the best 2025 holiday events in Philadelphia: markets, concerts, lights, skating, and festive family fun across the city.
Philadelphia is a city that wears history on its sleeve—but come December, it also wears twinkling lights, festive markets, immersive art, and winter magic that spreads from Old City to the Main Line. In 2025, holiday events in Philadelphia expand with new cultural programs, interactive attractions, revitalized traditions, and larger-than-ever markets that celebrate the city’s diversity and unmistakable spirit. Whether you’re a Philly local ready to rediscover your city or a holiday traveler seeking charm mixed with grit, the 2025 holiday events in Philadelphia promise a season brimming with warmth, creativity, and pure Philly character.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market showcases local artisans, makers, chefs, and crafters—all framed by City Hall’s architectural grandeur. The 2025 edition expands with new Philly-centric vendors, a bigger food village, and nightly performances from emerging local musicians.
“We want this market to feel like a love letter to Philadelphia’s creative scene,” says curator Jasmine Patel.
Location: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA
Website: https://centercityphila.org/
Contact: info@centercityphila.org
Pro tip: Grab a hot cider and shop during sunset when the plaza glows.
Christmas Village in LOVE Park & City Hall Courtyard
Inspired by German Christmas markets, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village features more than 110 vendors offering global foods, hand-crafted gifts, and festive décor. The 2025 season introduces a new Kinder Zone for families and a marquee stage for international performers.
Location: LOVE Park (1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd.) & City Hall Courtyard
Website: https://www.philachristmas.com/
Contact: info@philachristmas.com
A holiday pilgrimage for locals and tourists alike.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Showing on one of the world’s largest LED screens, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular blends music, dance, animation, and scenes from The Nutcracker. The 2025 program updates several sequences with AI-enhanced 3D effects and live shadow performers.
Location: Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Website: https://corporate.comcast.com/
Contact: Listed via corporate site
It’s free, indoors, and unforgettable—your go-to warm-up stop on cold days.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
One of Center City’s most picturesque winter attractions, the Rothman Ice Rink returns in 2025 with themed skate nights, light shows, and expanded rinkside dining options from local chefs.
“Skating under the shadow of City Hall is peak Philly winter energy,” says rink manager Lauren Fields.
Location: Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Website: https://centercityphila.org/
Contact: info@centercityphila.org
An iconic Philly holiday experience—beautiful day or night.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Located along the Delaware River Waterfront, Winterfest transforms Penn’s Landing into a cozy winter lodge with ice skating, fire pits, cabins, and festive décor. The 2025 upgrades include a redesigned holiday light path, expanded cabins, and new themed cocktails.
Location: 101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA
Website: https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/
Contact: (215) 922-2FUN
Perfect for families, date nights, or anyone chasing that nostalgic winter feeling.
Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Light Show
Benjamin Franklin’s legacy meets modern LED artistry at Franklin Square, where the Electrical Spectacle Light Show synchronizes thousands of lights to a curated holiday soundtrack. For 2025, Franklin Square debuts a “Founding Fathers Fantasia” sequence animated through projection mapping.
Location: 200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, PA
Website: https://historicphiladelphia.org/
Contact: info@historicphiladelphia.org
The carousel, mini-golf, and warming station make it perfect for families.
Longwood Gardens: A Longwood Christmas
Just outside Philly, Longwood Gardens’ world-famous holiday display offers elaborate horticultural design, fountains choreographed to music, themed conservatory exhibits, and illuminated forest paths. The 2025 theme focuses on “Winter Around the World,” showcasing traditions from five continents.
Location: 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, PA
Website: https://longwoodgardens.org/
Contact: (610) 388-1000
A must for design lovers—book early or you won’t get in.
A Philly POPS Christmas – Orchestra Holiday Concerts
The legendary Philly POPS Christmas concert series remains one of the city’s most beloved traditions. The 2025 season includes new arrangements, Broadway guests, and expanded choral performances inspired by Philadelphia’s cultural mosaic.
Location: Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S. Broad St.
Website: https://www.kimmelculturalcampus.org/
Contact: (215) 893-1999
Nothing says “holiday season” like a choir filling the Academy of Music with sound.
Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater
In Camden—just across the river—Christmas Underwater delights visitors with Scuba Santa, glowing sea-life exhibits, and special holiday aquatic shows. The 2025 version adds a new bioluminescent jelly gallery and immersive coral-reef lightscape.
Location: 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ
Website: https://www.adventureaquarium.com/
Contact: (844) 474-3474
A quirky, unforgettable twist on holiday fun.
Why 2025 Holiday Events in Philadelphia Are Shaping Up to Be the Best Yet
The 2025 holiday events in Philadelphia are exciting not just because they’re bigger, brighter, and more innovative—but because they reflect the spirit of a city constantly reinventing itself. Philly’s holiday scene blends global traditions with its unmistakable hometown soul. You get the historic charm of Independence Mall, the artistic pulse of Center City, the waterfront’s cozy winter glow, and family-friendly attractions spread across the region.
Unlike cities that stage holiday events for show, Philadelphia does it with heart. Here, winter festivals become cultural gatherings. Light shows become storytelling. Markets become love letters to local makers. And skating beneath City Hall becomes a ritual—one as Philly as cheesesteaks and brotherly love.
Why You Must Experience 2025 Holiday Events in Philadelphia
Make the Most of 2025 Holiday Events in Philadelphia
Whether you’re planning a winter weekend getaway or crafting your local holiday bucket list, the 2025 holiday events in Philadelphia offer a season overflowing with charm, creativity, and unforgettable experiences. From sparkling riverfront skating to historic light shows and artisan markets, Philadelphia proves once again that it’s one of the most soulful holiday destinations in America.
the best 2025 holiday events in Philadelphia: markets, concerts, lights, skating, and festive family fun across the city.
