Christmas Light Show & Dickens Village 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 November 25 to December 31, 2022 — 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 2022, the show runs:
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 25 to December 31, 2022.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Macy’s Center City — housed in the Wanamaker Building, a National Historic Landmark — invites visitors to enjoy the famous Christmas Light Show from November 25 to December 31, 2022.
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.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Free performances of the light show take place twice a day — 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. — from Mondays through Thursdays, and five times a day — 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. — from Fridays to Sundays. (Christmas Eve shows run at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.) No reservations are required.
Dickens Village
A(nother) Philadelphia holiday tradition, the vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol is also back for 2022.
The 6,000-square-foot village — which, like the Christmas Light Show, is free! — occupies the third floor of Macy’s from November 26 to December 31, 2022.
For 2022, access to Dickens Village is by advance reservation only. Reserve your spot online at Macy’s official site.
And if that’s not enough holly jolly, guests who select the “Santa with Dickens Village” option when making a reservation can visit the big guy in his office — and even snag a photo with him.
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 — which, for 2022, feature gifts from Macy’s Toys R Us in-store shops — from November 25 to December 31, 2022.
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.
Lastly, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular returns to the Comcast Center, located about a 10-minute walk northwest of Macy’s. This 15-minute annual (and free!) super high-res LED holiday show combines performances from the Philadelphia Ballet with classic holiday songs and a magical sleigh ride over the city. Shows run daily at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with sensory-friendly shows on offer every Thursday and Friday at 2:30 p.m. (and upon request).
For a complete guide to the must-see holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia, click the button below.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
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