The Dickens Christmas Village

Macy’s acquired the celebrated Dickens Christmas Village from Philadelphia’s Strawbridge & Clothier Department Store. Numerous animated figures depict scenes in Dickens’  “A Christmas Carol” (1843). The story, of course, reflects the redeeming nature of unselfishness and generosity. While not as popular as the Wanamaker Light Show, the village drew customers to the fourth floor Strawbridge’s, and on one occasion a Dickens descendant presided at the season opening. After Strawbridge’s closed, Macy’s installed a drop ceiling in Egyptian Hall in the Fall of 2006 and placed the show there during its move into the John Wanamaker Building. Macy’s also attired attendants in period garb and sometimes has carolers sing from the organ console loft. Children had an opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and share Christmas wishes. Lit Brothers department store (“Hats Trimmed Free of Charge”) had a Colonial Christmas Village, which is now at the American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks, Pa. Roy Insley’s fanciful model “Wanamaker’s at Christmas” was also displayed there. The Dickens Village was operated quite successfully by the Philadelphia Visitor Center in 2025.