Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Philadelphia (2026)
South Philly blocks, free light shows, ticketed trails and the regional trips worth the drive.
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Philadelphia does Christmas best on foot. A rowhouse block turns into a neighborhood-wide party, City Hall glows above the market stalls, and a free light show plays around the Franklin Square fountain every half hour.
If it's your first time, start with South 13th Street and Franklin Square. LumiNature is the big ticketed night in the city, Longwood is the splurge, and Peddler's Village is the easy free evening out in Bucks County.
Philadelphia's Best Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | Area | Cost | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Miracle on South 13th Street | South Philadelphia | Free | Nov. 28–Jan. 1 |
| Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular | South Philadelphia | Free | Usually Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's |
| Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square | Historic District | Free show | Nov. 19–Jan. 3 |
| Wintergarden at Dilworth Park | Center City | Free | Nov. 13–Mar. 28 |
| The Philadelphia Holiday Tree | Center City | Free | Dec. 3–Jan. 2 |
| Christmas Village at LOVE Park and City Hall | Center City | Free entry | Nov. 21–22, then Nov. 26–Dec. 27 |
| Comcast Holiday Spectacular | Center City | Free in past years | 2026 schedule not yet posted |
| Rittenhouse Square holiday lights | Rittenhouse | Free | Early December lighting; 2026 date not yet posted |
| Addison Street's illuminated trees | Rittenhouse | Free | Year-round |
| Manayunk Gets Lit | Manayunk | Free | Nov. 19–Dec. 31 |
| RiverRink Winterfest | Delaware River waterfront | Free entry; skating $5 plus $12 rental | Nov. 27–Feb. 28 |
| American Heritage Grand Illumination | Northeast Philadelphia | Free | Kickoff Nov. 28; nightly from Nov. 30 through New Year's |
| LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo | West Philadelphia | $27–$33 adults, $22–$28 ages 2–11; parking $22 | Select nights Nov. 19–Jan. 9 |
| Holiday Garden Railway: Nighttime Express | Chestnut Hill | $22 adults, $12 ages 3–17 | Select nights Nov. 28–Dec. 20 |
| The Gardens After Dark at Magic Gardens | South Street | $20 adults | Dec. 18, 19 and 26; Jan. 2 |
| LUMINISCENCE at Christmas | Logan Square | From $19 | Select shows Nov. 19–Jan. 2 |
| A Longwood Christmas | Kennett Square | Timed ticket; varies by date | Nov. 20–Jan. 10 |
| Peddler's Village Grand Illumination | Lahaska, Bucks County | Free | Nov. 20–Jan. 18 |
| Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show | Yardley, Bucks County | Per vehicle; varies by date | Nov. 21–Jan. 31 |
| Rose Tree Festival of Lights | Media, Delaware County | Free | Dec. 3–Jan. 3 |
| Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo | Norristown | $27.95 adults, $24.95 ages 3–12 online | Select nights Nov. 20–Dec. 30 |
| A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place | Langhorne | Park admission | Select dates Nov. 14–Jan. 3 |
| Herr's Christmas Lights | Nottingham, Chester County | Free | Nov. 25–Jan. 9 |
| Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester | West Chester | Free to walk | Tree lighting and parade Dec. 4; through early January |
| Carnival of Lights | Pottstown | Per person; varies by night | Previews from Nov. 6; regular nights from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1 |
| Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show | West Berlin, NJ | Per vehicle; varies by date | Select dates Nov. 20–26; nightly Nov. 27–Jan. 3 |
| Night of Lights at Creamy Acres | Mullica Hill, NJ | Pricing to come | Opens Nov. 27 |
| Historic Smithville Light Show on the Lake | Galloway, NJ | Free | Nov. 26–Jan. 6 |
| Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium | Camden, NJ | Aquarium admission | Nov. 20–Dec. 24 |
| Koziar's Christmas Village | Bernville, Berks County | $14 ages 11–64, $12 ages 4–10 | Nov. 7–Jan. 2 |
Best Christmas Lights in Philadelphia
The city's best Christmas night is usually free: South Philly's decorated blocks, the Franklin Square show and the City Hall area, where the tree, market and Wintergarden sit within a short walk of each other. The Wanamaker Light Show is on hiatus for 2026 and 2027 while the building is renovated, and it's due back for the 2028 season. For the full market scene, see our Philadelphia Christmas markets guide, and for the Dilworth rink beside the Wintergarden, our Philadelphia ice skating guide.
The Miracle on South 13th Street
1600 block of S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
The one to see first. The whole block decorates together, with lights strung across the street and rowhouses competing for your attention, and the fun is in walking it slowly. Come on foot and make dinner on East Passyunk part of the night. Opening night is a block party, so pick another evening if you'd like it quieter. These are people's homes, so keep stoops clear and stay out of the street. Details: 1600 block of S. 13th Street, between Tasker and Morris. Nov. 28, 2026–Jan. 1, 2027, 5–10 p.m. Free. Allow 30–45 minutes.
Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular
2700 block of S Smedley St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
South Philly's other great block, and it feels different from 13th Street. Neighbors have decorated together here for decades, with seasonal scenes around the central green, and the block is a regular stop on the holiday trolley tours. It's a real trip from South 13th, so plan on a car, a ride or a good walk between the two. Details: 2700 block of S. Smedley Street, between Oregon and Moyamensing avenues. Usually lit from around Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's. Free. Allow 20–40 minutes.
Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square
200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
The best free show in the city. The lights move to music around the fountain, and it runs every half hour, so time your arrival to catch a full one. It's especially good with kids, since the show costs nothing and you can decide separately on the carousel or mini golf. Opening night starts at 6:30 p.m. with a youth choir and free hot chocolate. Details: 200 N. 6th Street. Nov. 19, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, 5–9 p.m. Closes at 8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31. Closed Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Free show; attractions extra. Allow 45–75 minutes.
Wintergarden at Dilworth Park
1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
The gentle side of the City Hall scene, with lit plantings and overhead decorations between the market and the rink. Take a lap after dark, grab a mulled wine and keep moving. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market runs alongside it through Jan. 1, and the rink runs through Feb. 21. Details: 1 S. 15th Street, on the west side of City Hall. Nov. 13, 2026–Mar. 28, 2027. Free. Rink admission $10 adults, $8 kids 10 and under, rentals $11. Market closed Christmas Day. Rink open Christmas Day, 1:30–11 p.m. Allow 20–40 minutes.
The Philadelphia Holiday Tree
1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
The classic downtown Christmas photo, on the north side of City Hall. It's a quick stop, and an easy one to pair with Christmas Village and the Wintergarden. The Dec. 3 lighting is a real event with a crowd, so come another night if you'd just like the tree. Details: City Hall north apron, N. Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Lighting Dec. 3, 2026, 6–8 p.m. On display through Jan. 2, 2027. Free. Allow 10–20 minutes.
Christmas Village at LOVE Park and City Hall
1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
A German-style market with wooden stalls, warm drinks and the glow of City Hall behind it. The 30-foot Christmas pyramid is the centerpiece, with over 3,000 lights and Glühwein at its base, and its first lighting of the season is Nov. 29. New this year, the market stays open past Christmas Eve. Get there before the stalls close, since the setting loses a lot once they do. Details: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch Street, plus the City Hall courtyard and North Broad. Preview Nov. 21–22, then Nov. 26–Dec. 27, 2026. Noon-8 p.m. Sun-Thu, noon-9 p.m. Fri-Sat. Thanksgiving 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Christmas Eve noon-5 p.m. Closed Nov. 23–25 and Dec. 25. Free entry. Allow 1–2 hours.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Comcast Center Concourse, 1701 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
The giant lobby screen has been a dependable warm-up stop on cold downtown days for years, and it's a good one for kids. It's a short show in one room, so treat it as a quick stop. Last season it ran from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, with shows on the hour, and the 2026 schedule hasn't been posted yet. Details: Comcast Center lobby, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. 2026 schedule not yet posted. Free in past years. Allow about 15 minutes for the show, plus any wait.
Rittenhouse Square Holiday Lights
Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, USA
The quieter city-square choice. Take a loop under the lit trees, stop for a photo and go to dinner in the neighborhood. It's a nice part of an unhurried evening, and Addison Street is close enough to add on foot. Details: 18th and Walnut streets. The tree lighting has landed in early December in recent years; the 2026 date isn't posted yet. Free. Allow 20–30 minutes.
Addison Street's Illuminated Trees
1700 block of Addison St, Philadelphia, PA
The lights on this little residential block stay up all year, and that's part of the charm. It makes a dinner walk feel special with no tickets and no plan. Keep your voices down, since people live here. Details: 1700 block of Addison Street, between S. 17th and S. 18th. Year-round, best after dark. Free. Allow 10–20 minutes.
Manayunk Gets Lit
Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127, USA
The pick if you'd like a real night out along with the lights. Main Street's 80,000 lights and decorated storefronts give you a reason to wander, duck in somewhere warm and stretch the evening around dinner. Go early enough to catch the shops, then walk back through the lights. Details: Main Street, starting near Canal View Park, 4418 Main Street. Nov. 19–Dec. 31, 2026. Tree lighting Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m. Free Jolly Trolley Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 4–19, 5–9 p.m. Free. Allow 1–2 hours, plus dinner.
RiverRink Winterfest
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
For the night you'd like to do something under the lights. The rink, lit tree and lodge make a cheerful waterfront scene, and non-skaters can enjoy it without buying rink admission. It's an easy follow-up to dinner in Old City. Dress for the wind, and check arrival directions first, since waterfront construction affects access and parking. Details: 101 S. Columbus Boulevard. Nov. 27, 2026–Feb. 28, 2027. Tree lighting Nov. 29. Free entry. Skating $5, rentals $12. Cabins and fire pits are reservable. Allow 45–90 minutes without skating.
American Heritage Grand Illumination
2060 Red Lion Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115, USA
A big free display away from the Center City crowds, with over 400,000 lights and two 40-foot Christmas trees at the center. On-site parking makes it an easy choice for families in the Northeast. The Nov. 28 kickoff is a separate event, so use the regular nights for a simple visit. Bring a canned good for the food drive if you can. Details: 2060 Red Lion Road. Kickoff Nov. 28, 2026, 7 p.m. Lit nightly from dusk, Nov. 30 through New Year's. Free, with free parking. Allow 30–45 minutes.
LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
The big ticketed night in the city, with the lights as the main event. This year's story follows the animals' holiday wishes through 14 stops, and kids get a Book of Wishes to fill in along the way. It's a lights event, so don't expect a daytime zoo visit. The 110-foot Pherris Wheel costs extra, and parking adds up, so count both when you compare it with other family nights. Details: 3400 W. Girard Avenue. Select nights Nov. 19, 2026–Jan. 9, 2027, 5–9 p.m. Closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1; open Dec. 31. Adults $27–$33, ages 2–11 $22–$28, under 2 free. Parking $22. Reserve online. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Holiday Garden Railway: Nighttime Express
100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118, USA
For kids who could watch tiny trains loop all night, and adults who feel the same. The outdoor railway gets especially charming after dark, with lights woven through the miniature world. These are model trains to watch, so don't expect a ride. It needs its own ticket, and a daytime visit doesn't carry over. Details: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue. Nov. 28–29, Dec. 5–6, 10–13 and 17–20, 2026, 4:30–8 p.m. Adults $22, ages 3–17 $12, ages 0–2 free. Tickets on sale Nov. 9. Allow 10–15 minutes each way from the Welcome Center on sloping paths. Weather can stop the trains.
The Gardens After Dark at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
The art lover's alternative to Santa scenes. The mosaics change after dark, with reflections and small details you'd miss in daylight, and the night includes the rarely seen basement. It's a great date or friends' night. There are only four public nights and bad weather cancels the event with a refund, so build the evening around your ticket. Details: 1020 South Street. Dec. 18, 19 and 26, 2026, and Jan. 2, 2027, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Adults $20, students and seniors $17. Allow about an hour.
LUMINISCENCE at Christmas
1723 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Take a seat under the lights instead of walking past them. The Christmas edition uses the Cathedral Basilica's architecture for 360-degree projections, with a seasonal finale, and it's one of the best adult nights indoors when you'd rather not stand in the cold. Check which version you're buying: Live+ has an orchestra and choir, Live has a choir, and Standard uses recorded sound. Details: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 1723 Race Street. Select shows Nov. 19, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027. From $19 for Standard, $39 for Live and $49 for Live+. Strobe lights, limited restrooms, no on-site parking. Allow 75–90 minutes with the preshow.
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Official pages: Electrical Spectacle, Dilworth Park, Philly Holiday Tree, Christmas Village, Manayunk, RiverRink Winterfest, Grand Illumination, LumiNature, Nighttime Express, The Gardens After Dark, LUMINISCENCE.
Best Christmas Lights Near Philadelphia
These are separate outings across Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, so pick one and build the evening around it. Longwood and Peddler's Village are the two we'd drive for first, and Shady Brook is the classic if you'd like to stay warm in the car. Several of these add a Santa visit; our Philadelphia Santa guide has the dates.
A Longwood Christmas
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Our first choice for a big holiday outing. You get staged indoor horticulture and an outdoor evening of lit trees, landscapes and water, and this year's cosmic theme brings star-covered trees and a Music Room turned into a gilded observatory. Book a timed ticket for before 2 p.m., since traffic into the gardens gets heavy from 2 to 8, then see the conservatories and stay for the lights after dusk. Details: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Timed tickets, priced by date, and they sell out. Most members need timed reservations too. Allow 3–4 hours.
Peddler's Village Grand Illumination
100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931, USA
The best free evening in the suburbs. Wander under the lights, browse a few shops, look at the decorated trees and settle in for dinner, with no ticket or set route. The indoor gingerbread display gives you another reason to linger through Jan. 10. Opening night draws a crowd and parking can fill, so pick another evening for something easier. Details: 2400 Street Road, New Hope, in Lahaska. Lights every evening Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 18, 2027. Opening celebration Nov. 20, 4:30–10 p.m., with the switch-on at 6:15. Free admission and parking. Allow 2–3 hours with a meal.
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067, USA
The classic car-full-of-family outing, with a two-mile route of big displays and the soundtrack and heat under your control. This is the last season for the farm's familiar drive-through before it's reimagined in 2027, so it's a good year to go. Wagon rides follow the same route on a shorter calendar, and buying at the gate costs more. Details: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley. Drive-through nightly Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 31, 2027, Sun-Thu 5–10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5–11 p.m. Priced per vehicle by date; $5 more at the gate. Wagons Nov. 22–Jan. 3, closed Nov. 26, Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. The drive takes about 20–40 minutes.
Rose Tree Festival of Lights
1671 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063, USA
A good answer to the idea that every holiday outing needs an expensive ticket. Park, walk through the displays at your own pace and enjoy a real community tradition. It suits families who'd like a manageable evening outside, and leashed dogs are welcome. Fare & Flair nights add vendors and food. Details: Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media. Dec. 3, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, 5:30–9 p.m., until 10 p.m. Fri-Sat. Fare & Flair Dec. 3, 5, 6, 12 and 13, weather permitting. Free admission and parking. Allow 45–60 minutes.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401, USA
A kid-focused zoo night that's easy for families north or west of the city, with light displays, seasonal entertainment and optional extras. It's more of a children's outing than a quiet garden walk, and it's smaller and simpler than LumiNature. Late entry saves a little, though an earlier start is usually better with young kids. Details: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown. Nov. 20–22, Nov. 27–29, Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–23 and Dec. 26–30, 2026, 5–9 p.m. Online: adults $27.95, ages 3–12 $24.95, under 3 free; $18.95 late entry from 7:30, last admission 8:30. Members need a separate ticket at 50% off. Sunday dog nights take a dog ticket and paperwork. Allow 1.5 hours.
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, USA
The pick for a child who loves Elmo. The lights are only part of it, alongside holiday shows, a parade, a musical Christmas tree and the characters. Make it a full family visit that runs into dusk, since it's a lot of park to buy for a few decorations. Parking, character meals and other upgrades cost extra. Details: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne. Select dates Nov. 14, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027. Included with park admission. Hours vary, so check the calendar. Allow 3–5 hours.
Herr's Christmas Lights
271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham, PA 19362, USA
The budget-friendly car outing for southern Chester County, with more than 600,000 lights on the snack company's campus and no ticket to buy. It's a simple, cheerful drive-through, and it's well beyond the city, so it works best if you're already out that way. Factory tours are a separate daytime offering. Details: 271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham; follow the event signs. Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 9, 2027, after dusk. Free. Allow 20–30 minutes.
Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester
2 N High St, West Chester, PA 19380, USA
A proper downtown for a walk, a little shopping and a good dinner. The lit storefronts and courthouse tree make it more flexible than a timed trail, especially for a group that wants different things from the night. The parade is the big event, so choose another weekend for an easier dinner. Details: Historic courthouse area, N. High and E. Market streets. Tree lighting Dec. 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m., parade 7 p.m. Holiday weekends through early January. Free to walk. Allow 1.5–3 hours with dinner.
Carnival of Lights
144 W Schuylkill Rd, Pottstown, PA 19465, USA
For families who'd like more going on than a garden stroll. The walk-through comes with amusement rides and a visit with Santa, so kids have something to do between displays, and parking is included too. Food, games and Santa photos cost extra. Early preview nights can show the display before it's finished, so go on a regular night for a first visit. Details: NORCO Fire Company, 144 W. Schuylkill Road, Pottstown. Preview Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 6; regular nights from Nov. 29, 2026 through Jan. 1, 2027, on select dates. Sensory-friendly night Dec. 16. Priced per person by night. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Official pages: Longwood, Peddler's Village, Shady Brook Farm, Rose Tree, Wild Lights, Sesame Place, West Chester, Carnival of Lights.
South Jersey and Longer Day Trips
These five pull in different directions, so give each its own day or night. Camden and West Berlin are the easy ones from the city, while Smithville and Bernville are real drives.
Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
100 Pinedge Dr, Berlin Township, NJ 08091, USA
The drive-through for kids who get excited about diggers and trucks. The construction theme gives the route its own personality, with wrapped machinery, light tunnels and scenes along the way, and everyone stays in the car. Park rides are closed during the show, and it's a separate ticket from daytime admission. Commercial vans, RVs, motorcycles and anything towing a trailer aren't allowed. Details: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ. Nov. 20–22 and 25–26, 2026, then nightly Nov. 27–Jan. 3. 5:30–9 p.m., until 9:30 p.m. from Nov. 27. Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Priced per vehicle by date. Allow 30–45 minutes, plus any line.
Night of Lights at Creamy Acres
448 Lincoln Mill Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062, USA
The farm-style alternative to a city light walk. You can see the displays from your car or on a hayride, and there's an indoor walk-through and a chance to meet Santa. It makes the night feel like a country Christmas outing. The full 2026 calendar and pricing are still to come, so check both before you settle on a date. Details: 448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ. Opens Nov. 27, 2026. Allow 1–2 hours.
Historic Smithville Light Show on the Lake
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA
The lake is what sets this one apart. More than 120 lit trees float on Lake Meone with music, and their reflections make it worth stopping to watch. The village gives you somewhere to browse and eat first, which helps justify the drive. It's near the shore, a long way from Philadelphia, so treat it as a trip of its own. Details: 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ; use Galloway or Absecon if your navigation can't find Smithville. Nov. 26, 2026–Jan. 6, 2027, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Allow 1–2 hours with a village stroll.
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
A Christmas display with a real twist: Scuba Santa dives with the sharks and turtles, a Christmas tree stands underwater in the Shark Realm, and it snows indoors every hour. It's mostly indoors, so it's a great daytime plan when the forecast rules out anything outside. Check the day's show schedule, since Santa's dives are what kids will want to see. Details: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ. Nov. 20–Dec. 24, 2026, during regular aquarium hours. Closed Thanksgiving. Aquarium admission; select add-ons and parking extra. Allow 2–3 hours.
Koziar's Christmas Village
782 Christmas Village Rd, Bernville, PA 19506, USA
The nostalgic one: a dense, old-fashioned village of lights, display buildings and miniature trains that rewards taking your time. It's a park-and-walk visit, and you just pay at the gate. December Saturdays are especially busy between 5 and 8 p.m., and the approach can be slow, so check directions for the Grand View Road bridge closure before you leave. Details: 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville. Weekends from Nov. 7, 2026, then nightly from Thanksgiving through Jan. 2, 2027, including Christmas. Mon-Fri 6–9 p.m., Sat 5–10 p.m., Sun 5–9 p.m. Ages 11–64 $14, 65+ and military $13, ages 4–10 $12, 3 and under free; prime nights add $5. Free parking. Groups of 10 or more need a reservation. Allow 1–1.5 hours inside.
Official pages: Diggerland, Creamy Acres, Historic Smithville, Adventure Aquarium, Koziar's.
How to Combine the Lights: Tours and Sample Nights
A tour is the easiest way to see the lights without a car, and it's the simple way to get to Smedley Street from downtown. Check the stops, age policy and pickup point before you buy.
| Tour | 2026 dates | Starts from | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Trolley Works Holiday Lights Tour | Nov. 27–Jan. 3 | Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1200 Filbert Street | 90 minutes | About 15 minutes at Smedley Street |
| City Sightseeing Philadelphia Holiday Lights Tour | Nov. 28–Jan. 7 | The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall East | About 90 minutes | Stops include LOVE Park, Franklin Square and Smedley Street |
| Original BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley | Nov. 27–Dec. 20 | Urban Village Brewing, 1001 N. 2nd Street | 2 hours | 21+ BYOB; check in an hour before |
| Founding Footsteps Holiday Light Tour | Nov. 28–Dec. 30 | Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Avenue | 2 hours | 21+; beer and wine only, with live musicians |
Downtown evening. Start at Christmas Village while the stalls are open, cross to City Hall for the tree and Wintergarden, then head east to Franklin Square for a full show. The tree and market overlap from Dec. 3 through Dec. 27. Allow 3–4 hours, and finish at one of the cabins in our Philadelphia Christmas bars guide.
South Philly night. Walk South 13th Street and have dinner on East Passyunk. Add Smedley if you've still got the energy, and leave time for the trip between them. An early start is kinder to tired kids and to the neighbors.
Date night. Book LUMINISCENCE and plan dinner around the arrival time, with a quick stop at the tree or Wintergarden on the way. On one of its four nights, Magic Gardens and dinner on South Street is the other good option.
Beyond Center City. One big attraction and a meal is the right size for any regional trip. In Bucks County, choose Peddler's Village for a sit-down dinner or Shady Brook for the drive. Rose Tree pairs well with a meal in Media, and West Chester has everything in its own downtown. Save Longwood, Koziar's and Smithville for their own days. For a Northwest family night, book an early Nighttime Express slot at Morris Arboretum, then head to Manayunk for storefronts and dinner.
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