Delaware Valley Light Shows

Credit Jennifer Fazekas Of Longwood Gardens

This holiday season, your family will be able to find light shows everywhere from local zoos and a Sesame Street-themed park to beautiful gardens. Many of these Delaware Valley destinations also have additional festive highlights, including seasonal treats, entertainment and photo opportunities. Take some time to wander through glittering display with the family to make December feel a little warmer.

Holiday Light Show
Happening now
Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA 19067 | shadybrookfarm.com

Three million lights will illuminate Shady Brook Farm’s acres of farmland. You can drive through the displays in your car or on an open-air wagon. Stick around afterward for campfires, hot cocoa and tasty treats.

Winter Luminary Lights
Dec. 10-12, 5-8 p.m.
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA 19333

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens in Chester County will be hosting a three-night celebration of light in their gardens. The arboretum and gardens will have luminary-lined paths, illuminated trees and hot beverages and treats for all ages. Look for the giant wreath, a great backdrop for your last-minute family holiday photos.

Wild Lights
Now through Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m.
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA 19401

Wild Lights, a favorite family tradition at Elmwood Park Zoo, will be returning this month. Not only will your family be able to see new lights and decorative attractions at the zoo’s light show, but you’ll also be able to have animal encounters and a chance to see Santa. Live entertainment, performances and
holiday music will round out the offerings.

Carnival of Lights
Now through Jan. 1, 2022
144 W. Schuylkill Road, Pottstown, PA 19465

Walk through the display of 250,000 holiday lights and enjoy amusement rides, games and visits with Santa at this huge family-friendly light festival in Pottstown. Don’t miss the chance to see the fireworks on Dec. 30.

Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show
Now through Jan. 2, 2022
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

The country’s only construction-themed park will have lights, holiday displays and tunnels set up for families to drive through this year at its second-ever light show. You’ll be able to enjoy holiday music on Diggerland USA’s radio station as you make your way through the park.

A Very Furry Christmas
Now through Jan. 2, 2022
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047

The “Sesame Street”–themed park is transformed into a twinkling wonderland full of lights and festive decorations during the holiday season. The park will also have a massive illuminated 30-foot Christmas tree, a brand-new Christmas Family Fun Zone and opportunities to take photos with Santa.

Winter on Broad Street
Now through Jan. 3, 2022
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

Witness 193 larger-than-life light sculptures displayed outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia this month. Let your family wander through installations that include a 25-foot reindeer, an enchanted forest of more than 45 illuminated trees and glowing tunnels. Stay for snacks,
a gift marketplace and pictures with Gritty, the city’s favorite mascot.

LumiNature
Now through Jan. 9, 2022
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104

This year is the Philadelphia Zoo’s biggest holiday light show yet. LumiNature will have new displays, enhanced installations, performance artists, photo opportunities and special seasonal treats.

A Longwood Christmas
Now through Jan. 9, 2022
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Half a million lights are strung throughout these beautiful gardens decorated with this year’s theme of “Fire, Ice and Everything Nice.” Also enjoy lanterns and fire pits alongside a frozen succulent fountain and alpine waterway.

Winter in Franklin Square
Now through February 28, 2022, 5-9 p.m.
Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Franklin Square in Center City Philadelphia is bringing back its Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. During the day, families can play winter-themed mini golf, ride the carousel to holiday music and wander through the Snowy Silly Stroll. At night, the seven-care square will be filled with glistening lights and winter magic.

This piece first appeared in the December 2021 issue of MetroKids.