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Each year, Franklin Square gets a festive makeover with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights, special events and more for Holidays in Franklin Square.
The festival of lights’ centerpiece attraction — the Electrical Spectacle Light Show — shines brighter than ever for 2026, closing out the park’s year-long 20th anniversary celebrations.
Under the technicolor glow, you can explore Franklin Square’s other wintry activities, like the Parx Liberty Carousel, the Chilly Philly Mini Golf course and street curling. Or enjoy festive pay-as-you-go eats and seasonal events.
Read on for the top can’t-miss experiences at Holidays in Franklin Square, running from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
Featuring more lights than ever before, the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show is the heart of Franklin Square’s holiday festivities.
An ode to Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite-and-key lightning experiment, a glowing kite hovers above the square’s centerpiece fountain as thousands more LEDs illuminate the park every 30 minutes, dancing to a seasonal soundtrack featuring Mariah Carey, the Philly Pops and more.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Adding to Franklin Square’s charm is a full calendar of special events and performances.
Little ones can plead their case to Santa in person with Jingle and Mingle meet and greets (select dates November 27 to December 19, 2026) or a ticketed holiday-themed storytime (December 19, 2026). Pet-parents can even introduce their favorite-legged friend to Father Christmas during a pet-friendly Santa appearance (December 12, 2026).
— Photo by J. Fusco
Other 2026 events include:
Check out the full event lineup on the official website.
Enjoy the colorful lights and classic holiday tunes as you go round (and round and round) on the Parx Liberty Carousel.
Gather a team, channel your inner Olympian and push your stones to glory with street curling — no experience or ice required! Curling rinks must be rented in advance.
Nope! It’s a great destination for date night mini-golf and game night with friends. (Street curling, anyone?)
Yes! Unwind next to a toasty fire pit or inside the heated tent — with a festive drink in hand — at the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge. Or stop by Squareburger for Wagyu hot dogs and chili bread bowls.
No! Holidays in Franklin Square is totally free to enter. Refreshments and attractions are pay as you go, and select seasonal events have a small cost.
Located near the northeast edge of Chinatown, Franklin Square is super accessible via public transportation, including SEPTA’s Route 47, 48 and 57 buses, the Chinatown station on the B3 Broad-Ridge Spur subway line, and the Regional Rail’s Jefferson Station stop. Coming from New Jersey? The PATCO Speedline’s Franklin Square Station drops you off at the attraction.
Folks looking to drive can also find several nearby parking garages and surface lots. Pro tip: Look for street parking along Race Street.
Holidays in Franklin Square is open daily from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day — and with early closure on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Seasonal fun continues with the attraction’s Winter in Franklin Square celebration, running from January 7 through February 28, 2027.
For more info about Holidays in Franklin Square, including hours and attraction pricing, click the button below.
Think Philadelphia’s holiday happenings end here? Ho ho no! The City of Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection and Holiday Cheer has a jam-packed lineup of festivals, light shows and more planned across the region.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Check out our guide to all of the ways Greater Philadelphia celebrates the most wonderful time of year.
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Take your Philadelphia trip to the next level with the Visit Philly Overnight Package, offering you free hotel parking for one- or two-night stays at nearly 40 participating hotels.
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