Top 20 Places to Check Out Christmas Lights in Philadelphia This Year
Philadelphia is known for its rich history, culture, and of course, its holiday spirit! Every year, the city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and festive displays. Whether you're looking for a casual evening stroll through a brightly lit neighborhood or a grand light show, there's something for everyone. Here's a list of the top 20 places to see Christmas lights in and around Philadelphia this holiday season.
1. Winter at Dilworth Park
Location: Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 1, 2025
What to Expect: Dilworth Park is home to the city’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink, a holiday market, and, of course, beautiful Christmas lights. The park’s light display features twinkling trees, glowing pathways, and the stunning backdrop of City Hall, making it a must-visit spot for holiday cheer.
Special Features: Don’t miss the Deck the Hall Light Show, a dazzling projection show on the façade of City Hall.
2. Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Light Show
Location: Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 9, 2024 - December 31, 2024
What to Expect: Franklin Square's Electrical Spectacle Light Show is a free event featuring over 100,000 lights set to a lively holiday soundtrack. Shows run every 30 minutes from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Special Features: The holiday festival also includes a winter beer garden, mini-golf, and delicious seasonal treats.
3. The Miracle on South 13th Street
Location: 1600 Block of South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: Mid-November 2024 - New Year’s Day 2025
What to Expect: This neighborhood display is one of the most beloved traditions in Philadelphia. The entire 1600 block of South 13th Street goes all out with spectacular lights and holiday decorations.
Special Features: The display is set up by the residents, making it a true community-driven event.
4. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Location: 101 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 24, 2024 - March 3, 2025
What to Expect: RiverRink Winterfest is a waterfront winter wonderland with cozy cabins, a massive ice rink, a firepit, and thousands of Christmas lights.
Special Features: Enjoy hot cocoa or s’mores while walking under the canopy of lights along the Delaware River.
5. LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Location: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 7, 2025
What to Expect: LumiNature is a one-of-a-kind holiday light experience at the Philadelphia Zoo featuring over a million lights spread across 14 zones. With immersive light and sound displays, it’s perfect for families.
Special Features: Highlights include a 21-foot tall penguin and a glowing 35-foot-wide jellyfish.
6. Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Location: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 23, 2024 - December 24, 2024
What to Expect: Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, Christmas Village offers stunning light displays alongside artisan booths, festive food, and drinks. The iconic LOVE sculpture makes for the perfect holiday photo op.
Special Features: Don’t miss the massive Christmas tree and the warm glow of holiday lights throughout the market.
7. Longwood Gardens Christmas
Location: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 7, 2025
What to Expect: Longwood Gardens is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with millions of lights throughout the gardens, fountains, and conservatories.
Special Features: The Open Air Theatre Fountain Show is a highlight, with fountains dancing to holiday music under twinkling lights.
8. Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
Location: 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA
Dates: November 18, 2024 - January 7, 2025
What to Expect: Drive through Shady Brook Farm’s incredible light display, featuring over 3 million lights. You can also opt for a wagon ride to see the lights up close.
Special Features: Don’t miss the Santa’s Village experience, where kids can meet Santa and enjoy festive treats.
9. Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular
Location: 2700 Block of Smedley Street, South Philadelphia, PA
Dates: Late November 2024 - Early January 2025
What to Expect: Another South Philly favorite, Smedley Street’s light display is a residential labor of love that transforms the block into a winter wonderland.
Special Features: Walk down the street to experience over-the-top lights and decorations from local families.
10. Adventure Aquarium Christmas Underwater
Location: 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ
Dates: November 23, 2024 - December 31, 2024
What to Expect: Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium features holiday lights in a unique setting, where you can watch Scuba Santa swim with sharks and other sea creatures.
Special Features: Enjoy the 18-foot Christmas Tree of Lights submerged in a tank with 8,500 aquatic creatures.
11. Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Location: Macy’s, 1300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 24, 2024 - December 31, 2024
What to Expect: A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show features more than 100,000 LED lights that create holiday scenes in the Grand Court of the historic Wanamaker Building.
Special Features: Don’t miss the daily light shows set to the famous Wanamaker Organ.
12. Boathouse Row Holiday Lights
Location: Boathouse Row, Kelly Dr, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: Throughout the Holiday Season
What to Expect: Boathouse Row is one of the most iconic sights in Philadelphia, and during the holiday season, the boathouses are lit up with colorful, festive lights that reflect beautifully on the Schuylkill River.
Special Features: Perfect for an evening walk or drive along Kelly Drive to enjoy the view.
13. Deck the District at Fashion District Philadelphia
Location: 901 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 1, 2025
What to Expect: The Fashion District Philadelphia brings holiday cheer with its Deck the District display, featuring giant holiday ornaments, lights, and selfie spots.
Special Features: A perfect stop for holiday shopping and capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
14. Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular
Location: 555 W Moreland Rd, Willow Grove, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 7, 2025
What to Expect: Tinseltown is an immersive walkthrough experience with millions of lights, festive food, a skating rink, and themed displays.
Special Features: The Philadelphia Eagles Light Display and opportunities to meet Santa are big hits with families.
15. Linvilla Orchards Christmas Around the Farm
Location: 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - December 31, 2024
What to Expect: Linvilla Orchards offers a delightful holiday display with festive lights across the farm, including their iconic Christmas tree and train rides.
Special Features: Families can enjoy cut-your-own Christmas tree experiences along with visits from Santa.
16. Peddler’s Village Holiday Lights
Location: 100 Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 1, 2025
What to Expect: Peddler’s Village is known for its charming, festive atmosphere, with over a million lights illuminating the village’s shops and pathways.
Special Features: Don’t miss the Gingerbread House Competition and Display, which showcases intricate holiday creations.
17. Glencairn Museum Christmas Light Display
Location: 1001 Cathedral Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA
Dates: November 25, 2024 - January 1, 2025
What to Expect: Glencairn Museum offers a more traditional Christmas light display, featuring medieval and religious themes. The museum itself is a stunning backdrop, making it an elegant holiday stop.
Special Features: The museum also hosts Christmas tours and musical performances during the season.
18. Chester County Christmas Light Tour
Location: Various neighborhoods in Chester County, PA
Dates: Throughout December
What to Expect: Explore a self-guided driving tour of Chester County's best residential Christmas light displays, with neighborhoods like Exton, West Chester, and Downingtown offering some of the brightest homes.
Special Features: Check local community websites for interactive maps and voting for the best display.
19. Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights
Location: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 1, 2025
What to Expect: Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo features an animated light show and holiday displays, all set in a zoo filled with illuminated animals.
Special Features: The event includes carousel rides, s’mores stations, and photos with Santa.
20. The Holiday Light Show at Herr’s Factory
Location: 20 Herr Dr, Nottingham, PA
Dates: November 24, 2024 - January 2, 2025
What to Expect: Herr’s Factory offers a free drive-through light show on their property, featuring tens of thousands of lights.
Special Features: Guests can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while taking a drive through the dazzling light display.
Philadelphia and the surrounding areas are filled with beautiful light displays that are perfect for a festive night out. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic walk, or just looking to take in the holiday cheer, these spots offer something special for everyone.
And while you're out enjoying the dazzling lights and festive spirit, don’t forget—if you’re also thinking about finding your dream home, just call the Shaina McAndrews Real Estate Team!
Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic of the season!
