The holiday season will sparkle once more at the Wanamaker Building this year — and then go dark for a while. Organizers announced that the beloved Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village will return on Friday, November 28, but will take a two-year break beginning in 2026 as the historic building undergoes major renovations.
The Philadelphia Visitor Center confirmed the 2025 schedule on Monday, noting that the show’s future beyond 2027 remains uncertain as discussions continue with the building’s new owner, TF Cornerstone. The New York-based developer received city approval in July to convert much of the Wanamaker Building into a mixed-use complex with roughly 600 apartments, retail space, and rooftop amenities.
The light show, first staged in 1956, has long been a fixture of Philadelphia’s holiday season, drawing generations of families from many miles away to the grand atrium across from City Hall. Each 10-minute performance will run every hour on the half hour, offering the familiar sight of twinkling snowflakes, shimmering reindeer, and festive lights synchronized to classic Christmas music.
The Dickens Village, another fan favorite, invites visitors to stroll through a life-sized re-creation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The walkthrough experience is free, though visitors must reserve time slots online up to five days in advance. The final entry each evening is 30 minutes before closing.
The attractions nearly didn’t return this year after Macy’s closed the department store in March, raising concerns that the long-running tradition might end for good. Mounting costs — estimated around $600,000 to stage and maintain the shows — had also threatened their continuation. A successful public fundraising campaign, with more than 1,000 individual contributors, helped secure the 2025 run.
The Philadelphia Visitor Center said it remains committed to preserving the historic holiday displays beyond the construction period. In the meantime, this year’s performances offer one final opportunity for visitors to enjoy a treasured tradition before the lights dim for renovation.
Source: Philly Voice