The winter season brings some of the brightest events to the city. Here is where to check out some light shows in Philadelphia.
Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square Park
The Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square has become a staple in the city during the winter season. Once open, the free showcase runs every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. and boasts over 1,000 twinkling lights choreographed to seasonal music throughout the Square. This year, the synchronized performance will feature a new song: ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by The Philly Specials.
Electrical Spectacle features seven songs total (two songs for each show) on a rotating basis. Opening day is set for Nov. 21, and locals can stop by through Jan. 5, 2025. After that, as a release notes, beginning Jan. 9, the show changes for January and February with the sole song, ‘Winter Wonderland’ by Johnny Mathis featured. Through Feb. 23, shows run Thursdays through Sundays starting at 5 p.m., occurring every 30 minutes, until 7 p.m., weather permitting.
While at Franklin Square Park, Philadelphians can also check out Chilly Philly Mini Golf, street curling, a special beer garden (Ben on the Rocks) and more.
200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Luminature is back this winter at the Philadelphia Zoo with opening day set for Nov. 21. This dazzling showcase features over a million holiday lights throughout the venue, with different themed activations, food and drink options, plus new additions taking over the line-up for 2024.
As a release notes, highlights this year include “LumiNature 360”, where you can experience a 360-degree celebration of wildlife on the Zoo’s Impala Plaza; “Beary Sweet”, where you can walk through a world of gummy bears and candy; and “Polar Play”, where you’ll choose your own adventure.
LumiNature will be on-site at the venue through Jan. 4, 2025. Advance tickets for adults ages 12+ are $22 to $29, children ages 2-11 are $18 to $24, and children under 2 years old are no charge for Philadelphia Zoo members. Timed entrance tickets are available every half hour from 5 to 8 p.m. with the experience closing at 9 or 10 p.m. depending on the visit date.
3400 W Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
Circle of Trees at Woodmere Art Museum
Taking place Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m.,Woodmere Art Museum’s Circle of Trees will feature treats (think cider, hot chocolate and cookies), goodie bags for kids, an appearance from Santa Claus who will ride in on an antique fire truck and more. The main pull of the event, the lighting of the Art Museum and surrounding trees, will top off the evening. Families in attendance are just asked to bring a new unwrapped toy or a new, gently used book to donate to a school-aged child.
9201 Germantown Ave., woodmereartmuseum.org
Illumination Holiday Concert at Prima Theatre
For those looking for a more intimate category of light shows in Philadelphia, this immersive candlelit experience is returning to the Prima Theatre next month for a limited time. The 80-minute show features a twist on classic Christmas tunes performed by a talented ensemble of musicians and vocalists.
“Whether you are 5 or 105, our ‘Illumination’ concert is an inspiring event for everyone looking for a premiere holiday experience,” said Mitch Nugent, Founding Executive Producer of Prima Theatre in a statement. “We encourage you to bring your loved ones to enjoy this professional, enchanting show in Lancaster City’s charming West Side. With free parking and easy accessibility to the city’s incredible culinary establishments, a trip to Prima Theatre’s ‘Illumination’ is a perfect family outing.”
Shows will run at Prima from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22, tickets start at $54 and are available online.
941 Wheatland Ave, Lancaster, primatheatre.org
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Those looking for unique light shows in Philadelphia are in luck when in Chestnut Hill. As a release notes, The Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ annual family favorite, the Holiday Garden Railway, is set to run from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30. The miniature world of model trains, historic buildings, bridges, and more will be decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. More information on times and tickets can be found online.
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
