Every year, locations in the Philadelphia area like the Wanamaker building, Longwood Gardens and Peddler’s village put up elaborate decorations to celebrate the winter holidays. Each location has its own characteristics, with decorations that represent Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. GA students can go and visit these attractions during Winter Break to enjoy the sights and the season.
Attractions include the Wanamaker light show, which, Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, which has expanded and reopened new buildings to give visitors an improved holiday experience and Christmas village in Center City with its holiday market.
Music at the Wanamaker, especially during the holidays, is a long-lasting tradition. Alex Hochhold ‘28 sang at this building with the Commonwealth Youth Choirs.
“I sang at the Wanamaker a couple of weeks ago. It was one of our concerts. It was amazing,” Hochhold ‘28 said. “The place was big, and we got to sing along with the organs. I had a lot of fun there.”
Additionally, the Wanamaker is known for its grand decorations that are put up in late November.
“I like how bright and joyful everything was,” Hochhold said. “It’s a real change of scenery from school.”
Peddler’s Village, a shopping, dining, and living area in Lahaska is being expanded. New luxury houses are being built, including single-family homes, condos and commercial spaces. Additionally, a Victorian house is being restored and converted into four apartments.
In Peddler’s village, from Nov. 14 to Jan. 18, around 1 million lights will be on display. People can walk around, shop and even view the gingerbread houses that are also on display during this time.
Christmas Village at Love Park also has new additions for this year’s holiday season. The Village is celebrating its 18th season, and includes an impressive 30-foot-tall German Christmas Pyramid with thousands of lights, with a lighting ceremony on Nov. 30. In addition to the pyramid, foods and drinks made by different companies can be bought at the village, and the main event, the Festival of Trees, will have over a dozen trees being displayed.
Christmas decorations in Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square are famous for being a great light show to visit during the holiday season.
“I like to go and see the garden because I have gone there with my family for years, and I love the decorations they have everywhere,” Billy Dawe ‘28 said. “It makes me feel joyous and gives me a sense of wonder.”
These two locations are not the only ones that get decorated. Places like the Philadelphia Zoo and Shady Brook Farm also have Christmas decorations that GA students can go and see. Some students, like Alex Hochhold, are even performing during the holidays, so students can support their classmates too. The decorations in and around Philadelphia help the community as a whole get into the holiday spirit.