10 Can't-Miss Tree Lighting Events in Philly, Jersey, & the 'Burbs (2025)

Here are the top 10 tree lighting celebrations to mark on your calendar, organized by date.

1. Manayunk Tree Lighting & "Manayunk Gets Lit"

When: Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Where: Canal View Park (4418 Main Street)

Manayunk is aiming for a "Hallmark Movie Moment" to kick off the season. Expect the largest crowd in the district’s history (over 10,000 people attended last year) to witness a massive tree lighting and the debut of the "Manayunk Gets Lit" decorating competition.

• The Highlights: Real snow flurries are forecasted for Main Street (courtesy of snow machines), and Santa Claus is rumored to be leading an Eagles cheer this year.
• Entertainment: Live music from The City Belles, John Viscardi, and Emily Drinker.

2. Philadelphia Zoo: LumiNature & Pherris Wheel Lighting

When: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Thanksgiving Eve) | 5:00 PM Where: Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W Girard Avenue)

The Zoo’s dazzling LumiNature light show returns with a massive new addition: the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel. Standing 110 feet tall, it is tied for the largest Ferris wheel in the state.

• The Highlights: The lighting of the new wheel and the famous "Butterfly Tree." New areas this year include "Santa’s Lodge" for meet-and-greets and "Jambi’s Solstice Saloon" for adult beverages.
• Don't Miss: The 25-foot tall pink flamingo tree made of 1,500 lawn ornaments.

3. New Hope Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Sunday, November 30, 2025* | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: The Logan Inn (Corner of S. Main St. and Ferry St.)

Note: While original listings indicated a later date, the New Hope tree lighting traditionally takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Celebrate over 40 years of tradition in Bucks County. This charming riverside town gathers at the historic Logan Inn for hot apple cider, cookies, and caroling.

• The Highlights: Santa and Mrs. Claus make a grand entrance on a New Hope Eagle Fire Company truck.
• Charity: Guests are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for the Fisherman’s Mark Toy Drive.

4. Philadelphia Festival of Trees

When: Monday, December 1, 2025 | 5:00 PM Ceremony Where: LOVE Park Welcome Center (1569 John F. Kennedy Blvd.)

The Festival of Trees returns to LOVE Park to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The Welcome Center will be filled with two dozen radiantly decorated trees designed by local artists and florists.

• The Highlights: A new overhead display of 200 dancing stars, each honoring a CHOP patient.
• Vote: Admission is free, but visitors can purchase snowflake tokens to vote for their favorite tree, with 100% of proceeds going to the hospital.

5. Northern Liberties Tree Lighting Party

When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Restaurant Row (N. 2nd Street near Urban Village)

Northern Liberties brings the party to "Restaurant Row" with a giant tree and a night of neighborhood fun presented by Amazon Fresh.

• The Highlights: A dance performance from Living Arts Dance Studio, ornament decorating, and complimentary hot cocoa.
• Giving Back: The NLNA will be collecting donations for Operation Santa.

6. Evil Genius Beer Company: "Twas an Evil Christmas"

When: Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Where: 1727 N Front St, Fishtown

For a boozier take on the tradition, head to The Lab in Fishtown. The brewery transforms into a holiday pop-up bar with a nearly 20-foot tree.

• The Highlights: The tapping of the famous "Santa!! I Know Him!" holiday Saison (7.2% ABV).
• Vibe: Expect over-the-top decor, Christmas carols, and a lively crowd.

7. Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Where: Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue)

Roxborough hosts a full day of "Happy Holidays from ROX" festivities, culminating in the tree lighting at the Pocket Park.

• The Highlights: An "Ugly Sweater Contest," a winter market with 20 local artisans on Krams Ave, and "Wishing Trees" where you can hang your own hopes for the new year.
• Arrival: Santa arrives via firetruck to greet the neighborhood.

8. City of Camden Tree Lighting Celebration

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Aquarium Loop Drive, Camden, NJ

Across the river, Camden lights up the waterfront at the Aquarium Circle.

• The Highlights: Fire pits to keep you warm, food vendors, and family-friendly performances with the Battleship New Jersey and Adventure Aquarium as a backdrop.

9. Fishtown Tree Lighting at Mamajuana Cafe

When: See local listings for date | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Mamajuana Cafe Philly (1000 Frankford Avenue)

A new tradition for the neighborhood, Mamajuana Cafe is erecting a massive 25-foot tree at the busy intersection of Frankford and Columbus Blvd.

• The Highlights: The tree features over 10,000 twinkling lights. The event will feature food, drink, and special guests from the Fishtown and Northern Liberties communities.

10. Renault Winery Vintner Wonderland

When: Season Kick-off Event Where: Renault Winery (72 N Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ)

For a destination event, head to Renault Winery’s "Vintner Wonderland."

• The Highlights: The lighting of a unique Christmas tree made entirely from historic wine barrels.
• Activities: Ice skating on their outdoor rink, a holiday artisan market, and fire pits.