Save the Light Show

A Tradition Worth Preserving

đź”” Due to building capacity, guests visiting the Light Show in the Grand Court during peak times may experience wait times of up to 30 minutes to join the attraction. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Since 1956, Philadelphia area families have gathered in Center City to experience the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village. These holiday experiences bring joy, wonder, and cherished memories to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. 

The Wanamaker Light Show presented by PECO will be shown in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building throughout the 2025 holiday season. Select shows will feature live performances of the Wanamaker Organ. 

Dickens Village, the immersive walk-through experience inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” will once again conclude with the opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa Claus. 

Both attractions are free and open to the public. Free timed tickets are required to access Dickens Village. Dickens Village tickets can be accessed up to five days in advance. 

New to the Wanamaker Grand Court this year, visitors can enjoy holiday food and beverage at the Holly and Humbug pop up restaurant and explore the Shops at the Wanamaker Light Show featuring artisan gifts, handmade goods, and festive finds!

Join us this holiday season to keep the tradition alive!

Timeless Traditions + New Additions
Wanamaker Light Show lit with Christmas Tree

Wanamaker Light Show presented by PECO

This holiday tradition uses more than 100,000 LED lights to create snowflakes, ballerinas and reindeer dancing upon a four-story-high velvet curtain accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ.   
Visitors looking at a display in Dickens Village

Dickens Village

From twinkling scenes to timeless characters, this family-favorite experience transports visitors to 1840s London with 26 heart-warming scenes from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 

Shops at Wanamaker Header Image

Shops at The Wanamaker Light Show

Shop original artwork, designer jewelry, gourmet specialty foods, candles, apparel, home décor, and much more, all in the Wanamaker Grand Court!

Holiday Season Schedule

November 28 - December 11, 2025

Wednesday-Sunday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

December 12 - December 23, 2025

Daily: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

December 24, 2025

Open: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Our Plan to Preserve the Magic

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!

Share Your Story

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.