Destress with the Holiday Season: Give yourself a break from finals to visit some local seasonal activities.

       As the semester is slowly being chaotic and there are those who need to take a break from the stress of finals, we have a list of local Christmas and holiday activities. We hope these activities and events give you a break from studying and put you into good spirits.

      First. If you’re struggling with what to buy family and friends, head on down to the Christmas Village at Love Park in Philadelphia. The Christmas Village hosts a market with many unique vendors so you’ll be sure to find something to buy. Delicious sweets, crafts, homemade jewelry and ornaments, are some of the few purchases you can make at the Christmas Village.

      Second. One of the largest and longest light shows in Philadelphia is hosted at the Macy’s on Market Street. The show has been around since 1956 and you’ll be sure not to miss the light show every two hours, daily, during this holiday season. After the show, you can head up to the second floor to see a doll reenactment of Dickinson’s The Christmas Carol.

      Third. You can attend a winter wonderland right next to the Delaware River. RiverRink’s Winterfest is hosted at Penn’s Landing where you can ice skate, shop, eat and play games with the most beautiful view. Go ice skating on their rink, walk around the beautifully lighted gardens, play arcade games inside their tents, and make sure to stop in at the Lodge to cozy up next to a fire with hot chocolate.

      Fourth. Go on down to City Hall and you’ll find Dilworth Park lit up like a Christmas city. An ice rink is open where you can rent skates. There is a light show synchronized to everyone’s favorite holiday music on the facade of City Hall. Buy yourself something nice at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market where all the vendors are local. Want to stay out of the cold? Head into their Cabin where they have nightly karaoke and quizzo with warm drinks and good food.

      Fifth. If you feel like taking a mini road-trip, head to Longwood Gardens to view the spectacular lights. Anyone will have their breath taken away as they glance at all the beautiful flowers, trees and plants covered in lights over four acres. Fountains and fire pit flames are synchronized to classic holiday tunes.

      Sixth. If you love the classic music and arts which the holiday season brings to television and movies, then you’ll want to spend a couple extra dollars to attend Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music. It runs from December 7th to December 31st, so be sure not to miss this classical masterpiece.

      Source: MainLine Today, Visit Philadelphia