Thanksgiving in Philadelphia

“What is your favorite holiday?” A common question asked when trying to get to know someone. Many times, people say the obvious- Christmas, but this does not hold true for me. I am a HUGE Thanksgiving person. It is the time for you to look at those in the room around you and say, “I am thankful for you,” while you also enjoy turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and any other family dish you have on your table. Are you hungry yet?

My cousins and siblings at our 2016 Thanksgiving.

Typically, my family stays at home for the day of Thanksgiving. However, my family friend’s do the complete opposite and take a road trip to Philadelphia, PA for their day of thanks. If you are looking for a city to visit for the holiday, this is definitely one filled with plenty of things to do and be thankful for.

 

 

Transportation

If possible, the easiest way to get to the city is to drive. From Pittsburgh, it is around four hours to get there, which is not terrible and would save you money on flight tickets and rental car fees. If you cannot drive in, Philadelphia International Airport is only a 25 minute drive from the city’s downtown area.

Where to Stay

Google Image of DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Philadelphia

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Center City, Philadelphia- With so many of your main activities, including Black Friday shopping and Thanksgiving day feasting, being in Center City, it only makes sense to have your hotel at the center of it. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is known for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and amazing views of the Delaware River. It is located on the Avenue of the Arts- only nine miles from the airport you will fly into!

Activities

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade– On November 22, Thanksgiving, at 8:30 a.m. you can enjoy the 1.4 mile parade that celebrates all things Thanksgiving and Philadelphia. The best place to watch? The steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, or the south side of Eakins Oval. Seeing the decorative floats, large balloons, and special guests/performers will be the highlight of your trip so don’t miss it!

Video Wall in Comcast’s Building

Comcast Holiday Spectacular- After the parade, if you are feeling a bit cold but still festive, you can head over to the Comcast Building and watch the Holiday Spectacular on the Video Wall in the building. During a 15 minute video, see snippets of the Pennsylvania Ballet, sing along to plenty of holiday music classics, and enjoy time with your family and friends. Showtimes are at the top of each hour from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Dinner– Since you will be visiting the city, most likely staying in a hotel of your choice, the best way to get a Thanksgiving styled meal is to visit one of the many restaurants in the city that offer it:

1. Bank and Bourbon- $55 a person
2. Square 1682- $55 a person
3. Davio’s- $59 for adults, $23 for children

There are many more restaurants that offer a Thanksgiving meal, these three were just ones that caught my eye as I did research.

Black Friday Shopping

Without going into much detail, many credible sources have pointed to Center City being the best place for Black Friday shopping deals and for overall experience. Retail stores, pop up shops, craft stands, independent boutique shops, and once a year sales can be found here.

Not convinced that Thanksgiving in Philadelphia is for you? Well, maybe my friend Sarah Malone can convince you. When I asked her, “Why Thanksgiving in Philadelphia,” she responded:

Sarah Malone and her younger cousin in front of a large balloon in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade

“Thanksgiving in Philadelphia is an amazing experience because of the busy and happy environment. The thanksgiving day parade shows off major sports teams, bands, and famous people that makes the day so much more fun and interesting. Being around family and the beautiful city of Philadelphia make thanksgiving in Philadelphia truly unforgettable.”

For more information on things to do in Philadelphia during Thanksgiving week, you can go online and find plenty of fun, holiday activities. Happy Thanksgiving! See next week on, The Road Most Knowledgeably Traveled.”