Philadelphia is lighting up once again for the Christmas season with iconic holiday events like the Macy's Christmas Light Show and Comcast's big screen "Spectacular."
It would be nearly impossible to list all the FREE light celebrations around the Delaware Valley on this page, but here are some highlights:
Macy's Christmas Light Show (and More)
The beloved Christmas Light Show at Macy's in Center City in Philadelphia is back with multiple shows a day in 2024.
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The light show -- featuring around 100,000 LED lights between the characters on the wall and the massive Christmas tree 🎄 -- at the former Wanamaker's location at 1300 Market Street (across from City Hall) begins on Black Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, (except Christmas).
Times for the show traditionally voiced by legendary actor Julie Andrews and featuring the "The Nutcracker" and "Frosty the Snowman" backed by the sounds of the world-famous Wanamaker Organ in the department store's Grand Court are consistent daily:
- Monday through Sunday: 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
How to Reserve a Spot for Macy’s Dickens' Village
While at Macy's head upstairs to Dickens' Village, which runs in person from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 The attraction is open daily, except when the store is closed on Christmas. Most days visits can be scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some exceptions, so be sure to check the calendar.
"Watch how the story of Scrooge has lived on in Dickens Village,'" Macy's said.
To take the journey, folks must reserve tickets in advance online. Reservations for you and friends and family can be made up to five days in advance.
Santa is also back this year at Macy's through Christmas Eve. Reservations can be booked online.
Before leaving Macy's (or before going in) do some window gazing from the sidewalk outside the store as Macy's Holiday Windows will be on display through New Year's, according to the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ.
Sights and Sounds of Comcast Holiday Spectacular
The big screen in the lobby of the Comcast Center (1701 JFK Blvd.) in Center City will light up once again for the Comcast Holiday Spectacular from Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025.
"Delight in this free, 15-minute show presented on 'The Comcast Experience' video wall. Featuring holiday singalongs, performances by the Philadelphia Ballet, and an enchanted sleigh ride around the world, it has become a Philadelphia holiday tradition for millions of visitors," Comcast says.
The shows runs on the hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except New Year's Day when the last show is at 4 p.m., Comcast says. Sensory-friendly shows happen at 2:30 p.m. daily.
This year you can also head down to the Concourse for visits with Santa every Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Dec. 6 to Dec. 21.
"For the 2024 season, beloved traditions including 'The Comcast Holiday Spectacular' will be offered alongside a new, free cinematic experience at The Universal Sphere starring characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek," Comcast says.
That's right, before you leave the campus, head to the Comcast Technology Center to enter The Universal Sphere from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the exception of Christmas and New Year's days when the shows run from noon to 5 p.m. "Sensory-friendly shows offered multiple times daily, including 9:30a & 9:45a shows every Saturday," Comcast says.
"Join Shrek, Donkey, Gingy, and friends on a magical journey from Philadelphia to the North Pole in this new cinematic experience featuring characters from DreamWorks Animation’s 'Shrek,'" Comcast says. "After arriving at the North Pole Bakery, decorate your own gingerbread cookies in an interactive digital experience."
A 'Spectacle' of Lights at Franklin Square
The Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO will light up Franklin Square throughout the 2024 holiday season and beyond.
"Themed to Ben Franklin’s electric discovery with a giant kite and key, enjoy light shows running nightly from 5pm – closing, every 30 minutes.," organizers say.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in on the fun this year.
"NEW FOR 2024: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials featuring Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata and former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce," organizers said.
Thousands of LED lights will be switched on for the 2024 show on Nov. 21. The show continues from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Jan. 5, 2025. From Jan. 9 to Feb. 23 the show runs Thursdays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a winter-themed show.
Lighting Up Peddler's Village
Head up to Peddler's Village in Bucks County to soak in the holidays with its light display featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights. Santa flipped the switch at the Grand Illumination Celebration on Friday, Nov. 15. The lights will continue until Jan. 19, 2025.
Well at Peddler's Village, enjoy food and plenty of shopping as well as several special events during the holiday season.
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