Volunteer for the Wanamaker Light Show & Dickens Village
Join The Team!
The Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village are beloved Philadelphia holiday traditions that have been enchanting families for generations. From dazzling light displays and soaring holiday music to the timeless scenes of Victorian London in Dickens Village, this free holiday attraction is one of the city’s most magical seasonal experiences.
But while the joy it brings is priceless, the show itself takes significant effort to produce and preserve. That’s why we’re looking for dedicated volunteers to help keep this incredible Philadelphia Christmas tradition alive for years to come.
Why Volunteer?
By joining our team, you’ll play a vital role in welcoming thousands of visitors to the historic Wanamaker Building during the holiday season. Volunteers assist with guest services, wayfinding, and helping manage the flow of visitors—all while soaking in the festive spirit of the season.
Volunteering requires just a four-hour shift, making it a fun and flexible way to give back while being part of the excitement. Whether you’re a student, retiree, or simply someone who loves the holidays, your time and energy will help preserve this one-of-a-kind Philadelphia tradition.
Benefits of Volunteering:
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Be part of one of Philadelphia’s most iconic holiday events
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Share in the joy of families experiencing the show for the first time
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Contribute to preserving a cherished holiday tradition
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Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the season while giving back
Sign Up Today!
Help us keep the lights shining and the holiday magic alive. Register your interest using the survey below and let us know your availability for four-hour volunteer shifts.
Join Our Team
Volunteer With The Philadelphia Visitor Center
Looking for a meaningful and fun way to give back to your city? The Philadelphia Visitor Center offers rewarding volunteer opportunities that let you share your love of Philadelphia with millions of visitors each year.
From greeting guests at the Independence Visitor Center, to welcoming travelers at our pop-up visitor centers, to leading tours at historic City Hall, our volunteers are at the heart of creating unforgettable first impressions. Whether you enjoy storytelling, helping people find their way, or simply sharing a smile, there’s a role for you.
Why Volunteer with Us?
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Stay engaged: Volunteering is a wonderful way for Philadelphians to stay active, connected, and involved in the community.
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Meet new people: Connect with visitors from around the world and fellow volunteers who share your passion for Philadelphia.
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Make a difference: Your time directly supports the city’s tourism, cultural institutions, and economic vitality.
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Flexible schedules: We offer a variety of volunteer shifts to fit your lifestyle.
Opportunities Include:
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Greeting and assisting guests at the Independence Visitor Center
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Leading public tours of Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall
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Staffing pop-up visitor centers across the city during special events and festivals
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Providing wayfinding and local tips to travelers
Whether you’re looking to volunteer once a week or just a few times a month, your contribution helps keep Philadelphia one of the most welcoming cities in the nation.
👉 Join us today and be part of the team that greets the world to Philadelphia!
Celebrations
Philly’s Stories, Voices, and Culture on Full Display
Ring It On will bring the 250th directly into neighborhoods through a series of engaging public programs designed to spark joy, elevate local culture, and deepen civic engagement.
250th Legacy Projects
About:
Philadelphia250 is supporting three social impact projects from now through 2026, for a total of $250,000. The social impact projects, are:
Our Market’s Community Tours
Smith Memorial Playground’s Revolutionary Action Figures
Special Olympics PA’s Cities of Inclusion
These three Philly-made social innovations were selected through the 2022 Leave a Legacy grant competition.
Women's Committee for the 250th
About:
In 2026, the Committee continues this tradition by supporting transformational projects which create their unique legacy to history and democracy.
There is a one-time donation to join the Committee that is allocated to the projects and includes participation in quarterly meetings and advisory subcommittees supporting the legacy projects through 2026.
More About the Projects:
The projects include:a $75,000 grant to the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center to support women’s financial empowerment ; and the restoration of Belmont Mansion, a historic site and former stop on the Underground Railroad.
Programmatic Legacy Projects:
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Building Women's Wealth: a $75,000 grant to the Women's Opportunity Resource Center (WORC) will support a Women’s Business Pitch Competition that provides capacity building, direct access to networks and resources, and cash awards for women's owned small businesses.
Physical Legacy Project:
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Restoring Belmont Mansion: Saved from demolition in 1986 by Audrey Thornton, over the past 40 years three generations of African American women have preserved this site and shared its history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Now, with the support of the Women’s Committee, this symbol of freedom and democracy can become an everlasting landmark in Philadelphia history.
Women’s Pitch Competition:
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Recognizing that financial independence is critical to exercising one’s fundamental rights, the Committee is providing a grant of $75,000 to the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center(WORC). The funds will support a competitive citywide pitch competition that equips partici pants with a powerful pitch deck anddirect access to opportunities and resources. Finalists receive cash awards and additional business support.
Learn more about the Committee
The Committee is a program of Philadelphia250 and the Philadelphia Visitor Center, whose goal is to help Philadelphia realize its vision of a celebration that reaches all communities, inspiring civic pride and action and sharing the economic and cultural impacts of 2026 across all neighborhoods.
Beautifications
About:
Selected commercial corridors will receive a series of physical improvements meant to promote the growth of small business, enhance the quality of life of residents, and incentivize new commercial development. Professional design experts will work directly with community organizations to set priorities for each corridor and make recommendations for investment. Beautification projects could include: decorative banners promoting the neighborhood brand and semi quincentennial anniversary; custom designed 250th commemorative benches; large planters featuring seasonal installations; and other streetscape improvements to create clean, safe and welcoming spaces for visitors and shoppers to enjoy.
Activations
About:
Local professional event planners will be paired with community development organizations to support the creation of new, or enhancement of existing, cultural festivals and celebrations along the selected commercial corridors. The goal of the activations is to engage current residents, attract new visitors, promote local businesses by driving foot traffic and visibility, and build the capacity of the supporting community organization. These community events will be featured in a robust calendar of 2026 events spread across every neighborhood engaging residents where they live and providing memorable experiences that create lasting impact.