The towering tree with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the background at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest officially illuminates for the season with a party this Friday, December 4. (Photo by Matt Stanley for DRWC)
Ready to rock around the Christmas tree?
Make merry this holiday season by heading to one of more than half a dozen festive Christmas tree lighting celebration in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia this week.
Bundle up, score some hot chocolate, grab some friends and watch hundreds of twinkling lights illuminate trees at public spaces like Rittenhouse Square, LOVE Park, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Citizens Bank Park and the Singing Fountain in East Passyunk.
This, week seven major Christmas tree lighting celebrations make Philadelphia merry and bright.
Christmas Tree Lighting in Rittenhouse Square
During the holidays, the heart of Rittenhouse Square park is home to one of the largest Christmas trees in the city. Every year, locals and visitors pack the square for the ceremonial lighting of the Rittenhouse Square Christmas tree, which is typically more than 30 feet tall. Throughout the season, Rittenhouse Square glows with thousands of colorful globes, making a cheerful sight for holiday shoppers amongst the popular stores along Rittenhouse Row.
When: Tuesday, December 1, 5 p.m.
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut streets
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Holiday Tree Lighting at The Shops at Liberty Place
Returning for a third year, The Shops at Liberty Place hosts a towering Christmas tree in its airy Rotunda. For the official first lighting, look forward to holiday performances from the Philadelphia Dance Academy and the Liberty Strings Orchestra, complimentary snacks and beverages, and the chance to snag a photo with Santa Claus.
When: Tuesday, December 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street
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Rittenhouse Square illuminates its Christmas tree for the season at 5 p.m. this Tuesday, December 1. (Photo by K. Ciappa for Visit Philadelphia)
More tree lightings in Philly, below.
City Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular
One of the best-attended tree lighting events in Philly, the annual holiday celebration and tree lighting at City Hall welcomes crowds to the very center of the city for this yearly tradition. For 2015, attendees can jam out to performances from GRAMMY-nominated homegrown singer Jazmine Sullivan, the Philadelphia Dance Academy and more. After the tree lighting, lace up skates at the Rothman Ice Rink, located on the west side of City Hall.
When: Thursday, December 3, 6-8 p.m.
Where: City Hall, Broad and Market streets
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East Passyunk Tree Lighting
Philadelphia’s East Passyunk neighborhood decks the avenue during the annual tree lighting party at the famous Singing Fountain in South Philly. Join festive carolers, student musicians and local businesses for the bash leading up to Santa lighting the tree. Afterward, be sure to visit the stores and businesses along East Passyunk Avenue for great holiday sales and treats.
When: Thursday, December 3, 5-9 p.m.
Where: The Singing Fountain, S. 11th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue
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Christmas Village at LOVE Park is open daily through December 27 with tons of shopping, food, drink and entertainment. (Photo by Russ Brown Photography)
Christmas Village Lantern Parade and LOVE Park Tree Lighting
Center City's German-style Christmas Village at LOVE Park debuts a brand-new holiday display for 2015: Philadelphia’s first-ever Lantern Parade. On Friday, December 4, pint-sized carolers from Walnut Street Theatre will lead a parade from the Comcast Center to LOVE Park, followed by a performance by the Philly Pops Festival Brass Quintet, and all culminating in the lighting of the huge Christmas tree at 6:20 p.m.
When: Friday, December 4, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Parade departs from Comcast Center, 17th and JFK Boulevard; Tree lighting, LOVE Park, 1500 Arch Street
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Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Tree Lighting
The just-opened (and better than ever) Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware River Waterfront goes all out in lighting its tree on December 4. Look forward to performances from the Philadelphia Youth Ballet and Philadelphia Symmetry Ice Skaters, as well as an appearance from Santa Claus.
When: Friday, December 4, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
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South Street Headhouse District's annual Winter Wonderland invites folks of all ages out for a day of holiday shopping, seasonal performances, a tree lighting celebration and more. (Photo courtesy South Street Headhouse District)
South Street Headhouse Winter Wonderland
South Street Headhouse District welcomes the return of Winter Wonderland with free family fun, a tree lighting and a holiday market on December 6. Festivalgoers can look forward to free horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday market and more. The official tree lighting commences at 6:30 p.m. Stick around to peruse the holiday displays at more than 30 nearby businesses.
When: Sunday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Shambles at Headhouse Square, 2nd and Pine streets
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Tree Lighting at Citizens Bank Park
Support the home team while celebrating the holiday season at Citizen Bank Park's Christmas tree and ballpark lighting. The all-day event starts with the Phillies Holiday Sale at 10 a.m. and continues with an appearance from the Phillie Phanatic (as Phanta Claus, of course) and a ballpark and tree lighting at 5 p.m.
When: Saturday, December 5, 5 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
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For more holiday tree lightings in Philadelphia and the Countryside this season, check out
VISITPHILLY.COM'S COMPLETE GUIDE TO
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATIONS IN PHILADELPHIA.