Travel Responsibly: As the region recovers from COVID-19, safety guidelines have evolved at attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels. Philadelphia requires masks or proof of vaccination at all indoor public spaces. Advance tickets or reservations remain recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City
A nostalgic family holiday experience, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City is a Philadelphia tradition that dates back more than half a century.
Voiced by none other than Julie Andrews, the free show — running from December 1-31, 2021 — features classic songs and stories like The Nutcracker and Frosty the Snowman illuminated by 100,000 lights and backed by the sounds of the famous Wanamaker Organ, one of the largest in the world.
For 2021, the show runs once a day, at 10:30 a.m. from December 1-24, 2021, then at 11:30 a.m. from December 25-31, 2021.
Macy’s visitors can also explore the by-reservation-only animatronic fun that is Dickens Village, a 6,000-square-foot retelling of the Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, from November 26 to December 31, 2021.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Macy’s Center City — housed in the Wanamaker Building, a National Historic Landmark — is once again inviting visitors to enjoy the famous Christmas Light Show after moving festivities online for 2020.
Set in The Grand Court, the show features a 100,000-light show of twinkling snowflakes, dancing snowmen and more, narrated by Julie Andrews and accompanied by the famed Wanamaker Organ.
Free performances of the light show take place once daily for 2021: at 10:30 a.m. beginning December 1 to 24, 2021, and at 11:30 a.m. from December 26 to 31, 2021. No reservations are required.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Folks can also watch the show on demand.
Dickens Village
A(nother) Philadelphia holiday tradition, the vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol is also back for in-person visitors in 2021.
The 6,000-square-foot village — which, like the Christmas Light Show, is free! — occupies Macy’s third floor from November 26 to December 31, 2021.
Note: For 2021, access to Dickens Village is by advance reservation only. Reserve your spot online at Macy’s official site.
Holiday Windows
Macy’s has been wowing crowds with its elaborate holiday window displays and celebrations since the early 1870s.
The first store to feature holiday windows, Macy’s continues this joyful tradition to this day.
Enjoy the festively dressed windows from November 26 to December 31, 2021.
Macy’s Santaland at Home
Families looking forward to their visit with the Big Guy can embark on an interactive digital journey through the story’s reimagined Santaland, with sights and games.
At the finale, kids meet Santa via an interactive video, where they can share their wish list, create a selfie with Santa and download their commemorative photo.
Macy’s Santaland at Home is available online from November 26 to December 31, 2021.
For more information about the holidays at Macy’s Center City, click the button below.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show is just steps away from several other great things to do for the holidays in Center City Philadelphia.
The Winter at Dilworth Park programming offers five holiday attractions just one block from Macy’s on the west side of City Hall. Guests can stroll through the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn; cruise around the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink; relax with drinks and snacks in the Rothman Orthopedics Cabin; shop the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; and take in the free Deck the Hall Light Show.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia's LOVE Park — Photo courtesy Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Christmas Village in Philadelphia is also based at City Hall, as well as nearby LOVE Park. Folks can check out the Visit Philadelphia Holiday Tree, a Ferris wheel, a kiddie train and an upgraded double-decker carousel, plus even more shops and a new German beer garden in the City Hall courtyard.
For a complete guide to the must-see holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia, click the button below.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package for a rewarding getaway in one of 2021’s top destinations, per Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, Esquire and more.
The exclusive deal — booked more than 175,000 times since 2001 — includes buy-one-get-one-free attraction tickets purchased at the Independence Visitor Center to 33 of Philly’s iconic museums and attractions and free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia).
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