November 23, 2015
M. Fischetti/Visit Philadelphia™
Shoppers search for the perfect gift at Christmas Village at LOVE Park.
Viewing light shows is a tradition for many families around the holiday season. Whether you have a favorite annual spot to view decorated Christmas trees or are looking for a new location, you will find all the information you need on local holiday lights here.
A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker Building, a National Historic Landmark. There are 100,000 LED lights, narration by Julie Andrews and sounds from the Wanamaker Organ. Performances take place at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. every day (excluding Christmas). While you're there, be sure to visit the Dickens Village, which features scenes from "A Christmas Carol," and pose for a picture with Santa.
Macy’s Center City
1300 Market St.
(215) 241-9000
Drive through the farm in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride (weather permitting). Visitors will see more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm 2015 Holiday Light Show. View various decorated trees, enjoy hot cocoa, or visit Santa. He arrives by helicopter on opening day.
The light show is open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Shady Brook Farm
931 Stony Hill Road
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 968-1670
The free show runs every 30 minutes between 4:30 and 8 p.m., weather permitting, and showcases a giant lighted kite and 50,000 lights choreographed to holiday music by the Philly Pops. One lucky guest gets to flip the switch on the lights each evening at 4:30.
Santa visits on Saturdays; live music fills the park on Sundays; and a holiday shopping pop-up market is available, along with a beer garden and food trucks.
Franklin Square
200 Sixth St.
(215) 629-4026
Peddler’s Village will light up your holiday season with a fantastic display of nearly 1 million holiday lights. While you’re in a festive mood, explore the shops and restaurants or get pictures with Santa.
Peddler's Village
Routes 202 & 263
Lahaska, Bucks County
(215) 794-4000
2016 UPDATE: Christmas Village is located at the City Hall Courtyard and Northern Apron - Here's your ultimate guide.
Christmas Village, the German-themed open-air market, has unveiled new additions, including happy hour, lunch specials and themed weekends. Plus, the huge Christmas tree here is an ideal picture spot.
LOVE Park (JFK Plaza)
1500 Arch St.
Head to the Delaware River waterfront for the annual Parade of Lights. This boat parade features both pleasure boats and working vessels decked out in decorations and lights. Before the parade, the Independence Seaport Museum will have holiday activities.
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
(215) 925–5439
Blue and white twinkling lights, whirling fountain features, thousands of seasonal plants and decorated trees will be on display inside the Conservatory. Outside, an Italian-style theater has been expanded from its original fountains to 750 jets, which create a water curtain for the fountain show. The Italian Water Garden will also be illuminated by a 20-foot tree. Tickets are required, and guests will be asked to choose the time they wish to see the show.
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
The Herr’s Factory goes all-out for the Christmas Snacktacular. Families can enjoy hay rides, snack making and meet a real reindeer during the celebration, which is centered around Herr's impressive holiday light display. The festive display features more than 400,000 lights arranged throughout the complex, including “Big Red,” a 60-foot-tall Norway spruce decorated with more than 1,500 red lights.
Herr's Snack Factory
20 Herr Drive
Nottingham, PA 19362
(800) 637-6225
The residents of Elfreth’s Alley open their doors for the annual Deck the Alley. The historic homes feature Christmas tress and other holiday lights and decor. In addition to home tours, look forward to seasonal treats, carolers, fireside holiday stories, historical talks, a visit from Benjamin Franklin and more. Admission to Deck the Alley is $25 for adults, $10 for kids under 16 and $60 for families.
Elfreth’s Alley
126 Elfreth's Alley
(215) 574-0560
