Must-See Holiday Attractions in Philadelphia for 2024 | Visit Philadelphia

Oct 21, 2024

Copied to Clipboard

Looking for holiday spirit? You’re in the right place, my festive friend. Philly knows a little something about Christmas magic and Yuletide cheer.

From the waterfront to the countryside, Philadelphia offers holiday happenings and seasonal celebrations from November through December.

The city and region certainly have no shortage of fairy lights and evergreens, as dazzling light displays set the region aglow each year. Just beyond the city limits, explore a golf course-turned-winter wonderland at Yuletide at Liberty Hill.

Or hop into a charming wagon and watch Christmas carols, characters, and more come to life at the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm.

Even the Philadelphia Zoo and Elmwood Park Zoo get the holiday treatment with their LumiNature and Wild Lights displays.

And, for those in the giving spirit, holiday shopping abounds at winter markets like the Christmas Village at LOVE Park.

An important note: This list is an accurate reflection, as of publication date, of what’s been officially announced and made publicly available for the 2024 holiday season so far. Holiday attractions and events are announced all season long, so stay tuned for info on more great holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia (think: the Macy’s Holiday Light Show, etc.), which we’ll add to this list as they’re officially announced.

Read on for Greater Philadelphia’s must-see holiday attractions in 2024.

With more than 60 specialty shops perfect for holiday shopping, picturesque Peddler’s Village rings in the holiday season with festive events and plenty of decorations. The celebration starts with Holiday Kickoff Weekend (November 15 to 17, 2024) featuring live performances, pay-as-you-go food and drink, and a Grand Illumination celebration (November 15, 2024) where the village is set aglow with 1 million twinkling lights. Plus, don’t miss the Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025), featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free, and Holly Jolly Weekend (December 7 to 8, 2024), with two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades.

Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska

November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (select dates)

There are only two Sesame Street theme parks in the world — and one of them is right in Bucks County. With its sister park far away in sadly unseasonal San Diego, Langhorne’s Sesame Place is the only true wintry locale for enjoying some holiday fun with Elmo and friends.

Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

November 21, 2024 – January 4, 2025 (select dates)

The immersive LumiNature display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a multimedia spectacular with 16 zones illuminated with a million twinkling lights. While the animals sleep, humans can ride the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train under a canopy of lights, go on a scavenger hunt or walk through a 100-foot long lighted jungle tunnel. Don’t pass up that perfect selfie in front of a 22-foot tall butterfly tree, a 40-foot tall glowing penguin and the new sparkling waterfall of lights. Top it off with seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages. Tickets are required.

Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue

November 22 – December 30, 2024 (select dates)

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Why not make a few more furry friends this holiday season? Norristown’s Elmwood Park Zoo shines (quite literally) during the holiday season, with millions of LED lights illuminating the Montco attraction’s 16 acres during Wild Lights. The walk-through experience features brilliant light displays, live entertainment, animal meet-and-greets and photo ops with characters and Mr. Claus during the evening hours. Tickets are required.

Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown

November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (select dates)

A European Christmas market, a live music festival or a community carnival … which do you choose? You don’t have to pick just one thanks to this gorgeous Yuletide celebration. This picturesque holiday attraction transforms the sprawling grounds of the Union League Liberty Hill golf course into a literal winter wonderland with free fair rides (including a giant Ferris wheel), an ice skating rink (requires an additional cost), lots of live music, craft drinks (hot chocolate, cocktails and more), locally sourced eats, and over 30 high-end holiday fair vendors. Tickets are required.

Where: Union League Liberty Hill, 800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill

Half a million twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas, named the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights for four years by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Visitors can stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens — now even more spectacular across the brand-new spaces of Longwood Reimagined — to marvel at miles of lights glowing in the trees, seasonal plants decorated with ornaments, a festive outdoor railway, cozy fire pits and the famous colorful fountains dancing to holiday music.

Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

Every year, LOVE Park transforms into the open-air Bavarian holiday marketplace Christmas Village in Philadelphia. In years past, dozens of vendors have set up in wooden stalls offering gifts, ornaments, accessories and wintry apparel, along with tasty treats like raclette sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels and more. Stay tuned for more info about this year’s

Where: LOVE Park, 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard

Millions of twinkling lights illuminate the night at this rolling Bucks County farm. Take in the show from the comfort of your car or in the open air while snuggled up in a wagon with loved ones (weather permitting, tickets are required). After taking in the whimsical light displays, be sure to stop by Santa’s Village for some face-time with the big man and to warm up with festive drinks and snacks by the firepits.

Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley

The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.

Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.

Which will you choose?