The holiday season holds plenty of reasons to bring families together, especially when it comes to tree lightings in Philadelphia. And in 2024, there are many bright lights and merry sights to see.
Manayunk
Manayunk’s bright celebration is set for this Thursday, Nov. 14, From 5:30 to 7 p.m. The occasion will feature live performances, a visit from Santa, hot cocoa, ornament decorating and maybe even some snow. The lighting itself will take place at 7 p.m. and since the Eagles game will follow, Santa will lead a cheer for the Birds while there. Guests are encouraged to wear their green gear, and one lucky fan in Eagles wear will also win a $100 gift card.
4418 Main St., manayunk.com
Old City
Looking for tree lightings in Philadelphia? Old City will host their own on Wednesday, Dec. 4. As part of their Historic Holidays celebration, the bright occasion will take place at 6 p.m. at the Betsy Ross House. The evening will feature a variety of musical and dance performances (including from the Upper Darby Encore Singers), special guest speakers, a holiday tree by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville, and even appearances from Santa Claus himself.
239 Arch St., oldcitydistrict.org
Evil Genius Beer Company
Evil Genius is celebrating the occasion with a festive party, titled ‘Twas an Evil Christmas.’ The celebration will take place on Dec. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. (tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.) and feature live music, Christmas carols, over-the-top decorations, photo stations and other surprises. While there, guests can also sip on the Beer Company’s festive draft, Santa!! I know Him! More information can be found online.
1727 N Front St., evilgeniusbeer.com
Festival of Trees Opening Ceremony
The Festival of Trees will once again take over the LOVE Park Welcome Center from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Tuesday, Dec. 24. The night before opening (Dec. 4), a lighting ceremony with local dignitaries, a ribbon cutting and complimentary cocoa for the first 50 people will kick off at 5 p.m. As a release notes, while there, visitors will be able to vote for their favorite design by making a donation to the 2024 charity partner, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This year, awards will be given for People’s Choice, Media/ Influencers Choice and Judge’s Choice.
1569 John F Kennedy Blvd, philachristmas.com
Friends of Rittenhouse Square
Those looking for tree lightings in Philadelphia can head to Rittenhouse Square on Dec. 4. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., visitors will be able to join in on festive activities and see the Park’s tree brightly lit for the holiday season.
Rittenhouse Square Park, phillyholidays.com
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia’s Zoo annual holiday light show will also feature a tree lighting ceremony this year. On Thursday, Nov. 21, festivities include the lighting of the Flamingo Tree standing at 25 feet tall (featuring 1,500 recycled pink lawn flamingos), plus, the lighting of the 22-foot tall butterfly tree (covered in 4,000 butterflies.)
According to a release, while there, visitors can also cast their vote for their favorite creation in the “In Our Neck of the Woods” tree display with trees created by local community partners. The winner will be announced later in the season. Tickets to the Zoo (various prices) allow entry to the tree-lighting events.
3400 W Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
New Hope
On Sunday, Dec. 1, Philadelphians can head to the picturesque town of New Hope to join in on their tree-lighting festivities. Cohosted by the Logan Inn, the fun will begin at 5 p.m. and feature music by Sam Ryan, carols by the New Hope Solebury High School Choir, and sounds from other local musical guests.
As a release notes, Santa and Mrs. Clause will arrive via fire truck courtesy of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company, and will then be available for photos with children. To do some good, guests can also bring an unwrapped toy for the Fisherman’s Mark bin located at the Logan Inn as well.
Corner of S. Main St. and Ferry St., New Hope, loganinn.com
Roxborough
Those looking to catch some tree lightings in Philadelphia can head to Roxborough on Friday, Dec. 6. Festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with the lighting of three holiday trees. During the ROX annual tree lighting ceremony, visitors can also craft their own ornaments for the special wishing trees (and they will be displayed throughout the holiday season.)
The lighting ceremony will also feature music, a smores bar, Santa arriving on a fire truck and more.
6170 Ridge Ave., roxboroughpa.com
