Wanamaker Light Show, Dickens Village Return Friday

PHILADELPHIA — The Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village are coming back for the 2025 holiday season this week.

The lights will shine once again beginning Friday in the historic Wanamaker Building at 13th and Market Streets, the former Center City Macy's.

The Wanamaker Light Show, presented in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building, is free to see and open to the public every hour on the half hour from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, starting Friday and ending Dec. 11.

The Light Show features thousands of LED lights synchronized to holiday music and narration, accompanied during select shows by the Wanamaker Organ, performed live by Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte and his highly talented assistant organists.

The historic Wanamaker Organ "live finale" will be included in the Light Show at 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.; and 5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Wanamaker Organ concerts will follow the Light Show twice per day, at about 12:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

Then from Dec. 12 to Dec. 23, the light show will run from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday, also every hour on the half hour. The Wanamaker Organ “live finale” will be included in the Light Show at 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.; and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Wanamaker Organ concerts will follow the Light Show twice per day, approximately 12:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The light show ends on Dec. 24, with Christmas Eve hours being noon to 4 p.m. Again, shows will happen every hour on the half hour. The Wanamaker Organ “live finale” will be included in the Light Show at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wanamaker Organ concerts will follow the Light Show at approximately 12:45 p.m

The Dickens Village will reopen on the third floor of the Wanamaker Building on Friday, as well. The experience will once again conclude with the opportunity to share Christmas wishes and take photos with Santa Claus.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, from Friday to Dec. 11. Then from Dec. 12 to Dec. 23, Dickens Village is open from noon to 8 p.m.

And lastly, Christmas Eve hours for the village are noon to 4 p.m.

Free, timed-entry tickets are required for admission to Dickens Village. Tickets will be released five days ahead of each date. Tickets are available for reservation online here.

Additionally, Shops at The Wanamaker Light Show will be open Friday through Dec. 24. The market will feature artisan gifts and handmade goods.

The shops will be open daily from noon to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve hours are noon to 4 p.m. The shops will be closed Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 8, and Dec. 9.

And, FCM Hospitality is launching their new Holly and Humbug! pop-up.

The pop-up will offer guests a counter-service holiday food and beverage destination inside the Wanamaker Building. Guests will find craft beers, seasonal cocktails, winter fare, and an indoor setting for families and friends to gather while waiting to see the light show.

Holly and Humbug! has the same hours at the shops.

Additionally, the Wanamaker Building will host a special performance by the Opera Philadelphia’s Orchestra and Chorus at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets are Pick Your Price, starting at $11, and are available online here.

The performance will be recorded for a special holiday broadcast at 8 p.m. Dec. 23 at 8:00 p.m. on WHYY-TV12, on WHYY 90.9 FM, and stream online here.