Philadelphia Visitor Center Announces Return of Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village for 2025 Holiday Season

The Philadelphia Visitor Center has announced the official 2025 schedule for the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village, presented by PECO, marking the return of two of the city’s most cherished holiday traditions. Both attractions will reopen to the public on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the historic Wanamaker Building at 13th and Market Streets.

This year’s revival follows months of collaboration between the Visitor Center, building owner TF Cornerstone, and a coalition of civic, cultural, and corporate partners. The announcement ensures the continuation of experiences that have been central to Philadelphia’s holiday season since the 1950s, following the closure of Macy’s Center City earlier this year.

The return of the Light Show and Dickens Village was made possible through widespread community support and sponsorship. PECO joins as Presenting Sponsor, continuing its long-standing tradition of investing in community programming across the region. PowerPay, a Wayne-based consumer financing company, has signed on as a Major Supporting Sponsor, with additional backing from the William Penn Foundation, Connelly Foundation, Visit PA, IBEW Local 98, Visit Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, among others.

“The 2025 season represents a homecoming for these beloved holiday traditions,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center. “Thanks to the generosity of our partners and the commitment of Philadelphians who rallied to save these traditions, visitors can once again gather in the Grand Court to watch the lights dance and hear the Wanamaker Organ fill the hall with music.”

David Vahos, President and CEO of PECO, stated, “By helping bring back the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village, we’re ensuring these iconic experiences remain free and accessible for everyone.”

Wanamaker Light Show

The Wanamaker Light Show, located in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker Building, will be free and open to the public throughout the holiday season. The display will feature thousands of LED lights synchronized to seasonal music and narration, accompanied during select performances by the historic Wanamaker Organ, performed live by Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte and assistant organists.

Schedule:

• Nov. 28 – Dec. 11, 2025

  • Wednesday–Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Shows every hour on the half hour: 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 p.m.

  • Live organ finales: 12:30, 1:30, 4:30, and 5:30 p.m.

  • Organ concerts follow at approximately 12:45 and 4:45 p.m.

• Dec. 12 – Dec. 23, 2025

  • Monday–Sunday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Shows every hour on the half hour until 6:30 p.m.

  • Live organ finales and concerts continue through Dec. 23.

• Dec. 24, 2025

  • 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., final show at 3:30 p.m.

Dickens Village

The Dickens Village, inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, will return to the third floor of the Wanamaker Building. The walkthrough experience concludes with photos with Santa Claus.

Schedule:

• Nov. 28 – Dec. 11, 2025: Wednesday–Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.)

• Dec. 12 – Dec. 23, 2025: Monday–Sunday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.)

• Dec. 24, 2025: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.)

Admission to Dickens Village will remain free, though timed-entry tickets are required to manage capacity. Tickets will be released five days in advance of each operating date and can be reserved starting November 24, 2025, at phlvisitorcenter.com/savethelightshow.

First established in the 1950s, the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village have drawn generations of visitors to Center City, becoming central fixtures of Philadelphia’s holiday experience. With the backing of corporate sponsors, city organizations, and local supporters, both attractions will continue to offer free, family-friendly holiday programming in the heart of the city.

The 2025 season marks a new chapter for these traditions under the stewardship of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s winter celebrations for years to come.