The Philadelphia region is aglow this holiday season with festive lights and decorations. (Photo credits clockwise from top left: G. Widman for GPTMC, Joseph Kaczmarek courtesy Comcast Center, courtesy Longwood Gardens, G. Widman for GPTMC)

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season in Philadelphia.

The city is aglow with festive light displays and decorations like the incredible lights on Franklin Square and shimmering Rittenhouse Christmas Tree.

From annual traditions (Macy’s Holiday Light Show, A Longwood Gardens Christmas) to high-definition delights (Comcast Holiday Spectacular), the Philadelphia region is brimming with the sights and sounds of the holidays.

Bundle up and explore a few of our favorite holiday lights attractions, below:

• Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City: An annual Philadelphia tradition, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City continues to entertain new generations of shoppers and visitors. Using over 100,000 LED lights and the sounds of the legendary Wanamaker organ, the Grand Court atrium becomes adorned with floating snowflakes, flying reindeer and many other familiar holiday images.

• Comcast Holiday Spectacular: This holiday season, experience high-definition visions of sugarplums during the Comcast Holiday Spectacular. Shown on the state-of-the-art Comcast Experience Video Wall at the Comcast Center, the Holiday Spectacular features scenes from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet. Shows are 15 minutes long and run every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (no shows at 5 p.m. during the week)

• The Holidays at Franklin Square: All December-long Franklin Square will be lit with thousands of festive holiday lights and decorations. Get into the holiday spirit by making your own ornament or visiting with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. through December 24.

• Rittenhouse Square Christmas Tree: Rittenhouse Square transforms into a holiday wonderland with the flip of a switch, as the park and Philadelphia’s largest Christmas tree (more than 30 feet tall!) become illuminated with 5,000 brilliant, multi-colored globes and lights. Before enjoying the beautiful glow of the park, sneak in some holiday shopping at the shops and boutiques of Rittenhouse Row and enjoy a warm, delicious meal or a much-deserved drink at one of the many restaurants and bars in the area.

• Christmas Village at Love Park: For its fourth year, the Christmas Village is moving to Love Park complete with more than 50 decorated booths packed with European food, sweets and drinks, international seasonal gifts, traditional German Christmas ornaments and high-quality arts and crafts. As you shop and explore, enjoy live musical performances, hot mulled wine, bratwursts, a Christmas carousel and Philadelphia’s brightly lit Holiday Tree. Open through December 24.

• A Longwood Gardens Christmas: No holiday is complete without a visit to Longwood Gardens, where more than 400,000 twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows compose a brilliant wonderland your family is sure to love. Gaze upon the large, starry snowflakes and icicles that sparkle throughout the Gardens before warming up in heated conservatory with twenty “rooms” featuring festive displays of floral garlands, sparkling trees and more.

• Christmas in Peddler’s Village: Light up your holiday season with a fantastic display of nearly one million holiday lights at “Peddler’s Village in Bucks County. While your in a festive mood, explore more than 70 specialty shops — perfect for your holiday shopping — and eight restaurants. While you’re there, check out the spectacular Gingerbread House Competition and Display.

• Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum: A miniature winter wonderland amid the evergreens awaits visitors to Morris Arboretum. The Holiday Garden Railway display is a quarter-mile of model-train track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines, two cable cars, nine bridges and bustling trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia-area landmarks made from all-natural materials. Open through December 31.

Check out more festive lights displays and take a video tour of Philadelpha’s holiday lights, below.

• Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm: Millions of lights sparkle at Shady Brook Farm during their incredible Holiday Light Show. Experience the magical drive in your own car or hop on a moonlit hayride. Don’t forget to stop and get your picture taken with Santa at Santa’s Village. Reservations are recommended. Call 215-968-1670 or visit www.shadybrookfarm.com for more.

• Christmasland at Linvilla Orchards: For the holidays, Linvilla Orchards transforms into the North Pole. Get into the holiday spirit with the Christmasland display and do a little shopping at the market stocked with holiday treats. Santa makes a guest appearance every Saturday and Sunday in December, and on select afternoons, visitors can sing along during Caroling Hayrides, complete with live music, marshmallow roasting and apple cider. Through December 24.

• Herr’s Holiday Light Display: One of the region’s most celebrated snack foods, the Herr’s Factory is full decked out for the holidays. Now in its 22nd year, the annual Herr’s Holiday Lights Display features more than 400,000 lights arranged throughout the complex. Don’t miss “Big Red,” a 60-foot-tall Norway Spruce decorated with more than 1,500 red lights.

Get a taste of Philadelphia’s spectacular Holiday Lights in the video below:

 
During the annual “A Longwood Gardens Christmas,” the horticultural wonderland in scenic Brandywine Valley features a dazzling display of Christmas trees and poinsettias.

This year’s scenery, on display through January 8, features a delicious gingerbread fantasy. The Liz Marden Gourmet Cakes & Desserts Bakery in Kennett Square baked 9,000 gingerbread cookies for the festive display, in addition to intricately decorated gingerbread houses modeled after the Conservatory and Perice-du Pont House.

You can stand beneath towering trees adorned with gingerbread ornaments, revel in the candy-laden Music Room overflowing with sweet holiday cheer, and enjoy the more than 400,000 twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows composing a brilliant wonderland perfect for the holidays.

Check out the time-lapse video above for a behind-the-scenes look at how the annual display is assembled.

You must get timed tickets for Longwood Gardens Christmas this year; you can purchase them online.

Longwood Gardens Christmas
When: November 24-January 8
Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Cost: Tickets range from $8-$25
More info: www.longwoodgardens.org

Previously: Longwood Gardens Christmas Is Back, A Holiday Wonderland Featuring 9,000 Gingerbread Cookies, A Giant Gingerbread House And More Than 400,000 Twinkling Lights

Citizens Bank Park gets festive for the holidays with a bunch of activities this weekend including the annual ballpark lighting celebration, photos with Phanta Claus, holiday gifts at the clubhouse store and more. (Photo by Andrew Weiss Photography)

This Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, Citizens Bank Park is getting all dressed up for the holidays.

On Saturday, Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel and pitcher Vance Worley will host a holiday tree and ballpark lighting ceremony complete with carolers, Phillies Ballgirls, Phoebe and the Phillie Phanatic as Phanta Claus.

In addition, on both Saturday and Sunday, the Phillies will host their annual Holiday Sale & Food Drive at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Citizens Bank Park.

Bring canned food items to benefit Philabundance, and get ready to shop for awesome holiday gifts, including Phillies Authentics sales with game-used and other unique items, holiday-themed name and number t-shirts, Phillies holiday decorations and more.

Both days will feature free photos with Phanta Claus (BYO camera) and broadcaster meet and greets. Fans will also have an opportunity to help paint The Phillies Mural on Saturday.

Parking is free in Lot S, located off Pattison Avenue between Broad Street and Citizens Bank Way.

The full schedule of events is included below.

[Photo by Andrew Weiss Photography]

Citizens Bank Park Holiday Festivities
When: December 10-11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Way and Pattison Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com

Saturday, December 10

10 a.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store opens; Food Drive

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Take your picture with the Phillie Phanatic as Phanta Claus

12:30-1:30 p.m.: The Phillie Phanatic’s Children’s Book Series signing with illustrator Len Epstein

2-4 p.m.: Help paint The Phillies Mural with artist David McShane in the Giles Suites

5 p.m.: Holiday Tree & Ballpark Lighting: See the Phanatic, Charlie Manuel and Vance Worley light the Tree and Citizens Bank Park

6 p.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store closes

Sunday, December 11

10 a.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store opens; Food Drive

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Take your picture with the Phillie Phanatic as Phanta Claus

12-1 p.m.: The Phillie Phanatic’s Children’s Book Series signing with Len Epstein

3 p.m.: Final chance to buy Phillies Authentics and Phillies Charities memorabilia

6 p.m.: Majestic Clubhouse Store closes

Bundle up the family for this annual holiday tradition. (Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC)

UPDATE: The ceremony has been postponed to Thursday, December 8 at 5 p.m.

Mayor Nutter will flick the switch at the annual City Hall Tree Lighting celebration this Wednesday, December 7 Thursday, December 8.

Since City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza is currently closed for renovations, the ceremony will take place across the street at Love Park, where the festive tree will be perfectly situated in the center of the Philadelphia Christmas Village.

Special holiday musical performances will accompany the ceremonial lighting.

Afterwards, take a stroll through the charming Christmas Village for some special holiday shopping and snacks. The European wonderland includes more than 50 international vendors selling arts, crafts and seasonal holiday gifts in quaint wooden booths and a 2,400 square foot Kathe Wohlfahrt tent selling a huge variety of special German Christmas ornaments.

When you’ve built up your appetite, head to the food tent for bratwursts, beer and other German specialties from Brahaus Schmitz, then quench your thirst with some hot German Gluhwien (mulled wine) from Chaddsford Winery. Save room for assorted European desserts.

Once the city’s official tree has been lit, we can christen this as holiday season in Philadelphia!

City Hall Tree Lighting
Where: Love Park, 16th Street & JFK Boulevard
When: Wednesday, December 7, Thursday, December 8, 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.phila.gov

East Passyunk will come alive with festive lights tonight, December 1. (Photo courtesy East Passyunk)

Nothing says holidays like tree lighting ceremonies, and those are definitely upon us.

Tuesday saw the illumination of Franklin Square, last night Rittenhouse Square’s tree was lit and tonight, Thursday, is East Passyunk Avenue’s turn.

Head to the iconic Fountain at the intersection of East Passyunk Avenue & Tasker Street for a tree lighting party Thursday, December 1, 5:30-7 p.m., complete with a visit from Santa, light fare and drinks from East Passyunk restaurants and the pre-K carollers from Alphabet Academy.

Plus, in honor of a special Small Business Shopping Night, many of the avenue’s retailers will be open until 9 p.m. and offering discounts.

There will also be free metered parking on the avenue after 5 p.m.!

Make it a holiday night out in the city in South Philly.

Tree Lighting Party at the Fountain + Small Business Shopping Night
When: Thursday, December 1, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue & Tasker Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.visiteastpassyunk.com

The annual Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting, illuminating one of the city's most central public spaces for the rest of the holiday season, is tonight at 5 p.m. (Photo courtesy Friends of Rittenhouse Square)

[Evenings during the holiday season in Philadelphia are always action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we round up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting: Rescheduled from yesterday due to inclement weather, the annual tree lighting, one of the holiday season’s most special events, will illuminate Philadelphia’s largest Christmas tree with more than 5,000 brilliant lights Pick up a complimentary elf hat and hot chocolate with cookies from TD Bank, where you can also snap a photo with Santa, at 18th and Walnut. Other festivities include children’s ornament-making, and games and holiday entertainment.

Where: near the guardhouse in the center of the square
When: Wednesday, November 30, 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

• Adresse “Wish List” Holiday Shopping Party: While you shop for the gals (girlfriends, sisters, mom) on your list, the staff of Adresse will help you compile your own “wish list” of items that you’d truly like to receive from your beau this year. Cool cocktails and delectable nibbles provided by Supper)will be provided. To top things off, a DJ will spin some holly jolly tunes.

Where: 1706 Locust Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

• The People of Maasai Mara at Art Sanctuary Opening Night: Art Sanctuary’s newest photo exhibit, a stunning collection by Emmy-award winning journalist Arthur Fennell, features 25 images Fennell took while on a trip to East Africa, where the native Maasai tribe is recognized for its distinctive culture, traditions and nomadic lifestyle. At theis evening’s reception Fennell will give a gallery talk about his experiences capturing the images. There will be live music, drinks, snacks and the opportunity to procure signed prints of Fennell’s photos.

Where: 628 S. 16th Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $25

• Macy’s Holiday Light Show: Evening is a great time to catch the light show, one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most treasured holiday traditions. Grab a peppermint mocha latte from the Starbucks inside the store for shopping fuel as you cross folks off your holiday gift list, then head to 10 Arts or another nearby restaurant for dinner.

Where: 1300 Market Street
When: shows begin on the top of each hour, last show starts at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free; pay as you go if you’re shopping

• Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I: Catching a show at the historic Walnut Street Theatre is a focal part of celebrating the holiday season in Philadelphia. This one is a treasured musical perfect for the family or else a group of friends. Head to Jones around the corner after for drinks and dessert (new pumpkin features courtesy of the pastry chef!)

Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 8 p.m.
Cost: Tickets range from $10-$75

The holiday season is not complete without a visit to Macy's to watch the annual Holiday Light Show, a visual and audio spectacular that makes an iconic building even more beautiful. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

The free Holiday Light Show at Macy’s in Center City is an indispensable element of celebrating the holidays in Philadelphia, and has been since 1956.

This year’s show, which began November 25 and runs through December 31, is particularly poignant in that the the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building in which the store is housed celebrates its 100th anniversary this December!

The Macy’s Holiday Light Show illuminates the store with almost 100,000 LED lights, accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ and narration by Julie Andrews. The shows run at the top of each hour starting at 10 a.m.

Get your holiday shopping done at one of Philadelphia’s most popular one-stop-shop stores while enjoying one of the city’s most treasured traditions.

Macy’s Holiday Light Show
When: November 25–December 31, shows begin on the top of each hour, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: 1300 Market Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.visitmacysphiladelphia.com

The museum's gorgeous Great Stair Hall will be made even more resplendent for the holiday season.
(Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 29 at 10 a.m., the Philadelphia Museum of Art will join in the citywide holiday cheer underway by illuminating 90 Norway Spruce trees as part of a grand holiday season kick-off event in the Great Stair Hall.

Join in the tree lighting ceremony, which will also feature holiday culinary treats (a preview of the museum’s seasonal offerings); hot chocolate, coffee and tea; holiday music from a special Art After 5 guest; and an exclusive curator-led tour of Dutch Treat: A Glimpse of Holland’s Golden Age.

Executive Director Timothy Rub will also speak about the museum’s many holiday offerings.

For more on holiday lights in the Philadelphia area, click here.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Tree Lighting
Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Great Stair Hall (east entrance off the Rocky steps)
When: Tuesday, November 29, 10 a.m.
Cost: General admission
More info: www.philamuseum.org

See Ben Franklin put electricity to work in his Historic Philadelphia square, readying it for a festive holiday season.
(Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, the ceremony has been moved indoors to the Historic Philadelphia Center at 6th & Chestnut Streets. Same date and time.

With so much to do this holiday season in Philadelphia, November is the perfect time to get a jump on the festivities.

On Tuesday, November 29, Philadelphia’s history meets tradition when Santa Claus and Ben Franklin help to ring in the holidays during the annual Franklin Square Holiday Celebration Grand Lighting, from 5–7 p.m.

Come for the Grand Lighting of Franklin Square when the park will be ceremoniously lit up and adorned with festive lights and decorations. There will be holiday crafts and treats, cookie decorating and of course, a chance to meet Santa, all for free!

Families will be able to play a round of mini golf and ride the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel. The first 25 children to arrive will be able to ride for free! Stop by Square Burger for a bite to eat, and a seasonal Candy Cane Shake, during the holiday season.

Franklin Square is open to the public during the holidays from 6 a.m.–9 p.m., each day, weather permitting. And though the Square isn’t officially lit until November 29, Santa will be stopping by on November 25, and every Saturday and Sunday from November 26–December 18 from 2–5 p.m, and on December 24 from 2–4 p.m.

Ring in the holiday season with this time-honored tradition.

Franklin Square Holiday Celebration & Grand Lighting
Where: 200 N. 6th Street Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets
When: Tuesday, November 29, 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.historicphiladelphia.org

Holiday traditions are aplenty in Philadelphia, and this one is a don't-miss special celebration. (Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC)

UPDATE: The tree lighting is postponed to Wednesday, November 30.

The much-anticipated annual Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting, one of the holiday season’s most special events, is just around the corner on Tuesday, November 29, 5 p.m. presented by Rittenhouse Row and the Friends of Rittenhouse Square.

The ceremony, hosted by CBS3′s Kathy Orr, will illuminate Philadelphia’s largest Christmas tree with more than 5,000 brilliant lights.

Stop by the Friends of Rittenhouse Square tent to get your free pair of reindeer antlers, and be sure to bring along an unwrapped new toy for the Salvation Army’s Joy of Sharing collection.

Pick up a complimentary elf hat and hot chocolate with cookies from TD Bank, where you can also snap a photo with Santa, at 18th and Walnut.

Other festivities include children’s ornament-making, and games and holiday entertainment from Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside School.

Afterwards, look out for Rittenhouse Row merchant specials, with vendors stretching from the Avenue of the Arts to 21st Street, between Spruce and Market Streets.

Make a night of it by enjoying dinner and drinks at nearby hot spots Parc, Twenty Manning Grill, Rouge, Zama, Tria, Pietro’s, Franklin Mortgage, Square 1682 and more.

Rittenhouse Square is one of Center City’s most festive public spaces for the holidays, and Tuesday’s ceremony kicks it all off.

Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting
When: Tuesday, November 29, Wednesday, November 30, 5 p.m.
Where: near the guardhouse in the center of the square
Cost: Free
More info: www.rittenhouserow.org

The Holiday Light Show takes the audience on an hourly journey through popular Christmas stories including The Nutcracker, Frosty the Snowman and a magical Christmas Tree. (Photo by J. McWilliams for PCVB)

The Macy’s Holiday Light Show, a Philadelphia holiday tradition dating back to 1956, returns for the season this Friday, November 25 and runs through New Year’s Eve.

The time-honored spectacle makes for the perfect seasonal family outing.

During the show, which runs at the top of each hour, more than 100,000 energy-efficient multicolored LED lights create dazzling holiday images on the four story high velvet curtain of the Grand Court atrium.

Festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ is a complementary audio accompaniment, which also includes Julie Andrews’ narration. Visitors of all ages will enjoy fun characters like Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s reindeer.

Also be sure to visit Dickens Village on the third floor of Macy’s, where 100 fully animated figures enact the most memorable moments of Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol.

Bonus: just in time for the Macy’s holiday celebrations, the Wanamaker Building in which the store is housed celebrates its 100th anniversary this December!

Macy’s Holiday Light Show
When: November 25–December 31, shows begin on the top of each hour
Where: 1300 Market Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.visitmacysphiladelphia.com

Instead of the traditional Black Friday, Manayunk is celebrating “White Friday” on November 25.

Canal View Park will be host to the city’s first Christmas Tree lighting, caroling, Santa Claus and an outdoor bridal gown show by Nicole Miller.

There will be hot chocolate, treats and music from B101.

It’s all happening from 6-8 p.m. this Friday, November 25.

Rain or shine, it’ll be a wonderful way to mark a conclusion to a great Thanksgiving and a beginning to the rest of a joyous holiday season in Philadelphia.

Manayunk’s “White Friday”
Where: Canal View Park, Main & Cresson Streets
When: Friday, November 25, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.manayunk.com