The Wanamaker Light Show.

The Light Show at the former John Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia (Now Macy's, Center City) has been a Philadelphia Christmas tradition since 1956. It started when Frederick Yost, a theatrical lighting graduate working for John Wanamaker's leased the "Dancing Waters" technology patented by New York Showman Harold Steinman. The waters were set in the orchestra pit in front of the world famous Wanamaker Organ the largest fully functional pipe organ in the world, which was installed in the store in the early 1910s and expanded through the years.

For the Dancing Waters show a plexiglass shield was placed in front of the organ case to protect it from the water. eventually this was replaced by blue-velvet drapes covering the entire organ case. The fountains were powered by 2500 gallons of water, pumped through 7000 jets. Later Yost would add an arc of bells surrounded the organ and over the next few years, lights depicting candy canes, toys and Santa Claus were added.

In 1959 the 60 foot "Magic Christmas Tree was added to the show. It featured 24000 lights with 6 different color schemes divided into three sections. The trees steel trunk held 85 branches. The tree was topped with a lit star.

Over the years different scenes and animated Character lights were added to the show. WCAU Newsman John Facenda recorded Narration linking the various segments together. Behind the tree, 28 vertical strings of lights were added. On the railing in front of the tree, amber lights spelling "Merry Christmas" were added and a next show sign was hung below that to tell customers when the next show would be starting.

In 1961 The animated toys were choregraphed to the music of the March of the Wooden soldiers. In 1962 animated snowflakes were added set to the song "White Christmas" In 1964 6 Frosty The Snowman lights were added to the show performing to the titular song performed by the Ray Coniff Singers.

In 1965, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer along with eight other reindeer lights were added along with the titular song performed by the Ray Coniff Singers. The existing Santa Claus light was incorporated into the song.

In 1967 the Train light was introduced to the show. It was the most complicated animated light in the show.

In 1968 the story of "The Nutcracker" joined the show with designer Frederick Yost's wife narrating the story.

In 1970 trumpet blowing Wanamaker Eagles were added to introduce the show. (The eagle was the mascot of Wanamaker's because of the famous statue of an eagle on the floor of the grand court.)

In 1980 the Santa figure was given a temporary pennant celebrating the Philadelphia Phillies World Series Championship. In 1982 a light of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial was added to the show for one year.

In 1986 The trumpet-playing Rudi Bears (a tie in to stuffed bears Wanamaker's was marketing at the time.) replaced the eagles and a drumming Rudi Bear replaced Santa Claus in the show. (The Santa from the train now lit up during the Rudolph segment.) a new musical number was added featuring the Rudi Bears along with the toys (replacing the shows "Jingle Bell Rock" section.) The finale of the show was changed from "O, Christmas Tree" to "Deck The Halls"

In 1988 the whole show was computerized but still required oversight from operators. In 1992 a red-neon "Merry Christmas" sign replaces the original sign and the arches in the grand court are enhanced with rope lights using a chase sequencer.

In 1994, Wanamaker's declared bankruptcy, it's assets were acquired by the May Company in 1995 and the store was re-branded as Hecht's. The Light Show continues with a few minor color modifications to certain lights and a new narration with an unknown voice actor replaces John Facenda's dramatic narration.

In the next few years the store changes names twice with Strawbridges in 1996 and Lord and Taylor in 1997. The shows original analogue tapes are also replaced with a DAT Audio Machine.

In 1999 Al Goessler who ran the show since 1965 left. Lord and Taylor struggle to maintain the show and Larry Kerecman is called in to automate the show for the year 2000.

In 2000, the Navy drapes were replaced with theatrical scrim but the Dancing Fountains were retired. The organ case is exposed for the show allowing the organ to play the traditional "Deck The Halls" finale for the first time. Two of the Frosty figures are removed to accommodate the exposed organ. The show was also completely automated for the first time.

In 2001 the "Magic Christmas Tree" is removed from the show and a giant American Flag is added to the end of the show in honor of the heroes of September 11th 2001 the organ plays "God Bless America" while the flag is raised.

In 2002 while rigging the Santa Express train an accident occurred in which the train fell 10 feet. No one is injured but the train was removed from the show the following year.

On August 4th 2006, Macy's took control of the store from Lord And Taylor. For the 2006 light show season the train light was restored though the Rudi Bear section was removed from the show. Julie Andrews became the new narrator of the show and the flag was removed from the show.

In 2007 the whole show is rebuilt with LED lights on lighter materials with holes in them to let more of the organ's sound out by Macy's legendary Parade Studio. The Drummer Rudi Bear light was removed from the show along with the VW bug, Sleigh and toy soldiers.

In 2008 a brand new "Magic Christmas Tree" with LED Lights is added to the show topped by a red Moravian star. The song in the finale of the show is returned to O, Christmas Tree now played on the Wanamaker Organ. The next few years see upgrades to the audio system and show controls.

Despite the many changes over the years. The Wanamaker Light Show will remain a Philadelphia Holiday tradition for years to come.