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Philly Family’s Holiday Tree Lighting Master List

Here’s where to get merry around town with tree lighting celebrations!

philadelphia christmas tree city hall

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.

Want to glow even more? Check out our rundown of must-see holiday light shows and displays!

Manayunk Tree Lighting

November 18,  6:30 pm

Canal View Park, 4416 Main Street

 

Manayunk is really eager to get the holidays started this year! Celebrate the annual tree lighting, followed by live performances and a visit by Santa. The tree lighting ceremony also marks the official launch of the second annual “Manayunk Gets LIT!” decorating contest between businesses in the district.

Grand Illumination hosted by American Credit Union

November 27, 7 pm

American Heritage Carriage House, 2060 Red Lion Road

 

Kick off the season with a tree lighting, fireworks display, and performances by the Philadelphia Boys Choir, and The Fifes and Drums of The Old Barracks. Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross reenactors will also be on hand for the festivities. American Credit Union will be collecting bring 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.

Old City Historic Holidays Tree Lighting at Betsy Ross House

December 1, 5:45 pm (lighting at 6:30 pm)

239 Arch St.

 

Betsy Ross will be onsite to greet guests from 5:45 to 6:45 pm. Festivities kick off at 6 pm. with a musical performance. The tree lighting will take place at 6:30 pm.

Philly Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at City Hall

December 2, 5—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, led by Mayor Jim Kenney, includes family-friendly festivities, live entertainment by local stars, and more. The ceremony begins at 7 pm starring Disney’s D Capella. 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!

East Passyunk Christmas Tree Lighting

December 2, 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. Best of all, Santa Claus will be there to take photos with the children, and ring in the season!

Evil Genius Beer Company

December 2, 7 pm

1727 N. Front Street

 

Evil Genius is celebrating the season with lots of lights, and will also kick off the launch of their festive Saison brew. Indoors; masks required.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

December 3, 6–9 pm

101 S. Columbus Boulevard

 

The Philly holiday institution, Blue Cross RiverRink, lights up one of the city’s largest holiday trees. The celebration includes 13 acts and 40 performances featuring America’s Got Talent singers Bianca Ryan and Dylan Zangwill; Ballet Folklorico Yaretzi (a Mexican folk dance group); Gospel singer Raquel E. Morton Britton; the Power Surge Dancers; Trinidad and Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra; and many more.

Photograph courtesy of South Street Headhouse District.

Holidays at Headhouse Shambles

December 4, noon—4 pm

Headhouse Shambles, Second and Lombard streets

 

Mrs. Claus will be at the Shambles for the annual tree lighting at 4 pm; plus get your holiday shopping started with the Sisterly Love Food Fair and Holiday Market.

Phillies Holiday Fun and Tree Lighting at Citizens Bank Park

December 4 (time TBD)

1 Citizens Bank Way

 

Visit CBP for holiday sales, festivities, and fun surprises. Check back soon for the lineup of sales and other Phillies happenings. The Phillies’ Christmas tree and ballpark lighting will take place outside the ballpark at the First Base Gate.

Fitler Square Tree Lighting

December 5, 5 pm

Pine Street, between 23rd and 24th streets

 

Santa will arrive, and the tree will be lit by the fountain. Enjoy hot cocoa and snacks and sing Christmas carols!

Roxborough Tree Lighting

December 11, 4 pm

Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Ave.

 

The fun starts at 2:30 pm with a dance performance and ornament crafting for kids. Then, Elsa comes at 3 pm, and the tree lighting is at 4 pm. Stick around for photos with Santa from 4:15–6 pm. There will also be treats and warm drinks available from food trucks on site.

Winter Nights, Winter Lights at Bardascino Park

December 11, 4 pm

1000 S. 10th St.

 

The Park Friends group is bringing light to long winter nights by installing an illuminated tree and inviting the community to light up the park with handcrafted lanterns. Pick up a lantern making kit in the park on December 4, make your lantern at home, and bring your creation back to illuminate the park. Neighbors will be on hand to help hang your masterpiece. Following lantern hanging, there will be a tree lighting for all to enjoy.

Rittenhouse Square Holiday Park Lighting

TBD

210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.

 

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.

 

 

 

Lead photograph courtesy of the Philly Holiday Experience.

Contributing Writer

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