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Wanamaker Light Show & Dickens Village
For generations of Philadelphians, it’s just not the holidays without a trip to the Wanamaker Building (the site of America’s very first department store) and, most recently, Macy’s Center City flagship.
And despite the recent closure of Macy’s, the show must go on.
For over 50 years, dancing snowflakes, snowmen and reindeer — brought to life by hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and a festive soundtrack backed by the world-famous Wanamaker Organ — have brightened the days of holiday revelers during the Wanamaker Light Show (formerly the Macy’s Light Show).
Upstairs, Dickens Village — a 6,000-square-foot animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol — has sparked major levels of holiday-induced nostalgia and warmed even the Scroogiest of hearts.
The beloved family traditions return to their longtime home — with some sparkly new additions — from Black Friday, November 28, 2025 to Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025.
The Wanamaker Light Show is free to attend, no tickets required, and runs every hour on the half hour during opening hours, while free timed tickets are required for Dickens Village.
Just a note: This will be your last chance to experience the attractions for a couple of years, as they are set to go on hiatus for the 2026 and 2027 holiday seasons due to construction.
With that out of the way, here’s what to expect:
Classic holiday songs and tales — from Frosty to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to The Nutcracker — come to life high above your head during the Wanamaker Light Show.
The display features twinkling snowflakes, dancing ballerinas and more, illuminated by 100,000 LED lights and synced to festive music and narration. The show is backed by the noted Wanamaker Organ — one of the largest and most famous pipe organs in the world — during select performances.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The legendary show lights up the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building — its home for more than half a century — every hour on the half-hour during the attraction’s operating hours:
No reservations or tickets are required for the free experience.
Dickens Village transports you back in time to 19th-century London and into the imagination of Charles Dickens.
Join notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge for a life-changing journey during this nostalgic animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol.
Featuring a cast of over 100 vintage figurines, the immersive walk-through experience recreates 26 scenes from the timeless story around you and concludes with a visit and photos with Santa Claus himself.
Dickens Village is free to attend, but timed-entry tickets — which are released five days in advance — must be reserved in advance.
The Christmas Village in Philadelphia — an iconic holiday attraction in its own right — debuts a brand-new indoor holiday market in the Wanamaker Building Grand Court.
The curated market features a collection of handmade gifts, artisanal goods and handcrafted art by crafters, designers and makers.
Top off a very merry experience with wintry fare, festive cocktails and craft brews at the cozy Holly and Humbug holiday pop up.
FCM Hospitality — the team behind Philly eateries and seasonal spots, like Liberty Point, Walnut Garden and Rosy’s Taco Bar — creates a holiday food-and-drink experience with a menu ranging from sweet to savory. Dig into smoked turkey legs and Bavarian pretzels, channel your inner Santa with milk and cookies, or get extra festive with Spiced Sangrias and Mistletoe Margaritas.
The holiday attractions at the Wanamaker Building run from November 28 through December 24, 2025.
From November 28 through December 11, 2025, the attractions are open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
From December 12 through December 23, 2025, they are open daily from noon until 8 p.m.
On Christmas Eve, the attractions are open from noon until 4 p.m., closing out the season.
The Light Show, holiday market, and Holly and Humbug! Holiday Pop Up are open to walk-ins.
Free timed tickets are required for Dickens Village.
The experiences are 100% free to attend, though donations are welcome to support the ongoing care and continued presentation of the beloved traditions.
Located in the heart of Center City (and only a snowball’s throw away from plenty of must-see Philly holiday attractions), the holiday attractions at the Wanamaker Building couldn’t be easier to get to on public transportation.
Public transportation options include the SEPTA’s Jefferson Station stop on the Regional Rail, the 13th Street Station stop on the L (Market-Frankford) subway line, the City Hall Station stop on the B (Broad Street) line, and countless trolley and bus routes.
Those arriving by sleigh can also find several public garages and surface lots located nearby offering paid parking.
For more information about the Wanamaker Light Show & Dickens Village, click the button below.
The Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village are located in potentially one of the most festive square miles in Philadelphia, right around the corner from several other Center City holiday attractions.
At LOVE Park and Philadelphia’s City Hall, Christmas Village in Philadelphia features a Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, tasty German treats and more than 120 vendors in rustic wooden cottages. On sale: ornaments, accessories, handmade toys, high-quality arts and crafts, wintry apparel, and much more.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy Christmas Village
Also at City Hall, Winter at Dilworth Park offers four separate holiday attractions. Lace up and glide around the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink; stroll the whimsical topiaries at the illuminated Wintergarden; shop local at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; or enjoy seasonal drinks by the fire pits or inside the newly refreshed chalet-style Rothman Orthopedics Cabin.
Winter at Dilworth Park — Photo courtesy Center City District
For more holiday attractions in Greater Philadelphia, click the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
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