Holidays in Philadelphia

Ring in the season with friends and family celebrating old and new holiday traditions in Philadelphia. Gather to enjoy holiday pop up events, seasonal parades, and only-in-Philadelphia festive experiences as recommended by the team at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to kick off joyous celebrations beginning at 8:30 am on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Watch the parade along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway - just steps away from the Hotel.

A Longwood Christmas

Take a day trip to the Philadelphia countryside to experience the dramatic and beautiful holiday displays at Longwood Gardens. Arrive before sundown and begin in the Conservatory to discover artful horticulture, designed to the theme of "Fire, Ice & Everything Nice." Then, stroll through half-a-million lights destined to ignite the splendour of the season, creating the ultimate experience of this winter wonderland.

Holidays at Dilworth Park

Venture to Dilworth Park, home of Philadelphia’s City Hall, to discover a holiday wonderland filled with shopping stalls from more than 50 local artisans, designers, crafters and confectioners. After shopping, roam the picturesque open-air greenspace filled with twinkling lights, topiaries and rustic décor to set the stage for picture perfect holiday photos.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin

Also at Dilworth Park, skate beneath the twinkling lights of the city or escape the brisk weather in a ski chalet-themed cabin with spacious seating and hearty seasonal dishes and sweet treats.

Franklin Square

Become enchanted by the season’s spectacular sparkling lights both day and night in Franklin Square at the Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Winters in the Square are warmed with indoor heated tents featuring handcrafted beverages and seasonal food.

Luminature

Feel the magic of the season as the Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for their biggest holiday light show yet, spanning throughout the entire zoo wildlife exhibits.

Christmas Village

This year’s Christmas Village, located in LOVE Park, will feature two new magical surprises for visitors to savour and enjoy: a brand-new German food court and a double-tier Christmas Village carousel in City Hall’s Courtyard. Visitors can anticipate the return of the grand Ferris Wheel and the Kid’s Train along with their favourite vendors located throughout the Village.

Delaware Riverfront Winterfest

Venture to the Delaware Riverfront to feel the magic of the holidays in a family-friendly setting. Enjoy ice skating under festive twinkling lights or warm up with loved ones in the festive cabin or with hot beverages, cocktails, and delicious treats. On New Year’s Eve visitors can Party on Ice with front row views of the City’s fireworks displays at 6:00 pm and 12:00 midnight.

The Nutcracker

A treasured tradition returns to Philadelphia, The Nutcracker, from December 10-31, 2021. This cherished holiday classic is the perfect reason to gather with friends and family to experience the magic of the season while the Philadelphia Ballet preforms The Nutcracker ballet.

East Market Street

The entire block between Market and Chestnut, 11th and 12th Streets, will bring the magic of the season every Thursday through Sunday in December 2021 with their winter wonderland complete with animated LED light shows, live music performances, seasonal giveaways and local food and beverages provided by the East Market vendors.

Macy’s Holiday Light Show and Dickens’s Village

Philadelphia’s beloved tradition returns to Macy’s Grand Court, located in the historic Wannamaker Building, where a seven-storey light show shines bright with live organ performances, twice daily at 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm. Upstairs, step into Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol with an immersive storybook experience, sure to put even the biggest Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

On December 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm, Philadelphia gathers to witness the tree lighting ceremony on the northside of City Hall - the official kick off to the most wonderful time of the year.

Holiday Parade

Beginning at 5:00 pm on December 4, 2021, Visit Philadelphia’s first annual Holiday Parade will celebrate winter holidays such as Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year. Feel the City’s energy and excitement for the festive season grow as local arts and cultural organisations collaborate with Visit Philadelphia to reflect the vast diversity of holiday traditions held throughout the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. The Parade begins at 2nd and Market Streets and will proceed up Market, ending at City Hall.

Miracle on 13th Street

Discover Philadelphia’s most-decorated city block, featuring more lights and decorations than any other neighbourhood in the City. The magic of the season comes alive on the 1600 block of South 13th Street, between Morris and Tasker Streets, lit daily from 5:00 to 11:00 pm for the full month of December 2021.