Posted in Philadelphia
December 01, 2017
The Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Philadelphia That’s Nothing Short Of Magical
Now that Thanksgiving is over, Philadelphians can finally focus on the winter holidays! To many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and they show it by decking the halls with bright and sparkly lights. If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, gather a few friends and your Michael Bublé or Butch Walker Christmas CD and get ready for an evening of ooh and aahs.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Click HERE for an interactive map to guide you on your journey!
South Philly is full of pretty light displays, but none are so impressive as the Smedley Street Christmas Lights Spectacular. This block of homes has been decorating for years, and they seem to get bigger and brighter every year.
2700 Block of Smedley Street, Between 16th & 17th Streets and Moyamensing & Oregon Avenues.
2700 Block of Smedley Street, Between 16th & 17th Streets and Moyamensing & Oregon Avenues.
The Miracle on South 13th Street is another amazing South Philly light display. Check out row home after row home all decked out in bright, colorful christmas lights. The whole block really gets into the spirit of the holidays!
1600 S 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
1600 S 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
Macy's Holiday Light Show is one of the best around. Enjoy the feeling of an old fashioned Christmas as you walk through the historic Wanamaker Building, hear the organ play, and enjoy the lights dancing in time to the music.
Macy's, 1300 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Macy's, 1300 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
The sparkliest street in Philadelphia gets even brighter during the Holidays. Enjoy shopping along Jeweler's Row between the light displays and holiday decorations.
Jewelers Row, S 7th St & Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Jewelers Row, S 7th St & Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Winterfest at Penn's Landing is one of the best times of the year! Enjoy ice skating, spiked hot cider, and more Christmas Lights than you can imagine as you wander around this happy little holiday pop-up.
Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA
Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, PA
Franklin Square's holiday light display is so bright, you can see it for blocks away! This is a favorite stop for families, as Santa often makes an appearance and the carousel is always running.
Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
South Philly isn't the only spirited neighborhood! The folks on Greeby Street have been going all out when it comes to Christmas Lights for years. Each year the display is bigger than the last!
4200 Greeby St., Philadelphia, PA 19135
4200 Greeby St., Philadelphia, PA 19135
The Holiday Garden Railroad is a sight to see! A quarter mile of track featuring fifteen different rail lines, a trestle bridge you can walk under, surrounded by displays that are made entirely with natural materials makes this one of the most impressive things you'll see this winter. Visit the Morris Arboretum website for information about the display, which is open daily from now until December 31st.
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, 100 E Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, 100 E Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Boathouse Row is probably the best-known of the Philadelphia Christmas Light displays. For generations, the Boathouses along the Schuylkill have been adding a little holiday cheer to commuters stuck in traffic on I-76.
Boathouse Row, 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Boathouse Row, 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
City Hall is the center of Philadelphia's holiday festivities, with Christmas Village on one side and Dilworth Park on the other. Enjoy the Deck the Hall light show, ice skating, a giant Christmas Tree, and plenty of holiday lights that sparkle through the night.
Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
These local displays are impressive, but nothing quite lives up to Longwood Gardens, which is only a short drive away and home to more lights and Christmas displays than you ever thought possible. If you’ve got an free day to dedicate to a full trip, This Winter Walk Near Philadelphia That Will Positively Enchant You.
