Though holiday music has been playing for days and true Christmas fanatics have long-since decorated, the Thanksgiving holiday is the real start to the holiday season and here in Philly there is so much going on to celebrate the occasion!
Opening Day of Macy’s Christmas Light Show
November 24 – Macy’s Center City
The Macy’s Christmas Light show has been a holiday tradition for decades in Philadelphia and features over 34,000 LED lights and the famous organ purchased by John Wanamaker in 1909. This free music and lights show will run through December 31st and can be seen every two hours, on the hour, starting at 10am with the last show at 8pm. While at the store be sure to check out the Dicken’s Village display and of course the holiday shopping deals! Be advised that the store is closed on Christmas day. For more information click here.
Santa Express
November 24 10am-noon – Septa trains from around the region ending at Dilworth Park
For 27-years Septa has been kicking off the holiday season by running the Santa Express, a few train lines that bring the young and old in from all parts of the region to see Santa and enjoy the spirit of the season. For more information and to find out where to catch the trains click here!
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
November 24 5pm – Philadelphia City Hall
November 25th 5:30pm – Canal View Park, Manayunk
No kick off to the holiday season is complete without a tree lighting and we have two chances to catch just that here in the Philadelphia area. On Friday you can catch the famous lighting of the official Philadelphia Christmas tree at City hall and as if that wasn’t enough, or if you happen to miss it you can see the lighting of Manayunk’s official tree on Saturday. Click here for all the holiday goings-on in Manayunk and click here for more information on the Philadelphia tree lighting ceremony!