Center City Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Center City and surrounding areas
Center City blooms for the holiday season with iconic Christmas lights along the Parkway and The Avenue of the Arts, offering festive performances and seasonal attractions near City Hall and Rittenhouse Square. Highlights like Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley Tour Philadelphia, and A Christmas Story The Musical bring markets, skating, and Santa visits to downtown. From lit promenades to cozy indoor concerts, Center City offers many Christmas markets and activities that make it a must-see winter destination.
Find the best Center City Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Lights
26 eventsBYOB trolley tour of Philadelphia's holiday lights
Christmas Markets
18 eventsVictorian London street festival with costumed characters.
Christmas Shows
15 eventsAcclaimed holiday musical with dinner included
Christmas Parties
5 eventsDiverse New Year's Eve celebrations across New Jersey
Christmas Activities
35 eventsOutdoor ice skating with waterfront views and cozy fire pits.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
(Philadelphia)
Outdoor ice skating with waterfront views and cozy fire pits.
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BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley Tour Philadelphia
(Philadelphia)
BYOB trolley tour of Philadelphia's holiday lights
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Yuletide at Winterthur
(Wilmington)
Literary-themed holiday decor in a historic mansion.
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LumiNature Holiday Light Show
(Philadelphia)
Wildlife-themed light displays and interactive installations.
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Peddler's Village Grand Illumination Celebration
(New Hope)
Annual Grand Illumination Ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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Narberth Dickens Festival
(Narberth)
Victorian London street festival with costumed characters.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Center City
- Hanover's 2025 Christmas Tree Arrives in Center Square Published: Wed, Nov 19, 2025
- Ashanti to Perform at Philadelphia's 2025 Holiday Tree Lighting Published: Wed, Nov 19, 2025
Center City Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Center City
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Center City!
Center City Christmas FAQ
The Wanamaker Christmas Light Show and the Christmas Village at LOVE Park are among the biggest annual events, drawing locals and visitors for festive lights, shopping, and holiday entertainment.
Center City is known for its historic Wanamaker Light Show featuring the world’s largest playing pipe organ, and the authentic German-style Christmas Village, which bring distinctive cultural holiday experiences to the city.
The downtown area around Market Street and neighborhoods near Center City offer some of the best Christmas lights, including iconic displays and charming neighborhood decorations.
LOVE Park hosts the main Christmas Village market with a variety of local makers and vendors. Additional artisan markets and craft fairs can be found in nearby neighborhoods throughout the holiday season.
Enjoying the Wanamaker Light Show, exploring Market Street’s holiday window displays, and visiting neighborhood light displays are great free or low-cost ways to celebrate the season in Center City.
Families can enjoy the interactive Wanamaker Light Show, Dickens Village, and the Christmas Village at LOVE Park, which offer kid-friendly activities, festive treats, and opportunities to meet Santa.