Where to See Sparkling Holiday Lights Displays in Philadelphia

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

embellish the Asaph Hall , and the rampart , and the windowpane , and the trees , and , well , everything . Philly goes all - out for the holiday season and what good to show off our jolliness than to grace every open with string lights and wreaths . From the heart of South Philly where tradition never dies to delightful transformation of popular attractions and decked outshoppingcenters , here ’s where you may see the bragging and brilliant holiday twinkle displays this season .

Macy’s Christmas Light Show

Now through December 31Macy ’s Center CityDating back to 1956 , the Macy ’s Christmas Light Show , set in the middle of the department store , feature a grand embellish tree diagram and delightful wintery characters dancing in lights behind it . As for the soundtrack , expect to hear the voice of Julie Andrews and the booming sounds of the Wanamaker Organ . The show run at 4 and 6 pm on weekdays , and every two hours from 10 am to 6 pm Fridays through Sundays ( except for Christmas Eve when the last show is at 2 necropsy and Christmas Day when the entrepot is shut ) . After your Macy ’s risky venture , head around the corner toChristmas Villageat LOVE Park and City Hall for more shopping , German kickshaw , and mull wine .

The Miracle on South 13th Street

Now through December 31South 13th Street between Tasker and Morris StreetsA authoritative community - wide affair , The Miracle on South 13th Street is a interconnected effort between all the planetary house on 13th Street between Tasker and Morris in South Philly . There ’s a reason crowds and jalopy full of mass flock to the exhibit : Inner Light are strung over the street and wrap around every windowpane and door anatomy . Some houses go Grinch - themed , while others don snowman and confect canes medallion . Just a closure off of East Passyunk , you ’d be delinquent if you did n’t catch a trash of wine atBarcelona Wine Baror a comforting meal atGabriella ’s Vietnamafter the festivity .

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular

Now through December 31Fairgrounds at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center , Oaks , Pa. Your one - stay workshop for all things festive , Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular prides itself on its one million bulbs throughout its grounds . Start your journeying by walking through a 60 - foot light tunnel and banquet your eyes on familiar landmarks , personality , and fun teams in light form . Plus , you’re able to plump down an ice slide , take a few laps around the Methedrine skating rink , or go shopping in theMistletoe Marketplace . Plus , there are bite and warm beverages galore ( even the adult kind ) in the Tinsel Lodge .

LumiNature

Now through January 7Philadelphia ZooExtend your day trip to the Philadelphia Zoo and see how dotty thing get after dark . LumiNature feature hundred of animal figures light up by million of colorful light . Take pictures in front of the under - the - sea theme holiday tree , crane your neck up at the 15 - infantry grandiloquent radiate drab gorilla , work your way of life through the 100 - ft long aquarium burrow , and endeavor to count each of the 500 lit flamingo and 200 glowing penguin . Do n’t lose the s’mores and hot deep brown stations for mellifluous treats .

A Longwood Christmas

Now through January 8Longwood GardensThe holiday season is n’t complete without a misstep to Longwood Gardens . The annual holiday display encompasses the indoor hothouse and outdoor earth , where nearly every living thing is awash in luminance . Feast your eyes on a 150 - foundation - long lite tunnel that guide guests to the Main Fountain Garden , a 30 - foot - tall floating Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree lit in icy elements , couture surgical gown - like sculptures fashion from preserved , dried , and faux flowered materials , living wreath , and plenty more . warm up up with hot chocolate and Sir Henry Wood - fired pizza pie at thebeer garden , clear throughout the continuance of A Longwood Christmas .

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular

Now through January 312700 Block of Smedley StreetJust to the south of Oregon Avenue in South Philly is a sweet cul de sac of festiveness where the grassy center of the circle is packed with light - up figures , the trees are garb with string brightness , and blow - up Santa and friends welcome you to the party . easy accessible by understructure or bike , McCusker ’s TavernandTap Room on 19thare both a stone ’s throw off for some beers and chill hangs .

Winter in Franklin Square

Now through February 26Franklin SquareWhere else can you see a light show inspired by Benjamin Franklin ’s breakthrough of electrical energy ? Nowhere , probably . The popular Electrical Spectacle Light Show — a splendid scene where more than 200,000 light flicker and dance in the Nox — runs every 30 minutes starting at 5 pm each dark set to pop holiday tunes like “ Feliz Navidad , ” the Nutcracker Suite , and , of grade , “ All I Want For Christmas Is You . ” Other goings on in the Square include mini golf , luggage carrousel rides , and a dark bar serving cocktails , beer , and wine-coloured .

Boathouse Row

Sunday , December 18 – Sunday , January 1Martin Luther King Jr. DriveThe 19th - century boathouses that line the Schuylkill River are light up throughout the yr , but around the vacation , things really get merry . From December 18 - 23 , the lights outlining the buildings ’ window dressing turn risque and white for Hanukkah , before pitch to green and cerise for Christmas on December 24 and 25 , and violent , white , and green for Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1 . The best opinion are on the west side of the Schuylkill River along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive . Might as well make a day out of it : check up on out the newMatisse exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Artduring the afternoon , see the boathouse after sunset , and grab some dinner atCantina Feliz .

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular