We can all agree that the best part of the holiday season is the multitude of Christmas light displays in the area. There is nothing like bundling up and driving around your neighborhood to enjoy the many colors and scenes.
Thankfully, there are several other ways to enjoy Christmas light displays near Philadelphia, including several in the city itself! Some of the displays listed below are FREE, while others cost money to enjoy.
It’s hard to visit every display during the Christmas season, but there are some that we never miss. They include the Lightshow at City Hall, Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Drive Thru, and the lights at Longwood Gardens.
No matter what you celebrate in December, everyone can enjoy a beautiful light display. This guide below shares some of the best in and near Philadelphia for 2025. So, let’s start planning!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Awesome Christmas Light Displays in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature
Cost: Tickets start at $22 per person
Starting in November, the Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a gorgeous, glowing walk-through. The displays are inspired by nature and animals and complemented by soothing music.
In addition to the lights, guests are entertained by various performers. There are also several places along the trail to stop and enjoy a snack and a warm beverage.
Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature runs select nights from November 21st until January 4th. Advance reservations are required for entry.
Winter in Franklin Square
Cost: FREE
Every year, Franklin Square, at 6th and Race Streets, gets decked out with more than 200,000 lights to celebrate the season. But that’s not all! The square hosts the fun Electrical Spectacle light show, themed to Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of electricity.
The show begins on November 20th and runs nightly, starting at 5 pm and running every 30 minutes until closing. Don’t sweat if you miss during the holidays. The display typically runs until mid-February, giving you something fun to do during winter in Philadelphia.
While you’re there, take a ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel, or play a round of Chilly Philly mini golf!
Miracle on South 13th
Cost: FREE
Starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the neighbors on the 1600 block of South 13th Street continue the tradition of the “Miracle on South 13th Street“. Each house is decorated in twinkling lights, illuminating the entire street.
Lights are on from 5 pm to 11 pm every day in December. Visit their Facebook page for updates on events like toy and food drives, as well as visits from Santa Claus.
And, of course, always be respectful when visiting. Remember, people live here!
Smedley Christmas Display
Cost: FREE
There’s another festive neighborhood in Philadelphia worth visiting! Every year, the residents of Smedley Street (between Oregon and Moyamensing Avenues in South Philadelphia) not only decorate their homes but also the island in the middle of the road.
The lights go on right after Thanksgiving and stay lit through the New Year. As always, this is a residential neighborhood, so be respectful when visiting!
American Heritage Grand Illumination
Cost: Free
Every year, American Heritage Federal Credit Union lights up its main branch at 2060 Red Lion Road in Northeast Philadelphia with over 400,000 lights and two 40-foot Christmas trees.
You can visit the property for FREE to walk around and enjoy the displays.
To kick off the season, American Heritage hosts a Grand Illumination on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
The event includes a choir, visits with historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, and fireworks!
The Grand Illumination starts at 7 pm. However, the lights are on every night starting at dusk through the New Year.
Jolly Trolley in Manayunk
Cost: FREE
Main Street in Manayunk is gets decked out for the holidays every year starting the weekend before Thanksgiving. And the best way to see those lights is by the FREE Jolly Trolley! While you’re on board, you might even encounter some carolers or Santa himself.
The trolley runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from December 4th through December 20th.
Morris Arboretum Holiday Train
Cost: Included with garden admission during the day; $12/$22 per person for nighttime admission
The Morris Arboretum decorates its Garden Railway in thousands of holiday lights yearly! During the day, visitors to the garden can see the railway lights aglow. But the best time to view them is at night! It’s such a fun and cheerful way to celebrate the holiday season in Philadelphia.
The Holiday Garden Railway is lit from November 22nd through December 30th. Nighttime admission is available Thursday through Sunday in December.
Christmas Light Displays Outside of Philadelphia
Christmas at Colonial
Cost: $13/$15 per person
Every year, Colonial Gardens in Phoenixville transforms its nursery into a gorgeous winter wonderland. Half a million lights decorate its multi-acre walk-through, and some even “dance” to the music.
Hot chocolate, a candy cane, and a meet-and-greet with Santa himself are included with admission. Some nights even feature popular characters. You’ll also receive a commemorative ornament.
Timed tickets are available online. The event runs on select nights from Black Friday through December 27th.
Longwood Gardens
Cost: Tickets start at $25/$45 per person
Every year, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square lights up its 1000-acre property with millions of lights! It’s one of the most popular Christmas light displays near Philadelphia and among the best ways to celebrate the season in the city.
In addition to lights around the property, the famous Garden Railway will be on display. This multi-level miniature railroad features more than 500 feet of track. P
Plenty of food and drinks are available on the property at their café and beer garden.
A Longwood Christmas runs nightly from November 21st through January 11th. Make reservations ahead of time, as this popular event sells out quickly on weekends!
Shady Brook Farm
Cost: Starting at $45 per car
Shady Brook Farm in Yardley has grown its holiday light show to one of the biggest displays in the tri-state area over the last few decades. And every year, they find room to add more lights. This is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Bucks County.
Visitors can drive their own vehicle or take an open-air wagon ride along the 1.25-mile display.
We love the wagon ride because you sit above the cars and have a better view of the lights!
Afterward, guests can walk through Candy Cane Lane and enjoy a cup of cocoa or make s’mores by the many fires they have roaring through the night.
The Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show will open on Saturday, November 22nd, running nightly through January 4th.
Elmwood Park Zoo
Cost: Starting at $13 per person for members and $24 for non-members
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights is one of our favorite Montgomery County holiday events, and they are back again, beginning November 21st, running select nights through December 30th.
The Norristown zoo is lit up with projections, strands of lights, and other fun displays. Food and treats are available for purchase. Some of the animals are still out and about during the event, making it even more fun.
Jenkins Arboretum
Cost: $25 per car for members, $35 per car for non-members
The Jenkins Arboretum in Devon is fun to visit year-round. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Montgomery County. But you don’t want to miss their Luminary Walk in December.
The Luminary Walk will take place on December 12th & 13th. Each night offers two arrival times: 5:00-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:00 pm.
Guests will have plenty of time to walk through the 3000 luminaries and purchase food and beverages during the event. Visit their website to purchase your tickets before they sell out!
Holiday Village Festival of Lights
Cost: FREE
Rose Tree Park at 1671 N Providence Road in Media has been lit up for the holiday season during the month of December for the last four decades, and they are not stopping this year!
The Festival of Lights runs from December 4th to January 3rd. The lights are on from 5 to 10 p.m. every day. The walk is accessible for all, and even leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the lights.
While you’re there, check out the Holiday Village on the Delco Fare & Flair nights, which features local food and gift vendors on select nights in December.
Holiday Light Show at Diggerland
Cost: $38 per car
Diggerland, a construction-themed amusement park in West Berlin, NJ, transforms into a winter wonderland.
The park is decked out for a family-friendly Christmas lights drive-through. Even some of the trucks shine bright! The light show runs select nights from November 14th through January 11th.
After driving through the show, stop by the Fork Lift Café for some treats.
Peddler’s Village
Cost: FREE
Nothing is more magical than walking around millions of Christmas lights while shopping. Every year, Peddler’s Village in Bucks County lights up for the season with beautiful lights and holiday displays.
They kick off the holiday season with the Grand Illumination, the Friday before Thanksgiving (November 14th, for 2025), and keep the lights glowing through mid-January.
They have several fun events throughout the season, including the Holly Jolly Weekend, the first weekend in December, and two weekends of Fire & Frost in January. Stop by after riding a train with Santa in New Hope!
Lehigh Valley Zoo Winter Light Spectacular
Cost: Starting at $16 for non-members and $10 for members
Over 1.2 million lights make the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville shine with holiday fun!
Kids can also meet with Santa and watch performances from some of their favorite princesses. Cozy snacks like hot cocoa and s’mores are available for purchase.
The zoo lights turn on November 14th and run most nights through January 3rd
Carnival of Lights
Cost: Starting at $19/$24 per person
Christmas lights and amusement park rides are perfect for holiday family fun! The Norco Fire Dept. at 144 W. Schuylkill Rd. in Pottstown transforms its premises into a festive holiday wonderland.
Walk through 250,000 holiday lights, ride the Ferris wheel, and eat your favorite carnival treats as you celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family.
Carnival of Lights runs most nights from Black Friday through New Year’s Day, starting at 6 pm.
Tickets include the holiday light walkthrough and unlimited amusement rides. Guests can also purchase pictures with Santa or play carnival games.
There are also special dates, including a spaghetti dinner with Santa on December 13th and a sensory-friendly night on December 17th.
Koziar’s Christmas Village
Cost: Tickets start at $12 per person
In 1948, William Koziar started decorating his property with so many Christmas lights that it became known as the “Christmas House”.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the decorations have expanded into a Christmas Village, attracting visitors from miles away.
Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville opens the first Saturday of November and will run on select nights through January 3rd.
Admission varies by night (prime versus standard). And as it gets closer to Christmas, the places get busier. Visitors report waiting in hours of traffic to reach the Village.
Christmas Spirit Light Show
Cost: Starting at $25 per car
Drive through this one-mile-long light display at Lancaster’s Penn Medicine Park. And on select nights, you can walk through the Christmas Tree Lane on the stadium’s concourse level. There are over 100 fresh-cut trees on display, decorated by local organizations.
Guests will also have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, listen to local choral groups, and indulge in some holiday snacks.
The Christmas Spirit Light Show runs most nights from November 28th through New Year’s Eve.
Herr’s Holiday Lights Display
Cost: FREE
Every year, the Herr’s campus in Nottingham comes to life with over 600,000 lights!
This drive-thru holiday lights display near Philadelphia runs daily from Thanksgiving through the New Year. The lights turn on at 5:00 pm and stay on until 7:00 am.
Christmas on the Mountain
Cost: FREE
Over the past 30 years, the Hillside Playground at 459 N 14th Street in Reading, PA, has been transformed into a winter wonderland of lights. Over 2 million lights, inflatables, and vintage decor bring joy to the neighborhood.
Christmas on the Mountain in Reading is FREE to attend. A concession stand sells hot chocolate and sweet treats. Kids can also meet Santa and share what’s on their Christmas list.
Check the Christmas on the Mountain for updates and 2025 information.
Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill
Cost: FREE
Every year, the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area is decked out in Christmas cheer! The holiday lights feature the beautiful historic buildings and the grounds. There will also be a model train display at the event!
In addition to walking through the lights, visitors can enjoy live music, sit by a warm fire, and savor food and drinks from local food trucks.
Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill runs select nights from December 5th through December 28th.
GLOW at Washington Township
Cost: Starting at $35 per car
Returning for 2025, GLOW at Washington Township combines a drive-through light experience with additional fun. Their Dazzling District includes a Ferris Wheel, a mini light show, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.
You can buy tickets to the drive-through, the Dazzling District, or both. Purchase them online to secure the day and time you want to visit!
GLOW runs nightly from November 28th through January 4th.
The Village at Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
Cost: Starting at $14/$24
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm in Manalapan, NJ, offers a unique holiday experience with a Christmas Village and hayride. A winding pathway illuminated with thousands of lights weaves through the village, where you write a letter to Santa or stop in our amazing life-sized gingerbread house and igloo.
The Village at Anne Ellen runs most nights from November 8th through December 30th. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Cost: Starting at $22.95 per person
DiDonato Family Fun Center in Hammonton, NJ, transforms into a winter wonderland as the Rolling Railway travels through the millions of lights.
But the Magical Holiday Express isn’t the only thing included with your ticket to the fun! There are meet-and-greets with elves, Santa, a friendly snowman, treats, toys, and even bowling!
The Magical Holiday Express runs Friday – Sunday, November 15th -30th, and every day from December 3rd through the 23rd. Purchase your tickets online to guarantee admission.
Lights in the Parkway
Cost: $16 per vehicle
This is Allentown’s 28th year of Lights in the Parkway. A mile of Lehigh Parkway is transformed with thousands of lights that you can drive through.
Ticket proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations.
The lights turn on November 28th and run through January 5th. Purchase your tickets online for the date you want to drive through.
You can also participate in “Move It Mondays” and walk, run, or ride your bike through the lights from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm for FREE. No reservations required.
Yeagers Farm
Cost: $29 per car
Drive along a 1.1-mile route through a Christmas tree farm lit up with tens of thousands of lights! Yeagers Farm in Phoenixville, PA, offers families the chance to cut down their Christmas tree by day and enjoy festive fun by night.
The light show starts on November 28th and runs Thursday – Sunday until December 30th (plus the 22nd and 23rd). Purchase your tickets ahead of time on their website.
Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms
Cost: $17-$20 per person
One of the largest flower farms in New Jersey is transforming itself into a winter wonderland this year! With millions of lights, 50,000 glowing tulips, tons of photo ops, and even a snowball pit, Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, NJ, is the place to be this holiday season. They’ve even added a music and light show at the incredible windmill!
There are special events, including a drone show on December 18th, 19th, and 20th, disco nights on December 12th & 13th, and character meets every Friday and Saturday night in December.
Snacks, hot chocolate, and holiday cocktails are available for purchase.
This Winter Wonderland runs nightly from November 21st until January 4th. Purchase your tickets online ahead of time.
Illumination at Coca-Cola Park
Cost: $11-$13 per person
The home of the Iron Pigs is transformed for the holiday season with 1.5 million holiday lights. Enjoy walking around the ballpark and take in a synchronized musical light show.
You can also ride Santa’s Polar Express Train, ride the carousel, or try out curling (additional fee). Want to be cozy and warm? Rent an igloo for the evening!
Illumination begins November 14th and is open most nights through January 3rd.
Other Christmas Fun Near Philadelphia
The Philadelphia area offers so much to do during the holiday season, it’s hard to keep up!
Some of our favorite ways to spend Christmas in Philadelphia include visiting the Christmas Village in LOVE Park and the Christmas Carol walk-through in Macy’s.
There are many ways to enjoy the holidays in Bucks County, such as Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor or a visit to the beautifully decorated Fonthill Castle in Doylestown.
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