Despite the sweltering temperatures, Philadelphia is in a Christmas mood on Friday. City officials are set to make a major holiday announcement in the morning while multiple “Christmas in July” events are scheduled to take place Friday night.
Here’s your guide to all the fun:
Major Philly holiday announcements at Wanamaker Building
Where: The Wanamaker Building Grand Court, 100 E. Penn Square, Philadelphia, Pa.
When: Friday, July 25, 2025, 10 a.m.
Philadelphia Visitor Center President & CEO Kathryn Ott Lovell, Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla and others are set to make a special announcement about “the future of some of Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday traditions.”
The announcement will take place at the iconic Wanamaker Building in Center City. After Macy’s closed at the building earlier this year, there have been several questions about what the holiday season will look like in Philadelphia this Christmas.
During the event, Opera Philadelphia General Director & President Anthony Roth Costanzo will also announce an expansive cultural programming initiative for the fall of 2025 involving “iconic Philadelphia creators and treasures.”
The announcements will be streamed live in the video embedded on top of this article starting at 10 a.m.
Toys for Tots kickoff event
Where: SWAT headquarters, 8501 State Road, Philadelphia, Pa.
When: Friday, July 25, 2025, 11 a.m.
Philadelphia Toys for Tots will host their 2025 kickoff event at SWAT headquarters. The event brings together Toys for Tots partners, volunteers and community supporters as they prepare to launch their campaign season and bring presents and joy to children and families across Philadelphia.
Email Philadelphia.pa@toysfortots.org to confirm your attendance or if you have any questions.
Philly Pops holiday concert announcement
Where: LOVE Statue, 15th and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pa.
When: Friday, July 25, noon to 12:30 p.m.
The Philly Pops will announce their “A Philly Holiday Spectacular” concert coming to the Kimmel Center on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 this year.
The announcement will feature Philly Pops trumpeter Bob Gravener who will perform “Jingle Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and other Christmas classics at the LOVE statue.
Tickets for December’s concert will be available on the Philly Pops website. The concert will be conducted by the Pops’ new music director Chris Dragon and feature the return of Broadway vocalists Nikki Renée Daniels and Jeff Kready. The concert will also feature the Philly Pops Chorus, the St. Thomas Gospel Choir, The Philadelphia Boys’ Choir, and a special surprise visit from the North Pole!
A Cool Taste of Winter at RiverRink
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pa.
When: Friday, July 25, 2025, 5 p.m. through 7 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2 p.m. through 4 p.m.)
The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will host a special “Christmas in July” skate at their ongoing Summerfest.
The event will feature a tropical Santa Claus, a skating Grinch, festive music, free candy canes, Santa hats, and holiday-themed drinks, including “Holly Jolly Red Slushies,” Frozen “Hot Chocolate,” and “Cozy Coquito.” The first 100 roller skating ticket holders will also receive a free ice-skating ticket to the upcoming Winterfest. These tickets will only be available onsite.
Christmas in July at Morgan’s Pier
Where: Morgan’s Pier, 221 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pa.
When: Friday, July 25, 2025, 6 p.m. through 8 p.m.
Santa Claus will visit Morgan’s Pier as part of their weeklong “Christmas in July” festivities. Kids and parents will get the chance to take a picture with Santa.