November 22, 2016
Tracie Van Auken/for PhillyVoice
Passersby pause for photos of the brightly lit tree in the center of Philadelphia's City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015.
Those looking to get into the holiday spirit won't want to miss these tree lighting celebrations. One of the most festive sights of the season is a massive pine tree decked out in twinkling lights.
Many of these celebrations also include visits from Santa, live music and holiday treats. Below are 12 tree lighting celebrations, taking place in Philly and the surrounding suburbs:
Twenty-five themed trees will be on display from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5 at the Bucks County Visitors Center. To light the trees, Santa will arrive in a firetruck on Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Free
Bucks County Visitors Center
3207 Street Rd., Bensalem, PA
On Nov. 23, the museum will host a free tree lighting ceremony outside on the east terrace. Attendees can enjoy holiday treats and a preview of the museum's holiday entertainment, along with a first look at the festive tree.
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Beginning at 5 p.m. | Free
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Santa will light the tree, then head to his cottage at State and Hamilton streets where children can visit.
Friday, Nov. 25
5:30-9 p.m. | Free
East State Street, Doylestown, PA
Setting up Philadelphia's City Hall holiday tree at Dilworth Park, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
One of the biggest tree lighting events in the city takes place each year at City Hall. The large Holiday Tree has iconic symbols at the base and is illuminated with lights.
At 4:15 p.m. the Philly POPS Festival Brass will perform before the tree lighting.
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Saturday, Nov. 26
5-7 p.m. | Free
City Hall
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
UPDATE: The tree lighting will take place on Monday, Dec. 5, instead of Tuesday, Nov. 29.
Watch the lighting of the 30-foot holiday tree and white globe lights in the park. Family-friendly activities and music will lead up to the main attraction. The official tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Nov. 29, but the lights will be up through the end of December.
Tuesday, Nov. 29
5-6 p.m. | Free
Rittenhouse Square
The annual tree lighting at the Shops at Liberty Place will take place on Dec. 1. Santa will be on hand to flip the switch.
This year, there's also added fun. Restaurants will be offering samples, stores will be offering special deals and there will be hot cider samples (both spiked and virgin). There will also be a free gift wrap station.
Thursday, Dec. 1
5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free
Shops at Liberty Place
1625 Chestnut St.
The annual tree lighting celebration will kick off at the Singing Fountain at Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue. The free celebration will include carolers, student musicians, a visit from Santa and holiday treats.
Shops along the avenue will also be open late to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Thursday, Dec. 1
5-7 p.m. | Free
Tasker St. and East Passyunk Ave.
The giant, decorated tree adds a festive touch to the Delaware River Waterfront.
Blue Cross RiverRink and Winterfest opens for the season Nov. 25, but the official tree lighting ceremony won't take place until Dec. 2.
The night's activities will include ice skating performances, live music and a visit from Santa.
Friday, Dec. 2
5:30-8:30 p.m. | Free
Delaware River Waterfront
121 N. Columbus Blvd.
The annual tree lighting will take place at 7:30 p.m. The fun starts before, however. Enjoy carriage rides, face painting, strolling carolers and hot chocolate.
Be on the look out for Santa, too. He's expected to make an appearance at the tree lighting before setting off on a parade through town.
Friday, Dec. 2
5:30-8:30 p.m. | Free
Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA
The Promenade of Trees will begin at sunset, lead by Christmas carolers. Attendees will view trees decorated in the themes of Christmas past, present and future along Main Street.
Each tree will be judged by local celebrity judges and one tree will win the "People's Choice" award, picked by the crowd.
Before the event, those bringing their pets for the holiday stroll can get a picture of their animals posing with Santa. He will be in front of the large Christmas tree in Canal View Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donate to Red Paw Emergency Relief Team to get a photo.
Saturday, Dec. 3
4:30-6:30 p.m. | Free
Main Street, Manayunk, PA
This event runs all day with a Phillies shopping sale, the Phillie Phanatic dressed as Phanta Claus, live reindeer and the annual tree lighting. It's a free, fun event for fans to get into the holiday spirit.
Saturday, Dec. 3
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Free
1 Citizens Bank Way
Meet at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens at 3 p.m. to parade to the Headhouse Shambles for the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Accompanying the tree lighting will be live music and a holiday market.
Sunday, Dec. 4
5 p.m. | Free
Historic Headhouse Square Shambles
2nd and Pine streets
