-Courtesy of En Route Marketing
It’s the most beautiful time of the year in Chestnut Hill! During Holidays on the Hill this November and December, visitors can immerse themselves in a holiday fairytale by exploring Philadelphia’s Urban Village. Guests can enjoy the live sounds of a brass quartet, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets, view an outdoor model train display, take advantage of late-night shopping hours, and enjoy hearty holiday-themed food specials. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Santa strolling the Avenue posing for pictures and handing out candy canes!
The Chestnut Hill Business District entices visitors with over 200 retailers to shop this season and 29 restaurants to enjoy. Many businesses are independently-owned and highlight local artists and uniquely handcrafted items. With such a wide variety of shops to choose from, day-trippers can find the perfect holiday gift for anyone on their shopping list at various price points.
From shopping on Small Business Saturday to visiting the Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum to enjoying a beverage during the legendary Stag & Doe Nights, Chestnut Hill offers holiday experiences for all ages. Work up an appetite shopping? Many restaurants along the Avenue offer seasonal drink specials and savory dining options.
Holidays on the Hill Schedule of Events
● Circle of Trees – November 20: A favorite of local families and children, Circle of Trees returns to kick off the holiday season on November 20 at 5 p.m. This year, the event takes on a new COVID-friendly format, with Santa’s firetruck making stops at several neighborhood locations, the first at Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Avenue. Stay tuned for more details about where he’s touching down.
● Holiday Garden Railway – November 26, 2021, through January 2, 2022: Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Avenue) returns November 26 and continues daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of the year! The exhibit features an intricate outdoor and expansive train display of 15 rails and a quarter-mile track adorned with a miniature village. Holiday Garden Railway Nights will be open from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on weekends and require advanced tickets. Tickets may be purchased HERE.
● Small Business Saturday – November 27: Shop Chestnut Hill’s trendy and one-of-a-kind boutiques on Small Business Saturday and #KeepItOnTheHill. Check off gifts from your holiday wish list and support local retailers and restaurants throughout the day. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can meet Santa as he strolls up and down Germantown Avenue and enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m. Finally, from 1 to 3 p.m., let a Mummers trio and costumed Victorian carolers will entertain with holiday tunes and sing alongs.
● Stag and Doe Nights – December 1, 8, 15, 22: Chestnut Hill’s beloved annual Stag & Doe Nights return Wednesdays in December from 5 to 9 p.m. Each Wednesday will feature special entertainment, extended store hours, holiday specials, and complimentary refreshments and treats at many stores. Every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m., shoppers can catch a glimpse of Santa strutting down the Avenue greeting families, along with a brass quartet entertaining guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. On December 8 and 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., visitors can also take a horse drawn carriage ride down the Avenue. From 6 to 9 p.m., local distillery Stateside will sell vodka and bourbon bottles with available engraving, conveniently conducted at the Chestnut Hill Welcome Center (8514 Germantown Avenue).
Getting Here: During the holiday season, Chestnut Hill’s six public lots offer free parking ALL DAY on Wednesdays from November 10 through December 22. For those taking public transportation, Chestnut Hill can be accessed by several SEPTA services: two SEPTA Regional Rail lines — the Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West, and SEPTA Bus Routes 23, 77, 94, 134, and L. For those driving, Chestnut Hill is only 25 minutes away from Center City and just a short drive from New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., with access to multiple major roadways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Pennsylvania Route 309, and interstates 476 and 76. All roads lead to Chestnut Hill!
For more information about Chestnut Hill, visit http://www.chestnuthillpa.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @chestnuthillpa and the hashtags #chestnuthillpa #KeepItOnTheHill #HolidaysontheHill.
About the Chestnut Hill Business District
The Chestnut Hill Business Association (CHBA) is a membership organization for over 225 retailers, restaurants, and professional members. The Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District (BID) is supported by commercial property owners with a mission to keep the Chestnut Hill Business District clean, safe, and beautiful while advancing marketing efforts throughout the year. The Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation (CHPF) manages six convenient public parking lots throughout the Business District.
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