Get ready to feel merry and bright! Winter in Philadelphia is full of sparkle! From Hanukkah to Christmas to ringing in the New Year, here’s your complete guide to the best holiday and winter events around Philadelphia, including the suburbs, Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond.
New for 2025: Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, LumiNature debuts a new Ferris Wheel, and select small-town parades are back on the calendar!
Top 10 Holiday Highlights
Looking for the can’t-miss celebrations? Start here — short bites you can skim and share.
- Christmas Village at LOVE Park – Philly’s iconic German-style market with Glühwein, ornaments, and food vendors.
- A Longwood Christmas – Longwood Gardens glows with thousands of twinkling lights and indoor seasonal displays.
- LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo – Over a million lights and immersive illuminated animal displays.
- Shady Brook Farm Drive-Through Light Show – More than 3 million lights across a drive-through route.
- Winter in Franklin Square – Light shows, mini golf, and family-friendly holiday programming.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Penn’s Landing – Ring in the New Year with waterfront fireworks.
- Betsy Ross House Menorah Lighting – Community Hanukkah celebration with music and performances.
- Kennett Square Mushroom Drop – A uniquely local New Year’s countdown tradition.
- Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest – Skating and cozy cabins on the Delaware River waterfront.
- Koziar’s Christmas Village – A nostalgic, long-running light display and holiday village.
Christmas Markets & Shopping
Find unique gifts, sip mulled wine, and get into the festive spirit at these holiday markets.
While my full guide has over 10 markets, here are the “can’t-miss” experiences for 2025:
- Christmas Village at LOVE Park: The iconic German-style market in the heart of Center City, perfect for Glühwein and festive energy.
- Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem: Worth the drive. A massive, authentic market with artisans, food, and music at the SteelStacks.
- Made in Philadelphia Market: The best place to find gifts from local artisans, located right at Dilworth Park.
Find details on these, plus markets in Kennett Square, Harleysville, and more, in my full market guide.
Holiday Light Displays
From massive drive-thru spectacles to charming garden walks, here’s where to see the best and brightest lights.
My full guide has 13 top-tier light shows, but here are the “can’t-miss” experiences for 2025:
- A Longwood Christmas: The region’s most famous and spectacular display, with stunning indoor exhibits, fountains, and outdoor lights.
- LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo: An immersive walk-thru light and sound experience with a new 110-foot Ferris Wheel.
- Shady Brook Farm: The classic 2-mile drive-thru (or open-air wagon ride) with millions of lights and a market at the end.
- Koziar’s Christmas Village: An over-the-top, nostalgic walk-through village that has been a family tradition for decades.
Find details on these, plus free neighborhood displays, theme parks, and more, in my full holiday lights guide.
Historic Home Tours
See magnificent historic estates and homes dressed in their finest holiday decor, from the grand du Pont estates to unique castles.
Our full guide covers all the grand estates, but here are the “can’t-miss” tours for 2025:
- Yuletide at Winterthur: The ultimate grand estate experience, with stunningly decorated rooms and elaborate du Pont family displays.
- Holidays at Fonthill Castle: A truly unique experience. Tour Henry Mercer’s concrete castle, fully decorated for a historic holiday.
- Noël at Nemours Estate: Another spectacular du Pont mansion, featuring historic decorations, music, and grand tree displays.
Find details on these, plus tours at Hagley Museum and the Pearl S. Buck House, in the full historic homes guide.
Kid-Friendly & Santa
Theme parks, kid-centric shows, and special Santa sightings for the youngest family members.
Dutch Winter Wonderland
- What it is: Kid-friendly rides, seasonal shows, and special characters at the castle-themed park.
- Dates: Nov 15–Dec 31
- Location: Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster
- Good for: Toddlers and young kids
- Official Website →
Sesame Place’s Holiday Celebrations
- What it is: Special seasonal programming for A Very Furry Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
- Dates: Nov–Dec
- Location: Sesame Place, Langhorne
- Good for: Families with young kids
- Official Website →
Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
- What it is: The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire embraces a festive holidays theme.
- Dates: Nov–Dec
- Location: Manheim
- Good for: Anyone looking for holiday magic
- Official Website →
Holiday Train Rides
All aboard for a magical ride! These festive trains are a holiday classic, and most sell out well in advance.
My full guide covers 7+ different railways, but here are my “can’t-miss” picks:
- New Hope Railroad: The classic! Ride an authentic steam train with Santa for a truly magical experience.
- West Chester Railroad: The most unique tradition. Ride the “Tree Train” to cut down your own Christmas tree and bring it back with you.
- Colebrookdale Railroad: The best for a festive date night. Enjoy a full meal or brunch while riding with Santa through the winter landscape.
Find details on these, plus trains in Strasburg, Wilmington, Jim Thorpe, and more, in myfull holiday train guide.
Parades & Town Events
Experience the holiday cheer with these classic community parades and town-wide celebrations.
Our full guide has the best parades in the region, but here are the “can’t-miss” events:
- Christmas in Cape May: This isn’t just a parade, it’s a town-wide Victorian celebration. The West Cape May Parade is a can’t-miss.
- Harrisburg Holiday Parade: A massive “big city” parade with floats, balloons, and marching bands to kick off the season.
Find details on these, plus parades in West Chester, Kennett Square, and more, in our full holiday parades guide.
Shows & Performances
From classic ballets to festive concerts, here’s where to find holiday magic on stage.
Philadelphia Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- What it is: George Balanchine’s classic at the Academy of Music, a holiday staple.
- Dates: Dec 5–31
- Location: Academy of Music, Philadelphia
- Good for: A special occasion, classic performance
- Official Website →
Hanukkah
Beyond Christmas, the region celebrates in many ways, from menorah lightings to festive New Year’s Eve drops and fireworks.
Betsy Ross House Menorah Lighting
- What it is: Community celebration for Hanukkah with music, performances, and refreshments.
- Dates: Dec 14 (Date is a placeholder, check local listings)
- Location: Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia
- Good for: Hanukkah celebrations, community events
- Official Website →
New Year’s Celebrations
Kennett Square Mushroom Drop
- What it is: A quirky local New Year’s Eve countdown tradition featuring a giant illuminated mushroom.
- Dates: Dec 31
- Location: Kennett Square, PA
- Good for: A unique NYE, community celebration
- Official Website →
Penn’s Landing Fireworks for New Year’s Eve
- What it is: Two free, massive waterfront fireworks displays over the Delaware River.
- Dates: Dec 31 (6 PM and Midnight)
- Location: Delaware River Waterfront, Philadelphia
- Good for: Everyone, a classic NYE
- Official Website →
Plan Your 2025 Holiday Season
Ready to plan your festive outings? Explore these more detailed guides:
What Did I Miss?
- Help improve this guide: With so much going on, I’m bound to have missed a local tree lighting or a favorite event.
- Leave a comment: Tell me your favorite holiday event below and I’ll do my best to get it added to the list!
- Share the cheer: If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with a friend!
All photos are my own.
Wow, great post, will share with others
Great post! I can really feel the season of Christmas! Happy Holidays!