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Philadelphia Magic Gardens is a staple in the Philadelphia art scene. As the mural capital of the world, Philadelphia is committed to beautifying neighborhoods with public art and Isaiah Zagar was doing just that before Mural Arts Philadelphia was even established! This mosaic garden constructed from discarded items is a must-see for tourists and Philly residents alike! My friend Zoe and I (Philly natives) took our two friends to the art installation as part of a day-long tour of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Visit Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to explore outdoor art mosaics. Buy your tickets online in advance to ensure entry to this popular attraction.

Art Installation Visit

✅ Before you go
• Head to https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/about-philadelphias-magic-gardens/ to get your tickets ahead of time. Sometimes tickets can sell out because it is super popular!

💪 Pro tips
• Go on a nice sunny day! Most of the exhibit is outdoors, so be prepared if there’s inclement weather.
• Check out some of the other mosaics along South Street/in the neighborhood.
• Give yourself time to explore! There’s so much detail, it’s amazing!

Museum Tickets

My friend Zoe and I had our other friends,

Nina and Robyn come visit us in Philadelphia,

and we had to take them to Isaiah Zagar's Magic Gardens

because this was such an integral part of

our childhoods growing up here in Philadelphia.

Has such a rich history of public art and beautifying public spaces,

Isaiah Zagar takes discarded items and makes something beautiful out of it,

Isaiah Zagar is always synonymous with Philly to me.

Here's your plan for a magical evening strolling Longwood Gardens' brilliant holiday lights and festive displays. Watch the video 👇

A Longwood Christmas transforms the Gardens into a radiant holiday wonderland — with more than half-a-million twinkling lights, gem-inspired décor, glowing pathways, and enchanting indoor conservatory displays. You’ll stroll under illuminated trees, enjoy fountain shows set to holiday music, and wander through magical indoor exhibits filled with glittering trees, poinsettias, and holiday blooms. It’s a seasonal celebration where nature and holiday magic meet in one. 

A Longwood Gardens Christmas ✨🎄🕯️

Experience a magical holiday stroll through Longwood Gardens, featuring twinkling lights, festive displays, and enchanted conservatories in Kennett Square.

Holiday Garden Lights

✅ Before you go
• Reserve tickets ahead: https://longwoodgardens.org/gardens/our-seasons/longwood-christmas
• Arrive after 7 PM for fewer crowds and peak night magic. (Book timed tickets early — prime weekends sell out fast)
• Dress warm — most walking is outdoors
• Wear comfortable shoes (lots of ground to cover!)

💪 Pro tips
• A map is available (online or printable) to help you plan your route through the Gardens — super helpful to catch your favorite displays without missing anything.  

Drive to Longwood Gardens 

There's something truly magical about stepping into the holiday

season when the world is glowing with lights,

That's exactly what awaited us during our enchanting evening at Longwood Gardens,

We floated straight to our favorite spot,

where every step felt like walking through pure enchantment.

Home to one of the absolute favorite Christmas trees,

By then we had to grab something warm to sip,

because what's Christmas stroll without cozy drinks in hand?

Stepping inside the conservatory was like entering another world.

We were greeted by towering Christmas trees,

One of the sweetest surprises was seeing trees decorated by local schoolchildren,

And also a favorite was the ribbon installation in the conservatory.

We explored the newer conservatory spaces too.

and then we stumbled upon the iconic succulent wreath.

reflections dancing across the water like liquid starlight.

there was something magical waiting to be discovered.

no trip is complete without a stop at the gift shop where we picked

up a little piece of Longwood Christmas magic to take home with us.

it was a beautiful night filled with laughter,

Happy holidays and cheers to magical memories.

Here's your plan for exploring Christmas Village, ice skating, holiday shopping, and festive light displays. Watch the video 👇

Kick off the season at Philadelphia’s Christmas Village in LOVE Park, then wander through Dilworth Park for ice skating, holiday shopping, and spiked hot cocoa in classic Philly mugs before visiting the glowing tree and snapping a photo under the LOVE sign. After sunset, head to Miracle on 13th Street to stroll through South Philly’s most magical block, where every house is decked out—Gritty, the Phanatic, and all the festive lights that make this holiday tradition unforgettable.

Christmas Village & Holiday Lights Walk 🎄✨

Skate at Dilworth Park's rink, shop the Christmas Village, sip hot cocoa, and snap pics under the LOVE sign for a festive Philly holiday experience.

Ice Skating & Holiday Market

✅ Before you go
• Book your skating time in advance: https://centercityphila.org/parks/dilworth-park/winter (Walk-ups can fill quickly, especially weekends. Booking online saves time.)
• Wear thicker socks for ice skating. Rental skates are tight and cold—your feet will thank you.
• Expect wind—City Hall creates gusts—scarves, hats, and warm coats help a lot.
• Bring cash + card—Most vendors take cards, but a few are cash-only. You’ll avoid lines if you’re flexible.
💪 Pro tips
• Warm up at the heated tent or cocoa stands. Spiked hot chocolate = excellent morale boost.
• Go earlier in the day if you’re gift shopping. Evenings get packed—midday or late afternoon = easier browsing and shorter waits.
• Grab the souvenir mug early—The classic mugs sell out fast. Hot chocolate refill discounts sometimes apply.
• Food stalls often offer samples tastings—gingerbread, cheese, chocolates—try before you commit.

Head to Dilworth Park and LOVE park

Stroll South Philly's Miracle on 13th Street to see spectacular holiday lights and festive house displays. Go after dark for the brightest sights and magical vibes.

Holiday Lights Walk

✅ Before you go
• Go after dark (5–9 PM)—The lights are fully on, and the street looks its best.

💪 Pro tips
• Weeknights > weekends—Fridays and Saturdays get shoulder-to-shoulder. Weeknights feel calmer and more magical
• Parking is limited—It’s a regular residential street. Look for street parking a few blocks away and walk in.
• Rideshare works best-drop-offs a block or two away save a lot of time and stress.
• Skip drive-through viewing—It causes backups and you miss the details—walking is 10x better.

Head to South Philly-Walk around miracle on 13th street  

It's officially the best time of the year.

The Christmas village is back and the energy hits you the second you step in.

and the Christmas market is stacked with gifts and treats waiting to be discovered.

and you can't leave without wandering back through

the village and posing under the love sign.

and headed to Miracle on 13th Street in South Philly.

every inch of the block was drenched in lights,

even Gritty and the Phanatic showed up because Philly never misses.

Happy holidays and enjoy every festive moment.

Here's your plan for strength and wellness with workouts, sauna, cold plunge, and Pilates classes. Watch the video 👇

Looking to get strong and leave into wellness? MVMNT offers workout classes along with sauna, cold plunge, and other wellness experiences that can help you take your wellness to the next level.

Wellness at MVMNT

MVMNT Center in Queen Village offers pilates, sauna, and cold plunge wellness experiences you can book online. Bring a swimsuit for full enjoyment!

Fitness & Wellness Classes

✅ Before you go
• Go online and check out the class schedule and book in advance! 
• you can reserve times for the other wellness experiences online as well! Make sure to bring a swim suit if you want to make the most out of the cold plunge sauna experience 
• they also have other locations around the city listed on their website!

MVMNT Center

Check out Movement Center located in Queens Village for all of your wellness needs.

They have workout classes like Pilates reformer,

Here's your plan for discovering a hidden speakeasy and savoring custom cocktails in Philly's cozy lounge. Watch the video 👇

The Ranstead Room is a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail lounge in Center City Philadelphia, known for its discreet entrance, dim intimate atmosphere, and expertly crafted classic cocktails.

Hidden Speakeasy Style Cocktail Lounge 🍸🍷🍹

Hidden, dimly-lit speakeasy in Rittenhouse serving expertly crafted cocktails—perfect for intimate drinks and classic lounge vibes. Find the subtle RR door, ask for custom cocktails, and enjoy.

Speakeasy Cocktails

✅ Before you go
• Find the door first — it’s tucked in an alley off Ranstead St. Look for the small “RR” marking so you don’t walk past it.
• Go early — it’s walk-in only (no reservations), and the lounge is small. Arriving near opening (around 7 PM) cuts wait times.
• Keep group size small — 2–4 people is ideal. Larger groups may wait longer or struggle to sit together.

💪 Pro tips
• Use El Rey as a buffer-If there’s a wait, go next door to El Rey (same restaurant group). They’ll often text you when a seat opens—super convenient.
• Ask for a Bartender’s Choice-Don’t just pick from the menu. Tell them your spirit + flavor profile (“boozy + citrus,” “light + floral,” “mezcal + smoky”). Their off-menu drinks are better than the listed ones.
• Sit at the bar if possible…Bar seats = best experience. You’ll get more interaction, better drink customization, and quicker service than the booths.
• Know the entrance trick-The unmarked door with the “RR” is easy to miss. If you hit the alley and feel “I’m not supposed to be here,” you’re close.
• Go early on weekends-Around 7–8 PM is the sweet spot. After 9 PM it can feel like a wait-lottery.
• Keep your phone dim…It’s VERY dark inside. Turning up your phone brightness kills the vibe (and makes you “that” person).
• Don’t expect loud music or a party-It’s intentionally low-key and intimate. Whisper-friendly. Perfect for dates.
• Ask about dealer’s choice rounds. They’ll sometimes make each person in your group a different custom cocktail based on their taste—fun and very “speakeasy.”

Head to Ranstead Room

this speakeasy proves the best spots are the ones you have to find.

When we first arrived at the Ranstead Room,

a subtle sign that we found something special.

and instantly transported into a different world.

that makes you forget the busy city outside.

and a glass of wine to sip while we caught up and soaked in the vibe.

The kind of place that makes time slow down,