It’s that time of year again when twinkling Christmas trees illuminate windows and gleaming string lights adorn house trimmings. Slip on a pair of mittens, pour a thermos of hot cocoa and check out the most festive holiday lights in Philadelphia.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
11/21 - 2/23/25
Winter at Franklin Square, Presented by Peco
This holiday season, Winter at Franklin Square will once again be set ablaze with a sensational light show featuring thousands of sparkling lights for the Electrical Spectacle. This year, the colorful show will be synchronized to a new song, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials. After the theatrics, hit the Ben on the Rocks heated tent for festive culinary delights and cocktails as you warm up. Race St., 215.629.4026, historicphiladelphia.org
11/21 - 1/4/25
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
As over one million lights illuminate Philadelphia Zoo, find a winter wonderland of sparkling creatures at every turn. Visitors can walk through a glistening 100-foot long jungle tunnel, a dazzling coral reef and sea turtle and a 22-foot tall butterfly tree—but be sure to check out the holiday spectacular’s sparkling light waterfall. The aquatic destination at Shimmer River features a blazing wall with 20,000 lights. 3400 W. Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
11/22 - 1/12/25
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Wishing you a merry retro Christmas is the Longwood Gardens’ light display, showcasing miniature model train routes, sparkling trees wrapped in tinsel and childhood-favorite toys and a shimmering tunnel lit with 20,000 bulbs. Outside, colorfully lit fountains will dance to holiday classics as visitors explore further—but don’t worry about the winter chill. Visitors can stay warm despite the frosty displays thanks to outdoor fire pits scattering the grounds. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610.388.1000, longwoodgardens.org
11/23 - 1/5/25
Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
Snuggle up for an unforgettable open-air wagon ride or drive through expansive acres of illuminated farmland, glowing with over three million lights of electrifying displays and dashing characters. After a ride and stroll through Candy Cane Lane, warm up with a private, toasty campfire and enjoy tasty treats from local vendors. 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, 215.968.1670, shadybrookfarm.com
11/29 - 1/6/25
Lights in the Parkway
Pack the family in the car and turn up the festive tunes for the annual Lights in the Parkway. From the warmth of your car, drive through tunnels of sparkling canopies, twinkling trees and past whimsical animated characters. Spanning the gorgeous, tree-lined Lehigh Valley for more than a mile, the festive attraction features scenes from classics like The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. Lehigh Parkway, Discoverlehighvalley.com
11/29 - Early 2025
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Arguably the area’s most popular seasonal attraction, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, has returned for its 30th season. Enjoy the riverfront park’s famous attractions, including its large ice skating rink, rental cabins decorated in seasonal adornments and cozy fire pits. Walk, skate and admire countless strands of bright Christmas lights hanging above your head or on the holiday tree. Entry to the riverfront park is free, and cabins, as well as ice skates, can be reserved in advance online. 101 South Columbus Blvd., delawareriverwaterfront.com
11/29-1/3/25
Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center
Set in the Grand Court of Macy’s Center, you will find the crowd-favorite light show that dates back more than half a century. A Philadelphia tradition, this display features shimmering snowflakes, dancing snowmen and other holiday characters as the famous Wanamaker Organ plays Christmas classics. After enjoying the gleaming performance, head over to Dickens’ Village, located on the third floor of Macy’s, for a visit with Santa or a vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol. 1300 Market St., visitphilly.com
Photography by: Harold Davis Photography
