The Wanamaker Light Show, a treasured holiday spectacle, has made its triumphant return to the historic Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia. This resilience comes after the closure of Macy's in Center City earlier in March had sparked concerns over the future of the cherished local tradition. In defiance of these uncertainties, the show debuted on Friday afternoon to the delight of the community.
Local efforts played a pivotal role in this resurgence, as more than 1,000 Philadelphians rallied behind the "Save the Light Show" campaign, securing the event's continuance. "I’m just glad it’s here, I’m just glad they were able to keep it going," Wendell Hill, of Overbrook, told FOX 29. The widely supported initiative raised $600,000 through donations and sponsorships, ensuring that the holiday tradition could once again illuminate the grand locale.
Indeed, the show's allure resonates with a broad swath of Philadelphians, the fabric of their festive season often woven with memories of this very spectacle. Patti Ludwig fondly recounted to 6ABC her childhood routine of mass at the cathedral followed by a visit to the light show, a ritual she now shares with her grandchildren. Similarly, others have nostalgic ties to the Wanamaker Building itself, like Marcia Hough of Germantown, whose aunt once worked there.
Families, drawn by the warmth of tradition and holiday cheer, filled the Grand Hall to witness the display, with children like Lilykate Ashdale expressing sheer delight at the vibrant scenes as reported by 6ABC. However, despite the excitement, Kathryn Ott Lovell, Philadelphia Visitor Center President and CEO, shared a tempered announcement — the light show is set to go dark for the next two years due to necessary renovations of the Wanamaker Building, a fact also noted by FOX 29.
The light show will be maintaining a regular schedule, running every hour on the hour from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, up until December 11, according to NBC Philadelphia. Following this date, showtimes will expand to accommodate the festive crowds. Enthusiasts can look forward to an added treat with Wanamaker Organ concerts following the light show twice per day, rounding out the multisensory experience. The shows will run daily through Christmas Eve, with further details available on the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation website.
