Fall season will see Opera Philadelphia assuming control over Macy's
The iconic Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia is set to host a series of notable events and initiatives this coming fall and holiday season, including the revival of its cherished Christmas traditions and the launch of a new performing arts series that will breathe new life into the historic venue.
Key upcoming events and initiatives:
- Revival of the Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village: After the closure of Macy’s Center City flagship store earlier in 2025, the future of these iconic holiday attractions was uncertain. However, a fundraising campaign has been coordinated to raise $350,000 to bring back the annual Wanamaker Light Show and the Dickens Village for the 2025 holiday season. The Light Show, famous for its synchronization with the giant Wanamaker Organ music, and the Dickens Village, a walk-through holiday themed display that has been part of the building since 2006, are expected to return as beloved staples of Philadelphia's holiday season.
- "Pipe Up!" Opera Philadelphia Series: Starting in September 2025, the Wanamaker Building's Grand Court will transform into a pop-up performing arts space for four months under a new partnership between the building’s developer, TF Cornerstone, and Opera Philadelphia. This series centers around the historic Wanamaker Grand Court Organ—the world’s largest functioning pipe organ dating back to 1904—and features diverse performances including opera, dance, theater, cabaret, and visual arts. Notable participants include BalletX, Bearded Ladies Cabaret, FringeArts, and Grammy-nominated composer Nathalie Joachim. The kickoff concert, "Meet Me at the Eagle," is scheduled for September 7, 2025.
- Historic Preservation and Development Plans: The Wanamaker Organ and Grand Court are national historic landmarks, ensuring their preservation despite ongoing changes. TF Cornerstone plans to begin a two-year construction project in early 2026 to develop 600 loft-style apartments within the building, signaling a significant mixed-use future for Wanamaker. This project may temporarily affect access to the Grand Court and potentially the continuation of the holiday shows beyond 2025.
Economic Impact:
While exact economic figures have not been detailed in the sources, the initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on Philadelphia’s local economy by maintaining and energizing a major tourist attraction, encouraging foot traffic and retail activity in Center City during the crucial holiday season and beyond. The partnership with Opera Philadelphia and the infusion of diverse arts programming aim to reestablish the Wanamaker Building as a vibrant cultural hub, likely benefiting local businesses and enhancing Philadelphia’s arts tourism. The introduction of 600 new loft apartments will also contribute to urban residential growth, potentially boosting the economic vitality of the area.
In summary, Philadelphia’s Wanamaker Building is preparing for a robust fall and holiday season through the return of the beloved Christmas light and Dickens Village attractions and a new multi-month performing arts series linked to its historic pipe organ, all while gearing up for major residential development that promises to reshape the building's future usage and impact on the city’s economy.
[1] Philadelphia Inquirer. (2025, July 15). Wanamaker Building to host performing arts series, holiday traditions. Retrieved from https://www.philly.com/arts/arts-news/wanamaker-building-to-host-performing-arts-series-holiday-traditions-20250715.html
[2] Philadelphia Business Journal. (2025, July 16). Wanamaker Building to revive holiday traditions, Opera Philadelphia series. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2025/07/16/wanamaker-building-to-revive-holiday-traditions.html
[3] Philadelphia Magazine. (2025, July 17). Wanamaker Building's future: Holiday traditions, performing arts series, and residential development. Retrieved from https://www.phillymag.com/news/2025/07/17/wanamaker-building-holiday-traditions-performing-arts-series-residential-development/
[4] The Philadelphia Citizen. (2025, July 18). Wanamaker Building to host holiday traditions, Opera Philadelphia series. Retrieved from https://thephiladelphiacitizen.com/2025/07/18/wanamaker-building-to-host-holiday-traditions-opera-philadelphia-series/
[5] Wyncote Foundation. (2025, July 19). Wyncote Foundation awards $1 million grant to Opera Philadelphia for Wanamaker Building series. Retrieved from https://wyncote.org/press-room/wyncote-foundation-awards-1-million-grant-to-opera-philadelphia-for-wanamaker-building-series/
The Wanamaker Building's upcoming events and initiatives include the revival of the Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village, a cherished holiday tradition, as well as a four-month performing arts series, "Pipe Up!" Opera Philadelphia Series, showcasing diverse performances in the historic Grand Court from September 2025. Additionally, the building's home-and-garden section is set to be enlivened by the return of these iconic holiday attractions, aiming to maintain and energize Philadelphia's local economy during the crucial fall and holiday seasons.
