It’s that time of year again where 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
11/16 - 2/26/2023
Winter at Franklin Square Presented by Citizens
There may be a chill in the air, but Winter at Franklin Square Presented by Citizens has you covered with indoor heated tents, fire pits and hot beverages offered during their sensational light show. Set ablaze with over 100,000 sparkling lights, the Electrical Spectacle is sure to dazzle both day and night until Feb. 26. After the show, hit the winter Beer Garden for some seasonal culinary delights and local brews to recharge the holiday spirit. Race St., 215.629.4026, historicphiladelphia.org
11/17 - 1/7/2023
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
As over one million lights illuminate the zoo, find a winter wonderland of sparkling creatures at every turn. A 15-foot tall blue gorilla, 500 flamingos and 22-foot tall butterfly tree are sure to dazzle—but be sure to check out the holiday spectacular’s newest addition: Penguin Prismatic. The glowing aquatic bird towers 40 feet with 40,000 glowing lights. 3400 W. Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
11/18 - 1/8/2023
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Deck the halls with Longwood Gardens’ “The Art of Christmas” light display, showcasing floating floral designs, sparkling trees wrapped in garland and an abundance of bright red poinsettias. Outside, colorfully-lit fountains will dance to holiday classics as visitors explore whimsical tree houses draped in lights—but don’t worry about the winter chill. Thanks to outdoor fire pits scattering the grounds, visitors can stay warm despite the frosty displays. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610.388.1000, longwoodgardens.org
11/19-12/24
Christmas Village in LOVE Park and City Hall
Holiday cheer has finally come to City Hall and LOVE Park—take a ride on the historic carousel in the middle of City Hall and shop local vendors as thousands of vibrant Christmas lights illuminate the festival. After picking up a few last minute gifts, attendees can test their sommelier skills with a wine tasting and indulge in traditional European food like Flammkuchen: a German-style personal pizza with sundried tomatoes, arugula and prosciutto. 1500 Arch St., philachristmas.com
11/19 - 1/28/2023
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 by a private, toasty campfire to roast s’mores and enjoy tasty treats from local vendors. 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, 215.968.1670, shadybrookfarm.com
11/21 - 1/1/2023
Deck the Hall Light Show at Dilworth Park
Holiday magic is in the air at Dilworth Park’s Deck the Hall Light Show. Zip up a parka, pack some treats and grab a picnic blanket to see the historic City Hall building illuminate with a technicolor projection and synchronized cheery Christmas soundtrack. The light show will be played on a non stop loop, providing holiday cheer seven days a week between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd., 215.440.5500, centercityphila.org
11/25 - 12/31
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. discoverlehighvalley.com
11/25 - 12/31
Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson
Step into what feels like Santa’s North Pole at the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular, presented by Dietz & Watson. Through Dec. 31, visitors can snap a selfie with Santa, strap on ice skates at Rudolphs’s Rink, hit the Tinsel Lodge for some spiked cocoa and roast s’mores by the firepits. After cozying up by the fire, pick up any last minute Secret Santa gifts at Mistletoe Market. From local artisan vendors selling ornaments, artwork and wintertime apparel, the market has something for even the toughest people on your list. 100 Station Ave., tinseltownholiday.com
11/25 - 3/5/2023
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Arguably the city’s most popular seasonal attraction, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest has returned for the 2020-21 season! Enjoy the riverfront park’s famous attractions including its large ice skating rink, rental cabins decorated in seasonal adornments and cozy fire pits perfect for long chats with friends. Walk, skate and cozy up underneath countless strands of bright Christmas lights hanging above your head. 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
12/3 - 12/4
Peddler's Village Holly Jolly Weekend
As the countdown to Christmas begins, spend a day, or two, at Peddler’s Village’s Holly Jolly Weekend. While taking in one million sparkling lights, visitors can watch Sunday’s Santa Parade before checking out the gingerbread house competition and display. After showing off your gingerbread skills, stroll through over 60 specialty shops, including a candy store, artisan gallery, bookseller and clothing boutique. 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, 215.794.4000, peddlersvillage.com
12/3 - 12/4
PHestival of Trees at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Add PHestival of Trees at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to your seasonal bucket list as they deck the halls for their annual holiday extravaganza. During the weekend of Dec. 3, visitors can take a peek at ornately decorated trees and scrumptious gingerbread houses, all crafted by local designers, artists and florists. After exploring the holiday decor, head over to a beer and wine garden to relish in some specialty libations, live entertainment and splurge at the shopping village. 100 Station Ave., phestivaloftrees.com
Photography by: Harold Davis Photography
