From twinkling lights to family traditions, Philadelphians celebrated the holidays in the city on Wednesday, embracing both Christmas and Hanukkah.
At City Hall, the Christmas tree set a magical tone for the morning for 10-year-old Rithu Sabarish, who was visiting with her family from Canada.
“I like the Christmas tree there because it looks like shooting stars are falling,” Sabarish said.
After opening presents, many families flocked to Dilworth Plaza to skate on the ice rink.
“I wanted to skate because since it’s winter, I like to skate,” Gabriella Johnson said.
Jimmy Rodriguez, who was visiting from Lancaster with his wife, dressed in a Santa hat.
“We didn’t have any real plans, so we thought let’s go out and spend a day in the big city and have fun,” Rodriguez said.
For those looking for alternatives to Christmas celebrations, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History hosted its annual “Being ___ at Christmas” celebration, featuring a full day of family activities. The event used to be called “Being Jewish at Christmas,” but museum staff say they changed the title to include anyone who wants to come along.
“There are a lot of other religions here in town, faith practices that don’t celebrate Christmas, and there are a lot of people who might open presents in the morning and then be looking for something else to do,” Dan said. Samuels, the museum’s director of public programs.
Children and families enjoyed crafts, drumming and face painting.
“It’s one of the few things that’s open and available,” said Michael Chesney, who attended with his wife and two children. “Christmas is great, but if you have another religion besides Christian, it can be a time when you think, ‘What’s in it for me?’ And there is this. And that is really special.”
For 13-year-old Idan Cohen, the event was a meaningful way to honor Jewish traditions.
“We have a tradition every night: one person lights the candle, the other person lights it,” he said.
Seven-year-old Lily Monsky also shared her excitement about Hanukkah.
“I’m going to spend the rest of the day celebrating Hanukkah and getting presents tonight!” she said.
