For those looking for a bit of festive fun, I decided to put together things list of the best things to do during Christmas in Philly, based on my many visits to the city during the holiday season.
I’ve already shared my favorite places to get Christmas cheer in Pennsylvania, the best things to do at Christmas in Harrisburg and Hershey, great Christmas lights in downtown Pittsburgh, and the best things to do in Bethlehem during Christmas, but if you are planning on visiting the City of Brotherly Love this holiday season, here are 11 things to do during Christmas in Philadelphia that are sure to leave you humming your favorite holiday jingles.
Note: Article updated October 23, 2023 for the 2023 holiday season.
Philly’s Christmas Village
I’ve been to several different German Christmas markets throughout the state. All claim to be “authentic,” but some struggle to achieve it. However, the Christmas Village in Philly’s Love Park is simply awesome.
Walking amongst the market’s 70+ wooden stalls, I was impressed by the market’s authentic touches. In fact, I really felt like I had been transported to Germany for one of their famous Christkindlmarkts.
This, of course, isn’t an accident. Believe it or not, Philly’s Christmas Village is actually run by a group of Germans who base the market on the one in Nuremberg, one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in the world.
While walking around, don’t miss the stand from Chaddsford Winery, which sells Glühwein, a type of mulled red wine that is a must while browsing the grounds of this awesome market. For those that want something different, the hot chocolate sold at the village is also amazingly delicious.
In 2023, the Christmas Village is open daily from 12pm – 8pm (9pm on Fridays and Saturdays) from November 18 – December 24 in Love Park. They are open on Thanksgiving Day from 9am – 5pm and Christmas Eve from 12pm – 5pm.
Dilworth Park
Located around City Hall, Dilworth Park comes alive during the holiday season and features many great things to do during Christmas in Philly.
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market features almost four dozen vendors from the city selling a variety of handmade goods and delicious foods. This sister market to the Christmas Village offers more great shopping during the holiday season.
Also in Dilworth Park is a fantastic ice skating rink, carousel, and winter garden. While there, don’t miss City Hall’s Christmas tree, which is beautifully decorated and is well worth enjoying for a few minutes.
All attractions in Dilworth Park ran daily through January 1, except for the Ice Rink which was open through late February 2022.
The Miracle on South 13th Street
The Miracle on South 13th Street is one of the most impressive displays of Christmas lights in Philadelphia. Occupying the 1600 block of South 13th Street in South Philly, this display features more lights than you’ll find in most neighborhoods.
Drive down the street, or better yet walk, to see the beautiful lights here. There are even occasional visits from Santa and singing groups.
The Miracle on South 13th Street can be seen daily from 5pm to 11pm from the Saturday during the month of December.
Christmas at the Wanamaker Building
The Wanamaker Building in downtown Philadelphia has been running Christmas shows for nearly 100 years, and the Macy’s Department Store that now occupies the lower floors continues that tradition in grand style.
Even before entering the building, you’ll be delighted by the festive window decorations that showcase both well-known Christmas scenes and some local Christmas flair.
The third floor of the building is home to the fantastic Dicken’s Village. This recreates a Victorian village straight out of “A Christmas Carol” and features visits with Santa Claus. To visit in 2023, you’ll need to make a free reservation to visit on their website.
The Christmas Light Show in the center court will be returning in 2023 and will be shown multiple times a day from November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023.
Started in 1956, over 1,000,000 LED lights combine together with voiceovers by Julie Andrews to create a festive holiday show. While it might be a little outdated, the show still has a festive charm that’s worth seeing and is a Philadelphia Christmas tradition.
During these shows, you’ll be treated to a live performance on the world’s largest, functional pipe organ at the show’s conclusion. You can also watch these concerts live online. No reservations are needed to take in the light and organ show.
Shows will also be available online for the first time ever, along with many other holiday attractions at Macys.com/SantaLand.
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the most beautiful and unique Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania.
Luminature features a variety of light displays stationed throughout the Philadelphia Zoo. All told, there are hundreds of thousands of lights that can be found twinkling throughout the space.
The displays are set up in different zones, each of which offers a unique take on a holiday or a nature-related theme. There are even light shows offered each night.
In 2023, LumiNature will run from mid-November through early January. It’s worth noting that the zoo’s animals are not on display during the event.
RiverRink Winterfest
Located along the Delaware Riverfront, RiverRink Winterfest is one of my favorite Christmas things to do in Philadelphia.
The highlight of the RiverRink Winterfest is a large ice skating rink where both experts and newbies can spend time enjoying being on the ice.
In addition to ice skating, Winterfest also features a miniature train for kids, delicious food from local restaurants, a beer garden, an arcade, and beautiful holiday lights.
For those looking for somewhere to see Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, the area around RiverRink Winterfest is a great choice.
RiverRink Winterfest will be open from November 24, 2023, through early March 2024.
Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular
Located in South Philly’s FDR Park, the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular is one of the best walk-through light displays in the state.
This nine-acre display features many fantastic large lights that are perfect for photos ranging from presents to the Liberty Bell. You can also see other Philadelphia-centric lights including sports teams’ logos, a replica of the LOVE statue, and Gritty.
In addition to the lights, there is also an ice skating rink, ice slide, visits with Santa, and much more.
In 2023, Tinseltown is open from November 17 through New Year’s Day.
Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad
Tucked into a corner of the frenzy of Reading Terminal Market is their annual holiday railroad display. As the former terminus for the Reading Railroad, the market is the perfect place for a model train display.
Located in the Piano Court, this 500-square-foot display features 14 different model trains running through a beautifully decorated Christmas village. While it might not be the most exciting thing on the list, kids and anyone who loves trains should really enjoy this display.
Plus, since you’re in Reading Terminal Market already, you can take a few minutes to do some holiday shopping or get a fantastic lunch.
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
If the Macy’s Christmas Light Show isn’t high-tech enough for you, head over to the Comcast Building for the Comcast Holiday Spectacular.
The HD screen measures 83 feet wide by 25 feet tall, and features one of the highest resolutions of any screen in the world, making the pictures ridiculously clear.
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular lasts 15 minutes and features a wide variety of music on the screen. Scenes range from the heartwarming to the comical and feature a wide variety of characters on the screen.
This fun show is so festive that even the Grinch would be singing along by the end.
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular runs every hour on the hour from 10 am to 8 pm from Thanksgiving through January 1. There is also a sensory-friendly show each day at 2:30pm
The Franklin Square Holiday Festival
While it might not be as exciting as the Christmas Village in Love Park or the Miracle on South 13th Street, the Holiday Festival in Franklin Square is definitely worth checking out when experiencing Christmas in Philadelphia.
The highlight of the festival is a light show at the square’s fountain. During the show, 50,000 lights dance as Christmas music is played over the loudspeaker. While the show only lasts about 5-10 minutes, there is a lot more to see in Franklin Square.
Other activities include riding the carousel, playing putt-putt golf through a variety of Philadelphia landmarks, and enjoying some food and beverages at a food tent/beer garden housed in the middle of Franklin Square.
The Franklin Square Holiday Festival is open from 5-9pm from November 16 through February 25, 2024.
Franklin Square is also home to great events throughout the year including the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in May and June.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia’s original squares and is beautiful anytime during the year. However, the square is especially picturesque during the holiday season.
Take a stroll through this historic square and enjoy the lights strung from the trees and around the impressive sculptures in the park.
Christmas at Longwood Gardens
There are many great Christmas attractions in the Philadelphia suburbs, but if you only make the drive to one, head to Longwood Gardens in Chester County.
During the holiday season, Longwood Gardens bursts with color and festive charm. Spaces both inside and outside are decorated within a yearly theme that always delights.
In addition to traditional decorations and beautiful plants, Longwood Garden features carolers, pipe organ performances, fountains, light shows, and more during their holiday event.
Longwood Garden’s holiday display is open from mid-November through early January each year.
Tinsel
If exploring all of these great Christmas things to do in Philadelphia makes you thirsty, head over to the most festive bar in the city: Tinsel. Located on South 12th Street in Center City, Tinsel looks a bit like your grandmother’s decorations threw up all over an old jewelry store (in the best possible way, of course).
Tinsel not only features festive decorations and seasonal music, but it also features some unique holiday cocktails.
Tinsel is open daily from late November through December 31.
Bonus: New Year’s Eve and The Mummers Parade
The holiday season ends with two great events in the city.
During Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can see two great fireworks shows, enjoy family-friendly activities, and much more.
On New Year’s Day, the Mummers Parade is an amazing mix of artistry, pageantry, and craziness. Mummers parade through the streets of Philly acting out skits, playing music, and just having a great time.
For more information on this fantastic tradition, check out our guide to the Mummers Day Parade.
Do you have a favorite thing to do during Christmas in Philadelphia that didn’t make my list? Let me know in the comments section below.
Looking for even more holiday attractions near Philly? Check out the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm, Koziar’s Christmas Village, and the Herr’s Holiday Lights.
Article updated October 23, 2023, to reflect operating dates for the 2023 holiday season.
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I took my girls to Philadelphia last year when we were in the states. It is a really interesting town, and one which looks great at Christmas. I am not a fan of the cold, so glad I could read about it here.
Philadelphia is a great town to visit. I’m not a huge fan of the cold either, Rhonda, but I think it’s worth it for Christmas decorations.
I’d love to hear more about Places to go and things to do in PA.
Well then this is the place for you, Kathleen! There are a ton of things you can read about on the site. You can find the full website archives at UncoveringPA.com/blog, or you can look at the menu at the top of the page under “Places to Go” to find things by area or under the heading “Blog” to find things by interest. Hope that helps.
My husband and I love hanging in Philly. We usually spend a couple of nights during the Christmas season, even though we only live 40 minutes away in Trenton, NJ.
Another cool Christmas-y activity is the River Rink Winterfest at Penns Landing. It is set up like a wintery ski lodge with fire pits, indoor “living rooms”, an ice skating rink, music, a light show, food and drink. Very cool.
My family loves to visit the Holiday Garden Railway at the absolutely gorgeous Morris Arboretum. It’s all decorated for the holidays and there’s always a lot to enjoy in this amazing public garden!
I want to see all the things you described. They all should great for the kids. Can you suggest what is the best way to see it all. By foot? Where to park? I am not familiar with the area and didn’t know exactly how to enjoy all of this in a day. It seems they all may be close in distance to each other too. Thanks.
They are all within walking distance 5-8 blocks, of City Hall. Park around there and you should be at a good location. They’ve even added a skating rink there thi year.
Thank you so much for posting all these events from Uncovering PA. Hubby and I ride our Harley in PA all the time. I didn’t realize how much stuff there is to see. We are looking forward to making some memories of our own. We did a 5,000 mile ride on the bike all the way to the Dakotas, Wyoming, Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana. Beautiful Country here in America and so much to see. We did that trip in June of this year. In 2017 were riding to the coast. Nothing like seeing it off the back of a motorcycle. Please keep up the good work and keep those ideas coming. love it. Just saw your favorite Christmas one. We live in Buffalo, New York so you know how much snow we can get here. Don’t know if we would get to the Christmas part but its something to think about.
We’re taking the train to Phila. on Christmas Day to have dinner. Is anything else open besides the
eating establishments?
u should list the 3 best streets , rowhouses that have unbelieveible Christmas light displays. They r worth seeing!
Flying in on Christmas Day 2018 and know no one. Good location to stay downtown and where to eat on Christmas Day. What’s open
This is amazing! Thank you for taking the time to create such a detailed review! Does it matter which area to stay in? Rittenhouse vs old city?
I’d say either one of those areas would position you well for a visit to Philly at Christmas.