Many stopped at the Christmas tree outside City Hall, where people stopped to take photos in front of the twinkling lights.
"We just wanted to come outside, see the Christmas tree, see the lights, see the people, see the energy," said Iyanna James Stephenson, who lives in Brooklyn but has family here in Philadelphia.
Kelly Gilligan of Center City said, "Everybody's out. It's a good feeling - it feels like Christmas! Rather than being cooped up in the house."
"We came here to take pictures, my mom and my sister cooked, and then when we are done, we're gonna go home and open Christmas gifts," Victoria Bowman of Darby said.
Rothman Rink drew large crowds as well.
"Lots of people. Line was really long," said Vanmayee Mudgundi of New York.
Alexandru Iorga of Northeast Philadelphia admitted he felt "a little nervous that I might crash into someone!"
For others, skating is part of their Christmas tradition.
"Starts like usual - presents, presents, presents, and then we just come here and skate," said Anthony Gunko of Southampton.
After a morning of gifts and time on the ice, even the youngest skaters were feeling the holiday fatigue.
"It's been a long day!" said Iorga.
Still, many said the festive atmosphere made the outing worthwhile.
"Beautiful. I love to see all the families, everybody taking pictures, it's just really nice," Stephenson said. "And I love how they have something out here that doesn't really cost anything to just enjoy it for the holidays."