Holiday and Christmas Lights Over Winter Break

Longwood Gardens –– Kennett Square

See beautiful lights on display at this special and sparkling annual event.

RELATED: Over-the-Top Christmas Lights on Houses Around Philly

Wanamaker's Holiday Traditions are back with the iconic tree and Dickens Village. Photo by J. Fusco

Wanamaker Holiday Traditions –– Philadelphia

The beloved Light Show in the former Macy's building is a perennial favorite, along with Dickens Village.

LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo –– Philadelphia

More than one million lights transform the zoo into a sparkling winter playground.

Morris Arboretum –– Philadelphia

Stroll through the arboretum's garden railway at night to see the trains decked for the season.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo –– Norristown

Grab some hot cocoa and explore the zoo lights at night.

Holidays in the Village –– New Hope

Admire the lights and peruse the candied confectioneries at the annual Gingerbread House Display and competition. Vote on your favorites while you enjoy local beverages and treats.

The Miracle on South 13th Street –– Philadephia

Visit the 1600 block of South 13th Street between Tasker and Morris to see this stunning annual neighborhood display.

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular –– Philadelphia

The 2700 block of Smedley Street is festively decorated with blow-up decorations, beautifully lit trees, and sparkling string lights. 

West Chester Griswolds –– West Chester

This house models itself after Clark Griswold's home in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and it does not disappoint.

Shady Brook Farms –– Philadelphia

Enjoy Shady Brook's drive-thru light show while blasting holiday tunes.

Herr's Snack Factory –– Nottingham  

Load up the family vehicle and drive through this display of more than 600,000 dazzling bulbs.

Philadelphia Holiday Shows During Winter Break

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker –– Philadelphia

Marvel at the dancers and delight in the costumes during the Philadelphia Ballet's performance at the Academy of Music.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol –– Philadelphia

This special one-hour musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale was created with kids in mind. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze –– Philadelphia

A magical holiday performance featuring aerial circus arts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and awe-inspiring acrobats.

Disney On Ice presents JUMP IN! –– Philadelphia

Revisit your favorite Disney movies and create cherished memories.

Disney's Fantasia in Concert –– Philadelphia

Watch the enchanting animated film while the Philadelphia Orchestra plays the score live.

Indoor Activities To Try Between Christmas and New Year's

Christmas Underwater with Scuba Santa –– Camden, NJ

Scuba Santa swims throughout Adventure Aquarium and gets everyone in the holiday spirit.

Crayola Colorful Christmas –– Easton

Help Santa and his friends save the holiday with some SNOWtastic adventures and animatronic Christmas characters.

Art Kids Studio –– Philadelphia

Plan some creative family time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's drop-in studio programs.

Holiday Bricktacular –– Plymouth Meeting

Meet the Elves with seasonal building activities at LEGOLAND Discovery Center in the Plymouth Meeting Mall. 

Kwanzaa Celebration at Please Touch –– Philadelphia

Help light the kinara at the Please Touch Museum on Sunday, December 28.

Holidays at Brandywine –– Chadds Ford

The whole family will be mesmerized by the train garden and holiday display, along with the tiny treasures in the Home for the Holidays exhibit.

Fairmount Park House Holiday Tours –– Philadelphia

Tour stately mansions all dressed up in their finest holiday attire.

Academy of Natural Sciences –– Philadelphia

Spend a day among the dinos, dig for fossils, and check out the special winter programming. 

Trampoline Park –– Multiple Locations

Bounce off some energy and burn those cookie calories. 

The Franklin Institute–– Philadelphia

Explore and discover exhibits related to the body, space, sports and more.

Skate with twinkling lights all around at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. Photo courtesy of Center City District

Outdoor Activities Open During Winter Break in Philly

Outdoor Ice Skating –– Multiple Locations

Lace your skates and take a twirl outdoors at Blue Cross RiverRink, Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, or Flight on Ice. Beat the chill with a cup of hot chocolate from the vendors onsite.

Christmas Village –– Philadelphia

Ride the Ferris wheel, the kids' train, or the double-decker carousel, then browse the vendors and pick up a handmade gift or a yummy treat.

Holidays in Franklin Square –– Philadelphia

Play a festive round of miniature golf at Franklin Square's winter-themed Chilly Philly Mini Golf and watch the Electrical Spectacle light up the night.

Carnival of Lights –– Pottstown

Play games and enjoy rides amidst Christmas vibes.

Koziar's Christmas Village has been a winter holiday wonderland for 76 years. Photo courtesy of Koziar's Christmas Village

Best Winter Break Day Trips Near Philadelphia

A Very Furry Christmas –– Langhorne

Wish happy holidays to the Sesame Street gang.

Crayola Experience –– Easton

Get creative with a visit to the Crayola Factory, which features festive holiday-themed activities.

Dutch Winter Wonderland –– Lancaster

Amish county welcomes Santa for the season at Dutch Wonderland, along with rides, entertainment, and a light show.

Koziar's Christmas Village –– Bernville

Walk through one of the most well-known Christmas lights displays in the country and take in all of the holiday magic.

Christmas Candylane –– Hershey

For the sweetest Christmas experience around, use winter break to check out over 5 million twinkling lights at Hersheypark.

Pocono Mountains –– Multiple Locations

Put on your snow pants and try tubing down a mountain or hit the slopes on your preferred skis or snowboards at mountain resorts across the Poconos.

Winter Hike –– Multiple Locations

Hit the hills as a family and shake off that cabin fever with a hike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Break Activities in Philadelphia

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year's in Philly?

A: Winter Break is a great time to check out popular holiday attractions without the pre-Christmas crowds or even go on a mini-getaway!

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Philadelphia?

A: Some holiday destinations are open to the public for free (with food, drink, and gifts available for purchase), including Holidays in Franklin Square and Holidays in the Village. Check individual events to find out if there are any admission fees. 

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas? 

Yes, many popular light shows stay open until at least New Year's, such as West Chester Griswolds and Shady Brook Farm. 

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during Winter Break in Philly? 

Many museums are open during Winter Break (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Some even offer special programming like Art Kids Studio at the Philadelphia Art Museum or Winter Weekends at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia?

Check out our round-up of kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations in Philly. And don’t forget to check out Philly’s longstanding tradition, the Mummers Parade, on New Year’s Day!

Writer Sarah Jacknis updated the article for 2025.