The dazzling 2019 Franklin Square Holiday Light Show and Festival kicks off this week

With the holidays approaching, it’s time to get lit —- at the Franklin Square Light Show that is. Every year the Historic Square has always dazzled guests with a unique and unexpected design that truly puts everyone in the seasonal spirit, and this year will be no different. In fact, it’s gotten even better.

The dazzling 2019 Franklin Square Holiday Light Show and Festival kicks off this week

Opening night for the Franklin Square Holiday Light Show presented by PECO is this week (Nov. 14) and the festivities this year are red hot in the ice-cold. This Thursday will feature rides on the Lightning Bolt Holiday Express Train, live music performed by The Philly POPS and The Philly POPS Festival Chorus, plenty of tasty food and drinks from SquareBurger and Ben’s Sweets & Treats, plus appearances from Ben Franklin, The Grinch and “Frozen” princesses all leading up to the main event. The light show begins at 4:30 p.m. and will feature over 80,000 LED lights choreographed to dance in unison to holiday music from The Philly POPS. The spectacle will then continue to play in two alternating shows every half hour. Throughout the rest of the holiday season, the free light show will play daily until Dec. 30.

Franklin Square’s menu options are just as festive as the show. SquareBurger will feature plenty of delicious options as well as some seasonal specials including burgers, hot dogs, fries, ice cream, their vegetarian Betsy Burger, and of course, their signature Cake Shake, blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets. Ben’s Sweets & Treats is also serving up some treats with their gourmet s’more-making station, cookie decorating and a variety of seasonal libations including hot chocolate (with options for adult-spiked additions). Adults can also head to the Winter Beer Garden to sit by warm firepits and sip on seasonal beverages, local craft beers, wine and specialty cocktails.

There will also be plenty of holly jolly holiday happenings occurring throughout the season at Franklin Square starting on Nov. 15 and running through Dec. 27. A few highlights include: Thankful Friday (Nov. 22, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) featuring free Thanksgiving crafts for kids; The Arrival of Santa Claus (Nov. 29, 5 p.m.); visit from “Star Wars” characters (Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.); plus plenty of ongoing events including Santa Saturdays featuring milk and cookies with Santa from The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company (Nov. 30 – Dec. 21, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., advanced tickets for $20 required) and Seasonal Sounds on Sundays featuring different talented performers (Nov. 17 – Dec. 29, times vary.)

According to the release, the Franklin Square Holiday Festival also kicks off the Historic Holidays and Nights with tree lightings, menorah lightings, military and boat parades, celebrations and shopping, culminating with the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve fireworks display on the Delaware River. There are also a few new additions this year to all of the holiday magic going on at Franklin Square. Historic Philadelphia businesses and attractions are joining forces to offer visitors a holiday gift that will keep on giving with the Historic Holiday Pass Powered by PECO. Passholders will enjoy discounts for museums, attractions, shops, restaurants and more. Philadelphians can visit historicphiladelphia.org to download the Historic District Holiday Pass, learn more about all of the holiday happenings at Franklin Square and to see a complete list of offers.