A Center City Christmas

I walked only a few blocks from the train station to the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, but I took in a lot of Christmas magic along the way.

This happened to be the first day of the Christmas Village in Love Park, a collection of pop-up shops and food establishments just across the street from Suburban Station. I bought some unique gifts here (most were not even for me) and enjoyed a schnitzel sandwich. It wasn't easy, but I avoided the siren call of the strudel stand.

Next, I wandered over to Dilworth Park, just outside City Hall, which has recently been renovated. There is ice skating there at the Rothman Rink where a fountain will be in the warmer weather.

Lots of banners give color to the streetscape at Dilworth Park and then along Broad Street. Nutcracker? Mary Poppins? Either one, thank you. The City Hall tower photo-bombed this shot.

The Union League was formed in 1862 to support the Union and Abraham Lincoln, and this building was built in 1865. The Union League House on Broad Street is tasteful but festive.

The crowd at the Academy of Music was waiting to see The Nutcracker.

The view from the Kimmel Center's Roof Garden looked somewhat holidayish thanks to the colorful banners lining Broad Street.

And then back to City Hall and Christmas Village after the concert and everything is festively illuminated!