The 9 Best Holiday Light Displays In Philadelphia

It’s that time of year again where twinkling Christmas trees illuminate windows and gleaming string lights adorne house trimmings. Slip on a pair of mittens, pour a thermos of hot cocoa and check out the most festive holiday lights in Philadelphia.

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A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

Deck the halls with Longwood Gardens' fire and ice themed light display, showcasing towering trees embellished with blazing red tones, icy blue landscapes and a "frozen" succulent fountain. Through Jan. 2, visitors can browse intricate treehouses swathed in lights, witness colorfully-lit fountains dance to holiday classics and watch a miniature model train rumble through a canopy of captivating lights. Be sure to dress for the elements, but don't worry too much about the winter chill. Thanks to outdoor fire pits scattering the grounds, visitors can stay warm despite the frosty displays. 1001 Longwood Road, 610.388.1000, longwoodgardens.org

Holidays at the Village in Peddler’s Village

December days may be short and frigid, but Peddler’s Village’s Holidays in the Village is sure to fill visitors with warm holiday spirit. While taking in the sparkling one million lights, enjoy Holly Jolly Weekend’s Dec. 4 kick off, featuring Santa’s parade, a 1920’s carousel and a gingerbread house competition. After showing off your gingerbread skills, stroll through over 60 specialty shops, including a candy store, artisan gallery, bookseller and clothing boutique. 100 Peddlers Village, 215.794.4000, peddlersvillage.com

Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm

Snuggle up for an unforgettable open-air wagon ride through expansive acres of illuminated farmland, or drive through the two mile path, glowing with over three million lights of electrifying displays and dashing familiar characters. After a wagon ride and walk through Candy Cane Lane, warm up by a private, toasty campfire to roast s’mores and enjoy tasty treats and beverages from local vendors. 931 Stony Hill Road, 215.968.1670, shadybrookfarm.com

Lights in the Parkway

Pack the family in the car, turn up the festive tunes and join the 25th anniversary of Lights in the Parkway. From the warmth of your car, drive through tunnels of sparkling canopies, twinkling trees and past whimsical animated characters. Spanning the gorgeous, tree lined Lehigh Valley for more than a mile, the festive attraction features scenes from classics like The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. discoverlehighvalley.com

LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo

Step into the whimsical winter wonderland that is the Philadelphia Zoo’s immersive light show, LumiNature. Until Jan. 9., visitors can experience glowing lights, vibrant coral reefs and enormous jellyfish in the aquarium before making their way to the oversized, hot pink flamingo tree or shimmering penguin exhibit. Before heading to the concession stands for a cup of hot cider and a quick snack, snap a photo in front of the breathtaking butterfly tree, illuminated with dozens of bright-colored butterflies. 3400 W Girard Ave., 215.243.1100 philadelphiazoo.org

PHestival of Trees at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Add PHestival of Trees at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to your seasonal bucket list as they deck the halls for their annual holiday extravaganza. During the weekend of Nov. 12, visitors can take a peek at ornately decorated trees and scrumptious gingerbread houses, all crafted by local designers, artists and florists. After exploring the holiday decor, head over to a beer and wine garden to relish in some specialty libations, live entertainment and splurge at the shopping village. 100 Station Ave., phestivaloftrees.com

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson

Step into what feels like Santa’s North Pole at the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular, presented by Dietz & Watson. Through Jan. 2, visitors can snap a selfie with Santa, strap on ice skates at Rudolphs’s Rink, hit the Tinsel Lodge for some spiked cocoa and roast s’mores by the firepits. After cozying up by the fire, pick up any last minute Secret Santa gifts at Mistletoe Market. From local artisan vendors selling ornaments, artwork and wintertime apparel, the market has something for even the toughest people on your list. 100 Station Ave., tinseltownholiday.com

Winter at Franklin Square Presented by Citizens

There may be a chill in the air, but Winter at Franklin Square Presented by Citizens has you covered with indoor heated tents, fire pits and hot beverages offered during their sensational light show. Set ablaze with over 100,000 sparkling lights, the Electrical Spectacle is sure to dazzle both day and night until Feb. 27. After the show, hit the winter Beer Garden for some seasonal culinary delights and local brews to recharge the holiday spirit. Race St., 215.629.4026, historicphiladelphia.org

Deck the Hall Light Show at Dilworth Park

Holiday magic is in the air at Dilworth Park’s Deck the Hall Light Show. Zip up a parka, pack some treats and grab a picnic blanket to see the historic City Hall building illuminate with a technicolor projection and synchronized cheery Christmas soundtrack. The light show will be played on a non stop loop, providing holiday cheer seven days a week between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd., 215.440.5500, centercityphila.org