-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
Manayunk Development Corporation presents Holidays in Manayunk featuring five weeks of festivities that will have you thinking you stepped right into a Hallmark Movie. Manayunk Gets LIT lights up Main Street as 40 businesses compete to see who has the most bling on the block. Get LIT Weekends, starting November 30th, will feature all the twinkling lights, food and drink deals, shopping specials, festive live entertainment, visits from Santa, and the return of the Jolly Trolley. Take in the lights and get ready to shop, dine and be merry as you ride down Main Street in the free Jolly Trolley that will stop along Main Street at your favorite businesses.
While visiting, shop small and shop local and support dozens of small businesses throughout the charming Philadelphia neighborhood that are offering deals, events and features for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Taqueria Amor transforms itself into Señor Grinch for the fourth year in a row – with thousands of lights and decorations outside, and a head-to-toe make-over inside that will warm the heart of the Grinch-iest Grinches in all of Philadelphia. Look for over-the-top decorations, holiday movie clips and projections, special holiday dishes (like Bah-Humbug Birria Tacos), theme cocktails, photo ops and more. Santa Paws is back on Saturday, December 2nd with pet photos with the man in red. On Saturday, December 9th, come dressed in your holiday finest for the 9th Annual Rudolph Run starting at Manayunk Canal starting at 9:00am to support North Light Community Center. Help families in need all season long by donating to Operation Santa. Donations can be dropped off at 4312 Main Street. Pick an item off the gift tree to donate! For more about these and many other happenings for Holidays in Manayunk, visit https://manayunk.com/events/holidays-in-manayunk.html
“Manayunk is simply the best place in Philadelphia to see holiday magic in action,” said Manayunk Development Corporation Executive Director Gwen McCauley. “The season kicks off with Manayunk Gets LIT and the lighting of the holiday tree – and continues through New Year’s Eve. Our holiday programs have grown organically over the years as our local community continues to support the district, particularly in a post Covid/ Hurricane Ida world. Our pedestrian scale Main Street is festooned with hundreds of thousands of lights that, altogether, create an exciting and free holiday activity for people of all ages to enjoy. Our holiday programs bring together the best of the urban experience and the small town charm that distinguishes Manayunk from other districts and neighborhoods in the city of Philadelphia.”
For the 2023 holiday season, Manayunk aims to look and feel like a scene from a movie. Last week, festivities kicked off with snow flying on Main Street during the largest tree lighting in Manayunk history – with over 2,000 merry-makers filling Main Street and Canal View Park. The same night Manayunk Gets LIT flipped the switch for the thousands of guests. Look for local small businesses to also celebrate Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Next up, look for Manayunk Get LIT Weekends to return with the FREE Jolly Trolley starting November 30th.
MANAYUNK GETS LIT
Manayunk businesses are decking their storefronts, windows, roofs, and more, and we’ll need your help deciding who should win Most Creative, Most LIT and Best Overall. Voting will run November 16 through December 14. Visitors can cast their vote for their favorite light display. All voters will be entered for their chance to win a $200 MNYK Shopping Spree! Click here for a list of participating businesses and how to vote online.
Get LIT Weekends
November 30 through December 23
Thursdays & Fridays: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturdays: 1:00pm to 9:00pm
Jolly Trolley Stops:
Regal UA Main Street (3720 Main St.)
Shurs Lane
Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory (4369 Main St.)
Lucky’s Last Chance (4421 Main St.)
Ivy Ridge train Station
Taqueria Amor & Canal View Park (4410 Main St.)
Cotton Street
Entertainment & Special Guests:
Schedule is subject to change
Nov. 30 – Courtney’s Carolers (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 1 – Christmas Elf (5:00pm to 7:00pm)
Dec. 2 – Santa (1:00pm to 3:00pm)
Dec. 7- Santa (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Philadelphia Freedom Band (7:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 8 – The Grinch (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 9 – Philly Accents (1:00pm to 3:00pm)
Dec. 14 – Courtney’s Carolers (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 15 – Olaf the Snowman (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 16 – Santa (1:00pm to 3:00pm)
Dec. 21 – Santa (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 22 – Rudolph (5:00pm to 8:00pm)
Dec. 23 – Santa (1:00pm to 3:00pm)
Entertainers will both ride the trolley and be strolling on Main Street during each entertainment block. If visitors don’t see them on the trolley, then look out along the main retail strip.
CELEBRATE HANUKKAH WITH EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS
Manayunk Celebrates Hanukkah with ‘Eight Crazy Nights” of Instagram giveaways from December 7 to December 15. During the Festival of Lights, on December 7, 8, 9 and 14, riders on the Jolly Trolley during the Festival of Lights can get Hanukkah Gelt and goodie bags.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN MANAYUNK
Shop small and shop local at over 50 small businesses to find something for everyone on your list as the neighborhood kicks off the holidays season with Small Business Saturday on November 25. 2023. Sponsored by American Express, this event celebrate everything small business!
SENOR GRINCH CHRISTMAS POP-UP BAR
Taqueria Amor – Senor Grinch Pop-Up
Now through January 2, 2024
4410 Main St
Cheers to the start of the jolliest time of year with a Grincharita or Cindy Lou Who’s Spiked YooHoo! Christmas lights adorn the outside and inside of the cozy space. Once you are nestled into your seat enjoy classic Holiday movie clips on the projector show while feasting on Bah Humbug Birria tacos & warming up with a Tiny’s Tim Tequila Cider. Themed decor inspired by the Muppet’s Christmas Carol & Uncle Eddie will bring the nostalgia. Spend this season eating and drinking with those who bring you Holiday Amor! Running 11/16-1/2
SANTA PAWS
It’s time for our annual pet photos with Santa! Bring your furry friends to the Pet Friendly Dog Bakery on Saturday, December 2 to get a photo of them with the man in red. The event will take place from 10:00am to 5:00pm. There will also be a vendor shopping event in the Pet Friendly yard from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
RUDOLPH RUN
Dress in your holiday best for the 9th Annual Rudolph Run by Philadelphia Runner on Saturday, December 9! Join Philadelphia Runner for a fun 3-mile fun run along the Manayunk Canal starting at 9AM. Check in for the run will be at our shop on Main Street starting at 8:30AM. Holiday attire is encouraged!! Sign up required on the Manayunk website. Canned goods & other necessities will be collected as an entry fee and donated to North Light Community Center. Donation drop-off will take place during check in.
Register:
https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/2019RudolphRun
8:30AM: Donation Drop & Check In at Philadelphia Runner (4358 Main Street)
9AM: Run Start at Canal View Par
OPERATION SANTA CLAUS
In partnership with North Light Community Center, the Manayunk Development Corporation is helping local families in need this holiday season. Stop by 4312 Main Street to pick a gift item off of the holiday tree to donate to a North Light family.
OTHER FESTIVE HAPPENINGS AND HOLIDAY HOURS
Blondie – One of Philadelphia’s most festive restaurants with a giant tree, old time bling and lights throughout – with a special holiday menu of cocktails and specials.
Chabaa Thai & Yanako – Open Black Friday. Advance registration cooking class with Chef Moon in late Nov. Open Christmas Eve.
Fat Lady Brewing – Open Black Friday. Every Friday in December: Ugly Sweater Cocktail Hour 6-8pm. December 1st : Gardyn Jazz Orchestra back to kick off the holiday season with a couple hours of holiday music. Dec 3rd – Brews with Santa event. Photos with Santa. New Year’s Eve ticket link. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/733440609607?aff=oddtdtcreator
Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar and Wine Shop – open Christmas Eve until 8PM. Open NYE, regular menu perfect for those who want to eat before heading to a party or just a quiet night out.
La Roca – Open Black Friday. NYE Party.
Lincoln Mill Haunted House – Tis the season for the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Watch for a very special NEW Christmas Haunted House experience – details to be announced the first week of December.
Lucky’s Last Chance & Lucky’s Roadside Stand – Thanksgiving Burger.
Sunshine Sandwich Shop – Sir Stuffing – Sliced Turkey, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce on a Liscio’s long roll.
Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant – CHRISTMAS – Monday December 25th Open 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM. NEW YEAR’S EVE Sunday December 31st 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM.
Mia Ragazaa – Holiday happy hours (4-6PM).
The Goat’s Beard – Open Black Friday 12PM to 12AM. Holiday happy hours (4-6PM).
Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory – Homemade hot chocolate + specialty pizzelle waffle cones all season. Reduced prices on take-home pints, half gallons, t-shirts and hats for Small Business.
Valerio Coffee Roasters – Last call “The Thanksgiving Day Parade” drink as coffee special for Thanksgiving. Closed on Thanksgiving. Black Friday and Small business Saturday special is: 20% off 1lb. coffee bags both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Not to be combined with any other discount. Announcing and kicking off our winter menus on 11/22 and that will be available through March. Limited Christmas Eve hours. Special for New Year’s Eve – name to be announced on 11/22.
CONNECT
For updates and more festive happenings, visit Manayunk Development Corporation’s website at www.manayunk.com and social at @manyunkdotcom
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