Philadelphia gets one of its brightest moments of the year on Thursday, December 3, 2026, when the official Philly Holiday Tree lights up the north apron of City Hall, at North Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The towering Concolor fir — a 75-year-old tree — returns dressed for 2026 with thousands of colorful lights sparkling above a glittering base, right in the heart of Center City.
The first lighting happens at 6 p.m. during a free celebration that typically fills the plaza with live music, free giveaways and complimentary hot chocolate and warm apple cider. Families, office workers heading home and visitors downtown all gather together for the countdown, and when the switch flips, City Hall’s grand architecture becomes the backdrop for one of the happiest photos of the season.
Can’t make the big night? No problem. The tree keeps shining every evening through January 2, 2027, so it is an easy, free stop on any holiday stroll through Center City — just steps from LOVE Park and the seasonal fun around City Hall. Presented by Visit Philadelphia, the tree lighting is a joyful Philadelphia tradition that officially says the holidays are here.
Photo: Philly Holiday Tree, via Visit Philadelphia
