldn’t be possible without our partners and sponsors who support us on many levels,” said President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Amy Needle. “Franklin Square is a Philadelphia favorite in all seasons, and we look forward to bringing back favorite winter traditions with some fun new additions and creating warm happy memories for our visitors.”
“PECO is proud to continue our longtime support of this Philadelphia holiday tradition. Every year, our employees look forward to kicking off the holiday season by volunteering their time to help make Franklin Square shine bright,” said Romona Riscoe Benson, PECO’s Director of Corporate and Community Relations. “We take pride in bringing joy to the region and can’t wait to celebrate to another wonderful Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO.”
Seasonal Celebrations
Other celebrations include the arrival of Santa on Black Friday (November 25, 5:30-7:30 pm), Hanukkah Celebration with Old City Jewish Arts Center, Jingle and Mingle with Santa (Saturdays, December 3, 10, and 17, 5:30 - 7:30 pm) and Kwanzaa Celebration with the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Jingle and Mingle with Santa on December 10 and 17 are presented in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
A Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown will ring in the New Year with the most family-friendly celebration in town. Saturday, December 31 begins with crafts 5 - 6 pm before the Square Drop at 6 pm and New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square. Franklin Square will close on New Year’s Eve at 8 pm.
Ice Princess Weekend in Franklin Square will bring chills to the Square January 20-21, 2023.
HPI is grateful to the sponsors whose leadership and financial support are essential to the operation of one of the city’s most historic parks and important public spaces. PECO continues its longtime sponsor and year-long partner, including volunteering to hang some of the 200,000 lights that decorate the Square. Citizens continues their sponsorship for the 2022 season and will provide discounts to their customers at the Square, including $1 off Chilly Philly Mini Golf and free hot chocolate.
Holidays at the Betsy Ross House
Historic Philadelphia also rings in the season at the Betsy Ross House. The holiday festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 30. The Betsy Ross House will again be the home of the majestic Old City Holiday Tree sponsored by Citizens, designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville. The Tree Lighting will feature Betsy Ross, seasonal entertainment, and a musical performance. For more information, visit www.historicphiladelphia.org.
The Old City Menorah lighting will take place at 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 18, when the Betsy Ross House joins the Old City Jewish Arts Center to host a community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, complete with traditional foods like latke and doughnuts and menorahs for the younger guests.
Funders and partners for Franklin Square are PECO, William Penn Foundation, Parx, Citizens, Board of Directors of City Trusts, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Franklin Square is the seven-and-a-half-acre park offering winter fun in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares, award-winning Franklin Square features Philly Mini Golf, the Parx Liberty Carousel, and SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage. Awarded one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style 2013 by Philadelphia Style for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and in 2017 for “Family Bonding.” In addition, Franklin Square was named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as “Best Family-Friendly Venue” in 2016 and is featured in the book 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die. The Travel Channel also declared Philly Mini Golf as one of the 13 Best Mini Golf Courses in the Country in 2018. Franklin Square is located at 6th & Race Streets.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction, and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history. Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s programs include the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling, and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, call 215-629-4026, 877-462-1776, or visit www.historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI at twitter.com/HistoricPhilly and twitter.com/FranklinSqr, on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/HistoricPhila or http://on.fb.me/FranklinSquare, or on Instagram instagram.com/historicphilly or instagram.com/franklinsquarephilly/.
Media are invited to the Opening Night on Thursday, November 16, 2022, with a kickoff speaking program at 5 pm and the first Electrical Spectacle show at 5:30 pm.
Highlights for the season include Chilly Philly Mini Golf both daytime and evening, seasonal music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, in addition to the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at night. The Ben’s Sweets and Treats heated tent will be open with food and drink, surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Beer Garden. Special events bring visits with Santa, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah celebrations, and the renowned New Year’s Eve Square Drop to add to the festive fun.
Seasonal Philly Mini Golf
One of the highlights of winter fun for all ages is the Chilly Philly Mini Golf (November 16 – January 29), transforming Center City’s only miniature golf course both daytime and evenings. Experience lights, seasonal music, and larger than life wintertime friends throughout the course. The 18-hole game features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks. The fun continues, with love in the air for the month of February when Philly Mini Golf with Love (February 1 – 26) takes over the course. Tickets are $15 adults/$12 children (3-12); FREE for children under 2.
Daytime in Franklin Square
During the day, delight in playing 18 holes of wintery splendor while playing Chilly Philly Mini Golf, spin with holiday music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, dine on comfort food and special seasonal fare at SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage, and slide, swing, and climb in the playgrounds.
Nighttime in Franklin Square
The Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday nighttime fun in Franklin Square. Sparked by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius, Electrical Spectacle is a free light show that illuminates the Square nightly with shows every 30 minutes from 5 pm until closing. Visitors marvel at more than 200,000 lights (more than ever!) as they shimmer and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of seasonal classics.
The Electrical Spectacle Light Show features five songs, two songs for each show, on a rotating basis, kicking off on November 16 and running through January 8, 2023. The songs are Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano; Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Tchaikovsky with Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a - Russian Dance performed by Charles Dutoit & L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal; Sleigh Ride performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS® featuring Ann Hampton Callaway; A Christmas Festival, performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS® featuring Ann Hampton Callaway; and Carol of the Bells (Starchild Excaliber Drumadelic Remix) performed by the London Festival Orchestra.
Beginning on January 10, Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis will be the solo song for each show running nightly through February 26. Electrical Spectacle shows begin at 5 pm daily and run every 30 minutes until 9 pm, weather permitting.
Ben’s Sweets and Treats
Ben’s Sweets and Treats will operate nightly beginning at 5 pm (only through January 8) serving a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, classic and spiked hot chocolate, seasonal beers, and wine. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and seating throughout the Square as well as the beautiful indoor heated tent. SquareBurger also available both daytime and nighttime for comfort classics.
“As another holiday season rapidly approaches, Citizens is again excited to partner with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. for Winter in Franklin Square,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic President, Citizens. “Events like this are a great way to showcase Philadelphia’s vibrancy, while also providing a fun opportunity for families to embrace all of the magic of the holiday season.”
“Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is excited to bring the sparkle back to Franklin Square this winter, which wouldn’t be possible without our partners and sponsors who support us on many levels,” said President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Amy Needle. “Franklin Square is a Philadelphia favorite in all seasons, and we look forward to bringing back favorite winter traditions with some fun new additions and creating warm happy memories for our visitors.”
“PECO is proud to continue our longtime support of this Philadelphia holiday tradition. Every year, our employees look forward to kicking off the holiday season by volunteering their time to help make Franklin Square shine bright,” said Romona Riscoe Benson, PECO’s Director of Corporate and Community Relations. “We take pride in bringing joy to the region and can’t wait to celebrate to another wonderful Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO.”
Seasonal Celebrations
Other celebrations include the arrival of Santa on Black Friday (November 25, 5:30-7:30 pm), Hanukkah Celebration with Old City Jewish Arts Center, Jingle and Mingle with Santa (Saturdays, December 3, 10, and 17, 5:30 - 7:30 pm) and Kwanzaa Celebration with the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Jingle and Mingle with Santa on December 10 and 17 are presented in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
A Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown will ring in the New Year with the most family-friendly celebration in town. Saturday, December 31 begins with crafts 5 - 6 pm before the Square Drop at 6 pm and New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square. Franklin Square will close on New Year’s Eve at 8 pm.
Ice Princess Weekend in Franklin Square will bring chills to the Square January 20-21, 2023.
HPI is grateful to the sponsors whose leadership and financial support are essential to the operation of one of the city’s most historic parks and important public spaces. PECO continues its longtime sponsor and year-long partner, including volunteering to hang some of the 200,000 lights that decorate the Square. Citizens continues their sponsorship for the 2022 season and will provide discounts to their customers at the Square, including $1 off Chilly Philly Mini Golf and free hot chocolate.
Holidays at the Betsy Ross House
Historic Philadelphia also rings in the season at the Betsy Ross House. The holiday festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 30. The Betsy Ross House will again be the home of the majestic Old City Holiday Tree sponsored by Citizens, designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville. The Tree Lighting will feature Betsy Ross, seasonal entertainment, and a musical performance. For more information, visit www.historicphiladelphia.org.
The Old City Menorah lighting will take place at 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 18, when the Betsy Ross House joins the Old City Jewish Arts Center to host a community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, complete with traditional foods like latke and doughnuts and menorahs for the younger guests.
Funders and partners for Franklin Square are PECO, William Penn Foundation, Parx, Citizens, Board of Directors of City Trusts, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Franklin Square is the seven-and-a-half-acre park offering winter fun in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares, award-winning Franklin Square features Philly Mini Golf, the Parx Liberty Carousel, and SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage. Awarded one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style 2013 by Philadelphia Style for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and in 2017 for “Family Bonding.” In addition, Franklin Square was named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as “Best Family-Friendly Venue” in 2016 and is featured in the book 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die. The Travel Channel also declared Philly Mini Golf as one of the 13 Best Mini Golf Courses in the Country in 2018. Franklin Square is located at 6th & Race Streets.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction, and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history. Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s programs include the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling, and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, call 215-629-4026, 877-462-1776, or visit www.historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI at twitter.com/HistoricPhilly and twitter.com/FranklinSqr, on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/HistoricPhila or http://on.fb.me/FranklinSquare, or on Instagram instagram.com/historicphilly or instagram.com/franklinsquarephilly/.
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