One of the best local holiday traditions is seeing all of the beautiful light displays across the city and Philly has some of the best. If you're travelling around Philadelphia during the holiday season, you won’t be disappointed! From local businesses to entire residential neighborhoods--everyone goes above and beyond in holiday decorating.
Below is our list of the top holiday light displays, the creme of the crop if you will. Light shows, spectaculars and festivals, oh my!
Prepare to be impressed by the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, a festive film experience on one of the largest four-millimeter LED screens in the world featuring enchanting holiday scenes and computer generated animations.
Macy's Christmas Light Show
Macy's Center City
A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Christmas Light Show at Macy's in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker Building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights that dance to the sounds of the Wanamaker Organ.
The Miracle on South 13th Street
South Philadelphia
In South Philly, just a few blocks off of bustling East Passyunk Avenue, the 1600 block of South 13th Street is known in Philadelphia as the Miracle on South 13th Street. The elaborate lights hung on neighborhood homes along this stretch has been a must-see holiday lights destination for many years!
The 2018 Franklin Square Holiday Festival includes a winter beer garden with fire pits and the brand new Ben’s Sweets & Treats to create and taste a variety of tasty treats. Dazzle in the lights of the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO, a free light show that illuminates the Square with more than 50,000 lights to a soundtrack of holiday classics.
Jewelers' Row Holiday Lights
Jewelers' Row
Many Philadelphia neighborhoods go all out for the holidays, creating spectacular presentations of lights and decorations. The city’s Jewelers’ Row, comprising 300 retailers, wholesalers and craftsmen on Sansom Street between 7th and 8th Streets and on 8th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, features a light display rivaled only by the gems that adorn the shops’ windows. Fun fact: this display can be seen in Silver Linings Playbook.
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens
A towering 18-foot Fraser Fir exquisitely decorated with a garland of musical instruments takes center stage in the elegant Music Room. Organ sing-alongs, strolling carolers, and performances fill the Gardens with festive cheer. Delight in holiday horticulture showcasing more than 6,000 seasonal plants.
Boathouse Row Lights
Boathouse Row
The lights of Boathouse Row can be seen reflecting on the Schuylkill River throughout the year, but with them having recently been updated with brand new lights earlier this year, now is the perfect time to check them out!
Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets dating as far back as the Middle Ages, Christmas Village is back through December 24 to bring some Western European charm to Center City. With over 80 vendors selling everything from food and drinks to homemade crafts, it's impossible to leave empty handed. If that wasn't enough, their robust event schedule is sure to keep you in awe. Don't miss out on what has quickly become a Philly holiday staple! For more information on Christmas Village's season, read our full editorial!