PHILADELPHIA – The holiday season has officially touched down in Center City. Welcome America Inc. announced today that the iconic Philly Holiday Tree has arrived at City Hall, setting the stage for a star-studded lighting ceremony next month headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Ashanti.
As crews begin the work of decorating the massive fir on the north side of City Hall, officials have released the schedule for the city's premier holiday kickoff event: the 6abc Presents: City of Philadelphia’s Tree Lighting Celebration.
The Main Event: December 4
The tree lighting ceremony is set for Thursday, December 4, 2025. While the event will be broadcast live on 6abc starting at 7:00 p.m., festivities for the public begin at 6:00 p.m. at North Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Organizers are encouraging guests to be in place by 6:45 p.m., as the tree will be illuminated promptly at 7:00 p.m. to kick off the broadcast.
The evening will feature a headline performance by singer, songwriter, and actress Ashanti. The lineup also includes performances by the Philadelphia Girls Choir, Laurin Talese, and iHeartRadio’s DJ Nico. The broadcast will be hosted by 6abc’s Cecily Tynan and Rick Williams.
About the 2025 Tree
This year’s centerpiece is a majestic Concolor/White Fir hailing from L.R. Stutzman & Sons in Hornell, New York. The tree boasts impressive statistics:
- Height: Over 50 feet tall
- Age: Approximately 75 years old
- Circumference: 75 feet
- Lights: 6,000 LED pure white and colored lights, plus 100 meteor lights.
"This tree was planted by my father, Dan Stutzman Sr., around 75 years ago," said Dan Stutzman, owner of the tree farm. "It’s a cherished tradition and we are delighted to play our part."
The tree will sit atop a custom-fabricated "glimmering cityscape" base. In a nod to Philadelphia’s diverse community, the base will display messages of "love" and "joy" translated into multiple languages, provided by Language Service Associates.
Giveaways and "Candy Cane Lane"
From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy "Candy Cane Lane," featuring free activities and giveaways from event sponsors:
- Wawa: As the official coffee and hot chocolate partner, Wawa will be celebrating their Holiday Blend coffee.
Bank of America & NRG: Look for light-up wands, beanies, and iconic light-up Santa hats.
Philadelphia Zoo: A prize wheel will offer chances to win tickets to LumiNature and the new 110-foot "Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel."
Wonder: A free hot apple cider bar and a giant gumball machine.
F1® Arcade: An interactive experience featuring exclusive swag.
Second Alarmers: Offering free hot chocolate to keep the crowd warm.
Families can also enjoy the Arctic Creation Station, a hands-on craft area for kids, and free photos with a travel-themed backdrop courtesy of the Philadelphia International Airport.
Beyond the tree lighting, the area around City Hall is transforming into a holiday hub. Visitors can enjoy the return of the Ferris wheel, the trackless train, and the German-inspired Christmas Village in Love Park and the City Hall Courtyard throughout the season.
