Holidays in Franklin Square Returns Featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, Street Curling, a Fireside Lodge, & Special Events

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is bringing the magic back to Franklin Square as one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, Holidays in Franklin Square featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, returns from November 20, through January 4. The six-week celebration transforms the historic park at 6th & Race Streets into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive attractions, family events, and seasonal food and drinks.

At the heart of the celebration is the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, a breathtaking display of hundreds of thousands of LED lights choreographed to a medley of holiday classics. Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s iconic kite-and-key experiment, the light show will dazzle guests every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until close, creating a free, nightly experience that captures the spirit of Philadelphia’s innovation and holiday joy.

The Electrical Spectacle Light Show features seven holiday songs—including Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials, All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey, and Carol of the Bells (Starchild Excalibur Drumadelic Remix)—rotating throughout the season for a fresh experience each visit.

Visitors can stroll through the park’s illuminated walkways, cozy up by fire pits, and enjoy winter activities like Street Curling, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, and festive refreshments at Frosty’s Fireside Lodge, the park’s pop-up winter bar.

Franklin Square offers something for everyone — whether it’s a family outing, date night, or holiday gathering.

• Street Curling: Inspired by the Olympic sport, this fan-favorite game allows groups to “slide stones” across a special platform for friendly competition. Sessions are $40 for 30 minutes for up to eight players.

• Chilly Philly Mini Golf: Center City’s only outdoor mini golf course gets a frosty makeover with winter lights, holiday music, and festive displays.

• Frosty’s Fireside Lodge: A heated winter tent with handcrafted cocktails, seasonal snacks, and cookie decorating kits.

  • Featured Drinks: Merry Mint Mocha, Cin-full Cider, Rosemary & Cranberry Cosmo, and Holiday Hot Chocolate for kids and adults alike.

  • Featured Treats: Warm Cinnamon Buns, Reindeer Chow Snack Mix, and Gingerbread Cookie Kits.

• SquareBurger by Cescaphe: Serving winter comfort food like Cheddar Beer Brats, Raclette Cheese Waffle Fries, and Holiday Rabanada—a sweet cinnamon-sugar French toast with chocolate drizzle and strawberries.

Special Events Throughout the Season

Franklin Square’s holiday calendar is packed with free and ticketed events for families, friends, and visitors of all ages:

• Opening Night Celebration – Thursday, November 20, 6 p.m.
  Kick off the holiday season with the first lighting of the Electrical Spectacle.

• Wicked Night in Franklin Square – Saturday, November 22, 5–7 p.m.
  Meet Elphaba and Glinda, pose for photos, and embrace your inner witch in your favorite pink or green outfit.

• Nutcracker Night – Sunday, November 23, 5:30 p.m.
  Enjoy scenes from The Nutcracker performed by The Philadelphia Dance Academy.

• Jingle and Mingle with Santa – November 28–29, December 6, 13 & 20, 5–7 p.m.
  Meet Santa near the fountain for free photos and family fun.

• Santa Paws – December 20, 5–7 p.m.
  Bring your furry friends for festive pet photos with Santa.

• Brunch with Santa – December 13, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  A special holiday brunch inside Frosty’s Fireside Lodge (tickets required).

• Gift-Making Night – December 6, 5–7 p.m.
  Hands-on creative workshop with The Clay Studio for kids and families.

• Hanukkah Celebration – Sunday, December 21, 5–7 p.m.
  Songs, crafts, and community fun to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

• Kwanzaa: Celebrating Ujamaa – Monday, December 29, 5–8 p.m.
  Presented with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, featuring Kwanzaa Quizzo and an evening bazaar.

• Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown – Tuesday, December 31, 5–8 p.m.
  Enjoy crafts, activities, and Franklin Square’s famous “Square Drop” at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks over the Delaware River.

Daytime attractions — including the Parx Liberty Carousel, SquareBurger, and two playgrounds — remain open during regular hours, while the evening festivities bring Franklin Square to life from 5 to 9 p.m. daily.