Wanamaker Light Show, Dickens Village Return Nov 28

PHILADELPHIA — Two beloved holiday traditions in Philadelphia were feared to have gone the way of the dodo. But fear not: the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village are happening in 2025.

The Philadelphia Visitor Center announced the official schedule for the 2025 season of the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village.

After months of planning and fundraising, the lights will shine once again beginning Nov. 28 in the historic Wanamaker Building at 13th and Market Streets, the former Center City Macy's.

"This holiday season will be a homecoming for the Light Show, thanks to the more than a thousand Philadelphians who came together and decided these traditions were important for our city," Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, said. "Thanks to the generosity of our partners, sponsors, and neighbors, Philadelphians will once again be able to gather inside the Grand Court, hear the Wanamaker Organ, and watch the lights dance to life. We’re proud to open the amazing Wanamaker Building to all to create the next generation of holiday memories."

The Wanamaker Light Show, presented in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building, will be offered free of charge and open to the public throughout the season. 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 show will run every hour on the half hour from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Suday Nov. 28 to Dec. 11.

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 Nov. 28, 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 Nov. 28 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 be required for admission to Dickens Village. Tickets will be released five days ahead of each date. Tickets will be available for reservation beginning at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 24 online here.

Additionally, Shops at The Wanamaker Light Show will be open Nov. 28 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.