Growing up in Northeast Philly, it was a big adventure to go downtown to Center City.  My mom would drive our group to the El (elevated train) station and we would ride for about 1/2 hour passing different sections of the city before going underground.  Looking back, the drive in on I-95 would have been quicker but the costs during the gas crisis of the 70’s coupled with a parking garage was too dear.  But really, what kid doesn’t like riding on the train (subway car)?  We were en route to Gimbel’s for the Christmas windows, Strawbridge & Clothier (Santa’s Village and then years later for the Charles Dicken’s Village) and then to Wanamaker’s for the Christmas light show  Wanamaker’s was a Philadelphia icon – one of the first department stores in Philadelphia and the country.

The Wanamaker’s building is grand – it takes up a city block and was registered a National Historic Landmark in 1978.  With columns outside and the heavy doors, you knew this was a fancy place.  Even as a kid, I realized that we were somewhere special. This wasn’t the House of Bargains I was used to shopping at with mom. Wanamaker’s was luxury, the glass cases sparkled, the salesladies were pretty and it smelled so good.  What appeared to be a normal department store layout upon entry hid the stunning architecture that exists beyond the cosmetics department. The Grand Hall.  For any kid looking up multiple stories was a wow moment but to see the lights, layer in the historic organ music and see the Eagle, this was magic.  This was my Christmas memory that my mind and memories still hold as one of the best.

Wanamaker’s Building, Philadelphia History

For a kid, the Wanamaker’s Building was a big deal as it was an impressive open atrium (about nine stories high) and the largest building I had seen at the time.  As we approached the famous bronze eagle in the middle of the court, I looked up at the light board and could hear the famous Wanamaker organ  playing (the organ is the largest operational pipe organ in the world with about 28,000 pipes and quite impressive). We would sit on the floor in the middle aisle waiting for the show to begin while shoppers milled around us in the various departments.

The Philadelphia Macy’s Christmas Light Show Begins

The show began with the “voice of God” aka John Facenda, a local newscaster (nationally known as the voice of NFL films), he would welcome us to the show, the organ would play, the water fountains danced and the lights would blink. The show lasted ten minutes, but as a kid in the 70’s with nothing high tech yet, this was ten minutes of Christmas magic.

Each light feature was tied to a classic Christmas story and song.  Every kids sitting on the ground looking up (and some adults) would sing along to “Frosty the Snowman”, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and take a lyrical break for the “Nutcracker Suite and Sugar Plum Fairy”.  Of course, some girls would dance when the music played because we were all in dance classes back then.

When the show ended, “the voice of God” said to visit Santa in his village just a few escalator rides away – who were we to disobey “the voice of God”? Lights, music, Santa with a train ride and soft pretzels – it was a perfect day in Philly.

Fast forward to college when I would bring friends into the city to the light show, I had graduated from the floor and usually stood in the handbag department which often cost me when I bought an early christmas present for myself with my Wanamaker’s credit card.  My friends didn’t quite get the whole light show mystique but I did – I was still enamored with the dancing water, music and the lights.  Seeing the light show meant it was Christmas time for me – I was ready to celebrate the holiday.

As time passes, sadly, many things do change, lucky for Philly, not much has changed with the light show.  Wanamaker’s was eventually sold a few times and is now a Macy’s but thankfully, they recognize the tradition of the Christmas Light Show in Philadelphia and it continues to entertain children and adults of all ages as it has since it’s 1956 debut. It really is a good part of our city’s history.  Of course, the technology has changed slightly with LED lights and due to safety concerns, the dancing water fountains were dismantled (retired) but it still has the low tech blinking lights on the boards. The “voice of God”  is now Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins) -hear her introduction in the video below.

I stood close to the eagle as I have in years past, leaning against the jewelry counter because the shoe and handbag departments while providing nice views are still too tempting.  Next to me was a family of three generations out for a day in the city, taking photos and video and recalling years past. I had my video ready to capture some of the magic (my friends who have moved from Philly loved the nostalgia) but eventually shut it off so I could be low tech and just enjoy the experience.  When it was over, I didn’t visit Santa in his village, I left the store and walked up Market Street with a smile on my face, it was Christmas time.

Originally published Christmas Eve 2013, but such a classic for any holiday visit to Philadelphia.  The Christmas Light Show in Philadelphia at Wanamaker’s (now Macy’s) should be on your “get in the holiday spirit” to do list. Normally the show starts at 10 a.m. and the last show is at 8 p.m. however 2020 has moved the light show online for a virtual memory.  

Virtual 2020 Christmas Light Show  (much shorter than the in person version)