The holiday season is upon us, and the tree lightings are starting sooner than you can say “O Tannenbaum.” There are so many festivities around town, but we’re putting all the tree lightings in one handy place so you don’t miss anything! And keep checking back as more dates are added..

Start the Holidays with Philadelphia’s Tree Lightings

Tree lighting ceremonies mark the official start of Philadelphia’s holiday season, bringing neighborhoods and families together in celebration. These gatherings offer families wonderful ways to welcome the season, whether attending a downtown event or a neighborhood tradition.

Holidays at Headhouse Shambles

November 22, 2025, 5–9 pm
Headhouse Shambles, 2nd and Lombard streets

Every year, South Street lights up with this festive event. Plus get your holiday shopping started with the Sisterly Love Food Fair and Holiday Market featuring local vendors and live performances.

Phillies Holiday Sale and Tree Lighting

November 29, 2025,10 am–5 pm
1 Citizens Bank Way

Visit Citizens Bank Park for holiday sales at the New Era Phillies Team Store, festivities, and fun surprises. The Phillies’ Christmas tree and ballpark lighting will take place outside the ballpark at the Third Base Gate.

17th Annual Grand Illumination hosted by American Credit Union

November 29, 2025 at 7 pm
American Heritage Carriage House, 2060 Red Lion Road

Kick off the season with the lighting of two 40-foot Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, and over 400,000 lights! Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross reenactors will also be on hand for the festivities. American Credit Union will be collecting unopened, non-perishable food items for a food drive as well. Stick around to walk around the lit-up campus and take unique family photos.

Northern Liberties Tree Lighting

December 2, 2025, at 5 pm
1001 N. 2nd Street

Northern Liberties kicks off the holiday season this year with their magnificent annual tree lighting ceremony. Festivities include a visit from Santa, vendors, light refreshments and many other surprises!

Old City Historic Holidays Tree Lighting at Betsy Ross House

December 4, 2025 at 6 pm
239 Arch St.

Betsy Ross will be onsite to greet guests at this lighting of the Old City Holiday Tree sponsored by Citizens which includes live musical acts, dance performances and special guest speakers.

East Passyunk Christmas Tree Lighting

December 4, 2025, 5–7 pm
The Singing Fountain, S. 11th St. and E. Passyunk Ave.

Kick off a season of “Deck the Avenue” deals and festivities with East Passyunk’s annual tree lighting filled with holiday music. Best of all, Santa Claus will be there to take photos with the children, and ring in the season!

Philly Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at City Hall

December 4, 2025, 6 pm–8 pm
JFK Boulevard and N. Broad Street

City Hall’s front door will be transformed into a winter wonderland with the Philly Holiday Tree, a 50-foot tall fir with a dazzling display of lights. The tree lighting, includes family-friendly festivities, live entertainment by local stars and the Ukrainian Children’s Choir, and more. The ceremony begins at 7 pm. Stick around and enjoy all the shopping, treats, and festivities of Christmas Village and Dilworth Park. If you can’t make it in person, tune into 6ABC to watch!

Rittenhouse Square Holiday Park Lighting

December 5, 2025, 2–6:30 pm
210 W. Rittenhouse Square

Family-friendly activities and music lead up to the lighting of the Square’s 30-foot holiday tree, which remains illuminated every night through the end of December.

Roxborough Tree Lighting

December 6, 2025, 12–6 pm
Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Ave.

The fun starts at 12:00 pm with live performances and festivities. The tree lighting is at 5:30 pm. There will also be activities and warm drinks available.

Fitler Square Tree Lighting

December 7, 2025 at 4 pm
Pine Street, between 23rd and 24th streets

Santa will arrive, and the tree will be lit by the fountain. Enjoy hot drinks, sing Christmas carols and get in the holiday spirit!

Light Up the Holiday Season

From grand ceremonies to neighborhood squares across Philadelphia, tree lighting events provide meaningful ways for families to connect and celebrate together. These traditions serve as a reminder of the joy and togetherness that define the city’s holiday season.

Looking for more Holiday events? We’ve got you covered! Check out our calendar of events below:

Lead photograph courtesy of the Philly Holiday Experience.

Eleanor Linafelt contributed to updating this article.