Philadelphia, PA - Mark your calendars and get ready to rock around the Christmas tree. Philadelphia, South Jersey and the suburbs' top neighborhoods, business districts and tourist attractions are back with the biggest and best Christmas and holiday tree lightings in the region. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a cast of holiday characters are about to wave their wand, descend from firetrucks and meet all the families as they help light trees around the city - including Manayunk, Roxborough, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, New Hope, Camden, Egg Harbor City, Philadelphia Zoo and Festival of Trees. Each celebration will feature family fun, photo opportunities, special dignitaries and tons of holiday cheer.
Manayunk kicks off the season with the largest celebration not just in Philadelphia but in the state of PA, with over 10,000 people expected to see the tree, Eagles Green Santa and SNOW on Main Street next week on Thursday, November 14th - and festivities continue into December with Roxborough and Camden ending Tree Lighting "season" on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Please check local times and websites for any changes to programs and final lighting times.
1) Manayunk Tree Lighting Ceremony + Debut of Manayunk Gets Lit
Thursday, November 20, 2025
By Manayunk Development Corporation
Canal View Park, 4418 Main Street
Festivities start 5:30pm and runs to 7:30pm
MORE SNOW IS COMING: Manayunk is ready for its Hallmark Movie Moment! Main Street will be transformed for the holidays with a giant holiday tree, dozens of buildings will be lit up, and there are even snow flurries in the forecast! This year there will be more snow than ever - they are bringing in DOUBLE for double the fun!
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania's largest tree lighting celebration returns! After a record 10,000+ people came out last year, this viral event is back. Kick off the season with the annual tree lighting at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street). Expect live performances, festive music, special guests, glow giveaways, crafts and photo ops with Santa.
Manayunk lights up for the holidays on Thursday, November 20, 2025, starting at 5:30 pm with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street). The night will host special guests and live performances, plus a surprise visit from Santa Claus! There will be tons of family fun with letters to Santa, ornament decorating, hot cocoa, North Pole Elves, and a Santa meet & greet in front of the tree. There’s a good chance Santa will be bringing some magical North Pole snow, too, so get ready for a Manayunk winter wonderland! And word is Santa is also a big Eagles fan and, in what may become a Manayunk tradition, will lead an Eagles cheer! November 20th also marks the official launch of the Annual Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition between 40+ businesses in the district.
Tree Lighting Schedule
5:30 pm - The City Belles
5:45 pm - Santa Arrives
6:00 pm - John Viscardi
6:20 pm - Emily Drinker
7:00 pm - Tree Lighting & Manayunk Gets Lit Kick Off!
2) Philadelphia Zoo Butterfly Tree and Pherris Wheel Lighting Celebration
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Avenue
Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday, November 26, 2025
5:00pm Doors, Lighting Celebration at Pherris Wheel 6:00pm
Philadelphia Zoo’s nature-inspired holiday light show, LumiNature presented by PNC, is back and brighter than ever, reaching new heights with the grand opening of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a 110 ft. tall observation wheel with breathtaking scenes of the more than a million twinkling lights that will fill the Zoo and jaw-dropping sights of the city skyline. New for this year, and joining the more than a dozen whimsical wildlife scenes come to light, are Santa’s Lodge, a cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, the perfect spot to chill along the beaming river. Favorite returning illuminated displays include the high-energy Penguin Prismatic show with a 40 ft. tall penguin shining with 40,000 lights and the famous 25 ft. tall pink flamingo tree, made entirely out of 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos. Plus, bring your old Zoo Key, or purchase a new one at the Zoo’s gift shops, to turn on the magic in select areas. LumiNature opens Thursday, November 20 and is open most nights through Saturday, January 3 from 5:00-9:00pm. Tickets are available on the Zoo’s website with prices varying by visit; best prices are available the earlier tickets are purchased. The Zoo’s ticket calendar will show all operating nights.
Stay tuned for details for the lighting celebration but save the date for surprise guests, live music and the lighting of the largest Ferris Wheel ever in Philly and tied as the largest for the state of Pennsylvania. At 10 stories tall, this is going to be quite the celebration!
3) New Hope Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Presented by Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and Logan Inn
Sunday, December 30, 2025
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Logan Inn, New Hope, PA
Corner of S. Main St. and Ferry Stt
Join us for New Hope’s beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a cherished tradition that has brightened the heart of our town for over 40 years. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors for an evening filled with holiday spirit, festive melodies, and the comforting aromas of hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and fresh cookies—all while awaiting Santa’s grand arrival.
It’s a night to make new memories, share in the joy of the season, and celebrate the close-knit community that makes New Hope so special. This event is proudly presented by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and the Logan Inn.
Festivities begin at 5:00pm on the patio of the Logan Inn, featuring live holiday music and a few special surprises throughout the evening. At approximately 6:00 PM, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance in style—arriving via fire truck courtesy of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company. After the tree is lit, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos.
Please consider bringing an unwrapped toy for the Fisherman’s Mark Toy Drive, located at the Logan Inn, to help bring holiday cheer to families in need.
4) Philadelphia Festival of Trees Opening Ceremony
Love Park
Monday, December 1, 2025
5:00pm Ceremony
Philadelphia’s most enchanting holiday attraction is back with a twinkling new surprise! Philadelphia Festival of Trees to benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will take over LOVE Park’s Welcome Center (1569 John F. Kennedy Blvd.) from Monday, December 1 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with a new preview weekend on November 29th and 30th. Now in its third year, the Festival returns bigger than ever with more trees, more bling, new designs, new designers, new sponsors and a touching new highlight. The dazzling array of two dozen holiday trees will be brought to life by an inspiring group of local artists, designers, and creative visionaries, including Alyse and Alexis Scaffidi of bitesized designs, Favian Sutton and Nazaret Teclesambet from Wine Garden Holiday Pop-Up: Diamonds and Pearls, Detra Boyd (FOT 2024 winner) and Christy May of Christy & Co. (FOT 2025 winner).
Each radiant tree will sparkle with festive lights and be adorned with an imaginative mix of original artwork, themed decorations, charming keepsakes, eye-catching toppers and countless delightful surprises. For a touching new highlight, more than 200 stars will dance overhead, each shining brightly in honor of a patient at CHOP. Sponsors for 2025 include a ‘who's who’ from the Greater Philadelphia region (and beyond), including Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, the Philadelphia Zoo with its LumiNature Lightshow, CHUBB, Westpharma, Bank of America, Dietz & Watson, Louis P. Canuso, Amoroso’s Baking Company, Burlington Automotive, RE/MAX, GIANT, Patient Care Coordination, DLL Financial Solutions, Meyer Design Inc., Christmas Village in Philadelphia and Käthe Wohlfahrt.
Along with the Festival of Trees, look for Santa Claus to set up shop for the season inside the Welcome Center every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (starting November 29th), with additional appearances December 22 to 24, 2025. Festival of Trees Hours are 12:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday through Thursday, and 12:00pm to 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the Festival of Trees is complimentary and open to the public. Visitors are asked to vote for their favorite design via a snowflake token that can be dropped into a ballot box in front of their favorite tree. By voting, they are supporting the 2025 charity partner, CHOP, and one hundred percent of all proceeds from the voting process will support the hospital’s Children’s Fund. For more information, visit philachristmas dot com/festival-of-trees and follow @philafestivaloftrees on Instagram for updates. For more about CHOP, visit chop dot edu/giving and follow @childrensphila on Instagram.
5) Northern Liberties Christmas Tree Lighting Party
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Decorating and family fun starts at 5:00pm with music/entertainment at 5:40pm
Northern Liberties Restaurant Row outside Urban Village and the Water tower - 1001 N. 2nd Street
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and Amazon Fresh present the lighting of the Northern Liberties Christmas Tree. The giant Christmas tree will arrive on N. 2nd Street and light up the Northern Liberties Restaurant Row on Tuesday, December 2nd. Join Amazon Fresh for ornament decorating at 5:00pm, with festivities beginning at 5:30pm. The family-friendly ceremony and program will include photo ops with Santa, special dance performance from Living Arts Dance Studio, music, invited guests and more. Representatives from North Liberties Neighborhood Association will be on hand collecting toys, items and donations for Operation Santa. Amazon Fresh will provide complimentary hot cocoa and other seasonal treats. Other merchants will be on hand with surprises and giveaways.
6) Fishtown Christmas Tree Lighting at Mamajuana Cafe Philly
Mamajuana Cafe Philly, 1000 Frankford Avenue
Festivities start at 5:00pm and run through 8:00pm
Ten thousand lights and 25 feet tall!
Mamajuana Cafe Philly presents a special gift to the Fishtown and Northern Liberties communities with a grand Christmas tree at the intersection of Frankford and Columbus Boulevard for all to see and enjoy. It will be up to 25 feet tall and have 10,000 twinkling sparkling lights with full decorations. Come out for the lighting ceremony with neighborhood and city officials, surprise guests, family fun, music, special holiday food and drink and other surprises.
7) Evil Genius Beer Company Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 4th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, lighting ceremony 7:00pm
Evil Genius Beer Company
1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
NEW this year - three times the decor as Evil Genius is now a full fledged Christmas pop-up bar - full release coming tomorrow!
Philadelphia's most festive brewery Evil Genius Beer Company is back with all its festive glory at The Lab in Fishtown, at 1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Celebrate the start of the official season on Thursday, December 5th with a Evil Genius Beer Company Tree Lighting Party titled Twas an Evil Christmas, which is open to the public, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, with the tree lighting at 7:00pm. Evil Genius will light up the nearly 20 foot tree inside, and feature decorations across the The Lab for the holidays. While Santa may be making an appearance earlier in the month, this day is the official celebration for the return of Evil Genius Beer Company's famous holiday beer, Santa!! I Know Him! which is a festive Saison, 7.2% ABV, now in cans everywhere Evil Genius is sold. Look for live music, Christmas carols, over-the-top decorations, photo stations and other surprises - and of course the tapping of America's #1 Santa beer!
8) Renault Wintery Vintner Wonderland Barrel Tree Lighting Party
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City
72 N Bremen Avenue
Join us for a festive evening as we light up the Christmas tree, kicking off the Vintner Wonderland season with joy and cheer! Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Renault Winery & Resort’s Vintner Wonderland!
Witness the illumination of our stunning Christmas tree, crafted from historic barrels, as it lights up our estate with warmth, tradition, and festive cheer.
Highlights of the Evening:
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Photos with Santa – Capture magical memories with the season's most beloved guest.
Ice Skating – Glide into the holiday spirit on our picturesque rink.
Holiday Artisan Market – Explore and shop handmade treasures, perfect for gifting.
Admission:
No charge to attend; enjoy onsite purchases to enhance your experience.
Celebrate the joy of the season with us and create cherished memories at Renault Winery’s Vintner Wonderland! (Perfect for families, friends, and all who love the magic of the holidays.)
9) Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony and Happy Holidays from ROX Kick-Off
Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Tree Lighting Party starting at 5:00pm through 7:00pm
Presented by Roxborough Development Corporation
Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue)
Plus festivities all day starting at Noon
Join us for a day packed with festive fun and community spirit! Get ready to celebrate the season as the Roxborough Development Corporation presents Happy Holidays from ROX! Mark your calendars for a festive afternoon of community cheer on Sunday, December 6th, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The heart of the celebration will be the Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue. New this year will be our winter market on Krams Ave featuring 20 local artisans and crafters. The schedule features continuous fun, culminating in the cherished Annual Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will enjoy live musical performances by Huston West and spirited caroling with the Roxborough Men’s Choir. A major highlight will be Santa Claus;s grand arrival, making a entrance on a Philadelphia Fire Department truck.
Families are invited to take part in the beloved tradition of crafting and hanging ornaments on the special Wishing Trees, adding their hopes and dreams to the community display. With a full afternoon of festivities, including an Ugly Sweater Contest and seasonal treats, this event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season right here in Roxborough. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with neighbors and celebrate the season together!
A Community Wishing Tradition
During the ceremony, visitors are invited to craft their own ornaments for our special
Wishing Trees. This unique tradition invites attendees to add a personal touch by
creating ornaments that carry their hopes and dreams for the coming year. Add your
wish to one of the two Wishing Trees displayed in the Pocket Park, creating a beautiful
tapestry of shared community dreams.
10) City of Camden Tree Lighting Celebration
Aquarium Loop
Saturday, December 6, 2025
4:00pm to 8:00pm
City of Camden tree lighting: Join the City of Camden for the annual tree lighting at the aquarium circle! Come watch the tree light up for the holidays and enjoy family activities, performances, fire pits, food and more. Saturday, December 6th 4PM to 8PM (Aquarium Loop Dr, Camden, NJ 08103). Save the date and tons more details to follow!
