Cathedral Light Show Adds Holiday Finale

The immersive light show at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will include a 15-minute Christmas finale starting Nov. 19. The seasonal edition, named LUMINISCENCE: Christmas Wonder, adds holiday music and new projections to the existing 360-degree display. The show will run on select dates through Jan. 2, 2027.

The original production debuted in June. It uses technology to cast moving images across the cathedral's walls, ceilings, and dome. The narrative focuses on the building's history and its role in Philadelphia. The current update extends the runtime with a dedicated holiday segment.

Music is a central element of the experience. Some performances feature a live choir and orchestra beneath the dome. Other dates include a live choir or a recorded musical score. Attendees can choose between these options based on their preference for the type of musical accompaniment.

Tickets start at $19 for shows with recorded music. Prices rise to $39 for performances featuring a live choir. The tier with both a live choir and an orchestra costs $49. Costs vary by date and seating location.

The show is open to all ages. Children 2 and younger may enter for free if they sit on an adult's lap. Visitors who arrive early can explore historical displays and listen to music before the projection begins. There is no on-site parking for the event, but several paid garages are located nearby.

The venue is at 1723 Race St. in Philadelphia. The full schedule and tickets are available on the LUMINISCENCE website. The Christmas edition will conclude its run on Jan. 2, 2027.