The BEST Philadelphia Christmas Events- The Adventuring Millennial

How did I not know that Philadelphia is so FESTIVE!

Last year, I focused on doing all of the Christmas things in NYC (and there are a TON of things to do). But this year, I decided to take a day trip to see how Philadelphia celebrates the holidays.

Philly blew me away! I almost couldn’t fit all of the Philadelphia Christmas events into one day. I can already feel an annual tradition forming.

So, if you are looking for things to do in Philadelphia this holiday season, keep reading. I’ve compiled all of the best events into this complete guide. Plus, I’ve created a 1-day itinerary so you can fit in as much holiday cheer as possible into a Philadelphia day trip!

Holiday Markets

Philadelphia Christmas Events: The Complete Guide- The Adventuring Millennial

Philadelphia has two great Christmas markets you should check out. I’ve never been to a Christmas market in Europe, but my guide in Philly said these are very similar to some of the top holiday markets in Germany and Austria. I mean, you can drink mulled wine as you browse local maker booths. It was as great as it sounds!

Christmas Village– The Christmas Village in Love Park (yes, the park with the iconic LOVE sculpture) is the city’s authentic German market. Here you can browse 80+ stalls selling European food, ornaments, and crafts. When you walk in, buy a refillable mug and head to a booth selling cider or hot chocolate. Of the two markets, this one was more crowded when I visited. But it was still fun to experience. This market runs daily from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.

Winter at Dilworth Park– You can see this market from Love Park, so it is easy to visit both! The market at Dilworth Park was my favorite of the two. This market is part of a larger winter festival which includes an ice skating rink, light show, and Ferris wheel. The market includes booths with local artisans selling their handcrafted gifts. Visit the Wintergarden to purchase a refillable mug of mulled wine! This winter wonderland runs from November 8, 2019 – February 23, 2020.

Holiday Light Shows

Philly knows how to put on a holiday light show! I checked out 3 of these shows during my day in the city. They are fun, free, and festive! (And what is better than that?!)

Macy’s Christmas Light Show– I’m putting this first because it was by far my favorite light show in Philadelphia. Most people associate the NYC Macy’s with the holiday season but let me tell you, the Philly one shouldn’t be overlooked! Philadelphia’s Macy’s is located in the old Wannamaker building and this store continues Wannamker’s tradition of a festive light show. Inside the atrium, you can watch a light show that dates back to 1956. It is complete with reindeer, snowman, and Santa. This show is also narrated by Julie Andrews. At the end of the show, you can enjoy a performance by the Wannamer Organ, which is the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world. The light show runs daily from November 29, 2019 – December 31, 2019 (closed on Christmas). Showtimes: 10 am; 12 pm; 2 pm; 4 pm; 6 pm; and 8 pm.

Deck the Hall– This festive light show is projected on the City Hall building (get the title now?) and is part of the Winter at Dilworth Park festival. If you’ve ever been to Disney World and have seen a projection show on Cinderella’s Castle, this show is very similar. Enjoy holiday music and watch as City Hall is decked out in snow, a Christmas sweater, and other festive scenes. The show runs daily every 30 minutes from 5:30 pm- 8:30 pm on November 25, 2019 – January 1, 2020.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular– This wasn’t my favorite show, but it is something unique to see. Inside the Comcast Center, you will see a giant 2,100 square-foot LED video wall. The Holiday Spectacular shown on this screen includes a virtual sleigh ride through Philly, a performance by the Philadelphia ballet, and other festive scenes. The show runs daily every hour between 10 am and 8 pm (except at 5 pm on weekdays) from November 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020.

Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show– Visit Franklin Square to watch a light show inspired by Ben Franklin. The park also includes a festive beer garden & Philadelphia-themed mini-golf course. The light show runs every 30 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm daily (until 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) from November 14, 2019 – December 31, 2019.

Fashion District Holiday Light Show– Inside the large Fashion District mall you can enjoy another light show. This one includes music by The Philly POPS, a floating tree, and 1,600 lights. You can catch this daily show every 30 minutes from 4:00 pm until closing from November 14, 2019 – December 31, 2019.

Festivals & Events

Don’t miss these fun festivals & special events in Philly this season!

Franklin Square Holiday Festival– Franklin Square is transformed into a holiday wonderland inspired by Ben Franklin himself. Around the fountain, you can see a key and kite light display. You’ll find a pop-up beer garden and other festive food offerings in the park. In addition to the daily light shows (more details earlier in this post!), head here for a round of Philly-themed mini-golf! The festival runs from November 14, 2019- December 31, 2019.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest– If you want a late-night holiday hangout, this is the place to be (it’s open until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays). The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest has a large skating rink, an arcade, a lodge with local food offerings, and an outdoor beer garden with fire pits. Don’t miss the Franklin Fountain Confectionery Cabin, where you can enjoy smores or holiday ice cream treats. You can even rent out a “warming cabin” if you want to relax in a cozy space! Winterfest goes from November 29, 2019 – March 8, 2020.

One Liberty Observation Deck– You can take in the sites and experience more of Philadelphia’s Christmas spirit from the One Liberty Observation Deck. This tower gets into the spirit with a holiday-themed exhibit and special events, including a chance to meet the Grinch and an Ugly Sweater Party. The holiday offerings last from November 21, 2019 – January 1, 2020.

Morris Arboretum– On select nights you can experience the Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum. On these nights, watch as a festive train travels through a miniature scene of decorated houses, trees, and glittering lights. This takes place on select nights from December 7, 2019- December 29, 2019.

Decorations

Macy’s Windows + Dickens Village (1300 Market Street)– In addition to watching the Christmas Light Show, head to Macy’s for its decorations. The windows are adorned with festive scenes. Plus, head inside to the 3rd floor to walk through the Dickens Village. This isn’t a small mantle display. Here you can walk through a village as you see animatronics bring the classic story of A Christmas Carol to life.

Elfreth’s Alley– The nation’s oldest residential street gets into the spirit! The houses are decked out with traditional Christmas decorations. Plus, on December 7, 2019, you can take a Deck the Alley tour to see some of the historic decorations inside these homes.

Miracle on South 13th Street– For the past 12 years or so, the residents of this neighborhood have decked out their houses in elaborate light displays.

LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo– Visit the Philadelphia Zoo to see an incredible light show that brings trees and enormous animal displays to life. You can also enjoy hot chocolate, festive food, and seasonal music while you take in the decorations.

A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens– Longwood Gardens are transformed into a festive scene with more than 500,000 sparkling lights and a fountain show. Enjoy holiday music as you explore the gardens and marvel at the trees decorated with ornaments and lights.

Boathouse Row– The gorgeous rowing clubs that line the Schuylkill River are dressed up with twinkling lights for the season!

Reading Terminal Market– The market doesn’t go all out, but you can see garland and wreaths decorating the historic building.

Festive Eats & Drinks

What’s better than a holiday-themed treat? Here are my picks for the can’t miss Philadelphia Christmas drinks (and eats)!

Tiki– This tropical-themed bar gets a Christmas in Hawaii overlay from November 29, 2019- January 2, 2020. The entire cocktail list is converted to Christmas-inspired drinks and the bar is decked out in lights and other festive decorations. If you only go to one bar on this list, make it here for the Tiki Kalikimaka celebration!

12 Days of Christmas– The healthy eatery Farmer’s Keep is offering a holiday pop-bar on weekends. Enjoy festive craft cocktails and beers. This bar is open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from November 29, 2019- December 22, 2019.

McGillin’s Old Ale House– This historic bar (which opened in 1860) gets into the holiday spirit with decorations and a Christmas menu. Get ready for a wait, but once you get seated you can enjoy an Eggnog Martini, Candy Cane Martini, White Christmas Sangria, or other festive drinks!

Federal Donuts– Ok I couldn’t make a food list and not include doughnuts! In the past, Federal Donuts has offered Christmas-themed treats. I assume they will again this year, but if not, you can’t go wrong with any of their classic flavors!

Holiday Shows

Of course, you can find some classic Christmas shows in Philadelphia this season!

Christmas Carol– For a family-focused hour-long version of the classic tale, head to the Walnut Street Theater. This show is a musical adaptation and seems like a nice rendition of the story many of us have heard countless times. This show is offered on select dates from November 30, 2019- December 22, 2019.

Philly POPS Christmas Shows– The city’s pop music orchestra is putting on multiple festive shows this season. At some of the performances, Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez joins the orchestra. Tickets are available for some shows from December 6, 2019- December 21, 2019.

Philadelphia Orchestra– The Philadelphia Orchestra will also perform Christmas concerts throughout the month of December. You can also look forward to a traditional performance of Handel’s Messiah on December 22, 2019.

Pennsylvania Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker– This timeless show has been running each holiday season in Philly for more than 50 years. Tickets are available for select performances from December 6, 2019- December 31, 2019.

Itinerary: 1 Festive Day in Philly

Last weekend, I took a day trip to Philadelphia from NYC because I wanted to check out as many Christmas things as I could! My bus arrived in Philly 8:30 am and left at 10:00 pm. I was able to squeeze in two markets, three light shows, and plenty of delicious eats!

If you, like me, want to fit in as much Philadelphia Christmas cheer as you can in one day, check out my itinerary below!

Breakfast: Green Eggs Cafe

Ok, so this isn’t exactly a Christmas-themed spot, but you can get cookie-dough stuffed French toast here. And I don’t know about you, but that seems like something I would eat as a kid on Christmas morning!

Green Eggs Cafe is cash only and gets crowded, but it’s absolutely worth the wait!

My pick: Cookie Dough Stuffed French Toast

See the Decorations at Macy’s

After breakfast, make your way to Philadelphia’s flagship Macy’s store in the historic Wanamaker Building. Take the escalator up to the third floor so you can visit the charming Dickens Village. If you want, you could also try to catch the 10:00 am holiday light show, but there is also time for this later!

Be sure to check out the festive window displays before moving on to our next stop.

Visit 2 Markets

Now is a great time to stroll through the two holiday markets. Visit the Christmas Village in Love Park and the Winter at Dilworth Park festival nearby. You can check out the food booths for lunch, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. Browse the stalls for locally-made Christmas gifts. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree in front of City Hall. If you want to go ice skating, this is also a great place for it!

Play Mini Golf in Franklin Square

When you finish up at the markets, visit Franklin Square for some afternoon mini golf. You could stop at Elixr Coffee Roasters on the way for a delicious pick-me-up!

Franklin Square is decorated for the season but the beer garden and light show doesn’t start until later in the afternoon. If you get here too early and don’t want to stick around, play a round of mini-golf on the Philadelphia-themed course. Or, take a 10-minute walk to Elfreth’s Alley to see their traditional Christmas decorations.

Dinner +Drinks

You have a few options for dinner! I choose to eat at the Reading Terminal Market (a classic Philly option) and then grabbed a drink at the fun Tiki bar nearby. Like I said earlier, I loved Tiki and I think it shouldn’t be missed!

Another option would be to brave the lines and wait it out for McGillin’s Old Ale House.

See the Light Shows

If you want to do this on your own, you can see the Macy’s Christmas Light Show at 6, the Deck the Hall show at 6:30, and The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at 7:00.

Another option is to take a Holiday Lights walking tour. I took a tour with Free Tours by Foot and loved it! The guide brought our group to all of these shows and also told us a lot of fun facts along the way!

End the Evening at the Bluecross Winterfest

After checking out the lights, end your evening at the Bluecross Winterfest. Go for a late-night ice skating session. Or, relax with a warm drink or treat by one of the many fire pits.

I hope you enjoyed my Complete Guide to the 2019 Philadelphia Christmas events! Are you planning to visit this city during the holiday season? Let me know below!

If you are looking for more, check out these posts:

24 Hours in Philadelphia

Christmas in NYC: The Complete Guide

How to Survive New Years Eve in Times Square