Image: Philadelphia Zoo
Twinkle season is here, and Philadelphia knows how to make it sparkle and shine. Looking for a way to get into the Christmas groove? A visit to one of the many holiday light shows is a perfect start.
Across the region and its surrounding neighborhoods, you can find the most dazzling holiday light experiences that will make the festive season a truly memorable one.
For families, couples, and friends looking to soak up the magic of Philadelphia’s holiday light displays, here are some of the best.
Wanamaker Light Show
This Philadelphia holiday tradition, dating back half a century, has returned for the 2025 holiday season. Dancing snowflakes, snowmen, and reindeer are brought to life by more than 100,000 LED lights and a festive soundtrack backed by the world-famous Wanamaker Organ.
The Wanamaker Light Show (formerly the Macy’s Light Show) lights up the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building, its home for more than half a century, brightening the days of holiday revelers.
The legendary show runs every 30 minutes during opening hours.
Location: The Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Time and Date:
- The show will run on select days from November 28 to December 11, 2025 | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Starting December 12 to December 23, 2025, the show will run daily | 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- The final day for the show is Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m.
Ticket: Free
Meanwhile, this will be your last chance to experience the attractions for a couple of years, as the Wanamaker Building will undergo renovations after the holidays. They are set to go on hiatus for the 2026 and 2027 holiday seasons.
Photo: Instagram / phlvisitorcenter
Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature
The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual holiday light show, LumiNature, is back for its sixth season. It showcases scenes of wildlife from around the world using 100,000 lights. Get ready to experience a million twinkling lights crafted into whimsical wildlife scenes.
Displays include a 40-foot-tall penguin glowing with 40,000 lights and the iconic pink flamingo tree, built with 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos.
Visitors can play and dance with roaming animal characters, enjoy their favorite cocktails, mocktails, and groovy tunes at Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, stop at Santa’s Lodge to say hello to the big man himself, and snap a perfect holiday photo in front of the iconic pink flamingo tree.
And the experience doesn’t end there because you can also take a spin on the “Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel,” a new 110-foot-tall ride situated where the former Zoo Balloon once stood, offering breathtaking views of the zoo, city skyline, and beyond.
All visits support animal conservation around the world. Guests should note they will not be seeing any animals during the visit because most will be sleeping inside their indoor homes.
Location: Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W. Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104
Time and Date: 5 to 9 p.m. on select nights, November 20, 2025, through January 3, 2026.
Ticket: You can budget between $20-$29 for tickets, as prices vary by date. Check out philadelphiazoo.org/luminature to plan your trip.
Photo: Instagram / philadelphiazoo
The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show
Presented by PECO, this is Philadelphia’s signature free winter attraction at Franklin Square. Every year, hundreds of thousands of LED lights make the Square the perfect backdrop for your winter photos.
The light show illuminates the plaza along with classic Christmas songs, including Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano, All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey, and an extra-special, extra-Philly rendition of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials, the multi-talented trio of Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and, of course, Jason Kelce.
Enjoy outdoor fire pits and beautiful indoor heated tents with adult and hot beverages and seasonal food at Franklin’s Winter View. You can also have a go at the Chilly Philly Mini Golf course, take a spin around the Parx Liberty Carousel, and enjoy seasonal sweet treats and cocktails at Frosty’s Fireside Winter Pop-Up Bar.
Time and Date: The show runs every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026. January 8 to February 28: Thursdays – Sundays | 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Ticket: Free
Photo: Instagram / franklinsquarephilly
Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights
Now in its 50th year, the long-time festival will light up Rose Tree County Park, transforming it into a winter wonderland this holiday season.
This winter as daylight fades quickly and nightfall arrives early, some 300,000 lights will light up over 125 trees at the center of the 118-acre park, where guests can enjoy nice meals from food trucks, live entertainment, and shopping from local vendors during the attraction’s Delco Fare & Flair Nights on select nights (December 4, 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2025).
This year, many favorite displays, like a lighted archway, Snoopy and other Peanuts characters, a gingerbread family, and Santa and his reindeer, will be returning.
Friendly, leashed dogs are permitted, and handicapped parking is available.
Where: Rose Tree County Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA
Time and Date: From December 4 to January 3
Sunday to Thursday 5 – 9:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 5 – 10:00 p.m.
Ticket: Free
Photo: Instagram / delcoparks
The Miracle on South 13th Street
This is one of the best Christmas light displays in the city. Since the ‘90s, residents of the 1600 block of South 13th Street in East Passyunk have transformed their street into a Christmas light show featuring lights, garlands, inflatable snowmen, and other fun decorations.
From one end of the street to the other, every house radiates Christmas spirit, with neighbors decorating their homes with extravagant lights and animations of beloved characters like Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and even the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
The display during this annual tradition that kicks off every Thanksgiving weekend outshines every other neighborhood and attracts people from across the city.
Location: 1600 block of South 13th Street between Tasker and Morris streets.
Time and Date: From November 29, 2025, to January 1 | 5 to 11 p.m.
Ticket: Free
Photo: Instagram / themiracleonsouth13thstreet
There are so many ways to enjoy Christmas in Philadelphia. Among the many festive traditions, these holiday light displays are a must-see for a truly memorable season. They provide a perfect opportunity to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family.
