Six months after Philadelphians mourned the closure of the Center City Macy’s store — famous for hosting its annual holiday light show — the Philadelphia Visitor Center has announced plans for the return of both the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village.
The building is home to the famous Wanamaker Organ, which dates back to 1956. Over the years, the organ has become an iconic part of the city’s annual holiday celebration. Combining a brilliant light display and magical storytelling, along with the music of the organ, the Wanamaker Light Show has captivated hundreds of thousands of guests over the years.
Like the light show, Philadelphia’s Dickens Village has put folks in and around the city in the holiday spirit for decades. It debuted in 1985 and moved to the Wanamaker building in 2006 when its former home, Strawbridge’s, closed.
Now, the Visitor Center will work alongside the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ — a local organization that has supervised the two projects for decades — to bring back the local holiday events.
Returning at the helm of the organ will be Peter Richard Conte, who was named the fourth ever Grand Court Organist back in 1989, a position he held up until the organ’s final performance on March 22, 2025.
“For nearly 70 years, generations of Philadelphians have stood beneath the twinkling Light Show and listened to the sounds of the Wanamaker Organ. I can remember coming here as a young girl with my parents. I have wonderful memories of bringing my family here each holiday season,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center. “These aren’t just attractions—they’re emotional touchstones. When the closure of Macy’s put them at risk, we knew we had to act.”
To help restore this holiday favorite, the Visitor Center is launching a public fundraising campaign to “Save the Light Show,” with a funding goal of $350,000. Those funds will be used to support the installation and presentation of the Light Show and Dickens Village for the upcoming holiday season, as well as long-term care and accessibility. A portion of the funds raised will also be used to support the maintenance and care of the Wanamaker Organ for the holiday season and its daily concerts accompanying the Light Show.
For more information on the visitor center, the return of the Wanamaker Organ and light show, or the Dickens’ Village, visit phlvisitorcenter.com.
