Philadelphia Celebrates the Holidays 2019 Special

Live From City Hall and the Philadelphia Zoo, join Rick Williams, Alicia Vitarelli and the Action News Team for a fun-filled preview of all the must do's this season.

From the tried and true to something COMPLETELY new at the zoo ... there's winter magic popping up all over Philadelphia.

Plus, we check out the unveiling of this year's Holiday Tree.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is more than just a new Christmas tree at city hall.

Philadelphia's Holiday Tree

There's no place like Philadelphia for the holidays, especially with the expansion of City Hall's North Plaza, this year. You can ride a Ferris Wheel spinning in the shadow of the City Hall Tower.

There's a train for the little ones to ride. And you can do it all while you stare in awe at the half century old, 55-foot towering holiday tree, one of the biggest ever displayed at City Hall. You can thank two city employees dubbed the tree hunters for its majestic presence.

Philly Holiday Festival | Facebook

Wawa Holiday Plaza, City Hall at North Broad Street

With 12 unique experiences and half a million lights, you will share a magical journey along with the animals that make the zoo so special.

LumiNature: A New Way to Experience the Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is all lit up for the holidays it new exhibit LumiNature.

With 12 unique experiences, sharing a magical journey filled with lights and stories about conservation and the animals that make the zoo so special.

LumiNature is a timed, ticketed event - entrance times are available every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. LumiNature closes at 10:30 p.m. The exhibit runs through January 5, 2020.

Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Ice skating, food and relaxation are all on the menu at the Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink & Cabin at Dilworth Park

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia's center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting.

Open seven days a week, Nov. 8-Feb. 23, the rink offers wintry fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.

In the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, located next to the rink, you can cozy up with warm cocktails like spiked hot chocolate or festive drinks featuring Maker's Mark and Jim Beam Apple, along with craft beers from Victory Brewing and Stella Artois. Alcohol is served starting at 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. on the weekends for adults 21 and over.

Tasty bites and sweet treats will keep guests going in between skating sessions and shopping trips.

Rothman Orthopaedic Cabin

Dilworth Park

1 S 15th St (West Side of City Hall), Philadelphia, PA 19102

Hours November - December

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Hours January - February

Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Visitors who show their SEPTA Pass or SEPTA Key will receive $1 off ice skating admission (Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays; skate rental not included).

This is the third year the Deck the Hall Light show has brought City Hall's west façade to life and now YOU can be the maestro with a few strokes of the interactive keyboard.

Shopping, light shows and more at Dilworth Park

Now in its third year, the Deck the Hall Light Show has brought City Hall's west facade to choreographed dancing life.

And this year, YOU can be the maestro with a few strokes of the interactive keyboard. 6abc and Independence Blue Cross are proud sponsors of the nightly show.

Elsewhere, the Winter Garden is back and brings some green to the season. There's a new wine bar, serving up local wine from Chadd's Ford Winery. Also, back is the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market., featuring 47 local vendors.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Winter Garden

Deck the Halls Light Show

Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Take a tour of the holiday events happening around the area.

Things to do in the winter around Philadelphia

Both longstanding and soon-to-be traditions can be enjoyed with family -- indoors and out - as you make merriment and memories this holiday season!

Visit the Academy of Music to take in a performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Head out to Kennett Square's Longwood Gardens for A Longwood Christmas, where the outdoor gardens are lit up for the holidays and the indoor conservatory has decorated trees.

The Franklin Square Holiday Festival goes into full gear when night falls, with the Electrical Spectacle light show and plenty of snacks and beverages to enjoy in a beer garden complete with fire pits.

Longwood Gardens | Facebook

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Get in the holiday mood with this captivating performance during the 6abc Philadelphia Celebrates the Holidays special.

Franklin Square Holiday Festival | Facebook

200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia PA 19106

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker | Facebook

Academy of Music

240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19102