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 a fantastic holiday light show and 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 unique light 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 2022 season.
Catch These Two Limited-Time Holiday Light Shows in November and early December:
FEZtival of Trees & Lights, LuLu Shrine Center, Plymouth Meeting
Now in its 4th season of bringing both holiday fun and community fundraising together, the FEZtival of Trees & Lights will be celebrated from November 17-20. The reasonably priced admission ($5 for ages 12 and up) allows patrons to get into the holiday spirit early by strolling through an indoor forest of decorated trees, grabbing a bite to eat, taking a FREE digital photo with Santa, and participating in children’s activities, all for a great cause. New this year is a Breakfast with Santa scheduled for November 19 from 8-11 am. Tickets for the breakfast are $10 each.
PHestival of Trees, King of Prussia Mall (Level 3 of the Pavilion) King of Prussia, PA
You won’t want your family to miss this special two-day event running December 3-4 with all proceeds benefiting local animal rescue and shelters. New location this year at King of Prussia Mall. Find yourself enamored at the PHestival of Trees with beautifully decorated trees and whimsical gingerbread houses you will want to purchase to add to the holiday magic in your own home. Additionally, there will be live entertainment and holiday shopping from local vendors and artists. Tickets with timed entry can be purchased in advance.
Favorite Destinations for Holiday Lights all Season Long
Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show, Yardley
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 holiday 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 holiday light show admission. Families can also reserve a private fire pit site or enjoy a public fire pit on a first come, first served basis. Online reservations are now available, and the displays will be open on November 19th.
Christmas Spirit Light Show, Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster
Go on a family road trip to experience a unique holiday light show as you have never witnessed before! From the comfort of your car, the gang will be fully immersed in the Christmas Spirit Light Show surrounding you on this one mile trek. Tune into their radio station to listen to holiday music synchronized to the light display, then sit back and enjoy the ride. The show runs from November 25 – December 31 beginning at 5:30 pm. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged.
Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular, the Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks
Be prepared for the WOW factor as last year’s Winter on Broad Street Light Show has moved and transformed for a more stunning and spectacular holiday light show, Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular. From November 25 – December 31 families are invited to stroll through a fantastical light display, shop at Mistletoe Marketplace, nosh and sip in Tinsel Lodge, enjoy weekly carolers every Friday, or reserve a time slot for a family portrait with Santa. NEW for this year is also a two-lane 160 foot ice slide and an ice-skating rink with REAL ice! The holiday memories are waiting to be made, so purchase your tickets in advance for a very special holiday outing.
HersheyPark Christmas Candylane, Hershey
The Sweetest Place on Earth just gets sweeter at this time of year! The annual Hershey Park Christmas Candylane will be 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. Kids will have the opportunity to ride some of their favorite roller coasters including the new Candymonium. Be sure to visit the Kissmas Tree display and TREEville at the Boardwalk for more festive fun! Book your tickets ahead of time online.
A Longwood Christmas, Kennett Square
A perennial favorite, everything magical takes place on these hallowed grounds complete with frolicking Outdoor Christmas Musicians, the Garden Railway (located outdoors near the Terrace Restaurant) for children of all ages, and the Open Air Theater Fountain Show. Did we mention the lights? This year, Longwood Gardens in featuring the concept of fire and ice, showcasing a “frozen” succulent fountain contrasted by warm outdoor fire pits. Yes, there are plenty of lights to celebrate A Longwood Christmas. Your family can leisurely stroll the acres of Longwood Gardens under the majestic holiday lights from November 18 – January 8 but book your tickets early because at this time of year visiting the gardens is more popular than ever. Don’t miss the beautiful palette of colors inside the Conservatory showcasing the glorious poinsettias.
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place, Langhorne
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, as the park is transformed into a very magical place indeed! Choose from several show options including 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show where the family can celebrate and sing along with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird as they rock around a 30-foot illuminated Christmas tree or be part of Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade where favorite characters are sure to make an appearance. Santa will be waiting at his Furry Workshop for the picture perfect memory, and guests can partake in a Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party. Don’t miss the Hannukah Celebration December 18-24. Remember to book your visit ahead of time online.
Light Show on the Lake, Johnson’s Corner Farm, 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 holiday 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. While the Light Show runs from November 15 – December 23 in the evening, there are mid-week viewings only until the week of Christmas when weekend hours will be available. Check their website for advanced ticket purchases and packages.
Festival of Lights at Rose Tree Park, Media
This delightful park nestled in Delaware County literally lights up at this time of year! From December 2 through 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 holiday 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.
Holiday Lights Display at Herr’s Factory, 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 beginning November 23 through January 2. Pack some snacks, bundle up with blankets and cruise leisurely through this complimentary holiday light show extravaganza.
Dutch Winter Wonderland, Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the family can’t enjoy a day at the park, but with a twist…as Dutch Wonderland turns their kingdom into a Winter Wonderland! Enjoy over twenty rides and attractions decked out in holiday style – imagine twinkling lights, a visit with Santa, and the Royal Lights Show to cap off your day in the park! Take a train ride through the park to admire the beauty of this festive kingdom. The tentative schedule begins on November 19, weekends only, 3-8 pm, until December 26 when the Winter Wonderland will be open mid-week. There are even special New Year’s Eve hours, 11 – 5 pm. Book tickets ahead of time online for a day of holiday fun!
Colonial Gardens, Phoenixville
Holiday magic happens in a variety of places, and Colonial Gardens has transformed their grounds just in time for the holidays. Stop by to peruse the landscape decorated for the season with festive displays and spectacular lights – there is even a holiday light show synchronized with music! Admission includes hot chocolate, an ornament for the family, a tour of the grounds, and a meet-and-greet with characters. While you are visiting, you may even find your Christmas tree and some colorful poinsettias. Open select weekends 5-8:30 pm beginning November 26 through December 30.
Enjoy Holiday Light Shows at Local Zoos
LumiNature, Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
If your family enjoys the zoo, they are going to enjoy it even more at this most magical time of the year! Beginning November 17, the Philadelphia Zoo presents LumiNature, a fantastical show including lights, action, and holiday surprises to delight visitors of all ages! The evening will come alive in 14 designated illuminated areas where your kids (and you!) will be delighted with artistic performers and twinkling light displays. Pause for photo-ops, hot chocolate, s’mores…and more! Tickets are now available for purchase online.
Wild Lights, Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
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, November 18 – December 30, 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 to purchase tickets in advance.
Winter Light Spectacular, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Lehigh County
Another season of the Winter Light Spectacular show is about to unfold, and who does not want more holiday lights during this spectacular season? With over 1.2 million lights illuminating the Lehigh Valley Zoo, your family will not want to miss this sparkling display. Featured in US Today, the show will begin on November 11 and run through January 1; tickets are now available for purchase online.
Neighborhood and City Holiday Light Display Destinations
West Chester Christmas Light Display, West Chester
Real holiday magic is happening at 895 South Concord Road, West Chester, PA, as one boy turned his passion for a holiday light show and display into a fundraiser for the Brandywine Valley SPCA. Now in its 5th season,The West Chester Christmas Light Display runs from November 24 through December 31. With over 45 inflatables, 10,000 lights, and festive decorations everywhere, this event will quickly become a family favorite. While you are visiting, take time to write a letter to Santa and drop it in the special mailbox. Visitors are asked to make a modest $5-10 donation per family.
The West Chester Griswolds, West Chester
This whimsical display is completely designed and implemented by one family since 1998. They have taken their holiday light show on the road through several moves within the area, finally landing in Wester Chester and displaying 85,000 plus lights since 2016. The West Chester Griswolds’ breathtaking display can be viewed in the evenings beginning on Thanksgiving and running through January 1. Some fun additions are singing lightbulbs which will “sing” to visitors every half hour from 5:30-9 pm, Monday-Thursday, not on weekends, and dropping off a letter to Santa in the mailbox at the end of the driveway.
The Miracle on South 13th Street, Philadelphia
The power and bond of one neighborhood literally lights up their block annually. During the month of December, your family can take a stroll on the 1600 block of South 13th Street (between Tasker and Morris) to experience The Miracle on South 13th Street. From 5-10 pm each day, the block lights up for the enjoyment of visitors from around the corner and from outside of the city. If you have never seen this miracle, make this the year for extra-special magic in the city. Viewing is free!
Winter in Franklin Square Park: Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Philadelphia
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 holiday light display for free. Weather permitting, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show will be on display from 5- 9 pm, November 16 – February 26th (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas), and for the first time, the lights will remain lit until the end of February (but without the show). 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
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 holiday lights. It is that easy…and that magical. Happy Holidays!
If you are interested in a little Pennsylvania road trip to see the holiday lights, check out this itinerary from PA Bucket List here.
Read our post about Holiday Train Rides to make more amazing holiday memories!
Updated November 2022
Photo courtesy of Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular