5 Reasons To Visit Philadelphia For Winter Break

Philadelphia is known for its historical attractions like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center, but it's also making history as a great destination for a winter vacation. If you're considering a pit stop in Philadelphia during your winter break, you may be surprised by all the city has to offer. Read on for five attractions you must see while in the City of Brotherly Love in the wintertime.

Blue Cross RiverRink
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com

Located at Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, Blue Cross RiverRink is the area's premier outdoor Olympic-sized skating arena, with a waterfront locale right on the Delaware River at Penns Landing. Starting Nov. 27, the rink is open seven days a week for the entire skating season, and admission and skate rental is very affordable. The rink is even open (and lit up) at night, paving the way for a gorgeous view of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Longwood Gardens
www.longwoodgardens.org

Spring is in the air at Kennett Square's Longwood Gardens, even in the middle of winter. This popular wintertime destination boasts 1,077 acres, including 40 indoor and outdoor gardens. In addition to the beautiful gardens and greenhouses, Longwood plays host to year-round concerts, and a nighttime light and sound show.

Related: Best Places To Go Sledding in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Museum Of Art
www.philamuseum.org

Visitors can check two things off of their bucket list with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Located at 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum, the third-largest in the country, houses famous works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and more. But before you even set foot inside this famed museum, you can run up the famous "Rocky" steps or pose with the statue inspired by Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky" movie franchise. If you happen to visit during a particularly snowy time of year, the steps and the hill to the side of the museum are instantly transformed into a popular sledding spot.

Reading Terminal Market
www.readingterminalmarket.org

This iconic indoor market is a dream come true for foodies, and it's also the number one most-visited attraction in Philadelphia, with more than six million visitors per year. Dozens of vendors peddle a plethora of local produce, meats and seafood, artisanal cheeses, Amish specialties, fresh flowers and more. It's literally one-stop shopping at this historic public market, which is the oldest market of its kind in the nation. While it may be hard to get all of your goodies home, it's definitely worth a visit just for the experience.

Related: Top Spots for Winter Outdoor Adventures in Philadelphia

Spring Mountain Ski Resort
www.springmountainadventures.com

Who says you have to travel far to get to the mountains? Just 30 miles from the city of Philadelphia lies a family-friendly ski resort, which is the perfect way to cap off a wintertime visit to Philly. Since 1963, Spring Mountain has been the place to go for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers. Newbies can take advantage of the onsite ski and snowboard school, and the resort also features rock climbing, downhill biking, geocaching and zipline canopy tours. There's even a Woodside Lodge if you want to make a night of it.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.