Are you looking for the best way to celebrate Christmas in Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered!
What is it about Christmas in a big city? The hustle and bustle of the people; the sights and smells of food vendors selling delicious treats on the sidewalks; store windows decked out in green, red, silver, and gold… I love being in the city this time of year!
One of our yearly traditions is to spend a day enjoying all of the Christmas fun in Philadelphia. As a child, I would walk through A Christmas Carol at Strawbridge & Clothier and then head over to the Wannamaker building to catch the light show. It’s so much fun to share these traditions with my kids.
Over the years, more and more Christmas fun has popped up in Philadelphia. From the light shows at City Hall and Franklin Square to the winter fun at Penn’s Landing, there are plenty of holiday activities to fill your December weekends!
The best part is many of the below activities are FREE! So you can enjoy the holiday season without breaking the budget. The guide below shares some of the best things to do to celebrate Christmas in Philadelphia. So, let’s get to it!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Free Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Philadelphia
1. Macy’s Christmas Light Show
First, if you have never been inside the Wanamaker Building, you are in for a historical treat. Wanamaker’s was the first department store in Philadelphia, and the store as we know it today was dedicated in 1911 by President Taft. Those fans of the movie Mannequin will recognize the store and the famous Eagle statue!
The 15-minute show features classic Christmas songs and scenes, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. You’ll even get to hear the historic organ play at select shows.
The light show runs from Black Friday through New Year’s Eve, every 2 hours from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday – Sunday, and at 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Monday-Thursday.
Visitor’s Tip: You’ll want to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start time to secure a spot for the show. Some visitors prefer watching from the ground floor, while others will stand at the 2nd and 3rd-floor railings to watch.
2. Macy’s Dickens Village
One of the best Christmas activities in Philadelphia is the A Christmas Carol walk-through at Macy’s (and the old Wanamaker Building).
The entire story of A Christmas Carol is portrayed in 26 scenes using animatronics. At the end of the walk-through, children can visit and get a photograph with Santa Claus.
The Dickens Village is open from Black Friday through New Year’s Eve, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and is free to enter. However, you must make advanced online registrations to visit the Dickens Village. Reservations open up five days before the date you want to visit.
After you wander through the Village, kids can stop to let Santa know what is on their wish list and get a photo, too!
3. “Deck the Hall” Light Show at City Hall
*** The Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall has been canceled for 2023***
The “Deck the Hall Light Show” at City Hall in Philadelphia is a mesmerizing holiday spectacle that transforms this iconic landmark into a dazzling winter wonderland.
Every evening, from mid-November through January 1st, the façade of City Hall comes alive with an enchanting display of lights and music.
The show, typically running on the hour from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, gives visitors a fantastic show with its vibrant LED light display projecting festive animations and classic holiday tunes accompanying the visual spectacle.
It’s a perfect addition to all the Christmas fun in Philadelphia’s Dilworth Park.
4. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
For over a decade, Comcast has been inviting visitors into their warm lobby to watch a 15-minute show on one of the world’s largest LED screens.
The show incorporates various winter and holiday scenes, including a ride through the snow, a ballet sequence from “The Nutcracker,” and a portrayal of the “12 Days of Christmas”.
The show runs from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, every hour from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, except 5:00 pm on weekdays.
Before or after the show, you can enjoy a delicious meal from the food court on the lower floor.
5. Franklin Square Holiday Festival
The Franklin Square Holiday Festival is an event all on its own. Not only is the park covered in twinkling lights, but they recently added the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, where the lights dance to music! It’s one of our favorite light displays near Philadelphia.
The park, offering its usual mini-golf, has added fun events like Santa’s Arrival, a Dreidel Giveaway, a Kwanza Celebration, and a kid’s countdown to the New Year. There is also curling for 2023!
There are plenty of food options available with Franklin’s Winter View. Nightly, starting at 5:00 pm, the firepits will be roaring as visitors can purchase hot chocolate, wine, beer, and fun cocktails, along with many food options.
6. The Miracle on South 13th Street
For almost two decades, the residents on the 1600 block of South 13th Street have been lighting up the street. Visiting this light display has become a time-honored Philadelphia tradition.
Each resident decorates their home with Christmas lights, inflatables, and other fun decorations, making this a top holiday activity in Philadelphia.
The lights turn on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stay on through New Year’s Day. We recommend enjoying this attraction on foot, especially as parking is limited on the street.
Holiday Shopping in Philadelphia
7. Christmas Village in Philadelphia
For over a decade, JFK Plaza, more commonly referred to as “LOVE Park” thanks to its famous statue, has been transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market. Over 80 vendors sell food, Christmas décor, and other crafts from all over the world.
In addition to all of the shops, the Christmas Market recently added rides for more fun! The carousel, Ferris wheel, and kids train are adjacent to the Market at City Hall, at the North Broad section.
The market opens on November 18th and runs through Christmas Eve.
8. Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market
Shop small this holiday season at the Made in Philadelphia holiday market at Dilworth Park.
The open-air market offers a diverse array of handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind products crafted by talented local artisans and entrepreneurs. Showing off the city’s creative spirit and local talent. Shoppers can purchase a wide range of unique items, from jewelry and artwork to gourmet treats, all proudly made in the City of Brotherly Love.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market opens November 10th and runs daily until January 1st.
9. Stag & Doe Nights in Chestnut Hill
Every holiday season, the streets of Chestnut Hill transform into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, carolers, and even a visit from Santa.
On Wednesday nights, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, stores in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia stay open late to offer shoppers plenty of time to check off their Christmas lists.
During Stag & Doe Nights, many stores offer refreshments and holiday specials, all with a brass band playing Christmas tunes in the background. Does this sound like a Hallmark Movie setting or what?
Chestnut Hill has other fun events throughout the season, including the holiday parade taking place on December 10th for 2023.
Fun Activities to Enjoy the Holidays Philadelphia
10. Ice Skating at Dilworth Park
Ice skating at Dilworth Park is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season in Philadelphia. Set against the backdrop of City Hall, the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park offers a magical setting for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Visitors can rent skates and glide across the ice, enjoying the festive atmosphere, complete with seasonal music and nearby vendors offering hot chocolate and snacks.
The ice skating rink opens on November 10th, just in time for the holiday season. It stays open through February 25th, making it a perfect winter activity in Philadelphia.
11. Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature
America’s Oldest Zoo lights up at night with 16 light-filled zones and over a million lights! LumiNature, an after-hours event, also includes performance art displays.
Guests can warm up with hot cocoa, s’mores, and other tasty treats. The event runs through the first week of January. Advanced tickets are required. It’s one of the newest light displays in Philadelphia!
12. Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway
We love visiting the Morris Arboretum! It’s one of our favorite gardens near Philadelphia and is beautiful to see any time of year.
One of the Morris Arboretum’s most popular features is its Garden Railway. With 300 feet of track, famous Philadelphia landmarks, and dozens of engines, it captures everyone’s imagination.
During the Christmas season, the Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway is decked out in thousands of twinkling lights and seasonal greenery. You can visit the area during the day with your standard admission to the garden.
However, the Holiday Garden Railway shines at night! It transforms into a mesmerizing night-time spectacle, with the lights creating a magical atmosphere.
The Holiday Garden Railway night display runs every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas and Thursday and Friday nights in December.
13. RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing
RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing is the perfect place to celebrate the Christmas season in Philadelphia.
This seasonal attraction transforms the waterfront into a winter wonderland, offering plenty of activities to enjoy. Visitors can lace up their ice skates and glide along the Olympic-sized ice rink, enjoying beautiful views of the Delaware River.
There is even more to do at Winterfest, like the enchanting holiday tree garden, a charming winter garden walk, and a Ferris wheel. You can even stay warm by renting a firepit or warming cabin.
RiverRink Winterfest starts November 24th and is open daily until February 19th.
14. Founding Footsteps Holiday Light Trolley Tour
There are so many impressive light displays in Philadelphia! And one of the best ways to see them is the Founding Footsteps Holiday Lights Trolley Tour.
This festive tour takes visitors on a fun ride through Philadelphia’s historic streets, showcasing iconic landmarks illuminated in dazzling holiday lights. While on the tour, you’ll be entertained with live music and plenty of interesting facts about Philadelphia.
This unique blend of history and holiday cheer offers a memorable and educational experience for those looking to celebrate both Philadelphia’s heritage and the festive spirit of the season.
Holiday Tours begin November 30th and run nightly through December 31st.
15. Tinseltown in FDR Park
Tinseltown is in Philadelphia this year! For 2023, the lights will be shining in FDR Park at Pattison and S. Broad. But it will still offer all of the lights and fun of previous years.
You can also enjoy ice skating, an ice slide, and photos with Santa Claus for an additional cost. You won’t go hungry with the multiple food and drink vendors. And you can get some Christmas shopping done in the village.
Tinseltown turns on its lights on Friday, November 17th, and runs select nights through January 1st.
Other Ways to Celebrate Christmas Near Philadelphia
16. Longwood Gardens
Every year, visitors from all over flock to Longwood Gardens to see the 1000-acre property lit with millions of lights! It’s one of the most popular Christmas light displays near Philadelphia!
In addition to lights, visitors will love the gorgeous displays in the conservatory and the famous Garden Railway, a multi-level miniature railroad with more than 500 feet of track.
Plenty of food and drinks are available on the property at their café and beer garden.
A Longwood Christmas runs from November 17th through January 7th. Make reservations beforehand, as this popular event sells out quickly on weekends.
17. Shady Brook Farm Light Show
One of our favorite Christmas activities in Bucks County is the drive-through holiday light show at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley.
It’s one of the largest displays in the tri-state area, but somehow, they continue to find more room to add more lights.
You can either drive your car or take an open-air wagon ride (our favorite way to see the lights) along the 1.25-mile display. Don’t forget to check out the Candy Cane Lane walk-through when you’re done!
The Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show runs nightly, rain or shine, from November 18th through January 8th, and then weekends the rest of January.
18. Peddlers Village
Every year, Peddlers Village lights up with millions of Christmas lights around the popular shopping destination. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate in Bucks County.
They kick off the holiday season with a Grand Illumination on the Friday before Thanksgiving. The lights stay on through January 14th, making it one of the longest-running light displays near Philadelphia.
There are several holiday events throughout the season, including the Holly Jolly Weekend, the first weekend in December, and two weekends of Fire & Frost in January.
19. Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo isn’t the only zoo with fun lights for the holidays. Elmwood Park Zoo lights up with projections, strands of lights, and other fun displays.
Food and treats are available for purchase. Some of the animals are still out and about during the event, making it even more fun.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo runs select nights from November 17th through December 30th.
20. Yuletide at Devon
The newest Christmas event near Philadelphia is Yuletide at Devon, a European-style yuletide festival at the Devon Horse Show and County Fairgrounds.
The festival includes rides, a European-style Christmas market, farm-to-table food, live music, and plenty of holiday lights. You can also meet and take photos with Santa.
Yuletide at Devon is open almost daily (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays) from November 24th through December 31st, with hours varying depending on the day.
21. Holiday Train Ride With on the New Hope Railroad
One of the best things to do during the Christmas season is take a fun train ride with Santa!
The New Hope Railroad is a run option near Philadelphia. In 2023, they offer rides on diesel or steam engines that are about one hour long and feature visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Riders can enjoy hot chocolate and fresh cookies while listening to Christmas carols.
Santa’s Steam Train runs on weekends, and Santa’s North Pole Express runs almost daily between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Black Friday, and the whole week before Christmas.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia to During the Holiday Season
If you’re coming from out of town to experience Christmas in Philadelphia, there are several hotels close to all of the fun. These are two that we recommend.
- Element by Westin is right near City Hall and Dilworth Park. Some of the rooms even overlook the property, giving you views of the festive fun. With large rooms and complimentary breakfast, it’s a great option.
- Another great hotel by City Hall is Residence Inn by Marriott. The hotel is also a short walk to Macy’s and Reading Terminal Market, a popular Philadelphia attraction.
Read It Now, Pin it For Later!
