When and Where to See Tree-Lightings In the Philadelphia Region


winter wonderland-90

Photo courtesy of South Street Headhouse District.

Who needs Rockefeller Plaza (even though its Christmas tree came from Pennsylvania this year) when we’ve got plenty of tree-lightings right here in the Philly region? Be sure to bring your mittens and some hot cocoa to keep warm.

Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination Celebration
One million lights will transform the village into a winter wonderland with the flick of one switch at 6:15 p.m. sharp. The event kicks off the Village’s seasonal festivities, which last through December.
Friday, November 21st, 6:00-9:00 p.m. 
Peddler’s Village, Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, Bucks County, PA

Circle of Trees Holiday Tree-Lighting
Start off Chestnut Hill’s Holiday on the Hill with a special tree-lighting featuring St. Thomas Gospel Choir of Philadelphia, the Norwood Fontbonne Chorale, and Santa Claus.
Saturday, November 22nd, 5:30 p.m.
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill

DO AC Tree and Light Fest
Check out 25 lavishly-decorated holiday trees in a variety of themes like Monopoly, Miss America, and a 21+ Peek-a-Boo tree.
Monday, November 24th through Friday, January 2nd, opens 12:00 p.m.
Tanger Outlets The Walk, 1931 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ

Rittenhouse Square Holiday Lighting Ceremony
The city’s most picturesque square gets a bit brighter for the holidays, with 5,000 lights, a 30-foot tree, Santa Claus, and free roasted chestnuts.
Monday, December 1st, 5:00 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut Streets

2nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Liberty Place
The Philadelphia Dance Academy and The Liberty Strings Orchestra will perform, plus free hot chocolate and goodies, face painting, and time for photos with Santa.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street

City Hall Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Spectacular
This year’s tree will hang out in the City Hall courtyard, rather than Dilworth Park, but that won’t stop the fun. Don’t miss the city’s official Christmas tree and plenty of live entertainment.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, 1401 JFK Boulevard

East Passyunk Annual Tree-Lighting Party
Santa, carolers, and special holiday treats surround the Tree-Lighting Party at East Passyunk’s Singing Fountain.
Thursday, December 4th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
East Passyunk Avenue and Tasker Street

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Tree Lighting
Philadelphia Youth Ballet, Philadelphia Symmetry Synchronized Skating and more will perform and Santa will be skating around during the dramatic ceremony for Winterfest’s 43-foot-tall tree.
Friday, December 5th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Columbus Boulevard

South Street Winter Wonderland
Enjoy a festival complete with a PHAIR Holiday Market, a Society Hill Dance Academy Performance, Santa Claus, free carriage rides, and a tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th, 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Historic Headhouse Square Shambles, 200 Pine Street

Third Annual LGBT Tree-Lighting
Light the trees at M Restaurant with Santa Claus and a flea market, plus holiday drinks, menu specials and the furry friends of PAWS.
Saturday, December 13th, 5:00-10:00 p.m.
M Restaurant, 231 South 8th Street

Are there tree-lightings in Philadelphia you’d like to see featured here? Email jmiddleton@phillymag.com with any details.