Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

From Christmas until New Year’s Day, school vacation and a typically slow work week provide perfect excuses to grab the family or a loved one and head to action-packed Philadelphia. Some highlights: festive events like A Longwood Gardens Christmas and SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront with two showings; performances such as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Concert and blockbuster exhibitions such as the Prohibition-focused American Spirits.

One of the highlights of the week is always the sparkling, feathered and festive Mummers Parade, a day-long extravaganza that sends thousands of men, women

In Philadelphia and The Countryside®, families partake in old and new traditions— many of which are free or low-cost—to make happy holiday memories. Parents who remember standing in awe of the Enchanted Colonial Village at Lit Brothers department store can take another peek inside the busy bakery, the village store and the seven other restored scenes with their own children at the Please Touch Museum®. Or, they can start a new holiday tradition when they catch The Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the world’s largest four-millimeter LED screen inside the 57-story Comcast Center. On New Year’s Eve, revelers ohhh and ahhh

This winter, whether visitors are spending the night in Philadelphia for a family-friendly weekend, a romantic getaway or a trip that tempts the tastebuds, there are hotel packages fitting for all itineraries. With hotels offering deals that include a free night’s stay, $50 hotel credits or seats at some of Philly’s most renowned restaurants, there’s no better time to be in Philadelphia and The Countryside®:

Winter Family Escape Package:
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Package Overview: Guests who book this package enjoy waterfront activities, including complimentary tickets to the Blue Cross RiverRink and discounted admission to the

Romance abounds in February, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is making it possible for couples to celebrate their love in style thanks to the month-long 29 Nights of Dates promotion. A component of GPTMC’s popular With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® campaign, which is heavily focused on couples this winter, the facebook.com/visitphilly sweepstakes features nearly 70 prizes, including a Vespa—all valued at more than $13,000.

From February 1-29 (yes, it’s a leap year), fans of facebook.com/visitphilly will have a chance to win one of 29 fun, romantic and inspired Philly dates. Fans are encouraged to check facebook.com/visitphilly each day

In Philadelphia and The Countryside®, families partake in old and new traditions to make happy holiday memories, many of which are free or low-cost. Parents who remember standing in awe of the Enchanted Colonial Village at Lit Brothers department store can take another peek inside the busy bakery, the bustling village store and the seven other restored scenes with their own children at the Please Touch Museum®. Or, they can start a new holiday tradition when they catch The Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the 2,000-square-foot LED screen inside the 57-story Comcast Center. On New Year’s Eve, revelers ohhh and ahhh

Long a fan favorite, the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is getting super-sized this winter, and visitors have three weeks to book the money-saving offer that’s filled with more value-added items than ever before. In addition to the always-popular free hotel parking (up to a $75 value), package buyers will receive Blue Cross RiverRink ice skating passes and combo tickets for the Betsy Ross House and the new Liberty 360 3-D show for another $46 in savings. The two-night offer is available now through March 6, 2011 at around 30 hotels in the Philadelphia region, and rates start at $198. Visitors

In Philadelphia and The Countryside®, families partake in festive and free traditions to make happy holiday memories. Parents who remember standing in awe of the Enchanted Colonial Village at Lit Brothers department store can take another peek inside the busy bakery, the bustling village store and the seven other restored scenes with their own children at the Please Touch Museum®. Or, they can start a new holiday tradition when they catch The Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the 2,000-square-foot LED screen inside the 57-story Comcast Center. On New Year’s Eve, revelers will be treated to two fireworks displays. And, on New

In Philadelphia and The Countryside®, families partake in old and new traditions to make happy holiday memories, many of which are free or low-cost. Parents who remember standing in awe of the Enchanted Colonial Village at Lit Brothers department store can take another peek inside the busy bakery, the bustling village store and the seven other restored scenes with their own children at the Please Touch Museum®. Or, they can start a new holiday tradition when they catch The Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the 2,000-square-foot LED screen inside the 57-story Comcast Center. On New Year’s Eve, revelers will be treated

In Philadelphia and The Countryside®, families partake in old and new traditions to make happy holiday memories. Here are just 10 of the classic Philly customs that make the region a daytime and nighttime wonderland during the holiday season:

1. A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the free Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates the Wanamaker building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights and finishes with sounds from the Wanamaker Organ, November 26-December 31. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, wanamakerorgan.com
2. Starting on November 26, the picturesque Franklin Square lights up to brighten the season—literally—and provides a

WHAT: Have cabin fever? Most residents of the snow-covered Philadelphia region do, which is exactly why Mayor Michael Nutter and civic leaders are encouraging folks to get out and Spread the Love during this long Valentine’s Day weekend—and extending through Sunday, February 21, 2010—in Philadelphia. Really, there’s no excuse not to!

• Why drive? SEPTA is offering low fares on regional rails, the subway and el and free parking at surface lots. Offers run through Sunday, February 21, but vary from weekends to weekdays depending on your mode of transportation. septa.org
• Why pay to park? Take advantage of free metered parking

During the three-day weekend in February, travelers to the Philadelphia region can enjoy a romantic getaway or a presidential adventure—or a bit of both. Where better to celebrate the Presidents’ Day/Valentine’s Day weekend than in the birthplace of the nation and the City of Brotherly Love? After long walks in the region’s picturesque countryside, visitors can take in a few presidential sites—there are plenty in Philadelphia and The Countryside®—followed by a romantic dinner for two. Mix in a mural ride on a “Love Train,” a mating tour around the nation’s first zoo, the Oath of Office, a birthday cake