Free Philadelphia Christmas Events
The holidays can be a lot of fun. The main issue is that budgets often get thrown out the window. Don’t let the costs get you down. Check out these free things to do in Philadelphia.
Remember to verify all event details on official websites before visiting in case any changes have been made. I put links to the different websites in my event descriptions below.
While I currently live in New Jersey there were years where I lived in Philadelphia as well. Philadelphia is a destination that is full of Christmas magic. Be sure to pay it a visit!
Philadelphia
I went to Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia for my undergraduate years. I also know friends and family who have lived in and around Philadelphia. Philadelphia can truly be a magical place around the holidays.
One of my most magical memories was walking around the snow covered streets in Center City with my husband when we were dating. This was after the record breaking snowfall of 23.2 inches in December of 2009. There are other times when I have walked the city streets around the holidays as well. The lights and festivities are really beautiful.
Map of Philadelphia Event Locations
Manayunk Holiday Celebrations
Location: Manayunk, PA
Date: November 14, 2024 - December 26, 2024
Time: Once it is dark
Website: Holidays in Manayunk
Information: Manayunk is worth a visit this time of year. The Manayunk Gets Lit! competition will result in over 80,000 lights, a slew of decorations and more.
There will be special events during this time such as Small Business Saturday on November 30th, Rudolph Run on December 14th and a Hanukkah Candle Lighting on December 26th.
Jolly Trolley: There will be a free Jolly Trolley that can take visitors around town during the evenings on Thursdays to Fridays from December 5th to the 21st from 5 to 9 pm. It will also be running from 1 to 9 pm on Saturdays. See website to find out more about stops and entertainment on different nights: Jolly Trolley.
My Experience: I have visited Manayunk prior to them having these extra festivities. I always found it fun to visit around the holidays. Main Street is strewn with lights and many restaurants offer specials around the holidays. We had our rehearsal dinner and wedding ceremony in Manayunk. We had also ridden in a trolley afterwards. I will definitely have to visit Manayunk again since these activities sound like ones we would enjoy.
Wintergarden at Dilworth Park
Location: Dilworth Park - 1 S 15th St (West Side of City Hall) Philadelphia, PA 19102
Date: November 15, 2024 - March 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm every day of the week
Website: Wintergarden at Dilworth Park
Information: This outdoor area is free for visitors to walk through. There will be lots of lighted decor. There is also a Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market here with handmade things for purchase.
Things with a cost here: Visitors can also purchase mulled wine at a kiosk. There are other things with a fee during Winter at Dilworth Park. These things include the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. For more details on hours and ticket prices go here: Ice Rink. The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin is a place to stop for food and drinks. The fire pits outside on the terrace are free to enjoy.
For upcoming Dilworth Park Events with a fee go here: Upcoming Events. These include Santa Skate, College Nights and more.
My Experience: I have walked through this area after Christmas and it was fun to see some of the decor.
Electrical Spectacle Light Show Presented by PECO at Franklin Square
Location: Franklin Square
Dates & Times: November 21, 2024 - January 5, 2025 (Closed on November 28th, December 25th and January 1st) from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(5:00 pm - 8 pm on December 24th and January 1st)
January 9, 2025 - February 23, 2025 on Thursday to Sunday from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (also open on January 20th and February 17th)
Website: Electrical Spectacle Light Show
Know Before You Go: There are light shows every half hour with a boatload of LED lights as well as a giant kite and key. There will be numerous songs set to dancing lights such as All I Want for Christmas is You.
There are also Special Events at Franklin Square and Betsy Ross House throughout the season such as Activities with Yo-Yo, a Hanukkah celebration and Betsy’s Birthday Bash.
Things with a Cost: You can also pay Chilly Philly Mini Golf or rent an iceless outdoor Curling Rink. Carousel rides are also $4 for those older than 2.
Macy’s Dickens Village
Location: Macy’s Center City Store 3rd Floor - 1300 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Dates: November 29, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
10:00 am - 4:00 pm on December 24th and 31st
11:00 am - 7:00 pm on December 29th
Website: Macy’s Dickens Village
Know Before You Go: It is free to visit but you need a reservation. Reservations should be made up to 5 days prior to your visit starting on 11/24. Reservations open at 6:30 am each day. You can choose to make a reservation for Dickens Village, Santa or for both. Santa is only there until 12/24 but the village is open until 12/31. The best time to visit is on a Monday through Thursday.
Information: This is a 6,000 foot village people can walk through with scenes from A Christmas Carol.
Things with a cost here: Photos can be available for purchase after your visit with Santa. The package prices start at $39.99.
Macy’s Light Show
Location: Macy’s Center City Store Grand Court - 1300 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Dates: November 29th, 2024 - December 31st, 2024
Hours: Monday - Sunday at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Website: Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Know Before You Go: This light show started in 1956. There is music from the Wanamaker Organ along with over 100,000 LED lights in a dazzling display.
My Experience: As a kid we had stayed in Philadelphia for Christmas one year. I remember this light show being a fun experience to see.
Holidays at the Comcast Center Campus
Location: Comcast Center Campus
Dates: November 28, 2024 - January 3, 2025
Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website: Holidays at the Comcast Center Campus
Know Before You Go: Shows are 15 minutes long. The DreamWorks Shrek’s Festive Flight Show will be at the Universal Sphere. This is located at the Comcast Technology Center at 1800 Arch Street. The Comcast Holiday Light Spectacular Show will be at the top of every hour at the Comcast Center. This is located at 1701 JFK Blvd. There are sensory-friendly shows available. See website above for times.
Information: The new Shrek show will be in addition to the traditional Comcast show. Pick up a free Holiday Passport at the front desk to complete as you do activities. There will be visits with Santa on certain days and times and a place to create holiday decorations with a pop-up workshop.
Philadelphia Christmas Village
Location: LOVE Park at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dates: November 23, 2024 - December 24, 2024 & Closed on November 25th to the 27th
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Friday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Website: Philadelphia Christmas Village
Map of the Village: Christmas Village Map
Know Before You Go: This is an outdoor Christmas village that is meant to resemble the ones in Germany. There will be 120 vendors, lights, a beer garden, food and more! Some things you may enjoy are getting Glühwein Flights, spatzle, souvenir mugs or strudel. The market will also offer vegan food options as well. View the website above to see Parking tips, ways to get there by Public Transport and more.
Certain days also offer special events such as German dances, Character Parades and more.
Phil the Reindeer will be strolling around the market at different days and times. Anyone can take a free picture with him.
Festival of Trees: There is also a Festival of Trees 2024 Fundraiser inside of the LOVE Park Welcome Center from December 5th to the 24th. Giving a donation to CHOP gets you a snowflake token to vote on your favorite tree. Donations over $10 also get a free hot cocoa at the Christmas Village. Santa will also be here from each Friday to Sunday. He will be available for pictures. Santa will also be at his house here on December 24th and 25th.
Things with a cost: This is a Christmas Village so food, drinks and items for sale all need to be purchased. There will be a kids train, carousel ride and ferris wheel.
Stag & Doe Nights Chestnut Hill
Location: Chestnut Hill, PA
Dates: Wednesdays from December 4, 2024 until Christmas
Hours: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Website: Stag & Doe Nights
Know Before You Go: Stores will be open late. There will be free refreshments in stores. Visitors may see Santa or a brass quartet as they roam the streets. This is a part of their Holidays on the Hill. The Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation will be also offering free public parking all day and night in its six public lots from November 29th until Christmas.
My Experience: Visiting Chestnut Hill this time of year is like being in a Hallmark Christmas movie with its outdoor fire pits and cobblestone streets. Be sure to pay it a visit.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
I partner with Stay22. When booking through my links I receive a small commission that helps support my website. This is at no cost to you.
This map will give you an idea of places where you can stay. I did stay at the Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn’s Landing last year. The room was clean, we had a great view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and there was a free breakfast. This is located near the Independence Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest. This event is free to enter but there is a fee for skating.
Philadelphia is a great place to visit around Christmas since there are so many free Christmas activities for you to enjoy. Be sure to check it out to create some magical memories.