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Philadelphia has a long and storied tradition of spreading holiday magic through events, light displays and attractions that have been family traditions for decades, from bustling annual holiday markets to the 70-year-old light show at Macy’s.
But each year, new and upgraded favorites spring up across the region, adding new traditions — including new holiday light shows, new shopping experiences and new festive events — to time-honored staples.
If you were a fan of Yuletide at Devon, you’ll love Yuletide at Liberty Hill, the attraction’s new location in Lafayette Hill. Offered for the first time: ice skating on a 6,000-square-foot rink through an enchanted forest lit by hundreds of Christmas trees. (Note that tickets, which include skate rental, are required.) Finish your holiday shopping with over 30 high-end boutique vendors at the market shop, take unlimited free spins on the 65-foot Ferris wheel and other rides, and grab free pics with Santa.
Where: Union League of Philadelphia Liberty Hill, 800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA
The beloved winter wonderland is back at Longwood Gardens during A Longwood Christmas, named the nation’s Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. This year, the half-million twinkling lights, seasonally decorated plants, fire pits, carolers, the festive outdoor railway and the famous fountains are enhanced by the new spaces of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience — a sweeping transformation of Longwood’s core conservatory area opening the same day. View the holiday-enhanced beauty from the new 32,000-square-foot floating West Conservatory and across imaginative new landscapes. Pro tip: Don’t miss the new Taste of Christmas menu in The Fountain Room.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
As far as beloved Philly holiday traditions go, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular ranks up there with the best of them. This year, make it a double-header and catch DreamWorks Shrek’s Festive Flight, a brand-new short film featuring popular Shrek characters and screening in the Universal Sphere, the free and immersive cinematic experience located in the adjacent Comcast Technology Center. Shows run every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on most days, with adjusted hours on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and January 2 and 3, 2025.
Where: Comcast Technology Center, 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia may just be the holiday craft and gift market capital of America. And since you can never have too many festive yuletide bazaars, the region is proud to welcome a brand new-entry with the inaugural Oaks Christmas Market at the Valley Forge area’s Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. This event at the area’s second-largest convention center will host over 300 crafters and vendors in Hall C for a small $5 admission, with free parking.
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA
Throw your hands in the air and raise the roof as DJ Mickey and friends spin, scratch and remix beloved Disney songs when Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Dance comes to Wells Fargo Center to extend the holidays. Experience colorful and interactive Disney worlds while popular characters like Moana, Simba and Elsa skate and dance to the high-energy beats. Witness virtuoso figure skating, thrilling stunts and high-flying acrobatics performed to a playlist of your favorite tunes with character cameos from Wish, Frozen 2, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and more.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
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?