Christmas Lights in Philadelphia 2024-2025

The Christmas season might be the most hectic time of the year, but holiday lights will always turn it into a cheerful spell. Philly is incredibly adorable when sparkling light displays pop up all across the city and its residential areas deck out in festive décor. If you're wondering where to head for the most breathtaking experience, we've got you covered. Whether it's an annual celebration at the shopping center or an intimate illumination display in one of the neighborhoods, Philadelphia has a lot to offer.

Philadelphia Zoo LumiNature Lighting (November 21, 2024–January 4, 2025, select dates)

LumiNature in Philadelphia Zoo caters to families. Kids and adults alike adore walking beneath a canopy of shimmering lights, feasting on festive treats, and capturing memories in selfies. The display features 16 dazzling zones, which shine bright on selected nights from late November to early January. Almost a million light bulbs adorn this walkthrough area, which is filled with illuminated sculptures of animals and paper lanterns.

Admission & Hours

The attraction is open during the evening, from 5 pm to 9 pm. The tickets can only be used for the nighttime admission. Ticket prices vary around $25-28 for adults, $20-23 for children between the ages of 2 and 11 years old, and are free for infants or kids under two. Parking costs $17. You can also purchase Anytime passes for $32 for adults and $27 for children. These tickets give you access to any night of the LumiNature.

Macy's Philadelphia Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village (November 29–December 31, 2024)

Start your journey of shimmering lights at Macy's Center City in downtown Philadelphia. This brand department store annually hosts a fashionable Christmas light show, recognized among the top holiday light displays in the state. The show features 100,000 LEDs dancing to magnificent music by Wanamaker Grand Organ. The season gets underway on the last Friday in November, also known as Black Friday, and runs until New Year's Eve. While the show itself begins in late November, the stores put up holiday window display in the second week of November, spreading cheer to the passers-by.

Schedule & Tickets

The show usually starts at 10:30 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm & 6 pm Monday through Saturday and at 12 pm, 2 pm & 4 pm on Sunday. Dickens Village operates from 10 am until 7 pm, except for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve when it's open until 4 pm. On December 29th, the village opens at 11 am. Visiting Dickens Christmas Village, based on the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge from "The Christmas Tale," requires advance reservations.

South Philadelphia Christmas lights

When you go deeper into South Philly, you'll be surprised by a variety of intricate holiday lights put on display by residents. The neighborhoods are densely covered with blow-up Santas and other glowing characters. Check out one of the most fascinating light spectacles throughout the block of Smedley Street, just off Oregon Avenue. Also, make sure to take in the mesmerizing festive lights of the Miracle on 13th Street. Holiday illuminations usually ornate the streets from mid-November to January 1.

Miracle on South 13th Street (November 30–December 31, 2024)

Starting from the last Saturday of November and throughout December, the South 13th Street in South Philly turns bright with thousands of colorful Christmas lights and sculptures. The tradition started more than 30 years ago and has grown to become the favorite holiday attraction among locals. The close-knit neighborhood puts up impressive light installations and sculptures of Rudolphs and Santas. The festivities kick off with a brief opening ceremony, a Christmas parade around the block, and numerous performers and vendors. This year, the event also supports various charitable causes on December 7, 13-14, and 21. The lights are normally on from 5 to 9 pm.

Christmas Lights near Philadelphia

Some wonderful Christmas light spots are situated in Greater Philadelphia. Get yourself an exquisitely immersive experience while driving through the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. Or discover the magic of A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square. Both events kick off around late November and shine into early January.

Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm (November 23, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Just 27 miles (43 km) from Philadelphia and 9 miles (14 km) from Trenton, New Jersey, Shady Brook Farm holds its annual Holiday Light Show, drawing in hundreds of visitors. Several acres of the farm are decorated with festive illumination and installations, bringing a small-town cheer to the hearts of its visitors. Hop in an open wagon or embark on a drive-thru journey in your car along the vibrant decorations and jolly lights. Tickets vary around $30 to $50 per car. Buses and mini-vans are subject to increased pricing. Tickets to an open wagon ride cost $15-20.