The Scope
Don't let the chilly weather keep you inside: Philadelphia is truly alive when the temperature drops! From dazzling light displays that transform historic landmarks to festive markets brimming with holiday cheer, the city offers a unique blend of timeless tradition and seasonal joy. Whether you're looking for the perfect Instagram moment, a unique shopping experience, or a way to warm your heart with the spirit of the season, Philly has an unforgettable winter adventure waiting for you. Here are some of the must-see attractions that make Philadelphia the ultimate winter destination.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia at Love Park and City Hall
Starting November 22nd through December 24th, LOVE Park transforms into a magical, open-air Bavarian holiday marketplace for the annual Christmas Village in Philadelphia. This essential winter staple features over 120 vendors housed in charming wooden stalls, offering a selection of holiday gifts, ornaments, and wintry apparel, along with festive treats like raclette sandwiches and spiced wine. This year features a new addition for 2025: a towering 30-foot-tall German Christmas pyramid that illuminates the market.
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo brightens the winter season with LumiNature, a spectacular, nature-inspired light show presented by PNC Bank, running from November 20th to January 3rd. Visitors can experience dazzling displays featuring whimsical wildlife scenes, interact with roaming animal characters, and enjoy festive holiday activities. Visit proceeds support animal conservation efforts worldwide, making it a festive event with a meaningful purpose.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
From November 21st to January 11th, A Longwood Christmas transforms Longwood Gardens into a magnificent wonderland. Nature and elegance intertwine as more than half a million illuminate the outdoor gardens, while opulence awaits inside the conservatories with trees lit in hues of emerald green, ruby red, sapphire, and gilded metallics.
Wanamaker Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village
Step into a half-century-old Philadelphia holiday tradition at the historic Wanamaker Building with the free Christmas light show. More than 100,000 LED lights project snowflakes, ballerinas, and reindeer onto a four-story velvet curtain, set to festive music played on the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ. Upstairs, guests can enjoy another classic: Dickens Village, a 6,000-square-foot walk-through experience that transports visitors back in time to 1840s London.
If there's a perfect season to explore a different side of Philadelphia, it's winter. You get to step back in time at the Dickens Village, see the city sparkle beneath the Wanamaker Light Show, wander through the glowing landscapes of LumiNature and A Longwood Christmas, and find unique treasures at the Christmas Village. Bundle up, grab a spiced wine or hot cocoa, and enjoy the sights and sounds of a quintessential Philly winter.
