The Official 2014 Philly Tree Lighting Guide

Looking to get into the holiday spirit this year?  Nothing does the trick like attending a tree lighting ceremony. It’s pretty much a visual confirmation that the holiday season is in full swing and also an indicator that you got to get your Christmas shopping done.

If you’re looking to attend a tree lighting ceremony either for the first time or as a family tradition there are plenty to choose from.  Below is a list of the tree lighting ceremonies that are happening in Philly.  So be merry, be joyful, and get your holidays started the old fashioned way.  Enjoy!

Circle of Trees Holiday Tree Lighting

Nov. 22nd | 5:30 pm | Woodmere Art Museum

Family and friends come together to celebrate the annual tree lighting and the beginning of Chestnut Hill’s holiday season. Enjoy live music, hot chocolate, cookies, and a special surprise guest. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a charity for underprivileged children.

Rittenhouse Square Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 1st | 5 pm | 18th & Walnut

The Rittenhose Square holiday lighting ceremony, emceed by Kate Bilo of CBS3. Attendees will enjoy a special performance from Mary Poppins by the Walnut Street Theatre, giveaways at the Rittenhouse Row tent, antler ears from The Friends of Rittenhouse Square, keepsake photos provided by the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel and more. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for the CBS3 and CW17 Joy of Sharing campaign to benefit the Salvation Army. There will be a special appearance by Santa Claus at 5:30PM to light the tree.

The 2nd Annual Tree Lighting at Liberty Place

Dec. 2nd | 6 pm | The Shops at Liberty Place

The 2nd annual Tree Lighting is back with Center City’s biggest Tree! A family affair to not be missed, there will be complimentary hot cocoa, face painting and entertainment. See outstanding holiday performances from The Philadelphia Dance Academy and The Liberty Strings Orchestra (final holiday performance)! Patrons can enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages. Remember to BYOC (bring your own camera) for photos with Santa!

East Passyunk Annual Tree Lighting Party

Dec. 4th | 5 pm | East Passyunk & Task St.

Deck the Ave! EPABID and Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC) kick off the holidays with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker and EPA) on Thursday, December 4, 2014, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The free celebration will include carolers from Alphabet Academy, music by students from Andrew Jackson School, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday sweets from the Avenue and Stogie Joe’s pizza, and much more. After Santa lights the tree, the Joe King Trio will stroll down the Avenue playing holiday music, retailers will be staying open late offering great holiday shopping sales and treats, and Ms Goody Cupcakes will have mini cupcakes and cocoa at the Mifflin Triangle from 7-8pm.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Tree Lighting

Dec. 5th | 6:30 pm | Blue Cross RiverRink

The Blue Cross RiverRink, Philadelphia’s premiere outdoor ice skating rink, will be the centerpiece of a magical winter landscape known as Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. The regulation-sized rink offers public skating sessions, season-long special events, parties, private functions, as well as skate rentals and sharpening. Surrounding the rink will be a winter garden and forest made of shipping containers, hundreds of holiday trees and shrubs, woodchips, rustic furniture, market lights and fire pits.

South Street Winter Wonderland

Dec. 7th | 3 pm | Historic Headhouse Square Shambles

There’s nothing like South Street during the holidays.  During the South Street Winter Wonderland, enjoy free carriage rides, live performances, food, drinks, and of course Santa Claus!

Third Annual LGBT Tree Lighting

Dec. 13th | 5 pm | M Restaurant

Enjoy an evening with the furry friends of PAWS as great food, drink specials, and music serenades the crowd at the M Restaurant while the tree lighting festivities get in full gear.