Historic Philadelphia’s Franklin Square, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, brings sparkling lights and winter magic to celebrate traditions old and new .
Experience Winter in Franklin Square, featuring the FREE Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO sparkles through February 25, 2024. Visitors can celebrate the magic of the season both day and night this winter in festive Franklin Square, with evening activities beginning at 5 pm.
In the evenings, dazzle in the lights of the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, while gathering around the fire pits to warm up with hot beverages (spiked versions for adults) and seasonal food favorites. Franklin Square Street Curling, new this winter in an adaptation of the Olympic team sport, is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” across the curling surface. During February only, enjoy Philly Mini Golf with LOVE.
Franklin Square Street Curling
Curling, the Olympic team sport where players slide stones of granite towards a target on a sheet of ice, has been adapted into a format called Street Curling for anyone to play in Franklin Square this winter. Street Curling is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (Rocks) across the curling surface toward the target (The House). “Curling” refers to the rotational spin of the curling stone, which causes it to take a curved path. At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session. The Street Curling is located next to the Ben On the Rocks heated tent.
Seasonal Philly Mini Golf
Love is in the air for the month of February when Philly Mini Golf with LOVE (February 1 – 25) takes over the course (with sweet giveaways on February 14, 5-7 pm). Tickets are $15 adults/$12 children (3-12); FREE for children under 2.
Hundreds of Thousands of Dancing Lights
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 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 closing. Visitors marvel at the hundreds of thousands of lights (more than ever!) as they shimmer and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of seasonal classics. The Electrical Spectacle Light Show features Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis as the solo song for each show running through February 25. Electrical Spectacle shows begin at 5 pm and run every 30 minutes until closing, weather permitting.
Ben On the Rocks
Ben On the Rocks operates beginning at 5 pm serving a variety of hand-crafted cocktails (Merry Margarita, Ben On Ice, Après Ski Mocha Latte), classic and spiked hot chocolate, seasonal beers, and wine. The heated tent has make-your-own s’mores, cookie decorating, and delicious apple cider doughnuts. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits and seating throughout the Square as well as the beautiful indoor heated tent. SquareBurger is also available both daytime and nighttime for comfort classic foods with seasonal additions of soup, roast turkey sandwich with homemade cornbread apple stuffing and cranberry sauce, candy cane shake, and holiday caramel funnel fries.
Daytime in Franklin Square
During the day, delight in playing 18 holes of wintery splendor while playing Philly Mini Golf with LOVE, spin with lovey-dovey seasonal music on the Parx Liberty Carousel ($4 per person, adult or child. Guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian.), dine on comfort food and special seasonal fare at SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage, and slide, swing, and climb in the two playgrounds.
Franklin Square is open January 11 – February 25, Thursday – Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm (also open February 12 for holiday Monday and the evening of February 14 for Date Night). The nighttime festivities run 5 pm until closing each day the Square is open. All hours are weather permitting.
