Philly zoos, farms, and public spaces all boast dazzling Christmas lights. But in many neighborhoods, families will find Christmas lights on houses that rival the best professional displays. Entire city blocks, suburban streets, and private homes throughout the region give commercial holiday lights a run for their money, and we've found the best houses to stop by for a fun family outing.

So for a quick post-dinner trip or an extended local tour, read on to find the brightest Christmas lights on houses near you. We've got loads more holiday cheer in our Guide to the Best Christmas Events in Philly.

An additional bonus of checking out the best Christmas lights on houses near Philly is that the displays are all free. While some places might request donations to help with costs or to support charitable causes, families don't have to pay out of pocket to see their neighbors light up the night. A few neighborhoods and homeowners even make sure that Santa occasionally visits with onlookers, or will have a mailbox for kids to drop off their wish lists.

Please note because of the residential nature of these light displays, we cannot always confirm that the tradition is still alive.

The Miracle on South 13th Street is always a Philly holiday favorite. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

Christmas Lights on Houses in Philadelphia

The Miracle on South 13th Street—South Philadelphia

The neighborhood that decorates together, stays together. The Miracle on South 13th Street started in 1998 and continues to delight Philadelphia families year after year. Walk or drive this stretch of South Philly to catch major Christmas vibes. Located at 1600 S. 13th St. between Tasker and Morris Streets, this stretch claims to be THE Christmas Block in South Philadelphia. You can see the lights every night in December from 5pm–10pm throughout January 1, 2026. Visit their Facebook page to find out which charities they'll be supporting this year.

Get into the holiday spirit with a jolly drive down Smedley Street in Philly. Photo courtesy of the venue

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular—South Philadelphia

Smedley Street is bringing Christmas back with a holiday light display that transforms the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. Visit the 2700 block between 16th and 17th Streets and Moyamensing and Oregon Avenues each day starting at 5pm and running November 29 through January 1, 2026. 

Santa does his thing on Colorado Street. Photo courtesy of Unexpected Philadelphia

South Colorado Street—South Philadelphia

If you've already made your way to the Smedley Street Christmas lights, head on over to the 2700 block of South Colorado Street between 17th and 18th Streets. Residents at Colorado Terrace have been putting up elaborate light displays during the holiday season for decades; these lights are a true delight to behold. We could not confirm that the lights on Colorado Street were being displayed again this year, but they are generally open through January 1.

Elfreth's Alley—Old City 

The nation's oldest street, Elfreth’s Alley, is a great place to enjoy the holiday lights and festivities. More subdued than some of the dramatic light displays, Elfreth's Alley swaps the glitz for charm. On Saturday, December 6th, the historic street hosts Deck the Alley, a ticketed event where visitors can tour the museum and private residential homes for Christmas in historic Philadelphia.

Mayfair Annual Residential Decoration Competition—Northeast Philadelphia

On the 3500 block of Oakmont Street and in the entire neighborhood of Mayfair, more than 100 residents compete in some friendly Christmas fun with a decorating contest that lights up in December. Depending on how many homes participate, there may also be a Christmas Decoration Contest Trolley Tour. Keep an eye on their Facebook group for details on dates and times, then come out to see the street lined with lights and front yards adorned with giant inflatables. 

Christmas Lights on Houses in the Philly Suburbs

The Corrado Family Lights Display—East Bradford

Tucked away on Nobb Hill Drive in East Bradford is a house that really shines. Each year, the Corrados spend months decorating for Christmas. On weekends through January 8, visitors can see the magnificent display along with Santa passing out candy canes. The household also hosts a collection—thousands of toys and thousands of dollars have been collected to support the Chester County Hospital, West Whiteland Police Department, Family Services of Chester County, Chester County Domestic Violence Center, and CHOP Urgent Care in Exton. Bring a donation and check out the Corrados' hard work at 1102 Nobb Hill Drive in West Chester.

The West Chester Griswolds boasts over 133,000 lights. Photo courtesy of The West Chester Griswolds

The West Chester Griswolds—West Chester

The West Chester "Griswolds'" annual display is an amazing spectacle that can be seen from space. Don't worry about finding this place in the dark—with 140,000 lights, most of which are LED and computer-controlled, this display will blow your mind and make the kids 'oooh' and 'ahhh'. When you visit, be sure to tune your radio to 87.9 and bring a letter for Santa (before December 23) to leave in the mailbox at the end of the driveway. Located at 304 Dutton Mill Road in West Chester, the lights switch flips on at 4:45pm each day, starting on Thanksgiving night. The display turns off at 9:45pm Monday–Thursday and 10:15pm Friday–Sunday; it will shine through January 1, 2026. 

Colonial Drive Lights—Langhorne

At 155 Colonial Drive in Langhorne, tune your car radio to 91.1 FM and watch as the music and lights dance in unison. The lights display will run from dusk until 10pm starting on Black Friday (November 28) until January 1, 2026. This display uses full-house projection mapping, including some of your favorite Christmas characters like The Grinch, The Griswalds, and Jack Skellington.

Make an evening trip to see the dazzling lights of The Smith Family Christmas Display. Photo courtesy of the venue

Christmas Lights on Houses in Delaware

The Smith Family Christmas Display—Wilmington, DE

Brothers Tom and Jim Smith are behind the dazzling display of 700,000 bulbs, 70 extra circuits, and hundreds of hours of planning and hanging lights all over their property in Wilmington. Brother-in-law Ralph Thompson is the engineer and installer of this over-the-top holiday display, which starts its process on Labor Day and is finished by Thanksgiving. Santa typically makes an appearance at the house every evening from 6-9pm up until December 23rd. The Smith Family display is located at 1900 Prior Road in Wilmington, DE.

The Faucher Family Christmas Light Display—New Castle, DE

Affectionately dubbed Santa Claus Lane, this house goes crazy enough each year to have its own listing on Tripadvisor. The Faucher family's home boasts a grand total of 1,000,000 lights! For nearly 30 years, the family has kept this tradition alive, which draws people from near and far to be dazzled by the holiday lights at 1054 Red Lion Road in New Castle, DE. 

Writer Alyce Wilson contributed to an update in 2025.

The meal takes center stage on Thanksgiving Day, but if you'd rather forget the dirty dishes, grocery shopping, and hours of cooking, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Philly for a hassle-free holiday. Catch the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, then relax the rest of the day knowing that the family meal is being handled by the professionals. If you want to enjoy fine dining but don't want to change out of sweatpants, plenty of establishments also offer convenient pickup options.

Reservations are required or strongly encouraged for all of the following restaurants as many fill up in advance. Pre-orders for pickup are also required. Gear up for the rest of the holiday season with our Holiday and Christmas Activity Guide. 

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Philadelphia

Bank and Bourbon — Center City

A go-to for delicious Thanksgiving fare, Bank and Bourbon will feature a buffet that includes seasonal salads and soups, signature charcuterie and cheese from local farms, carving block prime rib, turkey, and salmon along with seafood, ham, roasted vegetables, butternut squash soup and a wide selection of sides, at $110 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Little people can dine off the kids menu if they'd prefer a cheesesteak or grilled cheese sandwich. In addition, consider ordering a fizzy drink from the new soda-centric program, Fizz by Loews Hotels. Adult diners can enjoy an optional wine pairing for $35. Reservations are from 11am − 9pm.

Fogo de Chao — Center City

For a taste of southern Brazil in the heart of Philly, try out Fogo de Chao.In addition to the regular menu offerings, seasonal recipes will be announced closer to the holiday. In the past, that has included dishes like roasted turkey and au jus, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes and Brazillian sausage with apple dressing. Bookings are available from 11am − 9pm, and reservations are recommended.   

Urban Farmer — Center City

Urban Farmer is serving up a bounty of options, offering a multi-course meal or Thanksgiving takeout. The full brunch menu is available from 7am to 1pm. A three-course plated Thanksgiving feast will be served starting at 3pm. Starters include dishes like chilled shrimp and Kabocha Squash & Coconut Soup, alongside mains like cider-brined turkey, salmon, prime rib, and stuffed pork loin; and sides like cornbread turkey stuffing, Roasted Carrot and Turnips, and housemade cranberry sauce. Seasonal desserts (pumpkin, apple and pecan chocolate pie—yum!) round out the menu. Adults dine for $125 and children ages 12 and under for $65. Dinner is from 3−9 pm. To-go options must be preordered and can be picked up from 12 to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. 

Chez Colette at Sofitel Philadelphia — Rittenhouse

At one of the most lavish Thanksgiving brunch buffets in the city, parents can begin with a complimentary glass of champagne before indulging. A raw bar, appetizers, multiple entrées and carvings, and desserts await Thanksgiving diners. The buffet costs $75 for adults and $40 for children under 12. Serving times are at 12 pm and 2 pm. Be sure to reserve your spot!

Bridget Foy's — Society Hill

Quintessential Thanksgiving meal? Regular dinner? In addition to a Thanksgiving plate offering, Bridget Foy's will serve a limited number of items from the regular menu. Look for Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, brussels sprouts, cranberry compote, and gravy. The restaurant is open 12 − 8 pm on Thanksgiving Day, and take-out is available. Reservations are recommended.

Square 1682 — Center City

Square 1682 is offering all the fixings—sweet potato pie casserole, classic brioche stuffing, and french green beans—with each main course, which includes turkey, braised short ribs, salmon, and mushroom risotto. Book a spot from 4pm − 8:30pm. Or place a Thanksgiving pre-order to feed two, four, or six people. Deadline is Monday, November 24, and pick-up is only on Wednesday, November 26, beginning at noon.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in the Suburbs

Brandywine Prime — Chadds Ford

Known for their steaks, the 3-course Thanksgiving-themed menu at this award-winning restaurant will focus on seasonal options like pumpkin bisque and housemade cranberry sauce, along with Italian sausage stuffing, Kennett Square Mushroom Soup, and desserts like Apple Cider Doughnut Cheesecake and Pumpkin Bread Pudding. For those who prefer the standard fare, a limited á la carte menu is available. The 3-course meal comes in at $72.50 for adults and $35 for kids under 12. Service begins at 1pm and ends at 7pm for the last seating. 

The Farmer's Daughter — Blue Bell

Choose from many delicious options from the four-course prix fixe menu. Begin with a pumpkin bisque, cajun shrimp, bacon and cauliflower corn chowder, or a mesclun greens salad before moving on to turkey, short rib, salmon, pork loin, lamb leg, Chilean sea bass, or squash gnocchi, accompanied by family-style sides and followed by a dessert. Pricing for adults is $79.95, with children ages 5 to 10 priced at $26.95. Seatings are available from 1 − 6pm. Alternatively, visit the Normandy Grand Ballroom, also at Normandy Farm, for the Grand Ballroom Buffet, featuring soups, chilled salads and bread, a shrimp cocktail bar, carving stations and entrees, and seasonal sides and desserts. That option costs $69.95 for adults and $26.95 for children.

Fleming's Steakhouse — Blue Bell

Fleming's Steakhouse invites your family to be their guest for a special menu. The two-course meal will feature herb-roasted turkey, filet mignon, or prime bone-in ribeye, along with homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans with apricots and onions, cinnamon orange cranberry sauce and dessert. The price starts at $59 per guest. The full dinner menu will also be available all day, and a children's three-course menu is available for $22. Fleming's will be open 11am − 8pm. There's also the option of ordering a Thanksgiving meal for six people to enjoy at home. For this option, place the order online, and the meals can be picked from November 21 to November 30, so you can celebrate on your schedule.

Seasons 52 — King of Prussia

Seasons 52 is known for its uber-fresh, ever-changing menu. Thanksgiving diners can prepare for roasted turkey with savory pan gravy, Yukon mashed potatoes, brioche and sage stuffing, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie. With pricing set at $42 for adults, and $18 for children, this is among the most affordable dinners families will find. To-go boxes are also available, serving 4−6 people for $230.

Black Powder Tavern — Wayne

Craft American fare is the specialty at Black Powder Tavern in Wayne, and Thanksgiving brings a buffet of cold dishes—salads, shrimp cocktail, and a meat and cheese board—as well as hot ones like turkey, glazed ham, short rib beef bourguignon, roasted salmon, and sides. End your meal at the dessert station with apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie, plus other treats. Adults pay $62, and children 11 and under pay $29. The Tavern will be open 11:30am − 7pm. 

Mendenhall Inn — Mendenhall

With the Mendenhall Inn's buffet style, you can take your pick or have it all. Roasted turkey and prime rib, amid a varied selection of sides, both traditional and non-traditional, will be served up for the holiday. With the wide selection, including a pasta station, there's something to meet every taste. Buffet prices are $66 for adults and $30 for children 5−10 years old. The restaurant is open from 12pm to 7pm. The Inn encourages Thanksgiving day diners to make reservations via phone as soon as possible.

Tredici — Wayne  

For an Italian-style take-home Thanksgiving this year, check out Tredici for á la carte options. Italian antipasto, a fall cheese board, various bisques, sides, quiche, and ham are on the market's menu. Place your order by November 10, and pick up your selections on Wednesday, November 26 between 9am and 1pm.  

The Farmhouse at People’s Light — Malvern

If you're fixin' to enjoy an earlier meal, The Farmhouse at People's Light is open for a Thanksgiving buffet, serving classic dishes and some with a twist, like bourbon mashed sweet potatoes. The buffet cost at this Malvern favorite is $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Hours are 11am - 3pm.  

Springfield Country Club — Springfield

The ballroom will be the location for a special buffet on Thanksgiving Day, with seasonal foods like carved root beer glazed ham, turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, as well as Old Bay peel n' eat shrimp and white wine and vegetable penne. Complimentary juices and soft drinks are included in your meal, and children can enjoy chicken fingers and fries. Save your family's spot between 1 − 5pm. Tickets are required in advance and are $59.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids 2-12, and free for kids under 2. Taxes are not included.

This article has been updated by Alyce Wilson for 2025. 

There is something about trains that evokes nostalgia at Christmastime. For some, it stirs up childhood memories of building a model train set under the twinkling tree lights. For others it may be a simple reminder of that "coming home for the holidays" feel, where folks would arrive at the train station, arms filled with Christmas packages for family at home. Whatever the reason might be, many railroads in the tri-state area hold events to bring back that old-fashioned holiday tradition. At many of these special outings, families can ride a real locomotive with Santa Claus, hear Christmas stories, sing carols, sip hot chocolate and admire the views of the passing countryside. Children are even invited to wear their pajamas at some of these events!  

We have rounded up a list of railroads hosting holiday-themed trains of all kinds. Some of these are located more than an hour's drive from Philadelphia but can make for a fantastic holiday outing. So climb aboard for some Christmas fun!

North Pole Express
November 9, 10, November 16- December 24, 2019 (excluding Thanksgiving)
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
32 W. Bridge Street
New Hope, PA
Ride the train with Santa and enjoy special treats on this holiday event running various dates and times (including weekdays) through December.

Santa's Steam Spectacular
November 29- December 1, December 7-8, 14-24, 2019
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
32 W. Bridge Street
New Hope, PA
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad offers this train ride which runs throughout the season. Both Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance on this historic #40 steam engine.

Santa's Express
November 23, 24, 29, 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2019
West Chester Railroad
230 E. Market Street
West Chester, PA
Passengers join Santa on weekends through December for a ride through Chester County on this festive train, which also includes live music. Another fun option for families is the Christmas Tree Train to Wiggins Farm to cut down their own tree.

Santa’s Paradise Express
November 23, 24, 29, 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2019
Strasburg Railroad
301 Gap Road
Ronks, PA
Santa visits with children on the train as they journey back and forth to Paradise, PA. Families can also enjoy the Lancaster County countryside and holiday spirit when they ride the Christmas Tree Train and the Night Before Christmas Train.

Santa's Polar Bear Express Train
November 16, 23, 24, 29, 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, and 12, 2019
The Colebrookdale Railroad
103 E. Third Street
Boyertown, PA
Children can deliver their wish lists to Santa on this two hour train ride. Brunch and lunch train options are available. On select evenings, passengers can wear their pjs and ride the Night Before Christmas Train to hear the classic story. After the holiday, passengers can ride on the Snowflake Special.

The Polar Express
November 29,30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, 2019
The Delaware River Railroad Excursions
99 Elizabeth Street
Phillipsburg, NJ
Children can wear their pajamas and enjoy hearing a reading of "The Polar Express." A visit with Santa completes the journey. Tickets often sell out, so get them early!

Santa Claus Express
November 29, 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23, 2019
Wilmington & Western Railroad
2201 Newport Gap Pike
Wilmington, DE
Each child is greeted by Ol' St. Nick and given a treat as they ride this antique steam locomotive weekends through December. Families can also purchase tickets for a ride on the Holiday Lights Express and see homes decorated along the way.

The Santa Express
TBD
Cape May Seashore Lines
Reading Ave. & Mill Road
Tuckahoe, NJ
Be sure to bring your letters to deliver directly to Santa as he walks through the train to visit with each child.

Santa Claus Special
December 7-8, 2019
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad
42 Community Center Drive
Kempton, PA
Children can hop aboard the train for a memorable journey with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Friday, December 6, 2019 is a special evening train featuring Storytime with Mrs. Claus.

Photo courtesy of West Chester Railroad