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Discover a Season of Magic in Chestnut Hill

Turn up the holiday cheer with one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and celebrating throughout Philadelphia’s charming urban village.

’Tis the season for festive parties, family traditions, and a seemingly endless to-do list. This year, jingle all the way down Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill to prepare for your celebrations. With more than 125 retailers on the Hill, including chic boutiques and independent galleries, you’re sure to find memorable presents, holiday hosting essentials, and everything else you need to make spirits bright while enjoying all that Holidays on the Hill has to offer.

 

For Creative Gifts

 

Photo By Elizabeth Ferguson Photography

There’s something for everyone in Chestnut Hill’s specialty stores, making holiday shopping easy and hassle-free. Surprise the kids with something from Oxford Circus and Busy Bee Toys, then stop in children’s boutique Villavillekula to select cute (and stylish) hats and clothes.

Skim through clothing, housewares, and handmade items for grown-ups on your list at Serendipity, which sells goods from multiple vendors under one roof. For timeless pieces, swing over and speak with the specialists in Chestnut Hill Jewelers and Delphine Gallery.

If you’re looking for unique items, head over to El Quetzal, Mango and Ten Thousand Villages for presents that will be sure to surprise your loved ones.

For gifts that fit anyone and everyone, grab a gift card to luxury spa CURE de Repos, Diamond Spa, or Coco Blue Nails & Spa. Or, for those on-the-go types, get a certificate to use on group classes — from cycling to boxing — at Balance Chestnut Hill.

The Bone Appetite has you covered with treats and toys for dogs and cats, furry friends who also deserve holiday presents!

 

For Holiday Party Prep

Photo By Elizabeth Ferguson Photography.

Opening your doors to guests this year? Head first to HOST to spruce up your home with one-of-a-kind furniture and decorative accents, and then find your way to Kitchen Kapers to stock up on kitchen and dining essentials like pots, pans, and serving plates, and more!

Next up, plan for hungry guests. At Evergreen Cheese, curate the makings of a party-worthy cheese board, including gourmet nibbles such as chocolates, honey, and mixed nuts. Swing over to MARKET at the Fareway and Weavers Way Co-Op to grab fixings for holiday sides, entrees, and desserts. The recently relocated The Spice Rack will offer spice rubs, marinades, dips, and sauces that will go perfectly with any dish you create.

Don’t forget dessert! Visit Night Kitchen Bakery and Café and Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor, which both specialize in cakes, cookies, and more; and Baker Street Bread Co., which offers pastries as well as fresh challah and dinner rolls.

And because holidays are not complete without drinks, before heading home, go to Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. to pick up growlers of local beers, or you can head to Iron Hill Brewery to stock up on a selection of craft brews that pair perfectly with any dish and will satisfy the most discerning palate.

 

For Winter Fashion

Photo By Dustin LaCava Wingate/En Route

The seasons are changing, so it’s time to switch out those shorts and bathing suits to sweaters, jackets, and other winter accessories! And Chestnut Hill has everything you’ll need for the colder months and for the upcoming holidays!

For men, Style by Blaine offers classic and fashion-forward looks that will endure. And for women, ellelauriNoble Goods, and Artisans on the Avenue are a few of the local boutiques selling wardrobe staples, including workwear, weekend outfits, and other versatile looks.

For Seasonal Fun

Photo By Dustin LaCava Wingate/En Route

You don’t need a special occasion to gather and make fond memories with friends in Chestnut Hill. Meet at AR Workshop for a craft night out, where you can catch up while making a handcrafted gift, and then continue the festivities with cocktails and holiday jazz at Paris Bistro.

Want more options? Test your teamwork at Escape Room Chestnut Hill, and follow up your victory with a toast at Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. or Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. If brunch is more to your liking, look no further than the Breakfast Boutique or Cake, or you can reserve a special dinner at Jansen, located in a quaint 18th-century cottage that sets a cozy scene for the holidays.

 

Don’t Miss these Special Holiday Events

First Friday

December 6

5-8 p.m.

Shop, dine, and unwind during First Fridays on the Hill, which include extended hours at participating boutique shops.

Merry and Bright II: The Christmas Collection of Jeanette Turnbull

Woodmere Art Museum

Saturday, November 23

Jeanette Turnbull will “deck the halls” at Woodmere with a creative installation of vintage and contemporary decorations that will captivate visitors of all ages. In addition, children’s toys, holiday trimmings, an extraordinary dollhouse replica of a Germantown home, and a sculpture of Belsnickel, a Christmas figure from German folklore—on loan from the Germantown Historical Society—will bring nineteenth century holiday traditions to life.

Chestnut Hill Circle of Trees

Saturday, November 23

5:30–7 p.m.

Meet Saint Nick at Woodmere Art Museum and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with live music, hot chocolate, cookies, and Woodmere’s holiday exhibition, The Night Before Christmas.

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 30

Check off everything on your list and support local businesses on the Hill! Shoppers are sure to find the perfect gift for loved ones this season in Chestnut Hill’s trendy boutiques and specialty shops.

Stag & Doe Nights

Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18

During Chestnut Hill’s oldest tradition, visitors and locals can stroll along Germantown Avenue, meet and greet Santa, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, browse boutique shops during extended hours, and enjoy the sounds of carolers and a brass quartet.

Weekends with Santa

December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

Meet Old St. Nick and his elves! In December, visit Santa every Saturday at the Market at the Fareway (8221 Germantown Ave.), or you can meet him on Sundays at his headquarters at Laurel Hill Gardens (8125 Germantown Ave.).

Holiday Garden Railway Nights

Fridays, December 20, 27

Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21, 28

Sundays, December 15, 22, 29

4:30-7:30 p.m.

When you’re at the Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Ave.) for Holiday Garden Railway Nights, you can watch model trains chug along a quarter-mile track, admire the miniature village adorned with thousands of lights in the winter garden, and bask in the evening glow of the decorated arboretum.

Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour

Saturday, December 7

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Get inspiration for your holiday décor as you step inside five historic homes that are decked out for the season. This cherished tradition highlights the area’s rich architecture and invites attendees to take advantage of discounts at restaurants and shops.

Chesnut Hill Community Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 14

Parade starts at 9 a.m.

Marching bands, floats, antique cars, school groups, and the most anticipated guest of all (Santa!) bring holiday fun down Germantown Avenue for families to enjoy. The parade leads to the Market at the Fareway for treats and more live music.

For more details on the shops and events in this guide, visit chestnuthillpa.com.



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