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WINTER IN FRANKLIN SQUARE PRESENTED BY FULTON BANK FEATURING THE ELECTRICAL SPECTACLE LIGHT SHOW PRESENTED BY PECO 2026 FACT SHEET
January 8 - February 28, 2026
6th & Race Streets, Philadelphia’s Historic District
6th & Race Streets, Philadelphia’s Historic District
Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit responsible for renovating, operating, and maintaining Franklin Square, begins 2026 with winter-themed fun at Winter in Franklin Square presented by Fulton Bank, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. From January 8 - February 28, 2026, Winter in Franklin Square will enchant visitors with wintertime fun.
Note: January and February in Franklin Square have a different schedule and a different light show than November/December.
The centerpiece of the festivities is the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to winter music throughout the Square every night. Guests can cozy up around fire pits with hot beverages, including spiked options for adults, and enjoy Street Curling and Chilly Philly Mini Golf (themed to LOVE for the month of February), adorned with lights and decorations. Visitors can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and seasonal treats in the pop-up winter bar, Frosty’s Fireside Lodge. The Square will also host special events throughout January and February: Boozy Ben’s Birthday “Bengo” (January 10-11, plus Fridays in February), Ice Princess Night (January 24), Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE Date Night (February 14), Presidents’ Day Quizzo (February 14-15), and Lunar New Year (February 21). Franklin Square, along with the Parx Liberty Carousel, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, SquareBurger, and the two playgrounds will be open during the day. The evening festivities run Thursdays - Sundays, 5 - 7 pm. Franklin Square is located at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelp
Note: January and February in Franklin Square have a different schedule and a different light show than November/December.
The centerpiece of the festivities is the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to winter music throughout the Square every night. Guests can cozy up around fire pits with hot beverages, including spiked options for adults, and enjoy Street Curling and Chilly Philly Mini Golf (themed to LOVE for the month of February), adorned with lights and decorations. Visitors can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and seasonal treats in the pop-up winter bar, Frosty’s Fireside Lodge. The Square will also host special events throughout January and February: Boozy Ben’s Birthday “Bengo” (January 10-11, plus Fridays in February), Ice Princess Night (January 24), Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE Date Night (February 14), Presidents’ Day Quizzo (February 14-15), and Lunar New Year (February 21). Franklin Square, along with the Parx Liberty Carousel, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, SquareBurger, and the two playgrounds will be open during the day. The evening festivities run Thursdays - Sundays, 5 - 7 pm. Franklin Square is located at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelp
Winter in Franklin Square presented by Fulton Bank, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, opens on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The Electrical Spectacle Light Show is the key to holiday nighttime fun in Franklin Square. Sparked by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius and themed to his electric discovery with a giant kite and key, the Electrical Spectacle is a free light show that illuminates the Square with shows every 30 minutes from 5 pm until 7 pm, weather permitting. Visitors marvel at the hundreds of thousands of lights (more than ever!) as they shimmer and illuminate the Square to a seasonal soundtrack.
Beginning January 8, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show changes for January and February, with the sole song, Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis, featured.
NIGHTLY AT HOLIDAYS IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
● Franklin Square Street Curling returns this winter inspired by the Olympic team sport in which players slide granite stones toward a target on a sheet of ice. Street Curling (no ice, here!) is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (Rocks) across the slippery surface toward the target (The House). At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session. Fun for all ages and skill levels!
● Philly Mini Golf:
○ Chilly Philly Mini Golf (through January 25) transforms Center City’s only outdoor miniature golf course both daytime and evenings with lights, seasonal music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends throughout the course.
○ Love is in the air for February when Chilly Philly Mini Golf with Love (January 29 – February 28) takes over the course. Center City’s only miniature golf course is transformed for love-themed winter fun in Franklin Square, celebrating the season of love with special décor and music. The 18-hole game features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Rocky Steps, and Ben Franklin Bridge. Tickets are $15 adults/$12 children (3-12); FREE for children under 2.
● Frosty’s Fireside Lodge operates every night the Festival is open beginning at 5 pm, serving a variety of hand-crafted cocktails. The charming pop-up winter bar in a beautiful, heated tent is surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Garden. The heated tent features snacks and cookie decorating perfect for all ages with Cookie Gingerbread Man Kit ($13), Warm Cinnamon Bun with Maple Cream Cheese Icing ($9) and Reindeer Chow - Festive Housemade Snack Mix ($6).
● The Winter Bar Menu in Frosty’s Fireside Lodge:
○ Winter Cider - warm local apple cider ($8)
○ Cider Toddy - warm local apple cider spiked with cinnamon whiskey, honey, and lemon ($14)
○ Rosemary Cosmo - rosemary vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur ($14)
○ Local Lager ($11), Guinness Stout ($13), Red & White Wine ($10), Bottled Water ($4)
● SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe, will be available both daytime and nighttime, offering classic comfort foods with seasonal additions:
○ Holiday Rabanada - fried cinnamon-sugar French toast, warm chocolate sauce, sliced strawberries ($12)
○ Cheddar Beer Brat - grilled cheddar brat, sauerkraut, spicy mustard, Martins’ potato roll ($12)
○ Soup – weekly specials ($9)
○ Holiday Hot Chocolate - whipped cream, candy cane, cocoa sprinkles ($9, kids $5)
○ Warm Cinnamon Bun with maple cream cheese icing ($9)
Beginning January 8, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show changes for January and February, with the sole song, Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis, featured.
NIGHTLY AT HOLIDAYS IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
● Franklin Square Street Curling returns this winter inspired by the Olympic team sport in which players slide granite stones toward a target on a sheet of ice. Street Curling (no ice, here!) is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (Rocks) across the slippery surface toward the target (The House). At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session. Fun for all ages and skill levels!
● Philly Mini Golf:
○ Chilly Philly Mini Golf (through January 25) transforms Center City’s only outdoor miniature golf course both daytime and evenings with lights, seasonal music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends throughout the course.
○ Love is in the air for February when Chilly Philly Mini Golf with Love (January 29 – February 28) takes over the course. Center City’s only miniature golf course is transformed for love-themed winter fun in Franklin Square, celebrating the season of love with special décor and music. The 18-hole game features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Rocky Steps, and Ben Franklin Bridge. Tickets are $15 adults/$12 children (3-12); FREE for children under 2.
● Frosty’s Fireside Lodge operates every night the Festival is open beginning at 5 pm, serving a variety of hand-crafted cocktails. The charming pop-up winter bar in a beautiful, heated tent is surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Garden. The heated tent features snacks and cookie decorating perfect for all ages with Cookie Gingerbread Man Kit ($13), Warm Cinnamon Bun with Maple Cream Cheese Icing ($9) and Reindeer Chow - Festive Housemade Snack Mix ($6).
● The Winter Bar Menu in Frosty’s Fireside Lodge:
○ Winter Cider - warm local apple cider ($8)
○ Cider Toddy - warm local apple cider spiked with cinnamon whiskey, honey, and lemon ($14)
○ Rosemary Cosmo - rosemary vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur ($14)
○ Local Lager ($11), Guinness Stout ($13), Red & White Wine ($10), Bottled Water ($4)
● SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe, will be available both daytime and nighttime, offering classic comfort foods with seasonal additions:
○ Holiday Rabanada - fried cinnamon-sugar French toast, warm chocolate sauce, sliced strawberries ($12)
○ Cheddar Beer Brat - grilled cheddar brat, sauerkraut, spicy mustard, Martins’ potato roll ($12)
○ Soup – weekly specials ($9)
○ Holiday Hot Chocolate - whipped cream, candy cane, cocoa sprinkles ($9, kids $5)
○ Warm Cinnamon Bun with maple cream cheese icing ($9)
SPECIAL EVENTS IN WINTER 2026:
● Boozy Ben’s Birthday “Bengo,” January 10-11, 5 - 7 pm – Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo to celebrate the Founding Father’s birthday inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
● Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Weekend, January 17-19 – Bring NEW scarves, hats, and gloves to donate to Bethesda Project, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, housing, and supportive services to adults experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Get one free Parx Liberty Carousel ride or free admission to the Betsy Ross House per person with each donation. Donations can be dropped off at Franklin Square (6th & Race Streets) or Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street).
● Ice Princess Night, January 24, 5 - 7 pm – Frosty free fun comes to Franklin Square with live ice carving and everyone’s favorite royalty: Elsa and Anna from Frozen, as well as Tiana from The Princess and the Frog and Jasmine from Aladdin. Free games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● Ice Princess Brunch, January 24, 11 am - 1 pm, Have one-on-one time with Elsa, Anna, Tiana, and Jasmine and sing, dance and play games with them. Includes a brunch by Cosmi’s Deli inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent while the princesses visit with guests and pose for photos ($25 adults and $20 children). Includes a free carousel ride with each ticket.
● Boozy Ben’s “Bengo,” Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 5 - 7 pm – Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
● Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE Date Night, Saturday, February 14, 5 - 7 pm – Couples who book Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE get a special treat along with their love-themed date night.
● Presidents’ Day Quizzo, February 14-15, 5 - 7 pm – The Franklin Square Quiz Master will be on hand to test Presidential trivia skills.
● Lunar New Year Celebration, Saturday, February 21, 5 - 7 pm – Celebrate the Year of the Snake with partners from Philadelphia’s historic neighboring Chinatown. Kick off the evening with the Philly Suns Lion Dancers at 5 pm, followed by crafts for children with the Asian Arts Initiative, red envelope surprise giveaways, and a free dumpling workshop with Michael Chow from the popular Chinatown restaurant Sang Kee.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Limited on-street parking is available surrounding Franklin Square. SpotHero offers nearby discount parking options at a discount, providing a donation to Historic Philadelphia as part of the partnership. Book directly from the link above (rather than booking through the app) to allow a donation to Historic Philadelphia from SpotHero.
PATCO’s Franklin Square Station offers convenient access to Franklin Square from both Center City Philadelphia and South Jersey. Fares vary by distance and station: one-way tickets range from $1.40 to $3.00, and round-trip fares range from $2.80 to $6.00. Schedules are available at PATCO Stations & Fares.
The Square is accessible via SEPTA and is walkable from SEPTA Regional Rail via Jefferson Station at 11th & Market Streets or the SEPTA Market-Frankford Blue Line via 8th Street or 5th Street stops. SEPTA Bus Route 47 stops near the Square as well, as does NJ Transit
2026 FRANKLIN SQUARE WINTER OPERATING HOURS
January 8 – February 28: Thursday - Sunday, 10 am-7 pm (also open January 19 and February 16 for holidays)
SquareBurger hours: follows schedule above, 12 pm to park closing.
Hours are subject to change and are dependent on weather.
ABOUT FRANKLIN SQUARE
Franklin Square, Philadelphia’s original green space, is a beautiful oasis in Historic Philadelphia. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is the non-profit that renovated, funds, manages, and operates Franklin Square. First created as an open space by William Penn in 1682, the seven-and-a-half acre Franklin Square offers family fun in one of the city’s most charming historic parks filled with expansive lawns and shady trees. Award-winning Franklin Square features Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, swing along with the dancing water of the fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town.
Funders and partners for Franklin Square are Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Parx, PECO, William Penn Foundation, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House; Once Upon A Nation storytelling, History Makers, and immersive walking tours; and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI on Facebook at HistoricPhila or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at @historicphilly or @franklinsquarephilly.
● Boozy Ben’s Birthday “Bengo,” January 10-11, 5 - 7 pm – Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo to celebrate the Founding Father’s birthday inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
● Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Weekend, January 17-19 – Bring NEW scarves, hats, and gloves to donate to Bethesda Project, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, housing, and supportive services to adults experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Get one free Parx Liberty Carousel ride or free admission to the Betsy Ross House per person with each donation. Donations can be dropped off at Franklin Square (6th & Race Streets) or Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street).
● Ice Princess Night, January 24, 5 - 7 pm – Frosty free fun comes to Franklin Square with live ice carving and everyone’s favorite royalty: Elsa and Anna from Frozen, as well as Tiana from The Princess and the Frog and Jasmine from Aladdin. Free games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.
● Ice Princess Brunch, January 24, 11 am - 1 pm, Have one-on-one time with Elsa, Anna, Tiana, and Jasmine and sing, dance and play games with them. Includes a brunch by Cosmi’s Deli inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent while the princesses visit with guests and pose for photos ($25 adults and $20 children). Includes a free carousel ride with each ticket.
● Boozy Ben’s “Bengo,” Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 5 - 7 pm – Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
● Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE Date Night, Saturday, February 14, 5 - 7 pm – Couples who book Chilly Philly Mini Golf with LOVE get a special treat along with their love-themed date night.
● Presidents’ Day Quizzo, February 14-15, 5 - 7 pm – The Franklin Square Quiz Master will be on hand to test Presidential trivia skills.
● Lunar New Year Celebration, Saturday, February 21, 5 - 7 pm – Celebrate the Year of the Snake with partners from Philadelphia’s historic neighboring Chinatown. Kick off the evening with the Philly Suns Lion Dancers at 5 pm, followed by crafts for children with the Asian Arts Initiative, red envelope surprise giveaways, and a free dumpling workshop with Michael Chow from the popular Chinatown restaurant Sang Kee.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Limited on-street parking is available surrounding Franklin Square. SpotHero offers nearby discount parking options at a discount, providing a donation to Historic Philadelphia as part of the partnership. Book directly from the link above (rather than booking through the app) to allow a donation to Historic Philadelphia from SpotHero.
PATCO’s Franklin Square Station offers convenient access to Franklin Square from both Center City Philadelphia and South Jersey. Fares vary by distance and station: one-way tickets range from $1.40 to $3.00, and round-trip fares range from $2.80 to $6.00. Schedules are available at PATCO Stations & Fares.
The Square is accessible via SEPTA and is walkable from SEPTA Regional Rail via Jefferson Station at 11th & Market Streets or the SEPTA Market-Frankford Blue Line via 8th Street or 5th Street stops. SEPTA Bus Route 47 stops near the Square as well, as does NJ Transit
2026 FRANKLIN SQUARE WINTER OPERATING HOURS
January 8 – February 28: Thursday - Sunday, 10 am-7 pm (also open January 19 and February 16 for holidays)
SquareBurger hours: follows schedule above, 12 pm to park closing.
Hours are subject to change and are dependent on weather.
ABOUT FRANKLIN SQUARE
Franklin Square, Philadelphia’s original green space, is a beautiful oasis in Historic Philadelphia. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is the non-profit that renovated, funds, manages, and operates Franklin Square. First created as an open space by William Penn in 1682, the seven-and-a-half acre Franklin Square offers family fun in one of the city’s most charming historic parks filled with expansive lawns and shady trees. Award-winning Franklin Square features Philly Mini Golf, Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, swing along with the dancing water of the fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town.
Funders and partners for Franklin Square are Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Parx, PECO, William Penn Foundation, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House; Once Upon A Nation storytelling, History Makers, and immersive walking tours; and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow HPI on Facebook at HistoricPhila or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at @historicphilly or @franklinsquarephilly.
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