The holidays are all about traditions. Families pass down recipes that everyone looks forward to enjoying once a year. There are also traditions associated with how you decorate your home and what special event you might attend. The great thing about holiday traditions is that you can add to them every year.
This year, you can use this ultimate guide from Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan to set up all your holiday fun in Philadelphia:
Holiday Events
Most of your holidays are spent at home, but some terrific events are happening around Philly that are the perfect reasons to bundle up the family and head out to share in the festivities with your friends and neighbors.
Peddler’s Village
With more than 60 specialty shops that are perfect for holiday shopping, picturesque Peddler’s Village rings in the holiday season with festive events and plenty of decorations. Plus, don’t miss the Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 14, 2025, to January 17, 2026), featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free, and Holly Jolly Weekend (December 6 to 7, 2025), with two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades.
The season comes to a close with ice sculptures, fire artistry performances, games, and more during Fire & Frost Fun (January 10 to 18, 2025, select dates).
Winter at Dilworth Park
Located mere steps away from Christmas Village in Philadelphia (below), Winter at Dilworth Park adds to the seasonal fun around City Hall, arguably one of the most festive square miles in the city, with these wintertime attractions:
- Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market: Shop local at this holiday market exclusively featuring the talents of homegrown Philadelphia artisans, designers, crafters, and jewelers (November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026).
- Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink: Strap on your skates and hit the ice at Dilworth Park’s popular outdoor skating rink. Note that tickets are required (November 14, 2025, to February 22, 2026).
- Rothman Orthopedics Cabin: Swing by the reimagined Rothman Orthopedics Cabin for a bite and drink indoors or by the toasty fire pit (November 14, 2025, to February 22, 2026).
- Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn: Step into a whimsical winter wonderland and explore this outdoor topiary garden decked in woodland seasonal foliage, illuminated overhead sculptures, and shimmering lights (November 14, 2025, to March 15, 2026).
Seasonal Celebrations at Sesame Place
There are only two Sesame Street theme parks in the world — and one of them is right in Bucks County.
With its sister park far away in unseasonal San Diego, Langhorne’s Sesame Place is the only true wintry locale for enjoying some holiday fun with Elmo and friends.
- A Very Furry Christmas: See the park transformed with millions of lights, holiday-themed rides, and festive decorations during A Very Furry Christmas. Enjoy a special Christmas Parade, gifts, and a visit with Santa in the Furry Workshop, plus the spectacular 1-2-3 Christmas Tree music and lights show (November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026).
- Hanukkah Celebration: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Sesame Street crew. Light the Menorah and learn about the holiday with Baby Bear, play a game of dreidel, make a Hanukkah-inspired craft, and dance along to all your favorite holiday songs at the Furry Friends Dance Party (December 26, 2025, to January 1, 2026).
- Kwanzaa Celebration: The seven principles of Kwanzaa come to life on Sesame Street. Light the Kinara, learn about the holiday during a special storytime, and enjoy an exceptional performance by the Universal African Dance and Drum ensemble from December 26, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Ring in the new year with a dazzling display of red, green, and blue during this festive fireworks display (Wednesday, December 31, 2025).
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
The immersive LumiNature display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a multimedia spectacular illuminated with a million twinkling lights. While the animals sleep, humans can ride the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train under an illuminated canopy or dance along with a 40-foot-tall penguin shimmering with 40,000 lights.
This year, the attraction debuts a brand-new 110-foot-tall observation Pherris Wheel, offering unbeatable views of all the lights from the sky.
Winter in Franklin Square
Historic Franklin Square welcomes the season with a bevy of family winter attractions, festive activities, and holiday celebrations, including:
- Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO: The centerpiece of the park’s holiday festivities, Franklin Square’s free nightly light show — inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s kite-and-key electricity experiment — illuminates the square every half hour with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes.
- Chilly Philly Mini Golf: Grab a club and don a coat: Center City’s only outdoor mini-golf course showcases 18 holes of festive lights, holiday music, winter characters, and iconic Philly landmarks.
- Street Curling: Gather a team, channel your inner Olympian, and push your stones to glory with Street Curling! Curling rinks must be rented in advance, and tickets are required.
Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo
Festive holiday vibes come to the furry, fuzzy, and feathered residents of the Elmwood Park Zoo. The Montco zoo shines bright during the holiday season, with millions of LED lights illuminating the attraction’s 16 acres during Wild Lights. The walk-through experience features brilliant light displays, live entertainment, animal meet-and-greets, and photo ops with characters and Mr. Claus himself during the evening hours. Also look out for seasonal snacks and brews at the beer garden, plus a playground, train rides, and carousel rides for the kids.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas, named No. 1 for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights five years in a row by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Illuminated with jewel-toned lights and accented with hanging crystals, lush fabrics, and gilded metals, the nationally acclaimed gardens transform into an opulent jewelry box for this year’s over-the-top holiday display.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia at LOVE Park and City Hall
LOVE Park transforms into a magical, open-air Bavarian holiday marketplace for the annual Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Over 120 vendors showcase gifts, ornaments, accessories, and wintry apparel, plus tasty treats like raclette sandwiches and spiced wine. New for 2025: a 30-foot-tall German Christmas pyramid, an illuminated windmill-like structure, towers above the vendors’ charming wooden stalls. Across the street at City Hall, enjoy a family-friendly carousel, a Ferris wheel, and the Kids Express train. The market is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go food and shopping.
Holiday Garden Railway and Nighttime Express at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
One of the country’s largest outdoor model train displays gets its annual winter makeover to become the Holiday Garden Railway. Located inside the 100-acre Morris Arboretum & Gardens, G-scale mini locomotives wind through loops, tunnels, bridges, and replicas of beloved Philly beneath a canopy of thousands of twinkling lights.
Neighborhood Light Shows
For most families, the holiday decorations don’t go up until Thanksgiving. That seems to be changing as more and more houses start to twinkle with holiday cheer before the turkey goes into the oven. Some amazing light shows are happening in and around Philly that are the perfect way to spend the evening and maybe inspire your decorations for next year!
Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night at this rolling Bucks County farm. Take in the show from the comfort of your car or in the open air while snuggled up in a wagon with loved ones (weather permitting). After taking in the whimsical light displays, be sure to stop by Santa’s Village for some face time with the big man and to warm up with festive drinks and snacks by the firepits.
The Miracle on South 13th Street—South Philadelphia
The neighborhood that decorates together, stays together. The Miracle on South 13th Street started in 1998 and continues to delight Philadelphia families year after year. Walk or drive this stretch of South Philly to catch major Christmas vibes. Located at 1600 S. 13th St. between Tasker and Morris Streets, this stretch claims to be THE Christmas Block in South Philadelphia.
You can see the lights every night in December from 5 pm to 10 pm throughout January 1, 2026. Visit their Facebook page to find out which charities they’ll be supporting this year.
Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular—South Philadelphia
Smedley Street is bringing Christmas back with a holiday light display that transforms the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. Visit the 2700 block between 16th and 17th Streets and Moyamensing and Oregon Avenues each day starting at 5 pm and running from November 29 through January 1, 2026.
South Colorado Street—South Philadelphia
If you’ve already made your way to the Smedley Street Christmas lights, head on over to the 2700 block of South Colorado Street between 17th and 18th Streets. Residents at Colorado Terrace have been putting up elaborate holiday light displays for decades; these lights are a true delight to behold. We could not confirm that the lights on Colorado Street were being displayed again this year, but they are generally open through January 1.
Elfreth’s Alley—Old City
The nation’s oldest street, Elfreth’s Alley, is a great place to enjoy the holiday lights and festivities.
More subdued than some of the dramatic light displays, Elfreth’s Alley swaps the glitz for charm.
On Saturday, December 6th, the historic street hosts Deck the Alley, a ticketed event where visitors can tour the museum and private residential homes for Christmas in historic Philadelphia.
Mayfair Annual Residential Decoration Competition—Northeast Philadelphia
On the 3500 block of Oakmont Street and throughout the Mayfair neighborhood, more than 100 residents compete in a friendly Christmas decorating contest that lights up in December. Depending on how many homes participate, there may also be a Christmas Decoration Contest Trolley Tour. Keep an eye on their Facebook group for details on dates and times, then come out to see the street lined with lights and front yards adorned with giant inflatables.
The Corrado Family Lights Display—East Bradford
Tucked away on Nob Hill Drive in East Bradford, the Corrados’ house really shines. Each year, the Corrados spend months decorating for Christmas. On weekends through January 8, visitors can see the magnificent display along with Santa passing out candy canes.
The household also hosts a collection—thousands of toys and thousands of dollars have been collected to support the Chester County Hospital, West Whiteland Police Department, Family Services of Chester County, Chester County Domestic Violence Center, and CHOP Urgent Care in Exton. Bring a donation and check out the Corrados’ hard work at 1102 Nob Hill Drive in West Chester.
The West Chester Griswolds—West Chester
The West Chester “Griswolds'” annual display is a fantastic spectacle that can be seen from space.
Don’t worry about finding this place in the dark—with 140,000 lights, most of which are LED and computer-controlled, this display will blow your mind and make the kids ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’. When you visit, be sure to tune your radio to 87.9 and bring a letter for Santa (before December 23) to leave in the mailbox at the end of the driveway.
Located at 304 Dutton Mill Road in West Chester, the lights switch on at 4:45 pm each day. The display turns off at 9:45 pm Monday–Thursday and 10:15 pm Friday–Sunday; it will shine through January 1, 2026.
Colonial Drive Lights—Langhorne
At 155 Colonial Drive in Langhorne, tune your car radio to 91.1 FM and watch as the music and lights dance in unison. The lights display will run from dusk until 10 pm, from Black Friday (November 28) through January 1, 2026.
This display uses full-house projection mapping, featuring some of your favorite Christmas characters, like The Grinch, The Griswolds, and Jack Skellington.
Places to Buy Gifts
Gift giving is another holiday tradition that creates some amazing memories. We remember that special Christmas when we got our first bike. If you’re looking for some unique shops for great one-of-a-kind gifts, this list will help you wrap up your holiday shopping.
Christmas in Kensington at the Philadelphia Brewing Company
Until Sunday, December 19, 2021. Beer suppliers from Kensington, Philadelphia Brewery Company (PBC), and Old Kensington Boutique gift shop team up to offer an outdoor art market to PBC’s outdoor brewery. With 25 local artists to shop, plenty of craft beer, food, a gift-wrapping station, and live music, the fair is a one-stop shop for all things on vacation.
Philadelphia Christmas Village in AMOR Park
Until Friday, December 24, 2021. The European Wonderland Christmas Village in AMOR Park returns, with bright Herrnhut stars adorning the roofs of over 100 wooden huts from vendors. Local and international gifts are available, including Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, three-dimensional stars, winter clothes, and much more. Other vendors settled on the northern platform of City Hall and in the courtyard of City Hall, where the new two-story Christmas carousel is located.
Christmas Market Made in Philadelphia in Dilworth Park
Until Saturday, January 1, 2022. Find the perfect gift for the perfect person at the Made in Philadelphia Christmas Market and come back for the season as part of the Winter at Dilworth Park programming. Dozens of artisans, designers, and small businesses from the Philly region offer handmade crafts, gifts, and treats inside white tents with festive lighting, spread throughout the park.
German Christmas Market in Byers’ Choice
The choice of Byers, Bucks County, creator of the famous Caroler figurines, maintains a Christmas Museum and a Creches Collection year-round, as well as a gift shop full of ornaments, Advent calendars, and more.
Rittenhouse Row
One of the most exclusive shopping districts in the country, Rittenhouse Row is home to an impressive array of national and international shops. Stroll down Walnut Street between Broad Street and 19th Street to buy gifts from Apple, Barbour, Bonobos, Lululemon, Rag & Bone, Tiffany & Co., Shakespeare & Co., and many more.
South Street
Long known as Philadelphia’s most avant-garde street, Calle Sur is one of the most diverse commercial corridors in the city, making it an excellent place to find an original gift that is not found anywhere else. Buyers can walk from river to river, across the city’s Society Hill, Washington Square West, and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods, and get fun gifts from Loop (threads), Ps and Qs (men’s clothing), Atomic City Comics, Suplex, and much, much more. Expert Tip: Ask for a cheesesteak at Jim’s or Ishkabibble’s as a reward for your successful Christmas shopping.
Midtown Village
Philadelphia Midtown Village is a great place to buy gifts and more. Along 13th Street, from Locust to Chestnut, between must-see restaurants and nightclubs, shoppers find some of the best shops in the city, including Duross & Langel, Shibe Vintage Sports, Verde, and Open House.
Manayunk
Calle Mayor Manayunk is an ideal destination for shopping lovers. During the holidays, shops decorate their shop windows and offer shopping and tram tours on Thursday nights. Several shops and restaurants offer Small Business Saturday Offers, and there is plenty of parking available for those who do not plan to travel by bicycle or public transport.
Restaurants & Bars
We all have that favorite dish, cookie, or cocktail that we only have once a year during the holidays. Here are some terrific eateries and bars to discover your new favorite things to eat and drink.
Holly Jolly Christmas Bar at Juno
Through Sunday, December 28, 2025. With a little bit of Christmas magic and a whole lot of festive decor, warm-weather hotspot Juno — now topped off by a roof — becomes the Holly Jolly Christmas Bar. Oversized ornaments, colorful bulbs, glow-in-the-dark candy canes, and more light up the 21-and-over restaurant, which serves a North Pole-inspired menu of specialty cocktails, like Mrs. Claus’ Famous Sangria and Santa’s Spiked Hot Chocolate, as well as hearty bites.
Walnut Wonderland at Walnut Garden
Through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Tucked away among the shops along one of Philadelphia’s top retail destinations, Walnut Garden goes all-in on holiday spirit with themed cocktails, sweet and savory treats, and dazzling decor. Decked to high heavens with retro character sculptures, towering evergreens, and an immersive art installation featuring decorative wreaths and 1,000 ornaments, the family- and pet-friendly Rittenhouse Square cocktail garden gives even the Griswolds a run for their money.
Holiday Pop Up at McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Through January 2026. Philly’s oldest continuously operating tavern continues its holiday tradition with over-the-top decorations and a spirited cocktail menu. Drinks include the crowd-pleasing Eggnog Martini, the hot apple cider-based Fireside, the champagne-forward Poinsettia Punch, and oh-so-sweet Mrs. Claus’ Cocoa Kisses — all ready to be enjoyed while surrounded by hundreds of ornaments, bows, and string lights.
This holiday season, McGillin’s also introduces a brand-new permanent shoppe. Located just a block away from the bar, it features a variety of McGillin’s merch, including the historic bar’s new book, Christmas ornaments, Philly souvenirs, Irish imports, and more.
Miracle on 8th Street at Craftsman Row Saloon
Through January 2026. This not-at-all-subtle saloon goes big for the holiday season with over 60,000 ornaments, more than 20,000 lights, hundreds of wreaths, and holiday dolls. The special holiday-inspired menu at the Jewelers’ Row spot features dazzling drink items like the Peppermintini, the Jingle Bell’s Margarita, and four massive, boozy milkshakes, including the All I Want for Christmas. As for festive food options, take your pick from hearty bites like the Christmas Dinner Burger and the Buffalo Chicken Wreath.
Uptown’s Little Workshop at Uptown Beer Garden
Through Thursday, January 1, 2026. Santa’s elves have really outdone themselves this year, transforming Uptown, Center City’s ever-changing outdoor cocktail bar, into Christmas HQ — aka Santa’s workshop. Join the North Pole’s hardest workers for after-work drinks, all while surrounded by colorful lights, cozy fire pits, and delightfully whimsical and extravagant decor.
The menu is lined with festive mixed drinks, brews, and a handful of alcohol-free options. Casual bites like fried mozzarella and smash burgers are also up for grabs.
Señor Grinch Pop Up at Taqueria Amor
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026. ¡Eres malo, Sr. Grinch! Adorned in colors and lights, inside and out, Taqueria Amor in Manayunk decks the halls for its latest pop-up, Señor Grinch. After exploring Main Street’s shops and holiday decor (the pop-up coincides with the Holidays in Manayunk festivities), top off on Grinch-A-Ritas and birria tacos while enjoying projector shows, twinkling lights, and super-nostalgic holiday movie decor.
Holiday Rewind at The Prime Rib at Live! Casino & Hotel
Through Saturday, January 10, 2026. This intimate holiday pop-up at The Prime Rib’s Library Bar channels all your Christmas movie faves into a night of nostalgic sips. The immersive experience rolls out the literal red carpet for you, inviting you into the worlds of A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and more, all as you sip. Included on the seasonal cocktail menu: the sweet and smoky Yippee-ki-yay, the Elf’s Hat, Cuzzin Eddie’s Eggnog, and a wagyu fat-washed concoction called Ya Filthy Animal.
Jingle Jawn at Libertee Grounds
Through Friday, January 31, 2026. Trim the trees and deck the greens: It’s a very Philly Christmas at Libertee Grounds as the mini-golf course/bar/restaurant gets in on the festive fun. The dining rooms, lounges, and all 18 holes of the Philly-themed golf course receive the ultimate wintry makeover with thousands of lights, ornaments, and decorations. The bar keeps the holiday spirits high (and flowing) as you putt putt across Philly’s landmarks, and Jingle Jawn tickets include a holiday-themed glass and a seasonal cocktail.
Wonderland at The Wayward
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Known for serving up French-inspired American classics alongside a robust gin menu, The Wayward goes full holly jolly with this newly decked out holiday pop-up. The restaurant — located at the Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City — adorns its walls with festive and photo-worthy decor and debuts a flavor-packed menu of “naughty” and “nice” cocktails (plus a wholesome “merry” mocktail). Feeling especially nice? Grab yourself a Pepermint Bark Martini or a Prosecc-HO-HO.
Bridget Foy’s North Pole on South Street
November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Take a one-way trip to the North Pole without leaving South Street at this classic neighborhood restaurant and bar. Known for plating up delicious American fare, Bridget Foy’s gets extra festive, lining its South Street dining room with candy canes, nutcrackers, evergreen boughs, and strings upon strings of twinkling lights. The heart of the immersive wintry experience is Bridget Foy’s limited-edition menu of winter-inspired craft cocktails, like the sweet Sugar Plum Claus-mopolitan, the peppermint tea-infused Ralphie’s Red Ryder Negroni, and the decadent St. Nick’s Ninth Street Nightcap.
Christmas Tree Farms
If one of your family’s holiday traditions involves decorating a live tree, there is always a certain amount of guesswork involved. You need to make sure the tree you find will fit in your living room, or it’s going to mean some serious saw work. The good folks at these tree farms will help you get the perfect tree.
Arasapha Farms
1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills
During the holiday season, this working farm in Glen Mills offers fresh-cut Fraser and Douglas firs and Norway and blue spruce, but the real appeal is hopping on a free hayride to their Christmas tree forest, where you can cut your own. (Fraser firs are pre-cut only.) If you opt for the latter, you’ll get to pick from a variety of types and sizes ranging from three to 16 feet — free drilling and loading included.
Pre-cut trees are available for purchase seven days a week, while cut-your-own is offered only on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm
351 Pusey Mill Road, Cochranville
Firs from three to 12 feet are the specialty at this family-run Chester County Christmas tree farm. After chopping your tree or picking a pre-cut one, visit the on-site Christmas shop for everything from wreaths to hot cider. They are open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5:30 pm and weekends from 9 am to 5 pm.
Colavita Christmas Tree Farm
1761 Dolington Road, Yardley
On weekends (weekdays available by appointment), choose from 11 “Choose & Cut” options at this farm, including seven types of fir, three types of spruce, and white pine at Colavita. There are also fresh, pre-cut trees priced individually by size and species. For cut-your-own (or, more accurately, choose and cut, since the staff cuts it for you), any tree, any size, is $105.
They also offer home delivery and set-up for an additional charge and can assist with tree removal post-holidays.
Linvilla Orchards
137 West Knowlton Road, Media
This Delco farm offers free hayrides through its fields so you can find your tree. When you’re done chopping it down, give those arms a rest: Staffers will pick up the tree from the field, bale it, and tie it to your car. The majority of the trees are five-to seven-foot Douglas firs, with some Canaan firs. Cut-your-owns are priced at $119 plus tax.
Linvilla also has an array of pre-cut trees for you to choose from. Open now through December 23rd, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Marsh Creek Tree Farm
301 Marsh Road, Elverson
Marsh Creek Tree Farm has cut-your-own Fraser fir, Canaan fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, and Concolor fir. They also have pre-cut trees. Cut your own runs from 9 am to 4 pm Friday through Sunday through December 21st.
McArdle’s Holiday Tree Farm
4316 Mechanicsville Road, Doylestown
McArdle’s in Bucks County offers a cut-your-own-tree experience, featuring a selection of blue spruce, Fraser fir, white pine, and Norway spruce between six and 10 feet tall. The fields will be open for two weekends, beginning Friday, November 28th, from 9 am to 4 pm Pre-cut trees are also available.
Old Stone Farm
959 Chesterville Road, Lewisville
Trees here cost $100 whether you cut your own or snag a pre-cut one. Old Stone Farm has Douglas, Fraser, and Concolor firs (that you can get drilled for stand-fitting at no additional cost), plus Christmas wreaths and Old Stone Cider available for purchase and tasting. They are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.
Volunteer Opportunities
The gift you make of your own time to help those in need is a special gift that goes a long way towards making the holiday season a little bit brighter. If you’re inspired to volunteer this holiday season, you might end up keeping it up all year long!
ACCT Philly
ACCT Philly provides shelter and services for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals. Whether by yourself or with a larger group, there are plenty of ways to help out with dog walking, adoption services, and providing transportation for animals leaving the shelter. To help prevent overcrowding, you can also sign up to foster animals and bring a furry friend home to care for.
Back On My Feet
Using a unique model, Back on My Feet seeks to change how homelessness is approached by harnessing the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources. No matter your interest, whether it be exercising or mentoring, there is an opportunity for you to use your skills. Morning Circle-Up volunteers run, walk, or jog a couple of times a week with members (if you are a morning person, this is the perfect fit!).
Career Coaches and Workshop Volunteers are matched with members and spend time mentoring them through workforce development opportunities to help with job placement, so if you are an expert in a field that could benefit a member, this is a meaningful and impactful way to give back.
Nationalities Service Center
National Service Center works to support immigrants and refugees with the resources to live safe and stable lives, including legal services, health services, and “community integration.” Adapting to life in a new country can be overwhelming. Volunteers can help with the transition process by driving families from the airport to their new home, arranging housing and setting up those homes, and even cooking culturally appropriate meals ready upon arrival. For a longer-term commitment, volunteers are also needed to help teach English and will receive proper training to do so successfully.
Have a Wonderful Holiday
No matter how you choose to spend your holidays, everyone working at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan hopes you’ll be safe and make the most of your time with family and friends. This is a good time to reflect on your blessings and what you’re looking forward to in the new year.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!