The holidays are just around the corner! Celebrate the season with what's happening this winter in and around Philadelphia!
tree lightings
Manayunk Gets Lit Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 20)
Manayunk's annual tree lighting ceremony at Canal View Park on November 20! Celebrate the holiday season in Manayunk.
Tree Lighting and West Chester Christmas Parade (December 5)
The switch gets flipped on for the first time during the annual Tree Lighting and West Chester Christmas Parade on December 5, 2025. The annual event also features live dance and musical performances, marching bands, award-winning floats and more. stop by to see the tree lit in action with 16,000 lights!
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Holiday Tree Lighting Powered By PECO (December 5)
Celebrate the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO on Friday, December 5 from 6PM-9PM at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.
Philadelphia City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony (Date TBD)
holiday festivals & light shows
Holiday Illumination at Peddler's Village (November 14 - January 17)
Ring in the holiday season at Peddler's Village! Their holiday kick-off weekend is November 15th through November 17th. Check out their calendar to learn more on their Gingerbread Competition Photos with Santa, Holiday Hustle, Holly Jolly weekend, and more family-friendly events this holiday season.
Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler's Village (November 14-January 17)
The Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village is a feast for the eyes with more than 100 creative and whimsical entries crafted by the public in different categories. The gingerbread entries will be on exhibit during shopping hours from November 14 through January 17, 2026 in the Visitor & Event Center. Admission is free.
Winter in Dilworth Park (November 14 - February 22)
Just steps away from City Hall, Winter at Dilworth Park returns! Check out the return of the Wintergarden, a chalet-style cabin, fire pits, seasonal refreshments, a holiday market and plenty of winter events this winter season starting Friday, November 15th.
Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Diggerland (November 14 - January 1)
Experience Diggerland's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! Make Diggerland a family holiday staple!
DiDonato's Magical Express (November 15 - December 23)
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more!
Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy with Lights (November 15 - December 30)
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Perfect for Kids ages 1-92, experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more!
Seasonal Celebrations at Sesame Place (Select Dates: November 15 - January 1)
From A Very Furry Christmas, Hanukkah Celebration, Kwanza Celebration, and New Year's Eve Fireworks, there's lots to celebrate the holiday season at Sesame Place! The fun festivities kick off November 15th.
Manayunk Gets Lit (November 20 - December 31)
The sixth annual Manayunk Gets Lit is illuminated by over 80,000 holiday lights along Main Street in Manayunk! The celebration kicks off on November 20, 2025, with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Canal View Park. The coolest way to take in Manayunk’s displays is from the free Jolly Trolley, which runs the length of Main Street and often features on-board carolers, performers and musicians (December 4-20, 2025, select dates).
Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO (November 20 - February 28)
Winter In Franklin Square's free nightly Electrical Spectacle Light Shows begin November 20 and is open through February 28. Themed to Ben Franklin’s electric discovery with a giant kite and key, enjoy light shows running nightly from 5pm – closing, every 30 minutes. (Closed November 27, December 25, and January 1).
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo (November 20 - January 3)
While the animals are tucked away for the holiday season, 1 million lights and 14 illuminated zones come to life at LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo starting November 20!
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo (November 21-December 30)
Heading down to Norristown? Experience the Elmwood Park Zoo Wild Lights walk-through Featuring millions of LED lights across 16 acres starting Friday, November 21st. (Wild Lights is closed on December 24 and December 25).
Winter Wonderland Illuminating Walking Trail (November 21-December 30)
Presenting: Winter Wonderland Illuminated Walking Trail! Stroll through the woods filled with fun snowmen and trees, waddle past a penguin igloo town, “fly by” Birdhouse Row —but watch out for a runaway toboggan! Make your way into our White Pine field to experience a tunnel of lights snowing down on you. The trail is draped and decorated with tens of thousands of lights and is THE best way to celebrate the season! After experiencing Winter Wonderland, make sure to stop by the bonfires for some hot chocolate and s’mores! You can even walk through the trail a SECOND time after enjoying the bonfires!
Johnson's Corner Farm (November 21 - December 31)
Johnson's Corner Farm “Christmas Musical Light Show Hayride” gets you into the holiday spirit as it takes your friends and family on a trip around the farm. You will be surrounded by a light show set to your family’s favorite Christmas tunes. Celebrate the season as you view the Farm with Decorated Barns, Tractors and Farmhouses.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens (November 21 - January 11)
Experience Longwood Reimagined at Longwood Gardens! Take a stroll through millions of holiday lights and mid-century magic at this Kennett Square holiday festivity. It all starts Friday, November 21st.
Holiday Light Show at Shadybrook Farm (November 22-January 4)
Over 3 million lights illuminate the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm! Open November 22, take a drive in your car or enjoy the open air while snuggled up in a tractor-pulled wagon.
Christmas Village in LOVE Park and City Hall (November 22 - December 24)
Need to start your Christmas shopping soon? Keep an eye out for our unique selection of international and local vendors at Christmas Village at LOVE Park. Expect handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry as well as high-quality arts and crafts. Warm yourself with sweet and hot drinks while enjoying festive Christmas lights at this traditional Philadelphia event.
Philadelphia 6ABC's Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 27)
The nation's oldest Thanksgiving Day parade kicks off at 8:30 AM on the holiday! From floats to marching bands, dazzling dancers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, check it out on Thursday, November 28th at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Glow To Bed: The Journey Through Time Christmas Light Show (November 28-January 4)
Glow Big, or Glow Home! Check out South Jersey’s Ultimate Animated Light Show, Glow To Bed in Sicklerville, NJ. GLOW includes a 45 food LED snowman, a 40 foot Christmas tree, two million synchronized dancing lights, a dazzling district, Santa Claus and so much more.
Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester (November 28-January 4)
The streets of West Chester take on a magical quality, as about 75 restaurants and 65 boutiques don sparkly holiday lights. The centerpiece of the wintry display is the massive holiday tree rising high above town. The 28-foot-tall evergreen — the largest in the event’s history — is draped from top to bottom in 16,000 white LED lights.
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum & Gardens (November 29-December 30)
Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest (November 28 - 2026)
Celebrate Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest starting November 28 and all season long through 2026. Experience illuminating lights, a 60 foot Ferris wheel, ice skating, plus more.
Santa Claus Special on the Woodstown Central Railroad (November 29- December 23)
Celebrate the yuletide season aboard Woodstown Central Railroad’s annual Santa Claus Special! As your journey begins, Santa will make his way through the train for a memorable visit with each family. As you travel down the tracks, take in the changing winter landscapes of the forests, farmland, and historic small towns of South Jersey.
Grand Illumination at American Heritage Credit Union (November 29 - January 1)
Lights twinkle on nightly at dusk when visitors are invited to stroll the campus and take in the display and decorations at their leisure. The celebration begins with the kickoff event on November 29, 2025, featuring seasonal music, costumed Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross and more, with the on button hit for the first time at 7 p.m.
Rose Tree Festival of Lights in Media (December 4 - January 3) The Rose Tree Festival of Lights returns to Rose Tree County Park on December 4! Walk through dozens of illuminated trees and light displays spread throughout the 120-acre Delaware County park.
Breakfast with Santa at Johnsons Locust Hall Farm (December 7-15)
Get into the festive spirit with Johnson's Locust Hall Farm's delightful 'Breakfast with Santa' event, a magical experience nestled in the heart of Jobstown, New Jersey. This event is sure to be a memorable one for both kids and adults alike.
Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler's Village (January 10, 11, 17, and 18)
Twinkling lights cover Peddler's Village during the holidays, but the final two weekends are celebrated with the annual Fire & Frost Fun event - featuring live fire artistry, fire pits, a scavenger hunt, ice-carving demonstrations, plus more!
Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens (January 16 - March 22)
Escape the chill and bask in the warmth of the beautiful new West Conservatory at Longwood Gardens' Winter Wonder exhibit. Leave your winter worries at the door and unwind as the soothing sounds of water and lush, tropical gardens transport you to another world.
Philly Chocolate, Whiskey, & Wine Festival (January 24)
Quench your thirst and get your sweet tooth fix at the Philly Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival on Saturday, January 24! From 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM, taste the flavors of a chocolate fondue bar, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, grab a boozy milkshake, and indulge in countless beverages. Tap here for more details.
new year's eve fireworks & new year's day celebrations
You won't want to miss these two incredible fireworks displays at Delaware River Waterfront celebrating New Year's Eve in Philadelphia! See the first show at 6PM, and ring in the New Year with fireworks at midnight. See more details on the official Delaware River Waterfront Corporation website!
Best free viewing spots:
- Race Street Pier at North Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Washington Avenue Pier at Washington Avenue Green, South Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Spruce Street Harbor Park at 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Great Plaza at Penn's Landing at 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Pier 69 at Pier 70 Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19148
Ticketed events with views
- Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
- Cherry Street Pier
- Battleship New Jersey
- Fringe Bar's Latin Bash
Philadelphia Mummers Parade (January 1, 2026)
Celebrate 2026 with one of Philadelphia's most famous traditions, The Mummers Parade! Check out complete details on the 2026 parade route and competition taking place on New Year's Day.
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