Key Takeaways
- The Wanamaker Light Show in Philadelphia will be taking a two-year hiatus due to construction in the building
- The show has been a beloved tradition for many, with some attendees having visited every year for decades
- A fundraising effort led by the Philadelphia Visitor Center brought in $500,000 to keep the lights on for the 2025 season
- The building’s new owners plan to use the first three floors for retail and convert the upper floors into loft apartments
- The Philadelphia Visitor Center intends to remain involved in the tradition and help keep it alive
Introduction to the Wanamaker Light Show
The Wanamaker building in Philadelphia was packed on Christmas Eve as thousands of visitors gathered to experience the historic Wanamaker Light Show one last time before it takes a two-year hiatus. The show, which has been a beloved tradition for many, will be paused during the 2026 and 2027 holiday seasons due to construction in the building. For many attendees, the show has been a part of their holiday routine for decades, and the thought of losing it was devastating. Paulette Steffa, who attended the show as a 3-year-old child in 1956, showed a black-and-white photo of herself at the event, highlighting the show’s long history.
The Uncertain Future of the Show
The future of the Wanamaker Light Show became uncertain earlier this year when Macy’s closed its Center City store inside the Wanamaker building. Many attendees, including 14-year-old Nora Gradel, were worried that the show would not continue. Gradel, who has attended the show every year since she was a child, said she was "so upset" when she heard that the show might not continue. Emily Feehery, who attends the show every year with her mother, also expressed concern, saying that they had a "premonition" last year that it might be the last time for a while. The possibility of losing the tradition was a significant concern for many, and it sparked a sense of urgency among those who wanted to see it continue.
The Fundraising Effort
Fortunately, the Philadelphia Visitor Center led a fundraising effort that brought in $500,000 to keep the lights on for the 2025 season. The effort was successful, and the show was able to continue for one more year. Maita Soukup, Vice President of Experience and Engagement for the Philadelphia Visitor Center, said that the response to the show this season was "unreal," with 9,000 to 10,000 people attending on some weekend days. The success of the fundraising effort and the large attendance numbers demonstrate the significance of the Wanamaker Light Show to the community and the importance of preserving it.
The Final Shows
Christmas Eve marked the final set of shows before the hiatus, and many attendees were emotional as they said goodbye to the tradition, at least for now. Allie Bonner, who attended the show with her family, said that she hopes it will "come back bigger and better than ever" after the closure. Chris Carroll, who grew up in the local Philadelphia area and now lives in Washington D.C., also expressed his hope that the show will continue, either in its current location or somewhere else. The outpouring of support and affection for the show demonstrates its importance to the community and the need to preserve it for future generations.
The Future of the Building
The new owners of the Wanamaker building have proposed using the first three floors for retail and converting the upper floors into loft apartments, although these plans are still preliminary. The Philadelphia Visitor Center intends to remain involved in the tradition and help keep it alive, even as the building undergoes changes. Soukup said that the Visitor Center is "in partnership with the building" and wants to "do everything we can to keep this tradition alive." As the building undergoes construction and renovation, it is essential to prioritize the preservation of the Wanamaker Light Show and ensure that it continues to be a part of the community’s holiday traditions.
Conclusion
The Wanamaker Light Show is a beloved tradition that has been a part of Philadelphia’s holiday celebrations for decades. While the show will be taking a two-year hiatus due to construction, the outpouring of support and affection for the show demonstrates its importance to the community. The success of the fundraising effort and the large attendance numbers this season highlight the need to preserve the show and ensure its continuation. As the building undergoes changes, it is essential to prioritize the preservation of the Wanamaker Light Show and ensure that it remains a part of the community’s holiday traditions for years to come.