Wanamaker Light Show to return this year, featuring Frosty as part of the holiday celebration.

The future of the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village in Philadelphia appears secure for the upcoming holiday season, following significant fundraising efforts. Originally originating in 1956 as the Wanamaker Light Show, this cherished annual tradition will return to captivate audiences this Christmas, alongside the beloved Dickens Village. A joint initiative by the Philadelphia Visitor Center and TF Cornerstone, the owner of the Wanamaker Building, is set to announce a campaign intending to raise approximately 0,000. These funds will not only reinstate these attractions for the winter season but will also help formulate a long-term preservation strategy.

This initiative comes after the closure of Macy’s Center City location in March 2023, which had functioned for 18 years in the historic Wanamaker space. The transition of stewardship from the retail sector to a nonprofit organization marks a new chapter for these iconic Philadelphia experiences. Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, expressed the importance of the Light Show and Dickens Village, particularly reflecting on their economic impact—which includes drawing around 400,000 visitors per season and generating approximately million in the local economy.

As exciting as the revival of the Light Show and Dickens Village is, the long-term future for these traditions is still uncertain. Starting in February 2024, the Wanamaker building will undergo a two-year renovation, which is likely to disrupt operations in the Grand Court, home to the Light Show. In the interim, there are plans to transition the Grand Court into a pop-up performing arts center for four months, showcasing various performances and aiming to demonstrate the venue’s potential.

The initiative has already gained traction, with notable contributions from the William Penn and Connelly Foundations, each providing 0,000 to support the campaign, along with a wider effort to collect smaller donations from the community. Additionally, the inaugural performing arts series in the Grand Court, leading with a concert on September 7th, will feature artists and groups such as BalletX and the Bearded Ladies Cabaret.

While the immediate future is set for the holiday season, questions linger regarding the long-term viability of maintaining both the Light Show and Dickens Village in conjunction with the building’s commercial transformations. The ownership structure may shift again, with plans for stewardship to eventually transfer to the Atwater Kent Collection for long-term preservation.

In anticipation of the holiday season, the once-whimsical displays of the Wanamaker Light Show are currently in storage, waiting to be reassembled. This marks a pivotal moment in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, as the city strives to preserve and celebrate its treasured traditions while embracing change. Contributions to support the return of both the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village can be made through designated fundraising efforts.