Deck The Ave Returns To East Passyunk Full Of Festive Cheer! 

-Courtesy of Punch Media
photo by Moore In Focus Photography

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID), home to more than 160 independently owned businesses in South Philadelphia, is celebrating the holiday season with the return of its annual Deck The Ave, a host of spirited events, entertainment, shopping, and more, including photos with Santa, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, and the second-annual Hot Chocolate Crawl (to name a few), kicking off on Small Business Saturday, November 25 andrunning through the duration of the holiday season.

East Passyunk Avenue’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at The Singing Fountain (East Passyunk Avenue and Tasker Street) on Wednesday, November 29 from 5 – 7pm. This beloved kickoff to the holidays brings together a crowd of locals and visitors of all ages to witness Santa Claus himselflead the tree lighting ceremony while taking in the celebratory sounds of student singers from Fanny Jackson Coppin School, Quaker City String Band as well as a new, fun holiday singalong led by Hire Musicians LLC, featuring singers from the Union League Voices. In addition to the excitement of the ceremony, the massive 14 ft. tree is adorned with vibrant 20,000 LED lights, aimed to colorfully visualize the joyous sounds of holiday music within the surrounding area.

“Moreso than ever before, East Passyunk Avenue is the destination for holiday celebrations, welcoming everyone from across the region,” said Rebecca O’Leary, Executive Director of East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District. “Visit the Avenue for an immersive holiday experience on our unique commercial strip of independent businesses. Expect new pop-up events with nighttime entertainment, family friendly activities on weekends and public art activations before the end of the year.”

Another fan-favorite East Passyunk Avenue tradition is photos with Santa, encouraged for both human and furry, four-legged children alike, starting on Wednesday, November 29 at the Christmas Tree Lighting located at The Singing Fountain. Folks can bring their camera and take photos with Santa at no cost with additional opportunities on Sunday, December 3 from 3 – 5pm, Thursday, December 14 from 5 – 7pm, Saturday, December 16 from 3 – 5pm, and Sunday, December 17 from 12 – 2pm.

Additional holiday happenings during Deck The Ave include:

• East Passyunk Punch Card –From November 25 to January 1, shoppers will receive a punch for each $10 spent at participating businesses. Once 10 punches have been received, submit the completed card to one of East Passyunk Avenue’s businesses and be automatically entered into a prize raffle for a gift certificate.
• Second Annual Hot Chocolate Crawl – Various hot cocoa and boozy-alternative chocolate creations available at numerous local restaurants, bars, and cafés (Saturday, December 9; Pay-as-you-go, further details to come in weeks ahead).
• Hanukkah Happenings –The South Philadelphia Shtiebel will lead the community in celebrating the festival of lights with the annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at the Singing Fountain. (Thursday, December 7; sundown).
• Letters to Santa – All are invited to drop off letters to Santa at East Passyunk Avenue’s North Pole Mailbox located at The Singing Fountain starting after the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 29.
• Pop-Up Music/Entertainment – Local musicians and carolers will perform throughout the duration of Deck The Ave around The Singing Fountain and Mifflin Triangle, plus up and down the Avenue on weekends. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead.
• 13^th Annual Ornament Show – Presented by Nice Things Handmade, this beloved annual ornament show will showcase more than 50 local artists and their handmade ornament submissions for sale beginning Saturday, November 18 and running through Friday, January 12.

Deck The Ave is presented by East Passyunk Business Improvement District, with support from Samuels and Son Seafood, Giordano’s Garden Groceries, Fulton Bank, Capri Dessecker Team at RE/MAX One Realty, and Nice Things Handmade.

For more information about Deck The Ave or for a complete list of businesses along East Passyunk Avenue, go to www.visiteastpassyunk.com or follow EPABID at: 

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