Philadelphia Tree Lighting Ceremony Set for Dec. 4 With Ashanti Performance
Residents and visitors are already excited about downtown Philadelphia’s holiday festivities. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Philadelphia’s official holiday tree arrived at City Hall. Standing more than 50 feet tall, the…
Christmas street decorations from artificial Christmas tree branches
Getty Royalty FreeResidents and visitors are already excited about downtown Philadelphia's holiday festivities. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Philadelphia's official holiday tree arrived at City Hall.
Standing more than 50 feet tall, the tree will serve as the centerpiece of the city's holiday celebrations. It will be strung with 6,000 white LED lights, 100 meteor lights, and a custom tree topper.
Mayor Cherelle Parker called the tree installation one of the city's most cherished traditions. "The most wonderful time of the year is about to light up our city," Parker said in a statement shared with CBS News Philadelphia. "And one of those places that will be shining the brightest is right here at City Hall."
The annual tree-lighting celebration will begin on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. on the north side of City Hall, at North Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The tree-lighting ceremony will feature a performance by GRAMMY Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and actress Ashanti.
After the ceremony and through 8 p.m., guests can enjoy various festive giveaways and experiences throughout the celebration, courtesy of the event's sponsors, including Candy Cane Lane.
Philadelphia's Christmas tree will be on display from mid-November through the New Year. During that time, visitors can take a ride on the Ferris wheel or trackless train and enjoy holiday pop-ups on the north side of City Hall.
Organizations from throughout the Philadelphia area will also take part in the holiday experience:
- Guests will be invited to spin the Philadelphia Zoo's prize wheel featuring exclusive giveaways, including Philadelphia Zoo tickets to LumiNature, passes to the new 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, holiday snow globes, and light-up wristbands.
- Philadelphia International Airport will host Free Photos with PHL. Guests can pose for photos against a festive backdrop and travel-themed props that highlight new destinations for the airport in 2026. They'll also be able to take home a festive holiday greeting card.
- Ensemble Arts Philly will invite attendees to enter for a chance to win prizes, including gift certificates, branded merchandise, and tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze, which will appear at the Miller Theater in December.
More information about the Philly Holiday Tree and related events is available online.
