Philadelphia Celebrates the Holidays

Light shows, finding the perfect gifts and more ways to ring in the holidays.

ByCecily Tynan and Rick Williams WPVI logo

Thursday, December 3, 2020

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Rick Williams and Cecily Tynan spread holiday cheer at City Hall for the ceremonial lighting of Philadelphia's Holiday Tree.

Carols were sung by some of the area's top performers as we kicked off the holiday season. And take a tour around the town for some of the top holiday destinations for shopping, light shows and entertainment.

Visit Philadelphia Holiday tree shines at City Hall

The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Tree is a 60-year-old white fir standing 50 feet tall. It is adorned with more than 5,000 linear feet of lights and more than a dozen handcrafted ornaments. Two new Black Lives Matter ornaments have been added to the tree this year signifying the city's belief in social justice. The tree-topper is a 130-pound Liberty Bell. The base was created by artist David Korins, known for his work as set designer of Hamilton.

Visit Philadelphia Holiday Tree

North Plaza of City Hall

See the tree live on 6abc.com: The Philadelphia Holiday Tree live feed.

Dilworth Plaza transformed into a winter wonderland

Once again Dilworth Park at City Hall has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the season. The Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink is back for another season of outdoor exercise and fun. They have pandemic protocols this year to reserve ice time and contact-less arrival procedures to keep it safe. The Rothman Cabin is open serving delicious dishes and drinks to enjoy outside. And the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn has been reimagined with extra spacing to maintain safe social distancing.

Winter at Dilworth Park | Facebook | Instagram

1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Center City markets return with gift ideas to check off your list

Two Center City markets return with unique gifts for your holiday lists. The Christmas Village has transformed Love Park into a German Village for shopping and eating. There is a range of vendors from around the world offering ideas for holiday gifting. The Made in Philly Market is at Dilworth Plaza with a number of Philly-centric makers offering their locally-made products. Both markets spread out their vendors to create a safe space for shoppers.

Made in Philly Market | Facebook | Instagram

Dilworth Park at the West Side of City Hall Philadelphia

Holiday light shows brighten the city

The 2020 holiday season is as bright as it's ever been with holiday shows around the region spreading cheer like they do every year. The annual Macy's light show accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ has gone virtual for guests to experience from the comforts of their home. A new light experience, Winter on Broad, has taken over the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Deck the Halls is once again lighting up the west-facing wall of City Hall at Dilworth Park. And Franklin Square's ode to Ben Franklin will once again light up the park.

Macy's Christmas Light Show | Facebook | Instagram

Winter on Broad Street | Facebook | Instagram

3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148

Franklin Square | Facebook | Instagram

6th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Deck the Hall Holiday Lights

Located at Dilworth Park at the West Side of City Hall Philadelphia. Watch it live on 6abc.com at the Holiday lights live feed and see more information on the lights at Center City Phila.