Did you know that the Macy’s Christmas Light Show in Philadelphia has been a holiday tradition since 1956? Or that 2020 marked the 101st anniversary of the annual Thanksgiving Parade in the city?
Enjoy a beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition online
A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the Wanamaker Building features whimsical holiday scenes made of over 100,000 LED lights — including a 34,500-LED tree — that dance along to classic tunes from the historic Wanamaker Organ during daily performances. This year, the show can be enjoyed online by millions of visitors globally. Macy’s Santaland at Home also brings the iconic holiday tradition — and an animated version of the store’s Dickens’ Village — to audiences around the world, available to be accessed anytime for free via the online portal.
Shop, drink, and dine at an authentic German Christmas Village
Another Philadelphia holiday tradition, the Philadelphia Christmas Village returns to LOVE Park and the northern apron of City Hall for another season of festive fun and plentiful shopping experiences. The pop-up market opened on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Eve and features over 60 local artisans and makers selling hand-crafted goods. Don’t miss the Christmas Village Carousel, which is stationed in the City Hall courtyard along with additional vendors. TIP: Crowds are lighter Monday-Thursday each week!
Image Credits: PHLCVB – Dilworth Park Winter 2020 photo by M. Stanley
Ice skate beside City Hall…
One of two seasonal ice rinks in Philadelphia, the Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink and its accompanying Cabin opens for the season in November and runs through the end of February. To reduce crowds, timed skating tickets purchased in advance are strongly encouraged. The Cabin features an open-air layout this year to allow for increased air flow.
…then finish your holiday shopping at Dilworth Park
From November 21 through New Year’s Day, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market joins the ice rink and cabin in Dilworth Park, featuring over 50 local makers from the Philadelphia region. can be enjoyed at seats throughout the park, such as those at the nearby Wintergarden Alongside holiday-inspired crafts, gifts, and other goods, the market features food, confections, and local beer which.
Image Credits: PHLCVB – A Longwood Christmas 2020. Photo by B. Mathias
Immerse yourself in a 160,000 square foot wonderland in the sports complex
Philadelphia’s newest holiday experience, winter on Broad Street: A Holiday Light Spectacular, sets up shop outside of the Wells Fargo Center from November 27 through January 3. The dazzling walk-through wonderland features 193 large displays illuminated by over 500,000 light bulbs, including a 25-foot reindeer, 20-foot ornament, and over 45 glimmering trees that form a magical glen. At the Broad Street Lodge, Holiday Spirits, Claus’ Kitchen, and Tinsel Towne Treats stands visitors can enjoy seasonal food and beverage options (think: warm cookies and spiked ciders). The Mistletoe Marketplace features hand-made goods and gifts from a collection of local artisans available for purchase, while performances and holiday tunes fill the air at the Tinsel Towne Square. TIP: Look for a special holiday photo station featuring ‘Gritty Claus’.
Marvel at a miraculous South Philadelphia light display
Each year, residents in the South Philadelphia neighborhood team up to create a truly stunning holiday display for visitors of all ages to enjoy, which Travel + Leisure regards as the best holiday light show in the state of Pennsylvania. Over 300,000 lights are strung along the street, crossing from house to house overhead while each building features their own unique holiday theme, such as The Grinch, A Christmas Story, and even Star Wars. On view from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Image Credits: PHLCVB – Photo courtesy of Christmas Village Philadelphia
Enjoy an enchanted garden railway display at Morris Arboretum
Morris Arboretum’s popular Holiday Garden Railway Display features a quarter mile of track with buildings all made of natural materials (bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones) to form a miniature landscape with rivers and buildings that are exact replicas of the original including Independence Hall and other Philadelphia-area landmarks, all decorated for the holidays. The Holiday Garden Railway Nights allow visitors to enjoy the display in a festive, illuminated environment.
Get festive at the Four Seasons
Once again this year, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center will feature beautiful floral arrangements and decorations as part of Jeff Leatham’s holiday art installation, but the seasonal experiences don’t end there. Guests and non-guests alike can reserve spots at special holiday workshops, including floral centerpiece classes with Floral Director Eduardo Verdi, holiday cookie and gingerbread house decorating sessions with the hotel’s pastry team, and cocktail classes with the hotel’s expert mixologist, among other events. Those looking to stay at the Forbes Five-Star-rated hotel can take advantage of their Experience More offer, where they’ll receive a $100 credit towards spa treatments or dining at either Vernick Fish or Jean-Georges Philadelphia (who will each have special holiday menus).
Image Credits: PHLCVB – Photo courtesy of Christmas Village Philadelphia
Transport yourself to a winter wonderland at Longwood Gardens
This Christmas, experience the spectacular both indoors and out at Longwood Gardens with A Longwood Christmas and living floral displays, opulent ornaments, stunning trees, musical performances, organ sing-alongs and much more, November 20 through January 10 in nearby Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Timed tickets are available now online, with sellouts likely.
Admire miniature trains and holiday critters at the Brandywine River Museum of Art
The Holiday Magic at Brandywine experience celebrates the season with the O-gauge model train display, featuring nearly 2,000 feet of track, trees decorated with thousands of “critter” ornaments, and antique dolls from the museum’s collection now through January 10. New this year, the train display will feature two model sets once owned by Nicky and Jaime Wyeth, the sons of American painter, Andrew Wyeth, whose work is featured throughout the museum.
Image Credits: PHLCVB – Dilworth Park Winter 2020 photo by M. Stanley
Ancient Alcohol After Hours at Montgomery County
Join the Penn Museum for a fun virtual event. Ancient Alcohol: Tour and Wine Pairing will uncover 9,000 years of wine culture around the globe. Log on, pour yourself a glass, and virtually explore how our ancestors partied like it was 7000 BCE. Your tour guide, Janelle Sadarananda, will answer your history and wine related questions along the way.
Experience the wild lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo
Wild Lights is an age-old and favorite family tradition at Elmwood Park Zoo. With fascinating lights and decorative attractions, and animals on exhibit, this is a perfect family getaway for this holiday season. Take a stroll through “Oh” Christmas Tree, and be surrounded by a glistening forest, or visit with our big cats in Trail of the Jumping Jaguar. Each night of Wild Lights features live entertainment, unique animal encounters, performances, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa himself.
Image Credits: PHLCVB – Dilworth Park Winter 2020 photo by M. Stanley
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING at SPRING MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
When the temperatures dip, Spring Mountain is home to the closest skiing and snowboarding to Philadelphia. With its state-of-the-art snow guns, Spring Mountain is coated in fresh powder even before the first snowfall of the year.
