Philadelphia, PA – Fishtown District is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Fishtown Freeze, an annual celebration of art, community, and holiday cheer. Now in its seventh year, this signature event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025 transforming the streets of Fishtown into a winter wonderland featuring dozens of custom-designed ice sculptures, festive shopping experiences, and more. This year’s Fishtown Freeze will showcase five live ice carving demonstrations and individual sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artists from Ice Sculpture Philly. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor food and beverage offerings, exclusive holiday specials at local restaurants, and a complimentary trolley service running along Frankford Avenue from 12:00PM to 6:30PM. Additional highlights include photos with Santa at Frankford Hall, plus unique seasonal activities for all ages. The festivities continue with the Fishtown Holiday Shopping Spr ee, a long-standing tradition supporting local businesses. Beginning Saturday, December 6 and running through Sunday, December 7, shoppers can take advantage of special discounts at more than 25 independent retailers and boutiques throughout the neighborhood. Both events are no charge and open to the public, with food, beverages, and gifts available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor activities and ice sculptures will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 7.
FISHTOWN FREEZE – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
(Rain date for ice sculptures, live carvings, and outdoor market is Sunday, December 7, 2025)
Fishtown Freeze brings a taste of the North Pole to one of Philly’s hottest and fastest-growing neighborhoods. Festivities include:
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Complimentary photos with Santa at Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Avenue)
12:00pm to 6:00pm
In partnership with NKCDC, Mural City Cellars Wine Garden will be hosting a Winter Wonderland with a live ice sculpture carving, Santa Claus, and vendor market. Stop by for mulled wine, a live ice carving at 1:30pm, and other drink specials, including Shopping Spr ee discounts on bottles to go and Mural City Cellars merchandise. Stop by the Wine Garden and then warm up in the winery! 1825 Frankford Ave
Starting at 12:00pm Noon
Evil Genius will open for their new Christmas Pop-Up Bar: Ginger Jawn with floor to ceiling, wall to wall holiday decorations, lights and giant Gingerbread walls, plus their 15+ Christmas tree. Look for their Santa I Know Him Beer to debut for this weekend and also do good at their annual signature charity event the Santa 0.5k run for charity on Saturday, December 6th. The brewery’s yearly Santa 0.5K charity run makes its return on Saturday, December 6th at 2:30 PM as part of their “Evil Does Good” series of altruistic events. Yep, you read that right. It’s 0.5k or as Evil Genius likes to put it, just one around the block. Tickets are $30 and includes a comp beer and a Santa Hat. 100% of the proceeds from the event are put towards purchasing Christmas gifts for underprivileged families this holiday season.
Starting at 12:00pm Noon
Mamajuana Cafe Philly will host Fishtown District’s official new holiday tree outside, standing at a grand 25 feet tall with decorations, 10,000+ lights and photo opps inside and out, plus stop by for their new signature holiday cocktails, holiday and winter menu and more.
Starting at 12:00pm Noon
Starting at Noon and remaining the rest of the day (or until melted), two dozen custom ice sculptures carved by Ice Sculpture Philly at businesses around the neighborhood
Starting at 12:00pm Noon
The International Bar Outdoor Bar and Vendor Market with holiday specials, including spiked Mexican hot chocolate and Beignets. (PAYG) 1524 N Front Street
Starting at 12:00pm Noon
Johnny Brenda’s will offer bratwursts on the grill and Beer Poking with Requiem Brewing, plus Local Maker’s Market in the venue. (PAYG) Frankford & Girard
Starting at 12:00pm Noon
Stop to see the Front Street Cafe ice sculpture and get a magic ticket from inside the restaurant for a chance to win a $50 GC and more fun prizes. (1253 N Front Street)
Live Carving @ 12:30pm
Live Ice Sculpture Carve at Rivers Casino (1001 N Delaware Ave)
Live Carving @ 1:30pm
Live Ice Sculpture Carve at Mural City Garden at (1825 Frankford Avenue)
Starting at 2:00pm
Indoor + Outdoor Holiday Open House at The Battery with an outdoor s’mores station at the fire table, snacks, and a live ice sculpture carve at 2:15pm. (1325 Beach Street)
Starting at 2:00pm
Bring the kids to Brooklyn Bowl for bowling and ice art! (1009 Canal Street)
Live Carving @ 2:15pm
Live Ice Sculpture Carve at The Battery (1325 Beach Street)
Live Carving @ 4:00pm
Live Ice Sculpture Carve at Garage (Frankford & Girard Avenues)
4:00pm-10:00pm
Christmas-themed Outdoor Patio at Fabrika with live music, drink specials. (1108 Frankford)
Live Carving @ 5:30pm
Live Ice Sculpture Carve at LMNO (1749 N Front Street)
For a list of ice sculptures to find and photograph – the starting list includes below, with more to be added:
The Battery (live carve)
Cake Life Bake Shop
Fabrika
The Fillmore / Brooklyn Bowl / Punchline
Evil Genius Beer Company
Fishtown Animal Hospital
Fishtown Jewelers
Fishtown Urby
Front Street Café
Garage (live carve)
International Bar
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop
Johnny Brenda’s
LMNO (live carve)
Lutheran Settlement House
Mamajuana Cafe Philly
Minor Details Philly
Mural City Garden (live carve)
Philadelphia Distilling
Rivers Casino (live carve)
Riverwards Produce
Sancho Pistolas
Vince’s Pizzeria
FISHTOWN HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPR EE – Two Days!
Saturday, December 6, 2025 and Sunday, December 7, 2025
The holiday shopping spr ee will feature deals and happenings at more than 25 local, independent shops, boutiques, and even a handful of neighborhood bars. Customers can shop all weekend at participating stores, plus complimentary beverages and holiday snacks at select locations along the way.
Shopping Spr ee participants include:
Another Chance
Consignment + Local Goods Shop
404 E Girard Ave
Sip & Shop with complimentary drinks
Cake Life Bake Shop
Philly’s Sustainable, Small-Batch Artisan Bakery & Coffeeshop
1306 Frankford Ave
Holiday cookie boxes, Peppermint Mocha + more from our new winter drink menu, Gritty Santa cupcakes
Cloud 9 Clay
Pottery store
2527 Frankford Ave
35% off select items
Delicious Boutique
Retailer carrying men’s & women’s alternative-style clothing, plus accessories, jewelry & corsets.
212 E. Girard Ave
10% Off Storewide
El Chingon Fishtown
Reimagining Mexican cuisine with bold flavors
1431 Frankford Ave
Warm non alcoholic drinks and warm tacos
Fishtown Jewelers
Gemstones & fine jewelry
1617 Frankford Ave
15% off all store inventory
Fishtown Urby
A vibrant hub with inspired spaces, Urby introduces a fresh approach to apartment living.
1700 N Front St
Complimentary hot cocoa & cider (hard cider for adults). Apartment tours available upon request.
Franklin & Poe
Purveyors of quality clothing and durable goods for men.
1339 Frankford Ave
White’s Boots Made-to-Measure Event. Get fitted by the White’s Boots team and build a one-of-a-kind pair of American-made stitchdown boots.
Fre ehand Art Supply
curated fine art supplies, kids activities, gifts, local artwork, and lots more
308 E Girard Ave
Discounts, special gifts items, & no charge gift wrapping
Front Street Cafe
Brick-and-wood-accented spot with java/juice bar & garden serving locally sourced New American eats.
1253 N Front St
Half Priced Specialty Cocktail All Day – Apple Cider Hot Toddy, and Peppermint Mocha (Non-Alcoholic). Brunch specials.
Garage Fishtown
Neighborhood watering hole showcasing beer & cocktails in casual digs resembling an auto garage.
100 E Girard Ave
$10 cranberry mule & $4 Kenwood lager cans
H&H Books
Nonbinary- and women-run nonprofit publisher and bookstore
2230 Frankford Ave
10%, 25%, Half off sale! Specials on bookish gifts for all ages & spotlights on local authors and Philly-themed books, stickers, coloring books, cards and more!
Harriett’s Bookshop
Celebrates women authors, artists, and activists under the guiding light of Harriet Tubman
258 E Girard Ave
25% off
Haraz Coffee House
A blend culture, passion, and the finest ingredients to bring you an unforgettable coffee experience.
23 W Girard Ave #202
10% Off
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop
An offshoot of the retro icon famous for its cheesesteaks & old-fashioned shakes & fountain sodas.
1 W Girard Ave
Buy a $20 or more GC and get a Joe’s shirt and a Joe’s glass for $25 (a $7 savings), or a Joe’s hoodie and a Joe’s Glass for $35
Johnny Brenda’s
Compact, bi-level indie rock venue also offering craft beers & seasonal American eats.
1201 Frankford Ave
Bratwursts on the grill, Beer Poking with Requiem Brewing, Local Maker’s Market in the venue
Minnow Lane
Ethically sourced, sustainable, and non-toxic developmental toys, organic clothing, and nurturing products
2029 Frankford Ave
Complimentary hot apple cider and small bites
Myrtle & Magnolia
Flower & Gift Shop
2222 Frankford Ave
Every purchase will be entered to win a raffle with three prizes: a decorated evergreen wreath (~$75), a poinsettia (~$35), a spa bundle (~$25)
Mural City Cellars
Philly’s Neighborhood Winery Minimal Intervention | Local Grapes Community Focused
1831 Frankford Ave
Winter garden festival at the NKCDC garden, in partnership with the NKCDC. Visit Santa, shop vendors, enjoy mulled wine and more!
NAAZ
Clothing & Accessories and gifts boutique
1520 Frankford Ave
Our Mutual Friend Collective
A collaboration between Midsummer Books: Kids and youth books and gifting, Gus and Ruby Resale: Kids consignment, and Fingerprint Books: Specializing in pre-loved and select new books.
1219 Frankford Ave
Complimentary hot cocoa, Custom book + chocolate gift packages, kids crafts, and donations for GC’s.
PROPERgoods
House plants, Home Goods & Gift Shop
2032 Frankford Ave
Complimentary 4” Plant with purchase of $50 or more.
Riverwards Produce
Grocery store offering a range of produce, organic products, and prepared foods, including baked goods.
2200 E Norris Street
$6.99 meal deal – sandwich, apple/banana, potato chips, and a La Croix seltzer
Runehammer
Specializing in fantasy, sci-fi, & games
2401 Frankford Ave
Pictures with Krampas presale
TOILE
Women’s boutique featuring independent and local brands, gifts & more
1333 Frankford Ave
In-store specials plus complimentary refreshments and holiday gift shop with optional gift wrapping!
Trashed Vintage
Vintage Clothing Store
262 E Girard Ave
20% off store wide discount
Urban Exchange
Vintage • Handmade • Name-brand secondhand store
1868 Frankford Ave
POP-UP MARKET! Hosting local vendors, PhotoBooth, and a small holiday promotion!
Wild Heart Tattoo
Welcoming tattoo studio offering flash and custom designs
1142 Frankford Ave
Special Flash Sheet Tattoos for the holiday and a charm bar to make your own bracelet, necklace, or carabiner.
Fishtown is easily accessible by the Market-Frankford subway line, as well as several trolley routes. Follow @fishtownfeastivale and @fishtown_district on Instagram, @fishtowndistrict on Facebook, #fishtownfreeze or visit www dot fishtowndistrict dot com.
Fishtown Freeze Weekend is sponsored by Fishtown District & Ice Sculpture Philly.