40 Essential Holiday Events in Philadelphia for 2019

November 8, 2019 – February 23, 2020 (dates vary by attraction)

Holiday pop ups abound in Center City, including the dazzling nightly Deck the Hall Light Show (November 25, 2019 – January 1, 2020), projected directly on to the side of City Hall. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, visitors can deck the hall themselves with the interactive Play the Lights keyboard. Elsewhere, the outdoor Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink & Cabin (November 8, 2019 – February 23, 2020) offer ice skating, skate rentals, twinkling lights and indoor space to warm up and fill up on snacks, cocktails, seasonal beer and hot drinks, while the charming, stroll-worthy Wintergarden (November 8, 2019 – February 23, 2020) holds seasonal plants and lights. Lastly, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market (November 23, 2019 – January 1, 2020) returns with dozens of independent local vendors selling their wares.

During the annual Franklin Square Holiday Festival, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show makes this historic square twinkle, with multiple ree shows every night. Among the 75,000 bulbs set to music is a giant, illuminated kite. Other festivities include Saturdays with Santa; rides on the holiday train and carousel; comfort foods, local beer and hot beverages at Ben’s Sweets & Treats and holiday fare at SquareBurger; and mini-golf.

Note: Due to a forecast of high winds, organizers have grounded the 15 giant balloons scheduled to fly in the parade for 2019. The rest of the parade will go on as scheduled. If winds die down, the balloons may return. The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade kicks off the holidays each on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The annual event — celebrating its 100th parade through the city! —features collegiate marching bands, performances by Walt Disney World characters, floats and, at the end of it all, the Clauses accompanied by postal workers collecting letters to Santa.

The German-style Christmas Village returns to JFK Plaza, also known as LOVE Park. For the 12th year, 80 wooden booths of local and international merchants display and sell Käthe Wohlfahrt trimmings, wintry apparel, handmade toys and all manner of edible and drinkable treats, while entertainment keeps things festive. Also “present” is the attraction’s centerpiece: a 27-foot-tall light-up gift made up of nearly 25,000 LED Lights. The fun continues around City Hall, where — new for 2019 — the 65-foot tall Christmas Village Ferris Wheel and Christmas Village Holiday Train pop up to activate the North Apron next to the Visit Philly Holiday Tree.

The Comcast Center’s annual super high-res LED holiday show combines the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a magical sleigh ride over the city (with a bird’s-eye view of the new Comcast Technology Center) and a sing-along in 15 minutes of free fun. More than 2 million people have seen the show since its debut in 2008. The show runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (every hour on the hour except 5 p.m. on weekdays). New for 2019, the Comcast Technology Center hosts a holiday pop-up market in the concourse for visitors in search of the perfect gift (December 3-31).

The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted a Christmas Light Show since 1956. The department store continues the tradition of sugarplum fairies, dancing snowmen and more with a 100,000-light show narrated by Julie Andrews and accompanied by the famed Wanamaker Organ. Free performances take place every two hours during store hours. Between shows, visitors often tour the second floor’s vintage Dickens Village, where intricate animated dolls and sets retell A Christmas Carol — and each free walkthrough ends in a chance to meet and get photos with Santa.

The popular Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest returns for a 26th year with new cabin decor; fire pits; a Kids Lodge arcade; a cozy, chalet-style Lodge Restaurant and Bar; sweets from Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin; and hearty fare from Garces Group and Chickie’s & Pete’s — all centered around a regulation skating rink with a spectacular view of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Philly shines bright during the holidays thanks to impressive light displays at attractions and neighbors who keep their blocks glowing. In addition to popular traditions like the Macy’s Christmas Light Show and the bedazzled Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square, places like Jewelers’ Row, the 1600 block of South 13th Street, Longwood Gardens and more light up the night all through the season.

Philadelphia’s awesome retail destinations, creative craft bazaars, independent boutiques, charming main streets and top-rated shopping malls make holiday shopping a breeze. Find amazing deals and specials throughout the season (and no sales tax on most wearable goods like clothing and shoes!) at these top holiday shopping destinations in the city and beyond.

Thousands of lights and a 30-foot live Christmas tree turn Rittenhouse Square into one of Center City’s most festive public spaces for the holidays. The official tree lighting attracts locals and visitors to the popular park to usher in the season. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the event to be donated to charity.

Tree lighting: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | 5-7 p.m.

The city’s magnificent holiday tree stands tall on the north side of City Hall, around the corner from all the wintry fun in Dilworth Park. A tree-lighting celebration on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, invites residents and visitors to see the tree sparkle for the first time this season, as well as enjoy entertainment and kid-friendly activities.

Neighborhoods and attractions across Philadelphia glow with trees decked out in lights and seasonal decor. Check out our guide to tree lightings in and around Philadelphia, and make plans to gather with others to celebrate the illumination of towering firs in places like Manayunk (Thursday, November 21, 2019), Headhouse Square (Sunday, December 1, 2019) and Old City (Thursday, December 5, 2019).

Fashion District Philadelphia, which opened in September, celebrates its first holiday season with an inaugural light show. The retail and entertainment space boasts a 45-foot-tall floating tree with giant stainless steel mirror ornaments and a light show timed to music by the Philly POPS. The five-minute show runs every 30 minutes from 4 p.m. until closing, with a live Philly POPS performance kicking things off on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

November 15 – December 30, 2019 (select dates)

Seasonal tours transform this 360-degree attraction at the top of a skyscraper to honor the local holiday tradition of the Mummers Parade. Tours take place Friday – Sunday on the hour between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is no 2 p.m. tour.

November 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020 (select dates)

Two years in the making, a new, immersive display transforms the zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia light and music spectacle. Dancing lights and sounds throughout furnish illusions of animals (and trees!) coming to life. A flock of plastic flamingos forms a 25-foot-tall tree, an enormous polar bear display broadcasts the magnificence of our planet and all four seasons host their very own party. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to spark the holiday spirit.

November 27 – December 31, 2019 (select dates)

The Philadelphia Museum of Art welcomes the holidays with a tree lighting featuring tunes by Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Nine as well as the Sister Cities Girlchoir (Wednesday, November 27, 2019). The museum also hosts other holly jolly activities for all ages, including hands-on holiday card-making during its pay-what-you-wish after-hours program (Wednesdays, December 4-18, 2019) and a couple of spirited live concerts highlighting music from classic holiday cartoons (Friday, November 29, 2019) and traditional holiday carols (Sunday, December 15, 2019).

Marvel at the most underwater Christmas lights ever at Adventure Aquarium this year, with eight whimsical underwater Christmas tree displays, including the world’s smallest and tallest underwater Christmas trees. Visitors get the chance to see Scuba Santa and his “elfish” helpers diving beneath the surface and celebrating the season, as well as thousands of twinkling lights, colorful coral and sea-lightful illuminations that glow daily.

Amid the evergreens at Morris Arboretum, the Holiday Garden Railway showcases a miniature winter wonderland complete with a quarter-mile of model-train tracks, seven loops and tunnels, 15 rail lines and model trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia landmarks adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.

Old City kicks off its holiday celebrations on Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 30, 2019) with the return of the charming window-decorating contest. Visitors can stroll the streets and vote for their favorite displays — which are on view all month long — designed by local shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, and more for a chance to win prizes. In years past, many of the great stores in Old City attract holiday shoppers with special discounts, events and extended hours on select evenings during this time of year. And don’t miss the neighborhood’s annual holiday tree-lighting celebration in courtyard at the Betsy Ross House, complete with music, seasonal sips and snacks (Thursday, December 5, 2019).

December 5-26, 2019 (select dates)

Historic Philadelphia, Inc., puts a holiday spin on its Tippler’s Tour, when the pub crawl, set in the winter of 1777 and led by a costumed reenactor, takes guests to four festive bars throughout Old City. Attendees can enjoy winter brews and entertaining historical facts on the special excursion.

During the annual Deck the Alley programming, Elfreth’s Alley homeowners open their historic houses — on the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S. — for a glimpse of the past decked out for the holidays. Santa and carolers greet visitors, who can see traditional loom weaving and shop in the museum store for holiday gifts.

The Independence Seaport Museum puts on a festive day that culminates in an early-evening procession of decorated, lighted working boats on the Delaware River. The best place to view the shining boat parade is from the museum’s second-floor terrace with a warm seasonal beverage in hand.

December 5, 2019 – January 1, 2020 (select dates)

Six decked-out 18th- and 19th-century park mansions — Historic Strawberry Mansion, Cedar Grove, Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Mount Pleasant and Woodford — open their doors for holiday treats and performances during A Very Philly Christmas. Special events this year include Flavors of the Season (Sunday, December 8, 2019), featuring free samples and demonstrations; and Sounds of the Season (Saturday, December 14, 2019), offering festive live music at each house.

Germantown’s historic Johnson House invites everyone to sing carols and stroll Germantown Avenue while distributing holiday food baskets to area families in need. Warm up afterward with cider and cookies at the former Underground Railroad station.

The Old City Jewish Arts Center and Betsy Ross House host a community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Guests can enjoy traditional foods like latkes and doughnuts as well as holiday-related children’s activities. The menorah is lit nightly at the attraction throughout the duration of the Jewish holiday.

The National Museum of American Jewish History hosts a variety of activities for folks who don’t celebrate Christmas (and those who do) during this annual event. In addition to the exhibitions within the galleries, guests can enjoy crafts, live music, storytelling, movies and face painting.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia hails the winter harvest by lighting the kinara and honoring the seven principles at this annual event.

December 1-20, 2019 (select dates)

The Philly POPS entertain crowds all winter long with special holiday concerts featuring some fabulous special guests. Uptown Christmas — with performances by Tituss Burgess and Mandy Gonzalez — gets the season started at The Met Philadelphia (Sunday, December 1, 2019). Other highlights include the annual Spectacular Sounds of the Season shows (December 6-21, 2019, select dates) and a reprise of last year’s successful show Christmas in the City (Friday, December 20, 2019).

December 6-31, 2019 (select dates)

The Pennsylvania Ballet returns to the grand Academy of Music for an elegant (yet kid-friendly) Philadelphia dance tradition. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score pairs with lavish sets and costumes as well as enchanting performances by the dancers, members of the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra.

The beloved Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) takes the stage at the Annenberg Center for the crowd-pleasing Xmas Philes. The performance mixes contemporary movements choreographed by Daniel Ezralow with popular Christmas music, making it a must-see this holiday season.

Many more of Philadelphia’s performing arts venues celebrate the holidays with a season of delightful programming. Some highlights include The Glorious Sounds of Christmas with The Philadelphia Orchestra (December 19-21, 2019), A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage at the Merriam Theater (December 20-21, 2019) and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Walnut Street Theatre (November 30 – December 22, 2019, select dates).

Bucks County’s holiday hub kicks off the season when the Clauses switch on 1 million lights during the Grand Illumination Celebration (Friday, November 15, 2019), an event replete with carolers, warm apple cider and roasted marshmallows. Simultaneously, the Village Gazebo hosts a few dozen creations in the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 15, 2019 – January 4, 2020). And the Christmas Festival fills a weekend with a pair of Santa parades and Victorian decoration (November 30 – December 1, 2019). Throughout the season, visitors can pick up holiday gifts at the 60-plus specialty shops and boutiques throughout the village.

Thousands of poinsettias, Christmas trees and flowers transform the heated four-acre Conservatory at Longwood Gardens into a winter wonderland during the popular A Longwood Christmas, which opens even earlier this year (on Thanksgiving Day) for those looking to maximize holiday joy. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in trees and spectacularly restored fountains and fire pit flames dance to seasonal music.

Millions of lights set the 16-acre Elmwood Park Zoo aglow as the popular Wild Lights display returns to the Montgomery County attraction. Guests can encounter animals, enjoy live music and meet characters every night of the exhibit, which features installations like Snowflake Central, Rainbow Runway and a giant video show.

Sesame Place in Bucks County hosts a whole bunch of festive holiday happenings this year. The whole street — Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and friends — get into the act, starting with Santa’s Illumination, when the whole place lights up (Saturday, November 23, 2019). Staged holiday productions, a kid-centric marketplace, visits from Santa and Rudolph, and the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade take place every day the park is open.

The holiday season brings out the best in the Philadelphia region with long-standing traditions, annual celebrations and wildly impressive colorful light displays. Embrace the spirit of the season with festive parades, visits from Santa, fantastic holiday shopping and more happenings in Philadelphia’s Countryside.

December 31, 2019 | 6 p.m. and midnight

The Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront features two major pyrotechnics displays over the Delaware River — one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. The stunning show is visible from several attractions and waterfront spots, including Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, which offers programming throughout the night.

This only-in-Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition dates back to 1901 and includes thousands of adults and children wearing feathers and sequins while dancing to music and parading along Broad Street from Philadelphia City Hall, site of competition among the Comic, Comic Wench and String Band divisions, to Washington Avenue. The indoor Fancy Brigade Finale competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center consists of Broadway-inspired music-and-dance routines for prizes and bragging rights. Tickets for bleacher seating at City Hall and for the Fancy Brigades are available over the phone, via the mail or at the Independence Visitor Center.

A special occasion like New Year’s calls for a festive celebration — and Philadelphia hosts many of them to welcome the new year each year. Check out our guide to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Philly for more places to watch the fireworks, top celebrations for revelers of all ages, special events and more.