Santa Claus stood watching an interactive ice sculpture carving outside The Battery residences located along the waterfront in Fishtown.
Slowly but surely the kids in the small crowd started gravitating towards the big man in the red suit.
It was like watching those lyrics in “The Christmas Song” come to life:
“Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh”
Sure enough, he whipped out “toys and goodies” for the tiny tots – holiday pencils and candy canes – to be exact.
The Battery was one of the stops on the annual Fishtown Freeze ice sculpture event that took place on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
Designed to support small businesses and bring the community together, the Fishtown Freeze and Shopping Spree have quickly become a beloved annual tradition that kicks off the holiday season with creativity, energy, and local pride.
The event, which is now entering its seventh year, is Fishtown District’s signature winter celebration, said Randi Sherwood, marketing director for the Fishtown District, adding that the celebration transforms the neighborhood into a lively, family-friendly holiday destination for the entire weekend.
It featured more than 25 custom ice sculptures displayed throughout the district, live carving demonstrations, trolley tours, and festive programming from local businesses.
Visitors explored shops and restaurants offering seasonal specials, promotions, and holiday-themed experiences while enjoying the unique artistry and community atmosphere that make Fishtown one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant neighborhoods, according to Sherwood.
“Fishtown Freeze is more than an event, it’s a celebration of the creativity, spirit, and heart of our community,” said Marc Collazzo, executive director of the Fishtown District. “It brings neighbors and visitors together while showcasing the incredible small businesses that make Fishtown such a special place year-round.”
“Fishtown Freeze is more than an event, it’s a celebration of the creativity, spirit, and heart of our community,” said Marc Collazzo, executive director of the Fishtown District. The weekend in early December was filled with holiday fun, ice art and local shopping.
The artist outside The Battery sculpted the Ben Franklin Bridge that was a stone’s throw away. And as he was finishing, he carved in the letter B logo of The Battery.
Along with Santa Claus, the stop offered hot chocolate and/or hot apple cider at the bar inside and a make-your-own s’more station with a fire pit and all outside.
The lobby inside The Battery was dressed to the nines in holiday décor.
Holiday Shopping Spree discounts were offered by nearly 30 participating area retailers.
Visitors were able to hop a free holiday trolley that ran up and down Frankford Avenue, making it easy to explore the 13 stops offering shopping deals at independent boutiques as well as enjoy food and drink specials at favorite neighborhood spots.
Live ice sculpting demonstrations also included Rivers Casino at 1325 Beach St., Mural City Cellars at 1825 Frankford Ave., Garage Fishtown at 100 E Girard Ave., and LMNO restaurant at 1739-1749 N Front St.
Each location offered a taste of holiday cheer. At Mural City Cellars Wine Garden, they hosted a Winter Wonderland with their live ice carving event, which also saw Santa Claus and a vendor market.
There was mulled wine, an ice luge, and other drink specials on tap as shoppers got to peruse bottles and merchandise.
Santa Claus was busy from stop to stop. He was also taking photo-ops at Frankford Hall.
All in all, the weekend was filled with holiday fun, ice art and local shopping.
