PHILADELPHIA - The holiday season is officially taking over the Delaware Valley. Neighborhoods, business districts, and major tourist attractions across Philadelphia, Bucks County, and South Jersey are decking the halls and preparing for their massive annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
Whether you are looking to dance under the snow on Main Street in Manayunk, take a photo with Santa Claws at the Philadelphia Zoo, or sip complimentary hot cocoa in Northern Liberties, there is a celebration for everyone. Here is your ultimate guide to the top nine tree lightings happening across the region this holiday season.
1. Manayunk Tree Lighting Ceremony & Manayunk Gets Lit Kickoff
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s largest tree lighting celebration returns to Main Street. After drawing record crowds of over 10,000 people over the last two years, this viral event is bringing even more magic to the neighborhood, with double the snow machines creating a true winter wonderland.
- When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The tree lights up at 7:00 p.m.
- Where: Canal View Park, 4418 Main Street
- What to Expect: Live performances, glow giveaways, ornament decorating, and a surprise visit from Santa Claus, who will lead the crowd in an Eagles cheer before lighting the tree. This event also marks the official kickoff of the Manayunk Gets Lit decorating competition, where over 40 local businesses battle for the best holiday window display.
2. Philadelphia Zoo Butterfly Tree Lighting & Santa Claws Debut
The Philadelphia Zoo is launching its breathtaking LumiNature holiday light show, which features over a million twinkling lights. This year introduces a very special new guest: Santa Claws, a lovable lion with a massive holiday spirit.
- When: Thursday, November 19, 2026. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the lighting countdown at 5:15 p.m.
- Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Avenue
- What to Expect: The official lighting of the Butterfly Tree, interactive light displays like the Penguin Prismatic show, the famous 25-foot pink flamingo tree, and rides on the 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel.
3. New Hope Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
For over 40 years, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and the Logan Inn have hosted this highly cherished small-town holiday tradition in Bucks County.
- When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Logan Inn patio, corner of S. Main St. and Ferry St.
- What to Expect: Live holiday music, hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and fresh cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a grand entrance via a New Hope Eagle Fire Company fire truck at 6:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the Fisherman’s Mark Toy Drive.
4. Christkind Ceremony and Pyramid Lighting at Christmas Village
Experience authentic European holiday charm in the heart of Center City as the traditional Christkind from Germany arrives to officially illuminate the massive Christmas Pyramid.
- When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m. The Pyramid lighting happens at 3:00 p.m.
- Where: LOVE Park
- What to Expect: The Christkind will deliver a traditional prologue in English before lighting the 30-foot Pyramid and its 3,000 lights. Afterward, she will stroll through the wooden booths of the Christmas Village for photos.
5. Northern Liberties Christmas Tree Lighting Party
The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is bringing serious holiday cheer to its bustling Restaurant Row.
- When: Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Family fun starts at 5:45 p.m., with entertainment at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Outside Urban Village and the Water tower, 1001 N. 2nd Street
- What to Expect: Complimentary hot cocoa from One Shot Coffee, ornament kits, a dance performance from Living Arts Dance Studio, and photo ops with Santa. Representatives will also be collecting toys and donations for Operation Santa.
6. Fishtown Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Conga Line
Fishtown is shining brighter than ever this year, thanks to a special gift to the Riverwards community from Mamajuana Cafe Philly and the Fishtown District.
- When: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Where: Mamajuana Cafe Philly, 1000 Frankford Avenue
- What to Expect: A grand 25-foot tree adorned with 10,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, special holiday food and drinks, giveaways from Santa, and a viral post-lighting Santa Conga Line inside the restaurant.
7. Evil Genius Beer Company Tree Lighting
Philadelphia's most festive brewery is back. Evil Genius Beer Company is completely decking out The Lab in Fishtown to celebrate the return of their highly popular holiday brew.
- When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The tree lighting happens at 6:45 p.m.
- Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N Front Street
- What to Expect: DJ Christmas will host a family sing-along while the brewery taps their annual releases of Santa!! I Know Him!, a festive Saison brewed with rose hips, black currant, and chamomile, alongside their Winter Strong Ale, Naughty or Nice.
8. Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony & Happy Holidays from ROX
The Roxborough Development Corporation is hosting an entire afternoon of community cheer and holiday shopping.
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Festivities run from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Santa arrives at 3:00 p.m., and the tree lighting is at 4:45 p.m.
- Where: Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Avenue
- What to Expect: A curated Makers Market, an Ugly Sweater Contest, spirited caroling by Opera on Tap, and a performance by Jeannette’s School of Dance. Santa will arrive on a Philadelphia Fire Department truck, and kids can make and hang ornaments on the community Wishing Trees.
9. City of Camden Tree Lighting Celebration
Head across the river to South Jersey to join the City of Camden and Mayor Victor Carstarphen for their massive annual tree lighting celebration.
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Aquarium Loop, 2 Aquarium Drive, Camden, NJ
- What to Expect: The event kicks off with a holiday motorcade from Haddon & Newton Avenues to the Adventure Aquarium. The free family celebration features arts and crafts, amusement rides, live performances, character appearances, fire pits, and the grand lighting of the Downtown Camden tree. The Camden Special Services District will also host a new pop-up market at the RECtangle Pocket Park.
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