Historic Philadelphia, Inc. invites the community to celebrate traditions old and new at Holidays in Franklin Square, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. The festivities run from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, transforming the park into a winter wonderland located at 6th and Race Streets.
Amy Needle, President & CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc., shared her excitement for the season: “Our team at Historic Philadelphia, Inc., is responsible for renovating, operating, and maintaining Franklin Square, and we’re really excited to be openig Holidays in Franklin Square, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, for the community to come celebrate traditions old and new.”
The Free Electrical Spectacle Light Show
The centerpiece of the holiday programming is the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, a free experience lighting up the Square every night from 5 pm to 9 pm. The show, inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s famous electrical discovery, features a giant kite and key, along with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to seasonal music.
“From November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Holidays in Franklin Square will enchant visitors with holiday magic and jolly memories,” said Needle. “The centerpiece of the festivities is the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to seasonal music throughout the Square every night. This year we have even more lights than ever!”
The light show in runs every 30 minutes from 5 pm until closing. It features a rotating set of seven classic and contemporary holiday songs, including “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and “Sleigh Ride” performed by Peter Nero and The Philly POPS.
Nightly Activities and Treats
Beyond the light show, guests can enjoy a variety of activities and seasonal dining options in Franklin Square. The Parx Liberty Carousel, Chilly Philly Mini Golf (adorned with lights and seasonal decorations), and SquareBurger, operated by Cescaphe, are open both day and night.
- Frosty’s Fireside Lodge: This pop-up winter bar is a heated tent surrounded by fire pits. It offers handcrafted cocktails, hot beverages, and snacks, such as the Warm Cinnamon Bun with Maple Cream Cheese Icing ($9) and a Cookie Gingerbread Man Kit ($13). Adult visitors can choose from options like the Merry Mint Mocha ($15) or the Cin-full Cider ($14).
- Franklin Square Street Curling: Inspired by the Olympic sport, this activity offers two rinks where teams can slide “stones” across a slippery surface. A 30-minute session for up to eight players is available for $40 per rink.
Needle highlighted the lodge and activities as a great way to warm up and have fun: “If you need a little warm up while you’re in Franklin Square, we have a gorgeous heated tent called Frosty’s Fireside Lodge where you can get a seasonally-themed cocktail, get a gingerbread cookie decorating kit to enjoy with your children, or try the new warm cinnamon bun with maple cream cheese icing.”
She added, “Personally, I can’t wait to try the Cin-full Cider – warm local apple cider spiked with Cinnamon Whiskey and the Merry Mint Mocha this season! We have these beautiful fire pits just outside the tent where you can enjoy your hot chocolate (not-spiked for the kids, of course) and watch the Electrical Spectacle light show. And right next to Frosty’s is our very cool Street Curling, which you have to try. It’s easy for all ages and super fun.”
Family Events and Cultural Celebrations
Holidays in Franklin Square offers numerous special events throughout November and December, many of which are free for the public.
- Wicked Night: New for 2025, on November 22, visitors can meet the witches Elphaba and Glinda, with a professional photographer on hand to take free photos.
- Santa Visits and Pet Events: Visitors can enjoy Jingle and Mingle with Santa on select dates, and bring their pets for Santa Paws on December 20.
- Cultural Focus: The Square will host a Hanukkah Celebration on December 21 and an evening to spotlight Kwanzaa on December 29, in cooperation with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, titled “Celebrating Ujamaa: Kwanzaa Quizzo and Evening Bazaar with AAMP.”
Needle emphasized the variety of free events: “At Holidays in Franklin Square this year, we have free celebrations for everyone, starting with WICKED NIGHT, where visitors can meet and greet Elphaba and Glinda for free. We’ll even have a professional photographer on site to take complimentary photos for you. And we’ll celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa during the season. Meet Santa for free, and join us for a free gift-making night on December 6 at the Clay Studio. Enjoy many fun, free activities to create lasting holiday memories. We hope to see everyone come enjoy Franklin Square this season.”
The season culminates with the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown on December 31, featuring a Square Drop at 6 pm and a view of the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront.
