US EditionWanamaker Building's Holiday Light Show, Dickens Village Will Return Despite Macy's Closure
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, JUL 25 – City officials and local groups launched a $350,000 fundraising campaign to restore Wanamaker holiday attractions that annually generate $31.7 million and draw 400,000 visitors.
- On Friday, local community organizations and the Philadelphia Visitor Center revealed plans to restore the seasonal light display and the Dickens-themed village inside the Wanamaker Building for this winter.
- This initiative follows Macy's closure in March after nearly two decades in the Wanamaker Building, which cast uncertainty over the future of these beloved holiday attractions.
- Anthony Roth Costanzo, a countertenor and Opera Philadelphia leader, is organizing fall public performances featuring the Wanamaker Organ, which was originally made for the 1904 World’s Fair and relocated to Wanamaker's emporium in 1909.
- The Visitors Center launched a $350,000 fundraising campaign, having raised $254,000 with grants from the Connelly and William Penn Foundations, to preserve the light show, Dickens Village, and present events in collaboration with Friends of the Wanamaker Organ.
- The building’s new owner, TF Cornerstone, plans to convert upper floors into over 600 housing units while maintaining the historical organ and cultural traditions, suggesting continued community and economic benefits.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Philly leaders announce return of Wanamaker holiday light show
The two iconic aspects of the Christmas season in Philadelphia were thrown into limbo after Macy's decided to close the department store occupying the old Wanamaker's building that took up a whole city block just east of City Hall.
Christmas light show, Dickens Village will return to Wanamaker Building
Officials announced plans Friday to bring back the Christmas light show and Dickens Village to the historic Wanamaker Building in Center City. There was uncertainty around the future of the holiday programming, which began 1956, when Macy's closed earlier this year.
Vacant no more: Opera Philadelphia performances are coming to the Wanamaker building
(WPHL) -- The famed Wanamaker Organ and building is not going to be sitting vacant anymore, all thanks to a $1 million grant and performances from Opera Philadelphia. Editor's note: The video above is from a prior report. After the Macy's Department Store inside the historic Wanamaker Building closed in March 2025, the future of the Wanamaker organ and building seemed uncertain. But now, all thanks to a $1 million grant from the Wyncote Foundat…
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