Delaware River WATERFRONT

Since 1994, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest has been Philadelphia's favorite winter destination on the Waterfront. This year, #RiverRink Winterfest is celebrating 26 years of winter fun with Independence Blue Cross. 

 

Free and open to the public, visitors can enjoy Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest seven days a week, including holidays. The seasonal winter park includes a fairytale winter landscape, world-class ice skating rink, beautiful lighting, outdoor seating area with fire pits, newly-decorated warming cabins, the Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin, a Kids Lodge and arcade, and chalet-inspired Lodge with new festive decor, as well as food and beverages from Garces and Chickie's and Pete's. Come skate with friends, bring the family (or your pup) to a special event, or have your own picture-perfect party in one of the warming cabins or the Lodge.

Blue Cross RiverRink is the centerpiece of this magical winter wonderland. The regulation-sized rink offers daily public skating sessions, skate rentals, an ice skate sharpening service, kid's skate helpers (available to rent for $5 per skate session at guest services), and free season-long events and entertainment. The past 26 years have been made possible by Winterfest’s founding and title sponsor Independence Blue Cross.

 

Purchase Your Ice Skating Tickets Today!

All Independence Blue Cross Cardholders receive FREE ice skating admission when they show their card all season long. Skate rental is not included.

food and beverage

The heated Lodge at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is the center for comfy seating, festive decor, and delicious seasonal fare by Chickie's and Pete's, Garces, and Skelly's Amusements all winter long. Dig into Chickie's and Pete's world-famous Crabfries and clam chowder, try the Impossible Burger from Garces, or grab a slice or a whole pie from Portside Pizza. Many of the menu items at the rink are allergy-friendly and gluten-free. Get your taste buds ready by exploring the menu.

And while enjoying mouth-watering eats, stop by the Lodge bar for craft beers highlighting regional distilleries and specialty hot cocktails. With its warm and inviting space, the Lodge is perfect for friends seeking a night out to relax, unwind, and enjoy some tasty beverages. 

Enjoy new decor in our famous warming cabins featuring a special theme dreamed up by designer Todd Marcocci of Under the Sun Productions Inc. Soak in the sites from the new Snowman Cabin filled miniature snowman and plush snow furnishings. Or cozy up in the Skate Cabin inspired by the Blue Cross RiverRink featuring vintage skates, soft goods, and vibrant colors that bring the cabin to life.

 

Each cabin is filled with warm blankets, soft pillows, holiday greens, heaters, fireplaces, and games. The cabins are ideal for a cozy get together for two or for a larger function. Cabins can be rented online with bar and catering packages.

 

Cozy up by the fire pits with a hot and sweet drink from the Franklin Fountain Confectionary Cabin. This fan-favorite serves house-made hot chocolate, hot fudge sundaes, ice cream waffle sandwiches, and s' more kits for grilling at the fire pits.

The cabin was hand-built and charred to give it that perfect winter feel, making it one of the best spots for a winter photo-op. 

 

The Kids Lodge features a playfully decorated space built for the kids. With a variety of interactive arcade games, small rides, and classics like pinball and air hockey, it's the perfect space to let the whole family play. Don't forget that Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest offers party packages that are perfect for those youngsters with winter birthdays.