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Philly goes big on celebrating year-round — and the holiday season is no different.
Whether you live here or are just calling Philadelphia ho-ho-home for the holidays, these must-see holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia are sure to fill you with holiday cheer.
For 2023, plenty of iconic seasonal celebrations — like the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, LOVE Park’s Christmas Village and Philadelphia Ballet’s The Nutcracker — are joined by brand-new traditions like Yuletide at Devon.
Outdoor adventure awaits with ice skating rinks and winter weather activities at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular, now in FDR Park for 2023.
And, of course, Greater Philadelphia lights up with dazzling holiday light displays like LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, the 23rd Annual Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler’s Village and the drive-through Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm.
Read on for Greater Philadelphia’s must-see holiday attractions in 2023.
November 3, 2023 – February 25, 2024 (Dates vary by attraction)
Dilworth Park — right next to Philadelphia’s City Hall — kicks off the winter months with plenty of free events and cool attractions. This year, the popular winter destination includes:
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
November 16, 2023 – February 25, 2024 (Dates vary by attraction)
Franklin Square celebrates the winter months with seasonal attractions and special events all season long. 2023 highlights include:
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
November 17 – December 30, 2023 (select dates)
Norristown’s Elmwood Park Zoo shines (quite literally) during the holiday season, with millions of LED lights illuminating the Montco attraction’s 16 acres during Wild Lights. The walk-through experience features brilliant light displays, live entertainment, and animal meet-and-greets during the evening hours. Tickets are required.
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown
November 17 – December 31, 2023 (select dates)
Lights, mammals, action. This immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia spectacle. After the animals are tucked away for the evening, the zoo lights up with more than 1 million holiday lights in 16 distinct zones. Seasonal snacks, live performances, hot chocolate and adult beverages round out the feelings of winter spirit. Timed tickets are required.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (select dates)
Twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and icy activities land in South Philly’s FDR Park for the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular. Take in the sights as you skate along a winding ice trail or glide down a 160-foot-long ice slide. In between “ooohs” and “ahhhs,” pop into the Mistletoe Marketplace to find that perfect gift, or grab a bite to eat and an adult beverage inside the Union Forge Lodge. Timed tickets are required, with optional add-ons available for the Ice Trail and Independence Blue Cross ice slide.
Where: FDR Park, South Broad Street
Turn back the clocks for this retro celebration of holiday seasons gone by at Longwood Gardens. The horticultural haven — located about an hour from Center City — lights up with hundreds of trees trimmed in throwback fashion. Think classic baubles, tons of tinsel and iconic childhood toys. Adding to the festive feel, the botanical garden’s illuminated fountains dance to the sounds of the season. Timed tickets are required.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (select dates)
Big Bird, Elmo and the gang celebrate the season with a series of cultural celebrations:
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
November 17, 2023 – January 14, 2024
With more than 60 specialty shops perfect for holiday shopping, Peddler’s Village’s charm and beautiful, festive decorations help ring in the season — as do the attraction’s 1 million twinkling lights, set to cover its buildings and trees beginning November 17, 2023. The holiday season is also full of family-friendly events, including the Gingerbread Competition & Display, featuring over 100 handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free and Holly Jolly Weekend, two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades (December 2-3, 2023).
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska
November 18 – December 24, 2023 (select dates)
LOVE Park transforms into an open-air European marketplace during the annual free-to-explore, pay-as-you-go Christmas Village in Philadelphia. More than 100 vendors set up shop in wooden huts offering a selection of local and international gifts, including Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, accessories and wintry apparel. After shopping up an appetite, indulge in tasty treats like raclette sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels and more. Across the street on the north apron of City Hall and in the City Hall courtyard, a double-decker Christmas Village Carousel, Ferris Wheel and Kids Train await. New for 2023: later operating hours, more lights, Vegan Wurst Wednesdays and more.
Where: LOVE Park, 15th & Arch streets
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North apron of City Hall, North Broad Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
November 18, 2023 – January 27, 2024 (select dates)
Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night at this rolling Bucks County farm. Take in the show from the comfort of your car or in the open air while snuggled up in a wagon with loved ones (weather permitting, November 18 through January 8, 2024). Tickets are required.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade — originally founded in 1920 — brings larger-than-life floats, spectacular marching bands, dazzling dancers, A-listers and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Comcast Center’s annual (and free!) super high-res LED holiday show celebrates the season against one of the world’s largest LED video walls. Combining performances from the Philadelphia Ballet with classic holiday songs, the 15-minute show features a virtual sleigh ride around the world. Also, don’t miss The Universal Sphere located next door at the tallest building in Philly — the Comcast Technology Center. This free cinematic experience uses lights, sounds, and movement to showcase the power of ideas. Both shows run daily (with sensory-friendly shows available), but advanced registration is recommended for The Universal Sphere.
Where: Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Comcast Technology Center, 1800 Arch Street
Opens for the season Friday, November 24, 2023
Experience a waterfront winter wonderland at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Glide around an enormous ice skating rink, snap a photo by the festive holiday tree, play games on the boardwalk and warm up with pay-as-you-go seasonal treats next to a toasty fire pit (or inside a cozy cabin). And don’t miss the star-studded tree lighting ceremony set for Friday, December 1, 2023. Entry into Winterfest is free, tickets are required to ice skate, and cabins and fire pits must be reserved in advance.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
November 24 – December 30, 2023 (select dates)
One of the country’s largest outdoor model train displays gets into the holiday spirit with the Holiday Garden Railway. Mini locomotives wind their way through a third of a mile of loops, tunnels, bridges and plenty of Philly landmark replicas — all built with natural materials and beneath a canopy of sparkly lights. The Holiday Garden Railway is included with admission to Morris Arboretum. Want more bells and whistles? See it at night — illuminated trees and all — by purchasing tickets to the Nighttime Express.
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue
The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted the iconic Christmas Light Show since 1956. Macy’s continues this quintessential holiday tradition in 2023 with daily displays featuring thousands of twinkling lights in the shapes of snowflakes, candy canes and dancing snowmen — accompanied by seasonal sounds from the famed Wanamaker Organ. Five free shows take place Mondays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. On Sundays, three shows run at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Wanamaker Organ is played live during the noon and 6 p.m. showings each day (except Sundays). Recorded music accompanies all other shows. Families can also book a visit to see Philly’s vintage retelling of A Christmas Carol in the Dickens Village and snap pics with Santa.
Where: Macy's, 1300 Market Street
November 24 – December 31, 2023 (select dates)
A European Christmas market, a live music festival, a community carnival or a gourmet farm-to-table dining experience … which do you choose? You don’t have to pick just one thanks to the gorgeous (and new-for-2023) Yuletide at Devon celebration at the Devon Horse Show grounds. Experience free fair rides (including a 65-foot Ferris wheel), lots of live music, craft drinks (hot chocolate, cocktails and more), locally sourced eats, and over 35 high-end holiday fair vendors.
Where: Devon Horse Show and Country Fairgrounds, 23 Dorset Road, Devon
South Philly neighbors on the 1600 block of South 13th Street work together every year on the elaborate display that adorns their street for the Miracle on South 13th Street. Stroll down the block and take in each home’s decked-out decor, which ranges from traditional twinkle lights to elaborate movie-themed displays. Keep an eye on the official Facebook account for special theme nights that benefit local charities. If you’re driving, expect traffic slowdowns and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
Where: Miracle on South 13th Street, 1600 block of South 13th Street
The city’s magnificent 55-foot-tall holiday tree illuminates the north side of City Hall, just around the corner from all the wintry fun in Dilworth Park and Christmas Village at LOVE Park. Don’t miss seeing the tree sparkle for the first time this season during the tree lighting celebration on Thursday, November 30, 2023, featuring performances by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks, DJ Diamond Kuts and more.
Where: City Hall, 1401 Market Street
Bigger and brighter than ever, Philly’s free holiday parade marches up Market Street in Center City with festive floats, marching bands, dance groups and more. The multicultural parade celebrates Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and Lunar New Year, and spectators can hang out at designated cheer zones at 5th Street, 11th Street and City Hall for seats and free goodies, like light-up bracelets, hot cocoa and coffee.
Where: Market Street, between 5th Street and City Hall
December 9-30, 2023 (select dates)
It’s just not the holidays in Philadelphia without The Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and other magical inhabitants of The Land of Sweets twirl across the stage at the Academy of Music during the Philadelphia Ballet’s annual holiday production of the George Balanchine classic.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street
New Year’s Eve is a special time in Philadelphia. As the temperature dips and the year nears its end, the city rings in the new year with two unforgettable fireworks displays over the Delaware River at 6 p.m. (perfectly timed for the kiddos!) and — of course — midnight.
Where: Penn's Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Mum’s the word! Start the year off with one of Philly’s most famous traditions, when more than 10,000 costumed marchers — many of whom practice all year for this one-day celebration — strut their stuff on the streets of Philadelphia. The closest comparison to the festive, often-rowdy, more than 120-year-old tradition is Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Where: Broad Street
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?