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. We have some family favorites, Philadelphia traditions and holiday features at amusement parks and zoos.
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 this great list we have compiled just in time for the season.
Philadelphia Favorites
FREE: Christmas Village: LOVE Park and City Hall – LOVE Park, Philadelphia, PA
A Philadelphia holiday tradition- the Christmas Village and Bavarian-style holiday marketplace, with 120 vendors lining LOVE Park, with more seasonal activities and attractions across the street at City Hall. At LOVE Park Visitor Center, the event’s Festival of Trees offers an indoor lineup of nearly 20 stunning Christmas trees on display, decorated by local designers and artists. Opens November 22nd.
FREE: Comcast Holiday Spectacular – Philadelphia, PA
The sights and sounds of the holidays come alive in this free, 15-minute show which has quickly become a holiday tradition in Philadelphia. Marvel at holiday scenes brought to life in this multi-sensory show, featuring musical classics like Jingle Bell Rock, The Twelve Days of Christmas and The Nutcracker; a magic flying sleigh ride through the city and countryside; and a festive sing-along. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular offers a sensory-friendly version for guests who are blind or visually impaired on Thursdays, Fridays and upon request at 2:30pm. November 27th through January 1st, 10am- 8pm at the top of every hour, except 5pm.
FREE: 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 starting most days at 5:00 pm and vary by day. If your family wants some action before the lights go on, play a round at Chilly Philly Mini Golf, take a whirl on the Parx Liberty Carousel, check out the street curling or enjoy seasonal sweet treats and cocktails at Frosty’s Fireside Lodge. November 20th- January 4th.
FREE: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing – Philadelphia, PA
For more than 32 seasons, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest has been Philadelphia’s favorite wintertime tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting visitors to indulge in flights of fancy under thousands of sparkling lights in a wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River. Get cozy in a heated cabin or by a fire pit, or enjoy boardwalk rides and games. Delicious food, hot beverages, the signature holiday tree and ice skating on our NHL-sized rink await you. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions. Open from November 28, 2025, through March 1, 2026, 7-days a week, including holidays, unless otherwise noted.
FREE: Wanamaker Light Show & Dickens Village – Philadelphia, PA
The Wanamaker Light Show is a Philadelphia holiday tradition dating back half a century, housed in the historic Wanamaker Building. The free show uses more than 100,000 LED lights to project snowflakes, ballerinas and reindeer upon a four-story-high velvet curtain in the Grand Court atrium, accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ. The show will run Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm-8pm from Nov. 28th through Dec. 11th. The show runs daily from 12pm-8pm, December 12th through the 23rd and from 12pm-4pm on December 24th. Check the website for show times and for times of live performances of the historic Wanamaker Organ. Visiting Dickens Village is available with free timed-tickets. You can make reservations online 5 days in advance of your visit.
FREE: Wintergarden at Winter at Dilworth Park – Philadelphia, PA
Winter at Dilworth Park brings a touch of festive greenery to the grounds of City Hall with the annual Wintergarden display. The picturesque whimsical outdoor sanctuary features rustic woodland décor, an on-site winery offering mulled wine, reindeer topiaries and illuminated arbor lit with hundreds of twinkling lights for visitors to stroll through. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin are there on the grounds of CIty Hall as well. November 14th – March 14, 2026.
FREE: Manayunk Gets Lit! – Manayunk, PA
Each year, Manayunk’s Main Street gets LIT as local businesses deck out their storefronts for a shot at first place in our annual decorating competition! From November 20th through the holiday season, visit Main Street for festive fun. And don’t miss the Jolly Trolley from December 4-20! Bring the whole family for Get Lit weekends featuring food and drink specials, holiday shopping deals, live entertainment, and rides on the FREE Manayunk Jolly Trolley. The Jolly Trolley travels up and down Main Street with multiple stops at your favorite spots—plus, it’s the perfect way to soak in all the sparkling Get Lit displays. Visit our website for the full schedule.
Amusement Parks & Zoos
Dutch Wonderland – Lancaster, PA
‘Tis the season to make new family memories at Dutch Winter Wonderland. Enjoy activities such as Cookies with Santa, a Very Merry Maze at Wonderland Woods, Magically Christmas Magic Show and 20+ rides that make this award-winning holiday event more festive than ever. Open select dates November 15th – December 31st.
Elmwood Park Zoo: Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo – Norristown, PA
Elmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, Wild Lights, returns with more lights and decorative attractions than ever before! During this walk-through experience, guests will be surrounded by dazzling light displays, illuminated animals and live entertainment. From 5-9 pm, select nights, November 21st – December 30th, visitors will be entertained with holiday music and performances, be engaged with unique animal encounters, seasonal treats, carousel rides, live entertainment and have a chance to see Santa. Take time to saunter through a glistening forest or visit the big cats on the Trail of the Jaguar. It is a family event which will quickly become an annual tradition.
Hersheypark: Christmas Candylane – Hershey, PA
The Sweetest Place on Earth just gets sweeter at this time of year! The annual Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is open select dates 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.
LumiNature at The Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, PA
LumiNature returns to America’s First Zoo, select nights from November 20th through January 3rd, for another season of sights, sounds, and surprises! See more than a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones. Walk through a 100-foot-long jungle tunnel adorned with 4,000 lights and explore a 20-foot-tall coral reef featuring a giant sea turtle. Plus, be wowed by the sparkling light waterfall and a shimmering vine wall featuring 20,000 lights.
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, November 15th through January 4th, 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 will love Santa’s Furry Workshop, Holiday Photos with Sesame Street Friends, Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, Christmas Storytime and special shows including Elmo’s Christmas Wish, Sesame Street Christmas Parade and Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party. Don’t miss the Hanukkah Celebration December 26th-January 1st. Remember to book your visit ahead of time online.
Storybook Land Christmas Fantasy with Lights – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Each operating night at dusk Santa Claus will wave his magic wand and light up Storybook Land with over 1 million lights for the holiday season. This South Jersey spectacle has been a family tradition for over 35 years. The Christmas Fantasy with Lights requires Special Event Tickets purchased ONLINE ONLY and tickets valid only on your selected date. Tickets are NOT timed and you can arrive at any time on the date you chose. November 15th – December 30th.
More Favorite Places
Carnival of Lights– Pottstown, PA
Over a half million lights are on display during the walk-through Carnival of Lights at the Norco Fire Company in Pottstown, all digitally synchronized to holiday music. Admission to the event includes the holiday light walk, unlimited amusement rides and visits with Santa. Food, games, craft market items and photos with St. Nick offered pay-as-you-go. On Monday, December 17th, the attraction presents a Sensory-Friendly Night, with steady-lit lights, lower volume music and an available quiet room. November 28th – January 1st.
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, the Musical Light Show Hayride, a walk through “Fire and Lights”, 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. November 21st- December 23rd.
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. This Christmas, our Gardens are transformed into a living jewel box as radiant as the jewels and gems that inspired it. Nature and elegance intertwine as twinkling lights dance, hues of emerald green to ruby red to bold sapphire shimmer, and every path leads to a new treasure to behold. Your family can leisurely stroll the acres of Longwood Gardens under the majestic lights November 21st through January 11th, but book your tickets early because this year visiting the gardens is more popular than ever. Timed admission tickets required. Don’t miss the beautiful palette of colors inside the Conservatory showcasing the glorious poinsettias.
Morris Arboretum: Holiday Garden Railway– Philadelphia, PA
Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages. Saturday, November 22 – Monday, December 30. Free with general admission.
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. Book early and book online for the best times.
Yeager’s Farm Drive- Through Holiday Light Show – Phoenixville, PA
The 200 year-old Yeager’s Farm in Phoenixville has been family-owned since the days of Willam Penn and lights up the countryside every winter with its Holiday Light Show. Explore 60 acres of farmland illuminated with tens of thousands of lights plus animated displays from the comfort of your car along the brand-new one mile route through the Christmas tree farm, synchronized to favorite holiday songs. This year: No need to select a date or time for your drive thru reservation. Simply purchase a ticket and show up during the Light Show! *Hayride and Bike the Lights MUST HAVE A RESERVATION* November 28th – December 30th.
Koziar’s Christmas Village – Bernville, PA
Driving through the darkened countryside and coming over that last hill on the unlit country road is like driving into a fairyland. Suddenly you find yourself in a dazzling valley set aglow with more than one million Christmas lights adorning buildings, gift barns, and landscape. This is the 78th season for Koziar’s Christmas Village, which has grown to a mammoth and extraordinary seasonal attraction drawing visitors from around the world as well as local families who have made Koziar’s part of their Christmas tradition for four generations. Open through January 1st.
Knoebel’s Christmas – Joy Through the Grove – Elysburg, PA
Join Santa, Kozmo and friends and enjoy a drive-through Christmas light display! The light display will begin near the Impulse roller coaster, travel down the park’s main boulevard, and throughout much of the campground. There will be over 15 miles of string lights, and over 500 light-up pieces. Open nightly through December 31st.
FREE: Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA
This Bucks County mainstay is a perennial family favorite for so many reasons. The village-wide lights are switched on at Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination Celebration on November 14th. After that, the holiday spirit continues all season long with many family-friendly events after another, including the Holly Jolly Weekend on December 6 & 7, when guests enjoy a Santa parade, photos with Santa, holiday tunes, and more. You won’t want to miss the beautiful gingerbread houses on display, photos with Santa, Holiday food trucks and more!
FREE: 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 4th – January 3rd, Rose Tree Park will be shimmering from 5-9:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 5-10pm Fridays and Saturdays 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.
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 November 28th through January 4th. Pack some snacks, bundle up with blankets and cruise leisurely through this complimentary lights extravaganza.
FREE: Skippack Village Illuminair Nights – Skippack, PA
Celebrate the beloved Christmas luminaire — those classic candle-in-a-bag holiday lanterns that line walkways and streets throughout the region — as they light up the sky during Illuminaire Nights in historic Skippack Village. To kick off the holiday season, luminaires will illuminate the sidewalks outside shops and restaurants every Friday from 5–8 p.m. Participating businesses will stay open late and offer special surprises for evening visitors. The Village glows with festive charm as storefronts and eateries shine brightly, creating a warm and welcoming start to the season. Don’t miss this cherished Skippack Village tradition! Fridays from Nov 28th – December 19th, 5pm-8pm.
FREE: Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester – West Chester, PA
West Chester transforms into a holiday wonderland as roughly 75 restaurants and 65 boutiques shimmer with sparkling lights. At the heart of the display stands a breathtaking 28-foot evergreen — the largest in the event’s history — adorned with 16,000 white LED lights. The spectacular tree is illuminated for the first time during the annual Tree Lighting and West Chester Christmas Parade on December 5, 2025. This beloved celebration also features live musical and dance performances, marching bands, award-winning floats, and plenty of festive cheer. Event Details:
Lights Up!: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
Christmas Parade: Friday, December 5, Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m., Parade: 7:00 p.m.
FREE: American Heritage Grand Illumination – Philadelphia, PA
November 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM is the annual Grand Illumination Kick-Off Event! This beloved Philadelphia tradition features the lighting of two 40-foot Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, and more than 400,000 dazzling lights. Families can enjoy festive music, special appearances by Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross, and the Kids-N-Hope Foundation’s annual donation to CHOP. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned food item to support American Heritage’s holiday food drive. The celebration continues all season long with a free Month-Long Grand Illumination, where visitors can stroll the campus, enjoy the lights, and take photos nightly from November 30 through New Year’s.
FREE: The West Chester Griswolds – West Chester, PA
This whimsical display has been 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 December 28th.
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.
Love this article? Please share with family and friends – Subscribe to our newsletter for more family fun and adventure!
Updated November 2025