Feature Last updated on November 18, 2025

Philadelphia Holiday Tree Lighting 2025: Date, Time, Performances & What to Expect

Enjoy the holiday season's arrival with the annual tree lighting at Philadelphia’s City Hall …

Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia

What is the Philly Holiday Tree?

Between Christmas Village in Philadelphia and Winter in Dilworth Park programming, City Hall becomes a must-visit hub of holiday activity each season. But the festive destination’s seasonal transformation wouldn’t be complete without its dazzling centerpiece: the Philly Holiday Tree presented by Visit Philadelphia.

Towering above Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Avenue on the north side of City Hall, the 50-foot-tall Philly Holiday Tree is decorated with more than 6,000 pure white and color LED lights, plus 100 stunning meteor lights. The massive concolor/white fir is supported by a custom-made base adorned with the Philly skyline.

And, if you listen closely, you’ll notice the base playing classic seasonal songs and holiday messages of “joy” and “love” in multiple languages, representing Philadelphia’s diverse community.

When is the tree lighting?

This year, the City of Brotherly Love marks the arrival of the holiday tree and holiday season with the tree lighting and festivities on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the tree lighting, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the decked-out holiday tree through Thursday, January 1, 2026.

The Comcast Center will host Santa on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

What can I expect at the tree lighting?

Philly’s tree-lighting celebration commences each year with music, giveaways and tons of cheer during the annual City of Philadelphia Holiday Tree Lighting. 6ABC’s Cecily Tynan and Rick Williams host the show again this year.

Head to the north side of City Hall early for the 6 p.m. pre-show performances and plenty of giveaways. Be in place to watch the tree light up by 6:45 p.m., because at 7 p.m. sharp, the city flips the switch on the massive holiday tree’s 6,000 shimmering bulbs for all of Philadelphia to see.

The celebration features a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Ashanti, as well as artist Lalah Hathaway, Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan, the Philadelphia Girls Choir, Lauren Talese and iHeartRadio’s DJ Nico.

Can’t make it to the tree lighting? You can watch the festivities on on 6ABC or online.

What else can I do during the tree lighting?

In addition to the performances, there are tons of prizes and freebies.

The Philadelphia Zoo will be spinning a prize wheel with chances to win tickets to LumiNature or passes to ride on the new 110-foot-tall Pherris Wheel.

Other activities include Philadelphia International Airport’s Free Photos with PHL, featuring a festive backdrop and travel-themed props, perfect for those holiday cards. F1 Arcade will have swag and interactive fun. And Wonder will be giving out free hot apple cider and gift cards.

Still need tickets to a holiday show? Ensemble Arts Philly will be giving away prizes, including tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze, coming to the Miller Theater in December.

A fun bonus: Enjoy free hot chocolate courtesy of the Second Alarmers.

What’s the tree’s history?

This year’s tree arrived via crane on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from L.R. Stutzman & Sons in Hornell, NY. It took four crew members about one week to tie the tree from top to bottom to prepare it for its journey.

The 75-year-old concolor/white fir tree rises 50 feet tall and has a circumference of about 75 feet.

Where can I find Santa this year?

The Big Guy will take a break from holiday toy-making festivities to make a stop at the Comcast Center Plaza (1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard) on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kids can pose with Santa for a free photo (and share all of those wish lists!) at the holiday gathering. Afterward, families can create holiday crafts and ornaments while listening to some tunes by Mr. Hollywood DJ (from noon to 2 p.m.).

There will be vendors aplenty at The Concourse at the Comcast Center, where guests can pick up some holiday gifts and essentials, including specials at Termini Brothers Bakery and Pagano’s Market.

While you’re there, visitors can also check out the free, 15-minute Comcast Holiday Spectacular. And DreamWorks Shrek’s Festive Flight is just next door at the Universal Sphere.