No matter which winter holidays you celebrate (if any), holiday lights make the season feel special. If the dwindling hours of daylight are getting you down, boost your spirits by checking out some of our favorite places to take in some stunning displays of holiday lights in Philadelphia. These events offer fun for all ages!
The Christmas light show at Macy’s Center City location, inside the historic Wanamaker building, has been a beloved Philadelphia tradition for over 60 years. After a pause in 2020 due to COVID-19, this classic show, featuring holiday lights and a live performance on the grand Wanamaker organ, is back on for this season! Attendees will enjoy charming renditions of characters from classic Christmas stories. Afterward, the backdrop will remain lit to add some extra cheer to your holiday shopping.
Hours & Location
December 1–24, 2021 | 10:30am
December 26–31, 2021 | 11:30am
? 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
In Franklin Square, holiday lights and festive cheer last well into the New Year! Through February 27, 2022, you can enjoy the Electrical Spectacle Light Show as part of Winter in Franklin Square. For the first time this year, there will be new songs included in the show. Before or after the show, enjoy outdoor fire pits, hot beverages, chilly Philly mini golf, and more as part of a fun-filled seasonal outing.
Hours & Location
Franklin Square Hours:
Sunday–Thursday | 10:00am–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 10:00am–10:00pm
Electrical Spectacle Light Show:
Every 30 minutes
Sunday–Thursday | 5:00pm–9:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 5:00pm–10:00pm
? 200 North 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Banking institutions aren’t usually known for their displays of holiday lights, but American Heritage Credit Union’s northeast Philadelphia location is a notable exception. The Grand Illumination, this year scheduled for November 27, 2021, will include the lighting of two 40-foot-tall Christmas trees along with wreaths and hundreds of thousands of lights. Stick around that evening for a fireworks show, a concert, and more! From November 28 until the New Year, you can drive or stroll through the property and enjoy the lights nightly.
Hours & Location
Grand Illumination Kick-Off:
November 27, 2021 | 7:00pm
Grand Illumination:
November 28, 2021–January 2, 2022 | Dusk
? 2060 Red Lion Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115
Shady Brook Farm’s displays of holiday lights are a wonder to behold (and well worth the drive to Yardley). When you either drive through or take an open-air wagon ride, you’ll marvel at the views of millions of lights set against a backdrop of open farmland. After seeing the lights, keep the festivities going by cozying up to one of the many campfires on-site and enjoying warm food and drinks. If you’re bringing a large group, we suggest reserving a private wagon ride and/or campfire.
Hours & Location
Hours vary by date. Visit website to purchase timed tickets
? 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA 19067
Head into Norristown, just a few miles northwest of Philadelphia, to see both animals and holiday lights as part of their Wild Lights event. When you come to the zoo for Wild Lights, you’ll enjoy several different forms of entertainment, including holiday music, unique opportunities to interact with the zoo’s animals, and more. Make sure to purchase a timed ticket online in advance.
Hours & Location
Daily until December 30, 2021 | 5:00pm–9:00pm
? 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA 19401
Along with decorating, shopping for gifts, and spending time with friends and family, seeing holiday lights is an integral part of the festive season. The Philadelphia area offers a huge variety of displays, so there is something available for everyone. Make sure to take in some of the most impressive displays while you can!
Julia is a content writer who uses storytelling strategies and SEO best practices to craft compelling copy for email campaigns, websites, social media, and more. She has lent her talents to small nonprofits and large companies alike, including QVC. Julia graduated summa cum laude from Lafayette College in Easton, PA with majors in English and Spanish. When she's not writing, Julia enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, baking, and playing the piano and flute.

