As the holiday season approaches, Philadelphia transforms into a winter wonderland filled with joy and celebration. From twinkling light displays to cozy winter markets, the city is brimming with holiday cheer. Discover the festive fun awaiting in Philadelphia with these holiday activities.
Above: Delaware River Waterfront Winterfest photo by M Stanley
Holiday Markets in Philadelphia
During the holiday season, downtown public spaces are converted into festive markets. Philadelphia Christmas Village, the city’s authentic German Christmas market in the iconic LOVE Park, features over 100 local artisans selling hand-crafted goods from wooden stalls, along with a beer garden and family-friendly activities like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and children’s train. In Dilworth Park, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is perfect for holiday shopping, featuring dozens of local vendors selling handmade holiday-inspired crafts and gifts. Enjoy food, confections, and local beer from stands set up on the west side of historic City Hall.
Above: Philadelphia Christmas Village
Festive Experiences at Philadelphia Attractions
Some of Philadelphia’s favourite attractions get into the holiday spirit with special activations. America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, lights up during LumiNature, where over a million lights create illuminating, animal-themed displays across various themed zones. Historic Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland with the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, seasonal comfort food at Franklin’s Winter View, and a festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf course adorned with Philadelphia landmarks. At Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, unwind in cozy cabins beside fires, enjoy hot cocoa, and ice skate along the Delaware River.
Above: Luminature
In the countryside of Philadelphia, A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens offers strolls through over 1,000 acres of beautifully decorated trees and holiday light displays, cozy fire pits, and the evening glow of half-a-million holiday lights. For sea-sonal fun, Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater features daily dives by Scuba Santa, views of the world’s largest underwater Christmas tree, and much more.
Above: A Longwood Christmas
The Holidays at Macy’s
Since 1956, Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the historic Wanamaker Building has been a beloved Philadelphia tradition. Over 100,000 LED lights create whimsical holiday scenes, including a stunning tree, all synchronized to the tunes of the Wanamaker Organ—the world’s largest fully-functional pipe organ.
Also at Macy’s is Dickens Village, where visitors can step into the story of Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol.” This 6,000-square-foot walk-through experience brings to life over two dozen scenes from the classic holiday tale.
Above: Macy’s Christmas Light Show. Photo by J.Ryan for the PHLCVB
Hanukkah Celebrations
Philadelphia celebrates Hanukkah with special events and menorah lightings all through the city. The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lightings, special events, and a showcase of their expansive gift shop. During the first night of Hanukkah, celebrate at the Betsy Ross House with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony alongside treats including latkes and jelly donuts. Philadelphia’s Chanukah Parade, a free evening event, features live music, decorated vehicles, a giant menorah, and a festival at Independence National Historical Park with crafts, treats, a gelt drop, a fire juggler, and more.
Above: Hanukkah Giant Menorah. photo by J Ryan for the PHLCVB
Kwanzaa in Philadelphia
Join the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) to celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday rooted in African harvest traditions that promote family, community, and culture. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, interactive workshops, and community discussions that highlight and honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa. In partnership with AAMP, Franklin Square hosts a family-friendly Kwanzaa bazaar with Black-owned vendors from across the region.
Above: Kwanzaa at African American Museum in Philadelphia photo by J Fusco
Ring in the New Year
New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia is marked by spectacular fireworks displays over the Delaware River, centered at Penn’s Landing and visible along the waterfront. The next day, see the spectacular Mummers Parade — the nation’s oldest continuously operating folk parade. Watch this annual Philadelphia tradition as the charismatic Mummers strut along Broad Street to ring in the New Year. The colorful and extravagant costumes and performances are judged at the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Start planning your next American adventure to Philadelphia now.
BONUS: SHOPPING IN PHILADELPHIA
In addition to the wonderful pop-up holiday markets, visitors can shop for gifts at these options around the city — with no tax on clothing and shoes! Start at the expansive Fashion District Philadelphia, a downtown shopping mall with global brands and local names that spans one million square feet (92,903 square meters). Or venture to the charming, cobblestone streets of Old City, where local boutiques showcase unique handmade items and innovative products from local artisans. Rittenhouse Row in Rittenhouse Square features trendy storefronts and national retailers, with fashion-forward stores like Joan Shepp and Boyds alongside high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. and Free People.
For more information on Philadelphia go to www.discoverphl.com
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About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.