As the holiday season descends upon Philadelphia, the Roxborough area comes alive with a spectacular array of festive light displays. Here are the best holiday light shows that will enchant you and your family this year:
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Address: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
When: November 17 – December 31, 2023 (select dates)
Experience the magic of LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, where more than 1 million twinkling lights transform the zoo into a mesmerizing wonderland. This immersive display features 16 illuminated zones, including new additions like a sparkling waterfall and vine wall along Shimmer River. Don’t miss the 25-foot-tall tree made entirely out of 1,500 illuminated lawn flamingos. Get ready to ride the Septa PZ Express train beneath a canopy of 200,000 lights, go on a Nature Blazers Scavenger Hunt, and capture unforgettable moments at various photo ops.
- Interactive Fun: Ride the Septa PZ Express train beneath a canopy of 200,000 lights and embark on a special Nature Blazers Scavenger Hunt powered by TRAKID.
- Photo Opportunities: Snap a selfie in front of a 22-foot-tall butterfly tree covered in 4,000 butterflies, or capture memories at various other photo ops throughout the zoo.
Betsy Ross House Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah At Franklin Square
Address: Starting at 239 Arch Street
When: December 18th, 4:30PM
In partnership with Old City Jewish Arts Center, celebrate Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony. Festivities will include holiday favorites like latkes and jelly donuts. Children can take home a menorah and some Hanukkah gelt while supplies last. Following the Betsy Ross lighting, Old City Jewish Arts Center partners with Historic Philadelphia for a Hanukkah celebration at Franklin Square. OCJAC will distribute menorahs, dreidels and goodies for the children. While you’re there, stick around for the semi-hourly light show around the fountain and other holiday festivities.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Address: LOVE Park, North 15th & Arch streets
When: November 18 – December 24, 2023 (select dates)
Step into a European wonderland at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. This open-air holiday market, located at iconic LOVE Park and City Hall, boasts 120 vendors offering ornaments, jewelry, handmade toys, and arts and crafts. Explore rustic wooden cottages adorned with mesmerizing European-style market lights. Enjoy a ride on the well-lit Ferris wheel, indulge in raclette, and experience the festive atmosphere with live music and events. Christmas Village is open daily from November 23 to December 24, 2023, with a preview weekend on November 18 and 19, 2023.
- European Charm: Modeled after traditional European open-air Christmas markets, Christmas Village offers a range of international holiday gifts from more than 120 vendors.
- Entertainment Galore: Enjoy live music, events, and daily activities, including visits from Kris Kringle himself.
- Enjoy the light show from the giant illuminated ferris wheel or the city’s biggest Christmas tree!
- Family-Friendly Activities: Explore the German food court, ride the double-decker carousel, and marvel at the popular Ferris wheel and Kids Train.
Holiday Garden Railway: Nighttime Express at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Address: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue
When: November 24 – December 30, 2023 (select dates)
Immerse yourself in the Holiday Garden Railway: Nighttime Express at Morris Arboretum & Gardens. G-scale model trains adorned with twinkling lights journey through tunnels and over bridges, passing miniature replicas of beloved Philadelphia landmarks. On select dates, witness this magical experience after dark, with laser lights in the trees and sparkling lights along the railway. Advance tickets are required for this enchanting nighttime adventure.
- Special Evenings: Join the Nighttime Express on select dates, including Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, to witness the railway’s enchantment after dark.
Winter in Franklin Square
Address: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
When: November 16, 2023 – February 25, 2024
Franklin Square shines bright with the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, the highlight of its Winter in Franklin Square festivities. This free nightly show features hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday tunes, including favorites like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad.” The show runs every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until closing. Besides the dazzling lights, enjoy mini-golf, street curling, fire pits, and delectable holiday treats.
Just A Short Drive (Or Train Ride) From Summit Park Communities – Your New Home!
All these remarkable light shows are within easy reach of Summit Park Communities, our neighborhood in the heart of Roxborough. As the lights twinkle and the laughter echoes, we invite you to join us in celebrating the season. Hop on the nearby regional rail line and immerse yourself in the magic that defines our vibrant community.