2024 Guide to the Macy's Light Show & Dickens Village in Philly | Visit Philadelphia

Nov 08, 2024

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Christmas Light Show & Dickens Village

Cue the nostalgia.

Dating back more than seven decades, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City is one of Philadelphia’s oldest and brightest family traditions.

The free light show features classic songs and stories illuminated with over 100,000 colorful lights and backed by the sounds of the massive Wanamaker Organ, one of the largest and most famous pipe organs in the world.

For 2024, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show runs daily at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Upstairs, guests can step into an immersive retelling of the classic tale A Christmas Carol and pay Santa Claus a visit at Dickens Village. Outside the store, Macy’s famous illuminated holiday window displays welcome guests and Center City visitors alike.

The Macy’s Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village runs from November 29 through December 31, 2024, while the holiday window displays debut on November 11, 2024.

An iconic holiday destination housed inside the historic Wanamaker Building, Macy’s Center City offers Philadelphia residents and travelers more than stocking stuffers and gifts this holiday season.

Gather ’round the iconic bronze Eagle and look up. Macy’s famous Christmas Light Show first debuted in 1956 and returns for another magical season from November 29 through December 31, 2024.

Set in The Grand Court, the daily show features a free light show of twinkling snowflakes, dancing snowmen and more, with classic songs backed by the famed Wanamaker Organ.

— Photo courtesy Macy's

Another Philadelphia holiday tradition, the vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol returns from November 29 through December 31, 2024.

The immersive village — which, like the Christmas Light Show, is free — occupies the third floor of Macy’s with entry available by advance reservation only. (Scrooges welcome!)

Set in 19th-century London and featuring a cast of over 100 figurines, Dickens Village follows the spellbinding journey of a certain Ebenezer Scrooge.

— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

And if that’s not enough holly jolly, guests who select the “Santa with Dickens Village” option when making a reservation can visit the big guy in his office — and even snag a photo with him.

Depending on your vision of Saint Nick, different shades of Santa make an appearance on different days, with Black Santa arriving on Thursdays & Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Saturdays & Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Macy’s has been wowing crowds with its elaborate holiday window displays and celebrations since the early 1870s.

The first department store to feature holiday windows, Macy’s continues this joyful tradition with gorgeously decorated and illuminated windows showcasing holiday scenes. In past years, the windows have been constructed of materials including gingerbread, yarn, flannel and wood, and move to the tune of favorite holiday hits.

Enjoy the festively dressed windows beginning on November 11, 2024.

Located in the heart of Center City (and only a snowball’s throw away from plenty of must-see Philly holiday attractions), the Christmas Light Show couldn’t be easier to get to on public transportation.

SEPTA has several public transit routes that’ll leave you right next to Macy’s Center City. Options include the Jefferson Station stop on the Regional Rail, the 13th Street Station stop on the Market-Frankfrod Line, the City Hall Station stop on the Broad Street Line, and countless trolley and bus routes.

Those arriving by sleigh can also find several public garages and surface lots located near Macy’s Center City offering paid parking.

For more information about the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City, click the button below.

For all the holiday spirits, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show is located in potentially one of the most festive square miles in Philadelphia, right around the corner from several other Center City holiday attractions.

At LOVE Park and Philadelphia’s City Hall, Christmas Village in Philadelphia features a Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, tasty German treats and more than 120 vendors in rustic wooden cottages (with shops now open later in the evening). On sale: ornaments, accessories, handmade toys, high-quality arts and crafts, wintry apparel, and much more.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy Christmas Village

Also at City Hall, Winter at Dilworth Park offers four separate holiday attractions. Lace up and glide around the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink; stroll through the illuminated Wintergarden; shop local at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; or relax by the firepits and enjoy seasonal drinks in the chalet-style Rothman Orthopedics Cabin.

A short walk east, Winter in Franklin Square programming offers festive events and winter games. This year’s attractions include the Ben Franklin-inspired Electrical Spectacle Light Show, an 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course packed with iconic winter characters, and street curling.

Winter in Franklin Square — Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

For more holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia, click the button below.

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?