Experience the magic of the holiday season in Philadelphia, PA, where festive celebrations abound for locals and visitors alike. Delight in the Philadelphia Holiday Parade, a historic spectacle that brings vibrant floats and towering balloons to the streets. Wander through the Christmas Village in Philadelphia, an enchanting German-style market nestled in LOVE Park, brimming with unique gifts and fragrant mulled wine.
Marvel at the Longwood Gardens Christmas, where over half a million twinkling lights adorn lush gardens and festive conservatories. From dazzling light shows to charming markets, Philadelphia transforms into a winter wonderland filled with joyful festivities and timeless traditions.
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The Top Christmas Events in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Holiday Parade
- Christmas Village in Philadelphia
- Comcast Holiday Spectacular
- Franklin Square Holiday Festival
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Dilworth Park Wintergarden
- Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display
- Macy's Christmas Light Show
- Deck the Hall Light Show
Philadelphia Holiday Light Displays
Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide light display created by residents
Description:
South 13th Street residents band together to create a spectacular community light display. Each home contributes to the overall spectacle, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of lights, inflatables, and decorations. The street buzzes with energy as visitors stroll along the sidewalks, taking in the unique displays. This grassroots tradition began in the 1960s and has grown into a must-see Philadelphia holiday attraction, showcasing the city's strong sense of community.
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Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display
Macy's Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Historic department store light show with narration by Julie Andrews
Description:
The Grand Court of Macy's Center City erupts in a symphony of light and sound. Over 100,000 LED lights create fantastic holiday scenes on a four-story-high velvet curtain. Julie Andrews' iconic voice narrates the show, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour. Visitors can admire the massive Wanamaker Organ, the world's largest playing pipe organ, which provides musical accompaniment. This Philadelphia tradition dates back to 1956, originally created for the John Wanamaker department store.
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Deck the Hall Light Show
What to Expect:
Projection mapping light show on City Hall
Description:
Philadelphia's historic City Hall becomes a canvas for a breathtaking light show. State-of-the-art projection mapping technology transforms the building's western façade into a kaleidoscope of holiday-themed animations. The show's soundtrack, featuring both classic and contemporary holiday tunes, fills Dilworth Park. Spectators can warm up with seasonal treats from nearby vendors. This modern spectacle, launched in 2016, brings cutting-edge technology to one of Philadelphia's most iconic landmarks, built in 1901.
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Philadelphia Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
Transporting a slice of European tradition to Philadelphia, this authentic German-style Christmas market transforms LOVE Park into a bustling holiday bazaar. Wooden stalls brim with unique gifts, ornaments, and traditional German fare. The air carries the aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds. Visitors can craft their own glass ornament at the glassblowing demonstration. This market pays homage to the city's German immigrant heritage, which dates back to the 17th century.
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Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
Massive LED wall holiday show in corporate lobby
Description:
The Comcast Center lobby transforms into a high-tech holiday extravaganza. A colossal LED wall, one of the world's largest, comes alive with stunning holiday scenes. The 15-minute show blends custom animation, historic Philadelphia footage, and beloved holiday music. Visitors can capture a unique photo op with the virtual sleigh ride sequence. This modern tradition began in 2008, showcasing Philadelphia's position as a hub for technology and innovation.
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The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Lavish production by Pennsylvania Ballet with live orchestra
Description:
The Pennsylvania Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's beloved classic to life in a lavish production at the Academy of Music. Exquisite costumes and intricate set designs transport audiences to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra provides live musical accompaniment, filling the historic venue with rich, resonant melodies. This annual tradition has delighted Philadelphia audiences since 1968, evolving into a cherished holiday staple.
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Philadelphia Other Holiday Activities
Philadelphia Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in the city with elaborate floats
Description:
Philadelphia's grandest holiday spectacle marches through the heart of the city. Elaborate floats, towering balloons, and lively performances captivate spectators along the route. This annual tradition dates back to 1920, making it one of the oldest holiday parades in the nation. You'll marvel at the intricate details on each float as they glide past. The parade culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus, officially kicking off the holiday season in the City of Brotherly Love.
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Franklin Square Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Historic square transformed with light show and activities
Description:
Franklin Square, one of Philadelphia's original five squares, sparkles with holiday spirit. The centerpiece is a dazzling electrical spectacle holiday light show, featuring more than 50,000 lights choreographed to festive tunes. Visitors can take a spin on the holiday train or warm up by fire pits with s'mores. The square's rich history dates back to 1682 when William Penn designed the city's layout, making it a fitting backdrop for this holiday celebration.
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Franklin Square Holiday Festival
Dilworth Park Wintergarden
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink and winter garden in the heart of the city
Description:
Dilworth Park, adjacent to City Hall, transforms into a winter oasis. The centerpiece is a spacious ice skating rink where visitors glide beneath the shadow of Philadelphia's iconic City Hall. A charming winter garden surrounds the rink, featuring twinkling lights and rustic décor. Warm up with a hot chocolate from the on-site café. This seasonal attraction revitalizes a space that has been a central gathering place for Philadelphians since the 19th century.
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Nearby Events
Longwood Gardens Christmas (Kennett Square)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with half a million lights
Description:
Longwood Gardens bursts into a dazzling display of holiday cheer, adorned with over half a million twinkling lights. The conservatory showcases towering trees decked in ornaments and garlands. Outdoor fountains dance to holiday tunes in a mesmerizing water and light show. Stroll through the illuminated topiary garden, a living sculpture gallery. This horticultural wonderland traces its roots to 1906 when Pierre du Pont purchased the property to save its historic trees.
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Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm (Yardley)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display on a historic farm
Description:
Shady Brook Farm, a 300-year-old working farm, illuminates the night with more than 3 million lights. Visitors embark on a two-mile driving journey through animated displays and whimsical scenes. The farm's tractor-pulled wagon rides offer a nostalgic twist on viewing the lights. This dazzling display began in 1995 as a way to extend the farm's season and has since become a beloved regional tradition, blending agricultural heritage with holiday cheer.
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Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm