The Winter season can be a dreary time and feel unending. It’s often cloudy and too cold for activities outside. Surprisingly, even after the holidays have passed, there are still plenty of events to go to in the Philadelphia area. Below are just a few of the many things to do this winter to make it feel a bit more bearable.

Dilworth Park: November through February.

Looking to enjoy the winter weather in the city and brave the cold? Look no further than Winter at Dilworth Park. There is ice skating, a cabin for warm drinks and treats, a winter-inspired garden, and special events throughout the winter. February is the perfect time to visit because you can take advantage of free ice skating by visiting the Capital One Rittenhouse Cafe.

Philadelphia Auto Show: February 8th through the 17th.

For car fans, the Philadelphia Auto Show is a must-see. There are several different shows throughout the week, from muscle cars to super cars and classics, your favorite cars are sure to be there. On opening night of the show this year, there is a Black Tie Tailgate event that will benefit the Nursing Department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Saturday, February 8th is Deaf & Hard of Hearing Day, where American Sign Language interpreters will be available on the show floor to assist guests communicate with the vendors. Join the Philadelphia Union mascot, Phang, along with the Sixers Dance Team, Bob Kelly of the Philadelphia Flyers and more at this year’s Philadelphia Auto Show!

Philadelphia Flower Show: February 29th through March 8th.

The 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show is a Riviera Holiday. This year America’s largest flower show is inspired by the Mediterranean. Experience the sweet smells of citrus trees and flowers like geraniums and roses. To add to the picturesque scenes, the space will be filled with ornate pottery and patterned tiles. Not only can you view the plants and decor, there is also a Flower Show Shop. There you can gather beautiful items and plants for your home and garden.

Eastern State Penitentiary: Visit anytime! For those with a spooky adventurous side, take a tour of one of America’s most historic prisons. With a beautiful view of the city’s skyline, Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. However, today it stands in ruin, for you to tour and explore. Once holding notorious criminals such as “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone, this prison is the real deal. Check out Al Capone’s former cell, the baseball field inmates once used for recreation or even take a look at death row. As long as you can handle it, Eastern State makes for a fun and educational adventure!

Or, if you’d rather not travel into the city, here are a few fun options in the suburbs!

Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival: January 18th through the 26th.

Over in the suburbs of Philadelphia in Lambertville and New Hope, is the annual Winter Festival! Featuring many free events and activities such as a Gallery Crawl, ice sculptures, the NHS Library Poetry and Hot Chocolate Night, Showfolk Art and a Soup-A-Thon. There are also great ticketed events including a Beef-N-Brew, a chili cook-off, a concert featuring Abbey Road Live, Oldies Dance Night and many more! Check out their website at www.winterfestival.net to view the events calendar and plan your visit!

Longwood Gardens: Orchid Extravaganza: January 18th through March 22nd.

Longwood Gardens updates their Conservatory often throughout the year depending on the season. Starting January 18th and ending on March 22nd, the Orchid Extravaganza will take over the Conservatory with bold and sharp hues of various colors. Truly a breathtaking event for visitors of all ages. For an activity tailored to fill a child with wonder about nature, there will be three dates of OrKID Days where children can learn up close about the plants. During the cold of winter, let this Extravaganza take you onward to Springtime.