The show, known for its elaborate display of lights and music in the Grand Court of the former department store, had been a staple of the holiday season for decades. It typically featured a massive light and sound presentation, including a finale set to the "Hallelujah Chorus," and drew crowds who watched from the building's upper floors and the floor of the Grand Court.

No specific reason was given for the closure, but the decision means that for the first time in generations, Philadelphia will not have the Wanamaker Light Show as part of its holiday celebrations. The news comes as a blow to many who considered the show a beloved tradition, often passed down through families.

The Wanamaker Building, now owned by a private real estate firm, has been undergoing changes in recent years. The light show was originally created by John Wanamaker, the department store magnate, in the early 20th century and had been maintained by subsequent owners. Its cancellation marks the end of an era for a Philadelphia institution that was as much a part of the city's holiday fabric as the Mummers Parade or the Christmas Village.

For now, those who cherished the show are left with memories of past performances and the hope that a new tradition might one day fill the void. But for this holiday season, the Grand Court will remain dark, and the familiar strains of the "Hallelujah Chorus" will not echo through the historic halls.