Discover 27 verified christmas lights in Philadelphia and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Philadelphia Christmas lights and holiday displays—a city that truly sparkles during the festive season. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Philadelphia’s light displays offer something for everyone, from grand downtown spectacles to charming neighborhood favorites.
Signature experiences include the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show, a beloved tradition in the heart of the city, and the dazzling LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo, where more than a million lights transform the grounds into a glowing wonderland. You’ll also find drive-through lights just outside the city and walking trails that invite you to explore at your own pace.
This guide covers free and ticketed events, drive-through and walkable options, and highlights both iconic and hidden gems. Discover the magic of holiday lights in Philadelphia and make the most of your visit this season.
BYOB trolley tour of Philadelphia's holiday lights
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a BYOB trolley tour through Philadelphia's most dazzling light displays. Begin the evening at Urban Village Brewing for a festive welcome before boarding a vintage trolley for a cheerful ride. Sing along...
World's Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree
Dive into a magical holiday experience at Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Underwater! This unique event features Scuba Santa swimming daily with marine life, the World's Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, and festive photo opportunities. Enjoy holiday décor, special shows, and meet Santa...
Wildlife-themed light displays and interactive installations.
Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland for LumiNature, a spectacular holiday light show. Wander through dazzling displays of over a million twinkling lights, bringing whimsical wildlife scenes to life. Meet Santa at Santa's Lodge, enjoy festive food and drinks...
Enchanting miniature train display with thousands of holiday lights.
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Holiday Garden Railway, where enchanting rail cars chug through a festive landscape illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Experience the magic day or night, with the 'Nighttime Express' offering an even more...
Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at the 50th annual Rose Tree Festival of Lights. This cherished Delco tradition transforms Rose Tree Park into a sparkling spectacle with dozens of illuminated trees and festive light displays. Enjoy nightly strolls through...
Enchanting indoor forest of decorated trees and model train layout
Step into a winter wonderland at the LuLu Shriners FEZtival of Trees & Lights! This magical event features a forest of uniquely decorated trees, a captivating model train display, and a bustling marketplace. Families can enjoy children's activities, festive refreshments,...
Zoo transformed by holiday lights and live entertainment
Elmwood Park Zoo transforms into a magical holiday spectacle with Wild Lights. This enchanting event features dazzling light displays that illuminate the zoo grounds, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment each night, including unique...
Annual Christmas tree lighting and Santa parade
Welcome the holiday season in Wayne with a weekend of festive cheer! Friday evening features enchanting carriage rides, creative arts and crafts, lively caroling, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, culminating in a beautiful tree lighting ceremony. Saturday...
Musical light show hayride and s'mores by the fire.
Experience the magic of the holidays at Johnson's Corner Farm with their spectacular Christmas light displays and festive activities. Take a "Christmas Musical Light Show Hayride" through a wonderland of twinkling lights set to beloved holiday tunes. Gather around fire...
Annual tree lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Glassboro's Boro in Lights transforms Downtown Glassboro into a winter wonderland. This beloved annual event features a magical tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a bustling holiday market with local artisans, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Enjoy...
Expanded drive-through light show with indoor walk-through attractions.
Creamy Acres Farm transforms into a magical Christmas Wonderland for their Night of Lights event. Visitors can drive through a spectacular one-and-a-half-mile light show, newly expanded with double the displays and synchronized to holiday music. Inside, explore a festive walk-through...
Mile-long drive-thru with over 8.8 million synchronized lights.
Embark on a dazzling drive-thru adventure along The Tinsel Turnpike, a mile-long holiday escape. This enchanting roadway immerses visitors in the magic of Christmas with over 8.8 million animated lights synchronized to festive music, all experienced from the comfort of...
Sesame Street characters in a Christmas wonderland.
Sesame Place transforms into a Christmas wonderland for 'A Very Furry Christmas Celebration.' Millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed rides create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy spectacular Christmas shows, a dazzling music and light show, and the enchanting Sesame...
Annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony
Join the festive spirit in West Chester for their annual Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved event kicks off with the ceremonial lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree, followed by a spectacular parade featuring marching bands, award-winning floats,...
Historic estate transformed with festive holiday displays
Step into a winter wonderland at Noël at Nemours Estate. This enchanting holiday celebration transforms the historic mansion, garage, gardens, and grounds into a festive spectacle. Experience the magic of the season with dazzling decorations and enjoy live music performances...
Festive village with Santa, firepits, and farm market.
Experience the magic of Santa's Village at Shady Brook Farm! Visit with Santa Claus for photos and share your holiday wishes. Gather around a crackling firepit with s'mores and hot cocoa for a cozy evening. Discover unique gifts, festive decor,...
Millions of lights on a working farm.
Shady Brook Farm transforms into a winter wonderland with its spectacular Holiday Light Show, featuring over four million dazzling lights. Visitors can choose to drive through the illuminated farmland in their own vehicle or enjoy a festive, tractor-drawn wagon ride....
William Penn's historic country estate decorated for the holidays
Step back in time at Pennsbury Manor's Holly Nights, a cherished Bucks County tradition. Explore William Penn's historic country estate, beautifully decorated for the season. Witness colonial craft demonstrations, wander through heritage gardens, and discover the stories of those who...
Historic du Pont home illuminated for the holidays
Experience the magic of the holidays at Hagley Museum's "Holiday Nights." This special event offers a rare opportunity to tour the first du Pont family home, Eleutherian Mills, beautifully decorated and illuminated for the season. Discover the "Our Storied Past"...
Literary-themed holiday decor in a historic mansion.
Experience the magic of Yuletide at Winterthur, where classic literature and holiday charm intertwine. Wander through the historic mansion, transformed by artful displays inspired by beloved stories, and marvel at dazzling outdoor lights. Discover a giant gingerbread creation, a miniature...
Enchanting walk-through holiday light display along the riverwalk.
Experience the magic of the holidays at Riverfront Wilmington, where the Christina Riverwalk is illuminated with enchanting light displays. Stroll through a whimsical atmosphere with lights adorning trees and archways. Enjoy festive fun at Merry Mugs with mini golf and...
Gardens transformed into a living jewel box with gem-inspired displays.
Step into a breathtaking holiday spectacle at A Longwood Christmas, where the Gardens are transformed into a radiant jewel box. Explore enchanting displays of vibrant colors, twinkling lights, and stunning floral arrangements. Witness magical fountain shows set to holiday music...
Over 100 creative gingerbread entries on display
Step into a world of edible artistry at Peddler's Village for their annual Gingerbread Competition & Display. This cherished holiday tradition, running from November 14, 2025, to January 17, 2026, showcases over 100 imaginative gingerbread creations. Wander through the Visitor...
Annual Grand Illumination Ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Join the beloved annual Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler's Village to officially kick off the holiday season. Witness the magical moment when Santa and Mrs. Claus illuminate the village with a million colorful lights. Enjoy live music and dance performances,...
Magical holiday event with Santa and light displays
Hamilton's Winter Wonderland transforms Kuser Farm Park into a magical holiday destination. Families can capture cherished photos with Santa, enjoy a festive wagon ride through enchanting light displays, and delight in a ride on the Mini Candy Land Express train....
Magical train ride through millions of Christmas lights.
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express for an enchanting journey through millions of Christmas lights! This beloved event offers a festive train ride, a chance to meet Santa and his elves in their workshop, and delightful chats with Mrs. Claus,...
Over half a million synchronized Christmas lights.
Prepare for a dazzling holiday spectacle at the Carnival of Lights! This event features over half a million Christmas lights synchronized to festive music, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on decorated amusement attractions, meet Santa Claus...
See the location of all christmas lights around Philadelphia and nearby areas
Open Map →Philadelphia’s most iconic displays include the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show in Center City and LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, featuring over a million lights and whimsical wildlife scenes. Neighborhood favorites like Miracle on South 13th Street and Smedley Street’s “Christmas Street” are also must-sees for their festive, community-driven spirit.
Yes, you’ll find both types: drive-through light shows like those at Shady Brook Farm let you enjoy millions of lights from your car, while walkable displays such as Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle and the Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature invite you to stroll and explore on foot.
Most major light displays begin in late November, with events like LumiNature and Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle starting around November 20–23 and running through early January. Neighborhood displays often go up after Thanksgiving and stay lit through the New Year.
Yes, several displays are free to enjoy, including the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show and Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle, which features synchronized light shows set to holiday music. Many neighborhood light displays are also free and open to the public.