Photos: Philly landmarks transformed for the holidays

Philly is decked out to the nines for the holiday season, with twinkling lights strewn all over the city and Christmas trees lit and decorated from Rittenhouse Square to Headhouse Square.

No, this city isn’t one to skimp on holiday decor, especially at these four local landmarks. City Hall has transformed into a idyllic Christmas Village. Macy’s, as always, impresses with its soaring lights show. And some, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, go the simple but beautiful route when it comes to holiday decor.

Below, check out these before-after photos to see just how much these iconic places and spaces transform during the holiday season for all to see.

↑ Macy’s—This department store’s iconic light show has been enthralling shoppers and visitors for six decades, when Macy’s was still Wanamaker’s. Much like today, each holiday season the department store would decorate its impressive organ, drawing crowds to the Grand Court to watch the holiday concerts. Now, the tradition continues, with the light show taking place six times a day at the historic building at 13th and Chestnut.

↑ Philadelphia Museum of Art—The gilded Diana sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens has stood in its prominent location at the top of the museum’s Great Stair Hall since 1932, after the museum acquired from its original location at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The art museum doesn’t have to do much to the sculpture to impress visitors during the holiday season, opting for simple but beautiful decor. Outside at the top of the Rocky steps, there’s a large Christmas tree, too.

↑ City Hall—It’s a big year for City Hall this holiday season. Christmas Village, typically located at LOVE Park, has taken over the city building’s courtyard and sidewalks, and Dilworth Park’s ice-skating rink, winter garden, and own holiday market have returned, too. Even more, the 40-foot Colorado fir tree from Pennsylvania has some serious street cred: Its steel base was designed by Hamilton set designer David Korins and showcases Philly’s neighborhoods and noteworthy landmarks.

↑ Lit Brothers Building—This historic building isn’t one to shy away from its light displays. Every night during the holiday season, the Renaissance Revival-style landmark turns red, green, and white up and down Market Street. This blindingly bright light and advertisement displays may change in the near future, though; the federal government took over control of the advertising district in this neighborhood, citing the city’s lack of advertising regulations and residents’ and drivers’ complaints.