A Tradition Worth Preserving

Since 1956, generations of Philadelphians and visitors have gathered in Center City to experience the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village. From the million-light magic of the sparkling Christmas tree to the whimsical journey through Dickens’ London, these holiday experiences have brought joy, wonder, and cherished memories to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But now, this iconic tradition is at risk.

With the closure of Macy’s Center City, the fate of these beloved exhibits has been uncertain. The loss of this treasured experience would leave a hole in the heart of Philadelphia’s holiday season.

The Philadelphia Visitor Center, with the gracious support of Wanamaker Building owner, TF Cornerstone, has stepped up to help save the show—and we need your help to bring it back in 2025 and beyond.

Our Plan to Preserve the Magic

Since its inception, the Light Show has been managed and operated by the various department store tenants of the Wanamaker building, most recently Macy’s. The installation of the Light Show and Dickens Village is a massive undertaking involving dozens of skilled technicians and depends on high levels of institutional knowledge and technical expertise. The attractions themselves draw tens of thousands of visitors DAILY during the holiday season, requiring staffing to help manage crowds safely and provide positive visitor experiences.

The Philadelphia Visitor Center is building a team of partners including the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ and many long-time technicians of past shows in preparation to install, operate, and appropriately staff the Light Show and Dickens Village attractions for the 2025 holiday season.

But to make this vision a reality, we must raise the necessary funds for the expenses associated with this undertaking. We are confident and hopeful that there are individuals—throughout the Philly region and beyond!—who care deeply about continuing these traditions and will consider making a donation towards this effort. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect the magic that has defined childhoods and brought joy to families for nearly 70 years!

Be Part of the Tradition

If you care about the Light Show and Dickens Village as much as we do, please consider making a gift—of any size!—to this campaign. Your gift ensures the Light Show and Dickens Village will continue to inspire and unite us. As a thank-you, we’re offering exclusive commemorative gifts celebrating the legacy you’re helping to save:

Donor Levels & Gifts

$25 – "I Saved the Light Show" Magnet

Show your support with the exclusive "I Saved the Light Show" magnet—perfect for your fridge, office, or holiday decor.

$150: Limited Edition Wanamaker Light Show Candle

Includes the magnet, plus:

Bring the glow home! A custom-poured candle created by local woman and minority-owned candlemakers Color and Flame, designed with the sights, scents, and sparkle of the Wanamaker Light Show.

$250: “Behind the Lights” Art Print

Includes the candle, plus:

A high-quality “Behind the Lights” art print detailing the intricate magic behind the Light Show. This exclusive piece is perfect for gifting or displaying at home as a reminder of the wonder behind the scenes.

$500: "Best Seat in the House" Experience for Four

2024 Guide to the Macy's Light Show & Dickens Village in Philly | Visit Philadelphia

Includes all previous gifts, plus:

Experience the Light Show like never before with a reservation for four (4) in our Best Seat in the House viewing area.

Choose your preferred date and time via an exclusive donor reservation link
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with family or friends

$1,000: VIP Preview + "Best Seat in the House" Experience for Six

Light Show Evolution—with Christmas Display Review – Friends of Wanamaker Organ

Includes all previous gifts, upgraded access, and more:

Reservation for six (6) in the Best Seat in the House viewing area
Two (2) tickets to the exclusive 2025 Preview Lighting Event—be among the very first to see the show before it opens to the public

*PLEASE NOTE*

No donor gifts will be mailed. All donor gifts will be available for pickup at Philadelphia Visitor Center locations. We'll notify you by email when your items are ready. Items will be held under your donor name.

Share Your Story

Share your pictures! We’re gathering memories to showcase the spirit and history of the lightshow through a display in the Wanamaker Building and we’d be honored to include yours. Submit your photos here.

Tell us why you're giving or share your favorite Light Show memory using #SaveTheLightShow on social media! Your voice inspires others to give and helps keep the tradition alive.

Make Your Gift Today

If you’ve ever stood in awe under the million-light tree, or watched a child’s eyes light up in Dickens Village, this is your moment to give back.

Help us bring back the joy in 2025—and preserve it for the next generation.

Donate now to #SaveTheLightShow.

Prefer to Donate by Check?
If you'd rather send your donation by mail, we gratefully accept checks. Please make your check payable to the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and sent to the address below:

Attn: Colleen Murphy
Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation
599 Market Street
1 N. Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA 19106

To help us acknowledge your gift properly, please include this completed donation form.

Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax-deductible.

Leaders Lighting the Way

The effort to save the Light Show and Dickens Village is only possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity and leadership of our community. We are especially grateful to the members of our Leadership Host Committee, whose early support and advocacy are helping bring this vision to life.

These individuals share our belief that some traditions are too important to lose. Their dedication is lighting the way toward a brighter, more magical 2025 holiday season, and we are deeply grateful.

Leadership Host Committee

Councilmember Nina Ahmad
Annie Allman
Ray Biswanger
Laura Burkhardt
Rob Carachilo
Nicole Cashman
Brian Cawley
Peter Richard Conte
Lauren Cristella
Jim Dever
HughE Dillon
Councilmember Mike Driscoll
Tim Durkin
Karen Fegely
Michelle Freeman
John Fricke
Val Gay
Bill Gehrman
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson
Ed Grose
Melissa Heller
Sheila Hess
Jazelle Jones
Meg Kane
Councilmember Rue Landau
Rich Lazer
Melissa Ludwig
Curt Mangel
John McNichol
Rebecca Morley
Stephen P. Mullin
Chris Mullins
Drew Murray
Amy Needle
Matt Ray
Rosalind Remer
Ira Rosen
Kerry Sautner
Jan Shaefer
Tony Sorrentino
Councilmember Mark Squilla
Paul Steinke
Evan Urbania
Angela Val

Questions?

Please contact us at SaveTheLightShow@phlvisitorcenter.com.

Save the Light Show

By Philadelphia Visitor Center

Save the Light Show

Help Preserve Philadelphia’s Beloved Holiday Traditions