Wanamaker Light Show to Feature Beer, Cocktails, and Comfort Food This Year

In a much-anticipated return to the holiday season, the Philadelphia Visitor Center has officially announced the schedule for the 2025 season of the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village. After months of fundraising and planning, the beloved attractions will open their doors once again, commencing on November 28, 2025.

The Wanamaker Light Show will feature a series of six daily performances from Wednesday through Sunday during its initial run. Beginning December 12, the show will extend to seven daily performances, operating seven days a week. This jubilant event lights up the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building and is a time-honored Philadelphia tradition that captivates audiences with its stunning visual display.

Simultaneously, Dickens Village, a walk-through experience inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” will also debut on the Friday following Thanksgiving. Initially, the village will be open five days a week, gradually shifting to daily openings as Christmas approaches. Both the Light Show and Dickens Village will maintain special hours of operation on Christmas Eve, allowing families to partake in these cherished festivities.

At the heart of the Light Show’s performances is the awe-inspiring Wanamaker Organ, played by Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte along with assistant organists. The partnership, which played a significant role in bringing the shows back this year, involved over a thousand Philadelphians rallying to support this cultural touchstone after Macy’s closed earlier in the year.

In the wake of potential financial hardships, organizers successfully raised significant funds, surpassing initial expectations of around 0,000, thanks to contributions from more than 700 individual donors and various philanthropic foundations. This fundraising initiative not only secures the show’s return for this winter but also lays the groundwork for its future sustainability.

Additionally, the 2025 season will introduce a new indoor holiday market inside the Grand Court, featuring artisan gifts, seasonal treats, and handmade goods. A pop-up holiday eatery named “Holly and Humbug,” presented by FCM Hospitality, will offer craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and comforting winter fare to attendees.

The Wanamaker Light Show has been a cherished Philadelphia holiday staple since its inception in 1956. This year, improvements and logistical preparations will ensure that the event meets the community’s high standards. Planning teams have engaged Macy’s Parade Studio to train new workers on the installation and execution of the show’s intricate lighting design and festive decor.

Although the immediate future of the Wanamaker Light Show remains in the spotlight, the long-term prospects are less certain due to impending renovations expected to begin in February, lasting for approximately two years. This has led to discussions on locating a new permanent home for the Light Show.

The organizers continue to emphasize the need for public support while expressing enthusiasm for this season’s offerings. As residents prepare to gather in the Grand Court to enjoy the grandeur of the Wanamaker Organ and watch the lights come alive, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the future of Philadelphia’s cherished holiday traditions.

To accommodate visitors, free timed-entry tickets will be required for Dickens Village, aiming to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The official schedule and more details on the attractions will be provided as the opening date approaches, allowing locals and tourists alike to partake in the magic of this festive season.

For further information about this year’s events and ticketing details, visit Media News Source.