The holiday season is upon us in Philadelphia!
The Philly Holiday Festival is a seven-week long holiday celebration for locals and visitors to enjoy. The Holiday Festival includes a dazzling lit tree, parades, light shows, fireworks and more.
Enjoy the twinkling lights, carols, and holiday cheer by checking out the festivities all across town! Be sure to share your photos with us on social media using #PhillyHolidayFest.
Here are a few of our favorite events:
Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show
November 10 – December 31, 2016 (except Thanksgiving & Christmas)
The free show, presented by PECO, incorporates a giant lighted kite and 50,000 lights choreographed to holiday music. The show runs every 30 minutes from 4 to 8 p.m. on weeknights and 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Other festivities include visits from Santa, rides on the holiday train and carousel, min-golf and the brand new Ben’s Bites & Brews. There’s also a family-friendly 6 p.m. Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party with fireworks. For more information, visit Historic Philadelphia’s website.
Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
November 11, 2016 – February 27, 2017
The holiday season kicks off early with the opening of Rothman Institute Ice Rink & Cabin. Skaters and non-skaters alike can relax in the cozy cabin over seasonal snacks, frosty beers and warm beverages, Themed events and holiday activities take place throughout the season. For more information, visit Center City District’s website.
November 11, 2016 – February 27, 2017
This new attraction brings a festive winter garden to Dilworth Park. It features willow-branch archways, a variety of seasonal perennials, trees and shrubs and several topiary sculptures that showcase all 32 of the public gardens, arboreta and historic landscapes that are located in the Philadelphia region. For more information, visit Center City District’s website.
November 19-20; November 24 – December 24, 2016
Philadelphia’s German-style Christmas Village returns again this year, but with a new location—City Hall! This holiday favorite lets shoppers find the perfect gifts from Germany and around the world, including glass ornaments, handcrafted jewelry, music boxes, nutcrackers and more. Shoppers can also enjoy hot mulled wine, gingerbread and bratwursts during their visit. For more information, visit the Christmas Village website.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
November 19 – December, 24, 2016
Holiday shoppers can stock up on handcrafted goods made by local artists, crafters and designers at the holiday market in Dilworth Park. Also available: lots of yummy Philly foods that will satisfy shoppers’ cravings and/or make great gifts. For more information, visit Center City District’s website.
Neighborhood Tree-Lighting Festivities
Various dates
Vibrant neighborhoods across Philadelphia offer holiday sing-alongs, parades and tree-lighting festivities. Join Chestnut Hill on November 19; Manayunk on November 26; Rittenhouse Square on November 29 and South Street on December 4.
November 24, 2016
Thousands of spectators watch and cheer Santa, dancers, marching bands, floats, costumed characters and others during the 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest in the nation. For more information, visit 6ABC’s website.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
November 25, 2016 – March 5, 2017
This winter wonderland at Penn’s Landing offers an Olympic-size skating rink surrounded by fire pits, cozy cabanas and a chalet-style lodge. The towering holiday tree that overlooks the skating rink will be lit on December 2. For more information, visit the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s website.
November 25 – December 31, 2016
Since 1956, visitors have flocked to the Macy’s in Center City to watch one of Philadelphia’s great holiday traditions: the Christmas Light Show. People of all ages watch the 100,000 LED lights illuminate the Grand Court inside the Wanamaker building, while listening to a story narrated by Julie Andrews and holiday music from the Wanamaker Organ. Free performances take place every two hours during store hours. For more information, visit Friends of the Wanamaker Organ’s website.
Philly Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
November 26, 2016
Bring the whole family to a free evening of holiday cheer, live entertainment, hot chocolate, and a few surprises as the City of Philadelphia and Welcome America, Inc., officially kick-off the holiday season! This year, the new Philly Holiday Tree will be displayed at City Hall in Dilworth Park. The 40-foot live tree is harvested in Pennsylvania and will be set in a newly designed tree base showcasing iconic Philadelphia landmarks and neighborhoods. The lighting for the tree will support 100% wind power sourced through local Philadelphia clean tech company Inspire.
November 26, 2016 – December 10, 2016
The lighting of the tree on Canal Island starts the holiday season in Manayunk with sing-alongs, Santa and more. During the Santa Paws and Holiday Tree Promenade (December 3), pets can pose for photos with Santa while local merchants vie for bragging rights for the decorated trees adorning their sidewalks and shop windows. And runners can work off holiday-induced calories during the Rudolph Run 5K (December 10), where costumes are encouraged. For more information, visit Manayunk Development Corporation’s website.
Historic Holiday Nights in Old City
December 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2016
Carolers and historical re-enactors signal the start of extended shopping hours on Thursday nights. Boutiques and restaurants treat visitors to special sales and menu items. For more information, visit Old City District’s website.
December 3, 2016
Penn Museum offers free festivities like international music and dance performances by groups from around the region, craft activities, storytelling and more. For more information, visit Penn Museum’s website.
“Being __________at Christmas”
December 25, 2016
Snowy. Jewish. Happy. Caring. Buddhist. Generous. Family. Creative. Friendly. Sparkly.
Fill in your own blank and join the National Museum of American Jewish History a day of music, games, dancing, crafts with The Clay Studio and other children’s activities. This year’s event also features live music from Emmy Award-winning Alex & the Kaleidoscope and access to the special exhibition Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution. For more information, visit NMAJH’s website.
December 30, 2016
The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts a family-friendly Kwanzaa Celebration, with a candle-lighting ceremony, storytelling, music, crafts and other activities. For more information, visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s website.
SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront
December 31, 2016
On New Year’s Eve, people can watch the fireworks light up the sky over the Delaware River at 6 p.m. and again at midnight. There will also be family-friendly Holiday Parties on Ice, with entertainment, party favors, outdoor seating and great views. For more information, visit the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s website.
Can’t get enough of the holiday season? Check out Visit Philly’s Holiday Festival Guide for more fun events happening around Philadelphia.