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Feature Published on November 15, 2024

Philly's Holiday Tree Arrives This December with Three Days of Festive Programming

Enjoy the holiday season's arrival with a suite of merry events from December 5 to 7, 2024...

Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia
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Overview

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.

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 over 6,000 pure white LED lights, plus 100 stunning meteor lights. The massive Abie 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 in multiple languages, representing Philadelphia’s diverse community.

This year, the City of Brotherly Love marks the arrival of the holiday tree and holiday season with a full weekend of free events from December 5 to 7, 2024.

6abc presents: The City of Philadelphia’s Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 6-8 p.m.

The holiday season at City Hall commences with music, giveaways and tons of cheer during the annual City of Philadelphia Holiday Tree Lighting.

Head to the north side of City Hall early for the 6 p.m. pre-show performances featuring the musical talents of local students, Mr. Hollywood DJ and the award-winning cast of STOMP (offering a preview of the upcoming shows at the Miller Theater).

People look at a massive Christmas Tree outside of City Hall. The tree is decorated with colorful string lights and ornaments, and topped with a Liberty Bell. People look at a massive Christmas Tree outside of City Hall. The tree is decorated with colorful string lights and ornaments, and topped with a Liberty Bell.

  — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

At 7 p.m. sharp, the city flips the switch on the massive holiday tree’s over 6,000 shimmering bulbs — the most ever — for all of Philadelphia to see.

The celebration continues with performances by both Grammy-nominated R&B songstress Keyshia Cole and Liamani, the 16-year-old star of Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

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Holiday Happy Hour at the Wawa Holiday Plaza

Friday, December 6, 2024 | 5-9 p.m.

All this holiday fun deserves a toast. The next night, Tito’s Vodka hosts a special holiday happy hour — featuring festive cocktails, food trucks, photo ops and ticket giveaways to the Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature light display — at the Wawa Holiday Plaza on the north side of City Hall.

The glowing lights and holiday-themed sips keep your body warm and your spirits high while musical artists curated by Philadelphia’s own Chill Moody hit the stage.

Santa Stroll at the Comcast Center Plaza and the Wawa Holiday Plaza

Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 3-4 p.m.

Trade in the mall for city hall! Santa Claus stops by the Comcast Center Plaza (1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard) and the Wawa Holiday Plaza )on the north side of City Hall) for meet-and-greets with the kiddos and free photos.

Deck the Paws at the Wawa Holiday Plaza

Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Noon – 4 p.m.

Looking for festive fun for your four-legged friend?

Dress Fido up in his finest holiday wear and head to the Philly Holiday Tree for a Christmas card-worthy photo op, plus a pop-up cocktail garden with games, cocktail samples, holiday giveaways and music by Mr. Hollywood DJ.

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