In spring and summer 2026, a 20-week tour series will celebrate Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods, highlighting local culture, restaurants, shops, parks, and historic landmarks. Tour guides will work with residents and community historians to co-create each experience, shaping routes, scripts, and training local guides. These tours aim to share neighborhood stories, encourage visitors beyond Center City, and support skills development in tourism and hospitality.
In 2026, a favorite Philly tradition gets a historic upgrade. PHL250, in partnership with the Office of Clean and Green and the Streets Department, will deliver “Life, Liberty, and Happiness” kits to 250 blocks, filled with themed swag, decorations, games, and gift cards to spark celebration and pride. The 25 finalists in the City’s annual “Most Beautiful Block” Contest will receive super-sized block parties with DJs, treats, inflatables, and more. A citywide call for local vendors will highlight Philly talent and support small businesses, turning neighborhoods into hubs of joy and community spirit.
PHL250 is partnering with America250PA and Mural Arts to create 20 large replica Liberty Bells designed with input from local communities. Each bell will reflect its neighborhood’s unique identity while commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Once completed, the bells will be displayed in commercial corridors and public parks, forming a citywide “treasure map” for residents and visitors to explore.
Philadelphia250, a program of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, is the lead entity overseeing neighborhood and commercial corridor programs for the city's semiquincentennial. The mission of Philadelphia250 is to uplift and showcase the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, cultures, and small businesses and give both residents and tourists fun and meaningful ways to commemorate the semiquincentennial.
In support of Mayor Cherelle Parker's vision for a "united city" and a semiquincentennial celebration that reaches all neighborhoods and residents, the City of Philadelphia is making a series of neighborhood-level investments and supporting citywide cultural programming in 20 locations across the city. The goal of these investments is to expand economic growth for local businesses, enhance civic pride for communities, and build the capacity of community development organizations who steward these spaces.
We are working in close collaboration with several city agencies, including the Commerce Department, the Office of Clean and Green, Parks and Recreation, the Streets Department, as well as City Council, this public-private partnership enables us to leverage funds we have raised from the private sector against City funding committed by the Parker administration and City Council.
A yearlong calendar of cultural festivals, attractions and experiences rooted in community.
Local event planners will partner with community organizations to create or enhance cultural festivals along key commercial corridors. These events aim to engage residents, attract visitors, boost local businesses, and strengthen community capacity. More info here.
Enhancing Commercial Corridors with Physical Improvements
Selected commercial corridors will undergo physical improvements to support small businesses, enhance residents’ quality of life, and attract new development. Design experts will collaborate with community organizations to set priorities and guide investments. More info here.
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.
Founding Sponsors
Comcast NBC Universal
Independence Blue Cross
City of Philadelphia
Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial
Legacy Sponsors
Wells Fargo
Fulton Bank
Ring it On! Sponsors
Beautification Sponsor
Aramark
Block Party Bonanza Presenting Sponsor
Comcast NBC Universal
Block Party BBQ Sponsor
ShopRite/The Fresh Grocer
Bells Across PA Co-Sponsors
PCOM
Bellwether District / HRP
Neighborhood Tour Series Presenting Sponsor
Fulton Bank
Our team will review your submission and follow up with more details about current opportunities, training sessions, and next steps. In the meantime, feel free to learn more about City Hall tours and programs on our website.
And nobody represents Philadelphia better than the people who call it home. That's where The Phambassadors come in.
The Visitor Center is building a citywide initiative of Philadelphians—from die-hard sports fans to artists, small business owners, community leaders, and everyday locals—united by one mission: to showcase their favorite Philly experiences with the world.
Since 1956, generations of Philadelphians and visitors have gathered in Center City to experience the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village. These holiday experiences have brought joy, wonder, and cherished memories to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The Wanamaker Light Show presented by PECO, shown in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building, will be offered free of charge and open to the public throughout the season accompanied during select shows by the Wanamaker Organ. Dickens Village, the immersive walk-through experience inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” will be available to guests through free timed-tickets that must be reserved in advance, and will once again conclude with the opportunity to share Christmas wishes and take photos with Santa Claus.
Debuting this year inside the Wanamaker Grand Court, visitors can also enjoy holiday food and beverage at the Holly and Humbug pop up restaurant and explore the Shops at the Wanamaker Light Show Vendor Village featuring artisan gifts, handmade goods, and festive finds!
Join us this holiday season to keep the tradition alive!
Wednesday-Sunday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Daily: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Open: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Since 1956, the Light Show has been managed and operated by the various department store tenants of the Wanamaker building, most recently Macy’s. The installation of the Light Show and Dickens Village is a massive undertaking involving dozens of skilled technicians and depends on high levels of institutional knowledge and technical expertise. The attractions themselves draw tens of thousands of visitors DAILY during the holiday season, requiring staffing to help manage crowds safely and provide positive visitor experiences.
The Philadelphia Visitor Center has assembled a team of dedicated partners including the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ and many long-serving show technicians to prepare to install, operate, and appropriately staff the Light Show and Dickens Village attractions for the 2025 holiday season.
But to make this vision a reality, we must raise the necessary funds to support an undertaking of this scale. We are hopeful that there are individuals—throughout the Philly region and beyond!—who care deeply about keeping these traditions alive and will consider making a donation towards this effort. Join us in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect the magic that has defined childhoods and brought joy to families for nearly 70 years!
Tell us why you're giving or share your favorite Light Show memory using #SaveTheLightShow on social media! Your voice inspires others to give and helps keep the tradition alive.
