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The Holiday Light Show at the Wanamaker building has been a Philadelphia tradition since 1955. Although the department store names have changed numerous times, the building remains the same, and the light show takes place atop the grand and mesmerizing organ. This year’s light show is narrated by Julie Andrews, kids climb about the eagle statue and parents crane their heads upward from their seats on the floor to see Frosty, Rudolph, and the Nutcracker come to light.

I went this past weekend with my parents, brother, sister and their combined 5 children, and the holiday magic brought a tear to my usually ‘cynical about Christmas’ eye. This year the event is coupled with the Dickens village on the 3rd floor. Scenes from “A Christmas Carol” are reenacted by mechanical dolls, which I find to be almost delightful in their creepiness! almost. Finally you can meet Tiny Tim, Old Ebenezer, and all of his ghosts up close in all of their eerie glory, some dancing- or more accurately- twitching in mechanical mayhem. It’s pretty amazing. Oh yes, and we must not forget Santa, waiting at the end of the English Village to grant the kiddies their wishes.

Apparently I missed out on this magical Wanamaker experience as a child, as 10 years separate me from my older siblings, but hey, better late then never! If you long for Christmases of yore go check this out! especially if you have kids, but even if you are just a big kid that never got to go.

Holiday Light Show – Now through Dec 31st
On the hour from 10AM
Dickens Village – 10AM – 8PM
Free!

Photos of the Dickens Village after the jump!

Macy’s
1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107