As the fall breeze makes way for a winter chill, Philadelphia transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with spectacular light displays that captivate locals and visitors alike. From historic landmarks to sprawling parks and city squares, Philly’s holiday lights are a beloved tradition that fills our city with joy and festive spirit. Whether you’re looking for classic holiday scenes or innovative light shows, you’ll find something special in store for everyone.

Bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to explore Philadelphia’s top holiday light shows and magical displays!

 

Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Light Show

November 21 – February 23

Showtimes: Every half-hour from 5 p.m.-closing

200 N. Sixth St.

More than 100,000 lights illuminate Franklin Square’s updated fountain show, timed to a soundtrack of holiday classics. This year is themed to Ben Franklin’s electric discovery with a dazzling giant kite and key. Shows run nightly every 30 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. Take a spin on the carousel, warm up with adult and hot beverages and seasonal food, and play Chilly Philly Mini Golf, a holiday spin on their beloved golf course complete with lights, holiday music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends!

Comcast Holiday Spectacular

November 24 – January 1

10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the top of every hour (except 5pm). Sensory-friendly Shows, Thursday & Friday (and upon request) at 2:30 p.m.

Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard

 

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular returns! Every year, this 15-minute festive experience fills the Comcast Center lobby. This dazzling multi-sensory show will feature classics like Jingle Bell Rock, The Twelve Days of Christmas and The Nutcracker, a magic flying sleigh ride through the city and countryside, and more on one of the world’s largest highest-resolution LED displays. A sensory-friendly version of The Comcast Holiday Spectacular will again be offered for guests who are blind or visually impaired for the 2024 season.

Macy’s Christmas Light Show

November 29th – December 31

1300 Market St.

To quote Julie Andrews’s narration of this 100,000-light spectacle, it the Macy’s Christmas Light Show is a “grand tradition.” If you’re from Philly, you probably grew up watching it, and not a thing has changed. The bears, the dancing snowmen, the “magic Christmas tree,” the Wanamaker Organ finale—it’s all there, and it’s all aglow in colorful nostalgia. After the show, head upstairs to Dickens Village to walk through an animatronic telling of A Christmas Carol.

Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature

November 21 – January 4

3400 W. Girard Avenue

Back this year, the Philadelphia Zoo presents its magical nighttime holiday spectacle. Featuring 14 illuminated zones throughout the zoo, LumiNature will take guests on a journey of lights, sounds and surprises, offering lively displays and newly-enhanced installations. Seasonal fare, strolling performers, hot chocolate (and adult beverages) add to the festiveness. All guests should pre-purchase timed-tickets online.

Miracle on South 13^th Street

November 25 – January 1

13^th Street between Tasker and Morris

The stretch of 13^th Street between Tasker and Morris in South Philly has been named home to the best Christmas lights in all of Pennsylvania. The neighbors on this block go all out, from dazzling lights to toddler-sized illuminated lawn decorations. It’s colorful and kitschy and pure Philly. The displays generally go up after Thanksgiving and stick around til the New Year.

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular

November 27 – January 12 (dates subject to change)

Smedley Street between 16th and 17th Streets and Moyamensing and Oregon Avenues

Another extravagant South Philly display, the “Christmas Street,” as it is known, has giant light-up candy canes, inflatables, and lots of lights!

Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

November 23 – December 30 (select dates)

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue

Morris Arboretum’s beloved Garden Railway is once again bringing holiday cheer this year, lighting up a quarter-mile of track and miniature replicas of Philadelphia-area landmarks made from natural materials with thousands of twinkling lights. When the sun goes down the display magically transforms into the The Nighttime Express (beginning Saturday, November 30, 2024).

Grand Illumination at American Heritage Credit Union

November 30 – January 1

American Heritage Carriage House, 2060 Red Lion Road

American Heritage Credit Union’s campus lights up with over 400,000 lights. Stroll the campus, enjoy the lights and decorations, and take family photos; or, you can remain in your car and drive around to enjoy the lights as well. It kicks off on Saturday, November 30 at 7 p.m. with festive music, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross!

Manayunk Gets Lit

November 14 – December 31 (dates vary by attraction)

Main Street

This year, Manayunk embodies the holiday spirit with over 80,000 holiday lights and the participation of more than 50 storefronts along Main Street. The celebration kicks off on November 14 with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Canal View Park and festive activities. If it gets too cold, try taking in the dazzling displays on Manayunk’s free Jolly Trolley, which offers exciting entertainment and runs the length of Main Street.

Looking for more holiday lights, displays and ways to celebrate the season? We’ve got you covered! Check out our calendar of events below:

Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Eleanor Linafelt contributed to this article.