Erika Joy Erb, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation discussed their work in the development, programming, maintenance, and operation of six miles of Waterfront from South Philadelphia to Port Richmond, opening the waterfront for recreation, attractions and events year-round, through eight parks and 3.5 miles of multi-use trails. 

Today they welcome over 600K visitors per year – not only to its parks, but also thousands of events, concerts, and art installations – contributing to a 140% increase in the Waterfront’s market value, representing $1.1 billion in investment.

She described the many outdoor destinations including Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, host to Winterfest and Summerfest for ice and roller skating with boardwalk fun, Cherry Street Pier – a reimagined Municipal Pier 9 that is now an artists’ enclave with studios, pop-ups and events, seasonal retreat Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Delaware River Trail – a scenic, 3.3 mile multimodal trail that stretches along the Waterfront welcoming walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

Erika speaks of the free arts and cultural programming, and entertainment for the community that allow visitors to experience Philadelphia’s diverse cultures through food, local bands and musicians and public art pieces as well as July’s Independence Weekend and New Year’s Eve fireworks and the PECO Multicultural Series – a wide range of cultural festivals.

Winter offerings include Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest opening Friday, November 28, holiday offerings at Cherry Street Pier, including a Holiday Art Show, opening December 5, and a Holiday Gift Guide highlighting items from the Pier’s Artists in Residence, launching Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29.

Winterfest is open through March 2026, seven days a week, including holidays, unless otherwise noted online. It’s free to enter and open to the public with all amenities pay-as-you-go.

Winterfest features outdoor fire pits, and warming cabins, a full NHL-size rink and the Rinkside Lounge. Food and beverages are available for purchase with hot chocolate, seasonal cocktails, and local brews and offerings from Chickie’s & Pete’s, Skelly’s Amusements, Skelly’s Pizza Port, and Philly Taco. Jacquin’s, Philadelphia’s historic spirits supplier, is taking over the outdoor Porch Bar with winter-themed cocktails from Pennsylvania Dutch, The Roaster’s Daughter, and Union Forge Vodka.

Skate admission is $5 with skate rental: $12. Independence Blue Cross members skate free (for themselves + 3 guests; rentals not included) and Military and first responders also enjoy free admission with valid ID. Cabin and fire-pits rentals are available.

Winterfest’s annual tree lighting powered by PECO is Friday, December 5 while Visit PA’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront presents shows at 6 pm and midnight.

Finally, a discussion of what’s coming, new urban parks, trails, and green spaces, the 2029 Penn’s Landing Park, and plans for 2026, kicking off with the largest fireworks display in the waterfront’s history.  

To learn more about Winterfest go to RiverRink.com.

For happenings and updates across the Waterfront, visit DelawareRiverWaterfront.com or follow @delawareriverwaterfront on social media