Holiday Lights Driving Tour

Private Driving Tour of Philadelphia’s Holiday Lights

Please bear in mind that itineraries may change or tour route may be altered due to COVID-19 restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances. We will always ensure that you have a fantastic time on your tour.

Whether you’re visiting Philadelphia-area family and friends or you’re a local with a time-honored holiday tradition, there’s something special about the lights and festivities throughout Philadelphia during the holiday season. Come along with us on a private driving tour, as we show you the holiday lights and sights throughout Philadelphia – from those well-known and beloved displays to some hidden gems to postcard-worthy historical locales.

A private tour with Philadelphia Tour Hub is always a completely custom itinerary, created just for you and your group! A private tour of the festive holiday lights and sights around Philadelphia can last 2 hours or 3 hours, depending on your group’s interests, budget, and timeline. Pick-up and drop-off locations are the group’s choice, within the city limits (pick-up and drop-off locations outside of the city can also be arranged). While many visitors to Philadelphia during the holidays have specific sites they would like to see or favorites from years past, many are happy to let our team create a custom itinerary that shows off the best of Philly during the holiday season. The order of your itinerary may vary depending on a variety of factors.

Your tour of Philadelphia’s holiday lights and sights begins with a focus on Center City. With its towering skyscrapers, there’s something to marvel at throughout the year, but during the holiday season, downtown Philly really puts on the Ritz. One of the highlights of this time of year is, of course, the Christmas tree at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This tree is an annual favorite as it lights up the Ben Franklin Parkway from the top of the “Rocky Steps.” Here, you’ll be able to get out of the van and run the steps, just like Rocky did (they’re not as easy as he made them look!). Upon making it to the top, you’ll see one of the most beautiful and iconic views in the city – down the tree-lined Ben Franklin Parkway to City Hall, with the most impressive tree in town beside you! Once you’ve gotten this peek at what City Hall has in store, we’ll make our way there, back in the warm van. The traditional holiday market and Love Park are always a hit with locals and visitors alike and, depending on time, you may be able to hop out again for a quick walk, making your mental list of goodies to pick-up later.

After exploring the huge displays of Center City, we’ll be off again, weaving through the streets of Philadelphia to a couple of our favorite smaller, neighborhood light displays. One is nothing short of a “Miracle” with lights spanning the street, homes decorated to the max, and trees covered in twinkling lights. This display is quintessential South Philly – an all-out celebration of the most festive time of the year. Across town, a newer light show is quickly building a reputation as the destination for families looking for some seasonal fun. This timed show, played to a Christmas soundtrack, takes place in one of the original city squares, now a popular park. Nearby is another, albeit more subdued, display on one of the most historic blocks in the entire country. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard or a movie set as you take a quick stroll down this classic street, decked out for a historical Christmas.

While timing (or traffic) may limit the number of these fantastic displays you can squeeze in, you’re sure to leave your tour feeling ready for the holidays and filled with the spirit of the season. You’ll even get an added boost at some point with a special, seasonal treat provided by your guide! We’re all working so hard to make this year extra special (don’t we all deserve it?) and we can’t wait to share our holiday joy with you!