Holiday lights near Philadelphia for families (2026)
Checked · Covers Oct 31 – Jan 15 · All times are local Eastern Time
We list 3 holiday light events around Philadelphia for Oct 31 – Jan 15: 3 displays running for weeks and 0 one-night events. Displays that run for weeks come first, then one-night parades and tree lightings around Philadelphia. Popular nights can sell out, so check the official page before you go.
Light displays open for weeks
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
- When
- Thu, Nov 19 – Sat, Jan 9 (Select nights Nov 19 – Jan 9 (closed Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1; open New Year's Eve)) · 5–9pm
- Cost
- Advance online reservations required: general admission $27–31; anytime admission $29–34; parking $22
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
An interactive holiday light experience through the Zoo, with seasonal performances and views from the 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Holidays in Franklin Square
- When
- Thu, Nov 19 – Thu, Dec 31 (Nightly Nov 19 – Jan 3 (closed Nov 26, Dec 25 and Jan 1; closes 8pm Dec 24 and 31)) · 5–9pm
- Cost
- Entry to the Square is free; mini golf, street curling and the carousel need tickets
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Franklin Square turns into a winter wonderland with the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, street curling and seasonal treats. Opening night (Nov 19) has free choir performances, free hot chocolate and cider and the season's first light show at 6:30pm.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 – Sun, Dec 27 (Preview Nov 21–22, then daily from Thanksgiving (Nov 26) through Dec 27) · Sun–Thu noon–8pm; Fri–Sat noon–9pm; Thanksgiving 9am–5pm; Christmas Eve noon–5pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A German-style holiday market of wooden vendor booths and holiday lights, with an illuminated 65-foot Ferris wheel, the double-tier Christmas Village Carousel, the Kids Train and Santa Claus for wish-taking and photos. Rides and food cost extra.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
When do holiday lights open around Philadelphia in 2026?
3 light displays on our list run for weeks: LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia, Nov 19 – Jan 9), Holidays in Franklin Square (Philadelphia, Nov 19 – Dec 31) and Christmas Village in Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Nov 21 – Dec 27).
How much do ticketed light displays near Philadelphia cost?
Prices from the official pages: LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo (Advance online reservations required: general admission $27–31) and Holidays in Franklin Square (Entry to the Square is free). Prices can change by night.
Can kids see Santa at a light display near Philadelphia?
Yes. 1 light event on our list has Santa: Christmas Village in Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Nov 21 – Dec 27). Some charge extra for Santa photos.
Which holiday lights events near Philadelphia need tickets or registration?
1 event on our list says on the official page that it needs advance tickets, timed entry or registration: LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia). Book through each official page.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. An event is called free only when its official page says so. Read how we verify listings.
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