Copied to Clipboard
Winter in Franklin Square
Decked in stunning holiday lights, Winter in Franklin Square sparks festive wonder and cheer all season long.
By day, the sun shines on the year-round park’s playgrounds and family-friendly features.
And by night, the all-ages attraction hits a switch and shimmers with hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights.
The free Electrical Spectacle Light Show captivates guests with a twinkling light display inspired by the square’s namesake Founding Father and set to holiday classics by global superstars (Mariah Carey) and local icons (The Philly POPS and … Jason Kelce!?).
Under that technicolor glow, you can explore the park’s other wintery activities. Take a spin around the Parx Liberty Carousel, putt a few rounds on the Chilly Philly Mini Golf course, or try your hand at street curling (no ice or experience required!).
The season also promises a ton of special events, including elfie-selfies with Santa, a Hanukkah celebration and Kwanzaa festivities, plus your fill of pay-as-you-go bites and sips around the fire pits.
Winter in Franklin Square runs from November 21, 2024 to February 23, 2025.
Every year, Franklin Square — one of William Penn’s original five city squares — gets a festive makeover with thousands of sparkling lights, special events and more.
New for 2024: The park’s magical, musical light show shines brighter than ever with more lights and a brand-new song by The Philly Specials (featuring some of your favorite Philadelphia Eagles).
Winter in Franklin Square’s signature attraction is the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, illuminating the historic park nightly with hundreds of thousands of colorful lights.
An ode to Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite-and-key lightning experiment, an enormous illuminated kite hovers above the square’s centerpiece fountain, surrounded by dancing LED lights, illuminating the park.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
This year’s light show soundtrack features seven seasonal standards, including Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano, All I Want for Christmas as You by Mariah Carey and an extra-special, extra-Philly rendition of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials, the multi-talented trio of Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and recently retired Jason Kelce.
The show runs every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until closing through January 5, 2025.
Beginning January 9, 2025, the show features the song Winter Wonderland by Johnny Mathis and run every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday (weather permitting).
Parx Liberty Carousel
Take a spin on the Parx Liberty Carousel and enjoy the colorful lights and classic holiday tunes as you go round (and round and round). Tickets are required (open daily).
Street Curling
Gather a team, channel your inner Olympian and push your stones to glory with Street Curling! Curling rinks must be rented in advance and tickets are required (November 21, 2024 through February 23, 2025).
Chilly Philly Mini-Golf
Center City’s only outdoor mini-golf course showcases 18 holes of festive lights, holiday music, winter characters and iconic Philly landmarks during Chilly Philly Mini Golf (November 21, 2024 through January 26, 2025).
Then, the fun continues in February with Philly Mini Golf with Love (February 1 to 23, 2025). Tickets are required for both.
Unwind next to a toasty fire pit or inside the heated tent with a festive cocktail in-hand at Ben On the Rocks. Or hop over to SquareBurger to chow down on classic comfort foods.
As part of Winter in Franklin Square, the park celebrates the season with an exciting lineup of family-friendly events, including:
Keep an eye on Franklin Square’s official site for more details and other happenings.
Winter in Franklin Square is free to attend. Refreshments, mini-golf, street curling and carousel rides are all pay as you go, and select seasonal events have a small cost.
Franklin Square is in Philadelphia’s Historic District near the northeast edge of Chinatown (and is conveniently located near many of the city’s other top holiday attractions).
This holiday season, Franklin Square is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Franklin Square is super accessible via public transportation, including SEPTA’s Route No. 47 bus and the Chinatown station on the Market-Frankford subway line. Folks looking to drive can also find several nearby parking garages and surface lots.
For more info about Winter 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
Check out our guide to all of the ways Greater Philadelphia celebrates the most wonderful time of year.
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?