Amy Needle, President, CEO and Founder of Historic Philadelphia, and Lisa Acker Moulder, Director of the Betsy Ross House, discussed ‘historic’ options for family fun during the holidays.  Amy spoke about Franklin Square, a seven-acre park, one of William Penn’s original Squares, located behind the National Constitution center and a few blocks from Independence Hall.  She described its resurrection from abandoned and overgrown, into one of the city’s most active family destinations throughout the year.   

Highlights for the 2022 holiday season include Chilly Philly Mini Golf both daytime and evening, seasonal music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, in addition to the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at night. The Ben’s Sweets and Treats heated tent will be open with food and drink, surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Beer Garden. Special events bring visits with Santa, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah celebrations, and the renowned family 6pm New Year’s Eve Square Drop to add to the festive fun.   Winter in Franklin Square is running through January 8, 2023

Lisa discussed Historic Philadelphia’s other site, the Betsy Ross House and the holiday activities planned for it.   She described the shift in programming, from retelling the story of the first flag, to presenting a look at Betsy’s unlikely career as an upholsterer and woman business owner, as well as the jobs and work of the other women who lived there.   At the Betsy Ross House festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 30 featuring Betsy Ross, seasonal entertainment, and a musical performance. The Old City Menorah lighting will take place at 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 18, when the Betsy Ross House joins the Old City Jewish Arts Center to host a community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, complete with traditional foods like latke and doughnuts and menorahs for the younger guests.

For more information, visit www.historicphiladelphia.org.