Christmas in Philly: 10 Festive Events Not-to-Be Missed

The City of Brotherly Love offers no shortage of festive holiday attractions & seasonal events. After moving here, I was quite impressed with just how much was going on. I’ve been to NYC and Chicago around the holidays, and Philly holds its’ own with the Christmas giants.

While indulging in Philly cheesesteaks and authentic Italian cuisine, climbing the Rocky steps, visiting all the historical sites, and taking in the local sports scene will give you plenty enough to do, there’s a lot of seasonal fun to add to your winter bucket list. This makes the winter the most exciting time of the year to plan a visit. It was by far my favorite time to head downtown for all the festivities. I love mixing and matching holiday and historical activities, along with a few great restaurants and coffeehouses.

From a classic 60+ year old light show in one of the country’s first department stores, to a newer LED show on one of the world’s largest highest resolution screens, to ice skating at 2 magnificent outdoor rinks, there’s something for everyone.

In my guide, I highlight a few of my favorite events that I think you should add to your bucket list. Note this list includes 3 events in the suburbs (don’t worry – they are worth the daytrip).

1. Macy’s Light Show

Update: This gorgeous department store sadly closed in March of 2025. However, you can still enjoy the light show this season. For 2025, the show will run from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. The community raised half a million dollars to save this incredible event. To see times, please visit the visitor center website.

The historic Wanamaker building is the place to be during the holiday season. I’ve seen this show so many times and I never get bored. This architectural wonder opened in 1910 as one of the country’s first and largest (12 floors at the time!) department stores. The store’s Grand Court Organ is the world’s largest fully functioning pipe organ.

The holiday light show tradition dates back to 1955, and is definitely the must-see in the city. If you only have time for 1 holiday event, let Macy’s fabulous show be it. The spirited show features popular holiday tunes, accompanied by LED characters from The Nutcracker and Frosty the Snowman. It’s so colorful and the setting in this historic store is just incredible. Noon shows feature live music from the Wanamaker Grand Organ.

The 3 floor department store is so beautiful to stroll around this time of year. Other events include: Dickens Village featuring animatronics and festive holiday window scenes.

• Location: Macy’s Center City (1300 Market Street).
• Show times: Nov 29th-Dec 31st, 10:30am, Noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.
• Tip: Head up to the 2nd floor for a prime view and fewer crowds.

2. Ice skating at Dilworth Park

Dilworth Park is the central gathering spot in the heart of Center City. In the wintertime, the area is bustling with numerous seasonal events including a German inspired shopping market, an ice rink, the Holiday tree, and a festive choreographed light show projected onto City Hall.

Ice skating really is my favorite winter activity and this city does not disappoint. What cheesy Hallmark/ABC Family Christmas movie does not feature the trademark ice skating scene? The downtown is home to 2 fabulous rinks and I enjoy skating on both. The Rothman Rink is large enough to accommodate the (oftentimes) large crowds and offers the perfect urban wintry setting. They often play festive music in the background, which adds to the ambiance.

After breaking up a sweat (ice skating is one of the best calorie burners out there!) treat yourself to a hot cocoa or a sweet treat at adjacent Rothman cabin.

• Location: 1 S 15th St.
• 2025 Dates: Nov. 14th-Feb 22nd. Admission is $9 adults, $7 for kids. Rentals are $10.
• Tip: If you prefer less crowded surroundings, opt for a weekday afternoon or late night (after 9pm) visit!

3. Comcast Holiday Spectacular

The Comcast Spectacular LED show, featuring incredible modern technology, is one of the newer additions (the tradition began in 2008) to the downtown holiday lineup. Although it does not offer the classic nostalgia and festive department store setting like Macy’s, this show is pretty mesmerizing and definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

The show is displayed on the world’s largest LED continuous video screens (2100 square feet, 27 million pixels). The brilliant 15 min show features classic Christmas tunes, a short cameo by the Pennsylvania Ballet, and various animated scenes. It’s free to attend, and conveniently located within walking distance of Dilworth Park so a great stop before or after ice skating.

• Location: 1701 John F Kennedy Blvd.
• 2025 Dates/times: The show runs every hour from 10am-8pm (no show at 5 on weekdays), from Nov. 27th-Jan 1st. Sensory friendly show runs at 2:30pm.
• Tip: As the Comcast Center is located within close walking proximity to City Hall, you can easily head to this show before/after the City Hall show, which runs every half hour.

4. Christmas Village

Christmas Village is a traditional German inspired shopping village where you can shop for handcrafted authentic German style Christmas gifts, indulge in traditional German foods like bratwurst and strudel, sip hot cocoa in a cute collectors mug, and snap some photos near the giant walk-thru LED present.

It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit even if you do not plan on buying anything. However, if you do have the cash to spend, you will find some of the most gorgeous Old World ornaments here. I love just browsing around and taking in the holiday cheer with a cocoa in hand.

Growing up in Chicago, I enjoyed strolls around Christkindlmarket which is one of the largest outside of Europe. Visiting Christmas Village takes me back to the days of seeing the old-school Marshall Fields windows, followed by a trip to Daley Plaza to see the Christmas tree and awe at all the gorgeous glass blown ornaments. Just like the renowned Chicago market, Philly’s market continues to give guests the rare opportunity to enjoy a traditional European style Christmas experience minus the pricey flight.

• Location: LOVE Park & City Hall
• 2025 Dates/times: Nov 22nd to Christmas Eve, Noon-8pm (Sun-Thurs), Noon-9pm (Fri & Sat). Thanksgiving: 9am-5pm. Christmas Eve: Noon to 5pm. Closed Nov. 24th and 26th. Free admission.
• Tip: Put a stroll around Käthe Wohlfahrt tent on the top of your list! There are too many gorgeous wooden and glass ornaments here! Be prepared to wait as entrance is limited to cut down on traffic.

5. A Longwood Christmas

Longwood Gardens, a beautiful nature oasis located about an hour outside of downtown, is a must-see if you have the means to travel to the suburbs. This gorgeous botanical garden puts on an extravagant Christmas celebration featuring 1000’s of poinsettias, dozens of decorated Christmas trees, and a gorgeous collection of winter blooming plants. Add in festive synchronized fountains shows and colorful light displays both inside and outside, and a trip is highly justified in my opinion. It’s 100% the nicest gardens I’ve ever visited.

Highlights here include a wonderful bonsai collection, poinsettias in every hue, and thousands of twinkling lights and festive holiday decor. I really loved the holiday fountain show – don’t miss out on anything while you are here! Grab a hot cocoa, bundle up and enjoy a stroll around the lovely grounds after taking in over 4000 plants in the warm tropical indoor conservatory.

• Location: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square
• 2025 Dates/times: Nov. 21-Jan. 11. Tickets are timed entry, so reserve in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot. Prices are $45 for adults and $25 for kids ages 5-18.
• Tip: Time your visit in mid-afternoon so you can enjoy both the indoor and outdoor festivities. Also, avoid busy weekends or be prepared for single file lines!