Last updated: November 11, 2024
Make your holidays in Center City unforgettable with our event guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it anew, our guide brings you the best of Center City's holiday season.
Popular Events: Experience a breathtaking spectacle at the Macy’s Christmas Light Show, where vibrant lights dance to seasonal music, captivating visitors of all ages. With its charming open-air marketplace, the Philadelphia Christmas Village features artisans and local vendors offering unique gifts and delicious treats. And the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a variety of handmade goods from local creators. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Spectacular light display with the Wanamaker Organ.
The Macy's Christmas Light Show features over 100,000 LED lights projected onto a four-story-high velvet curtain in the Grand Court atrium, accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Organ.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Spectacular holiday light displays and horticultural exhibits.
A Longwood Christmas features hundreds of thousands of lights, new holiday landscapes, and stunning horticultural displays, offering a unique and beautiful holiday experience.
Where: Kennett Square | More Info: A Longwood Christmas
Holiday light show with interactive elements and animal-themed displays.
Philadelphia Zoo's LumiNature features over a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones, including new zones like Shimmer River and LumiNature Lane. Guests can ride the Septa PZ Express train, participate in the Nature Blazers Scavenger Hunt, and enjoy various light displays and animal-themed costumes.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo
Life-size cutouts and digital projections of holiday characters.
The Miracle on South 13th Street is a dazzling holiday light display in the heart of South Philadelphia, featuring colorful lights and festive decorations that transform the entire block into a vibrant winter scene.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: The Miracle on South 13th Street
Extensive holiday light display with themed sculptures.
Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular features over 350 light sculptures, shopping at the Mistletoe Marketplace, and holiday-inspired treats and eats.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular
Outdoor model train display with intricate miniature landscapes and iconic Philadelphia landmarks.
The Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum features a quarter-mile track with 15 rail lines, nine bridges, and seven loops and tunnels. Model trains are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere with rail cars and lights that captivate visitors of all ages.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: Holiday Garden Railway
Historic, two-tiered Christmas carousel and authentic German vendors.
Philadelphia Christmas Village is an authentic German-style Christmas market featuring over 120 vendors from around the world. Enjoy European cuisine, historic carousels, and festive activities in the heart of Center City.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: Philadelphia Christmas Village
Unique, handmade goods and local artisans.
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market features over 50 local vendors offering handmade giftware, jewelry, beauty products, and art, complemented by a variety of delicious food options.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Interactive holiday show with inclusive accessibility options.
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is a free, interactive holiday experience featuring classic songs, memorable moments, and inclusive accessibility options. It showcases scenes like trombone-toting snowmen and twirling ballerinas on the world's largest LED continuous video wall at the Comcast Center.
Where: Philadelphia | More Info: Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Santa visits with gifts for children on a festive train ride.
The Polar Bear Express at the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad is a 75-minute train ride through the Swatara Creek Valley. Live narration and musician sing-alongs accompany the journey. Santa boards the train at the North Pole, bringing gifts for children aged infant through 11 years. Snack concessions are available on board.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Polar Bear Express
