PHOTOS: Sneak Peek at Winterfest at Blue Cross RiverRink

After the phenomenal success of Spruce Street Harbor Park this summer, the team at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has a tough act to follow. They’ve pulled out all the stops this year with three Jose Garces restaurants, a 43-foot Christmas tree and the always-popular ice rink.

The DRWC’s Emma Fried-Cassorla gave us a sneak peek yesterday at the ongoing work at the Winterfest site, located at Chestnut Street on the Delaware.

The Winterfest Tree

This 43-foot, 5,000-pound tree is the highlight of the Winterfest site. It's anchored by about 8,000 pounds of concrete and steel. And, yes, those are the cool lights from Spruce Street Harbor Park in the tree. The tree will be lit on Friday, December 5th.

Winterfest Entrance

Instead of one large tent like last year, Winterfest will feature two separate tents this year. One will be a kids' tent and have games and kid-friendly activities. The other one will sell booze (and Jose Garces food).

Adult Tent

The main tent at Winterfest is what the DWRC's Emma Fried-Cassorla called the “adult tent.” It will feature drinks, food from Jose Garces, fire pits and lots of places to sit. Windows surrounding three sides of the tent will allow natural light in.

Adult Tent

Another look in the “adult tent.” Inside, Garces Events will operate The Lodge, featuring popular dishes from Spruce Street Harbor Park, as well as winter squash soup and three bean and beef chili. A Distrito truck will also be outside the tent.

The Kids Tent

The second tent at Winterfest this year is deemed the “kids tent.” It will feature many of the games that were present at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Kids Tent

Another look inside the “kids tent.”

The Fireside Café

Just beyond the ice rink, Jose Garces will operate a second outdoor restaurant called The Fireside Café. It will offer hot drinks (alcoholic or not) and desserts.

Ice Rink

Here's a look at the ice rink, as well as the ominous unused concrete tram landing that looks like a representation of the letter pi.