It is the most magical time of the year, and there is no better way to immerse yourself in the wonder of the holiday season than to discover the perfect place – or places – to enjoy the fantastic light displays that are popping up throughout the region.
There is nothing quite like standing in awe with your children as you take in the aura of a holiday light show or display. Always a crowd-pleaser, always inspiring you to pause to enjoy the moment. So, just for that moment, be a kid standing next to your own children and draw some inspiration from the list we have compiled just in time for the season.
Shady Brook Farm: Holiday Light Show, Yardley, PA
An annual favorite you will not want to miss! Once again Shady Brook Farm is bringing their fantastic Holiday Light Show to the masses for everyone to enjoy. Families can drive through the light display in the comfort of their own car or reserve space in an open air wagon to experience the over three million lights illuminating the surrounding farmland. An added delight is a whimsical stroll down Candy Cane Lane, included with any light show admission. New this year, families can reserve a private fire pit site. Book early and book on-line.
Franklin Square Park: Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Philadelphia, PA
There is a special feeling when ambling through this historic park any time of the year, but add some holiday festivity, and Winter in Franklin Square Park takes this season to another level. One of Philadelphia’s five original squares, Franklin Square literally lights up and invites families to enjoy the luminous display for free. Weather permitting, the Holiday Light Show will be on display from 5-9 pm, but if your family wants some action before the lights go on, play a round at Chilly Philly Mini Golf, take a whirl on the Liberty Carousel, or walk along the Snowy Silly Stroll.
Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular: Fairgrounds at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Oaks, PA
This magical holiday attraction that is a short drive from the King of Prussia Mall is back for 2022 bringing guests an immersive, one-of-a-kind event where they can stroll through a winter wonderland of lights, check off their holiday shopping list, dine on festive treats and beverages, meet Santa Claus, and much more. The Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson has new features in its second season such as a two-lane, 160-foot ice slide guaranteed to thrill all visitors, an ice-skating rink with REAL Ice, weekly groups of carolers putting their twist on holiday classics every Friday and an expanded Mistletoe Marketplace for all your holiday shopping needs. Tickets on sale now (with a limited amount of flex tickets available) through December 31st.
Hersheypark: Christmas Candylane, Hershey, PA
The Sweetest Place on Earth just gets sweeter at this time of year! The annual Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is already open for families to enjoy now through January 1. You will not want to miss the opportunity to witness the over 5 million lights adorning the park, 250,000 of which twinkle in a dazzling light show set to holiday music. It is also the perfect time to visit all nine of Santa’s reindeer and taste some delicious Hershey’s hot chocolate. An added attraction to take in while in Hershey is Hershey Sweet Lights, an animated illuminated display which you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. The kids will be dazzled throughout the two miles of wooded trails. Book your tickets ahead of time online.
Longwood Gardens: A Longwood Christmas, Kennett Square, PA
A perennial favorite, everything magical takes place on these hallowed grounds complete with frolicking Outdoor Christmas Musicians, the Garden Railway for children of all ages, and the Open Air Theater Fountain Show. Did we mention the lights? Yes, there are plenty of lights to celebrate A Longwood Christmas. Your family can leisurely stroll the acres of Longwood Gardens under the majestic lights now through January 8th, but book your tickets early because this year visiting the gardens is more popular than ever. Don’t miss the beautiful palette of colors inside the Conservatory showcasing the glorious poinsettias.
Sesame Place: A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Oh, what fun it is to celebrate the holidays with the gang from Sesame Place! Young children will be thrilled to be part of A Very Furry Christmas Celebration (now through January 8) where they can celebrate and sing along with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird as they rock around a 30-foot illuminated Christmas tree. Kids can tour the Twiddlebugs Gingerbread Cookie Factory while riding the Furry Express, and later they can meet up with special holiday guests Rudolph and Clarice. Don’t miss the Hannukah Celebration December 18th – 24th. Remember to book your visit ahead of time online.
Elmwood Park Zoo: Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA
Even the animals like to celebrate with Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo! A wonderful tradition, this year the zoo has amped up the lights and the animals on display during this evening only event. From 5-9 pm on designated dates, visitors will be entertained with holiday music and performances, be engaged with unique animal encounters, and have a chance to see Santa. Take time to saunter through a glistening forest or visit the big cats on the Trail of Jumping Jaguar. It is a family event which will quickly become an annual tradition. Visit their website for dates of the event and to purchase tickets.
Johnson’s Corner Farm: Light Show on the Lake, Medford, NJ
Some merry mischief-making is about to take place! Make the trip to Johnson’s Corner Farm to partake in enjoyable holiday activities including a hayride to view their spectacular Light Show on the Lake. You will not want to miss thousands of twinkling lights reflecting off the water, Santa on a red tractor pulling a wagon full of gifts, or making s’mores by a fire pit with your family. Kids can even decorate cookies while you pick out a fresh cut tree for your home. Check their website for advanced ticket purchases and packages.
Rose Tree Park: Festival of Lights, Media, PA
This delightful park nestled in Delaware County literally lights up at this time of year! From December 2 – January 1, Rose Tree Park will be shimmering from 5-10 pm each evening with the annual Festival of Lights. Visitors return each year to view the spectacular light display which includes classic figures such as Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang, and, of course, Santa and his Reindeer. Make time to visit with little advance planning; parking and admission are free.
Herr’s Factory: Holiday Lights Display, Nottingham, PA
From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy a Holiday Lights Display at the Herr’s corporate facility. Families will enjoy viewing the 600,000 lights presented on their campus from the comfort of their cars any time now through January 2. Pack some snacks, bundle up with blankets and cruise leisurely through this complimentary lights extravaganza.
The West Chester Griswolds, West Chester, PA
This whimsical display is completely designed and implemented by one family since 1998. They have taken their show on the road through several moves within the area, finally landing in West Chester and displaying 85,000 plus lights since 2016. The West Chester Griswolds’ breathtaking display can be viewed in the evenings beginning on Thanksgiving evening and running through January 1.
All that is left to do is pick the perfect evening for your family to enjoy some holiday magic this season by selecting one of these eye-catching venues. The rest is simple…sit back, breath deeply, and become enchanted under the twinkling lights. It is that easy…and that magical.
If you are interested in a little Pennsylvania road trip to see holiday lights, check out the itinerary by PA Bucket List here.
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Photo courtesy of Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular