Holidays on the Hill

Join us throughout the holiday season for the best in dining, shopping, strolling and holiday fun for the whole family. Free parking on Wednesday evenings and weekends from November 22nd thru December 21st.

Chestnut Hill is closer than you think! When you visit Philadelphia’s Garden District, you will discover endless delights from exquisite cuisine and locally-owned boutiques to some of Philadelphia’s greatest attractions, including Morris Arboretum and Woodmere Art Museum. Located in the Northwest corner of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, lunch with friends, date night, or a family day trip. Chestnut Hill is beautiful year-round, but the Avenue becomes magical during the holidays when thousands of white lights twinkle in the trees, fresh pines adorn shop windows, carolers sing, and brass quartets entertain on the Avenue.

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Chestnut Hill was recently named Best Main Street Shopping by Philadelphia Magazine, and selected by Forbes.com as one of the top seven urban enclaves in the nation. Chestnut Hill was also voted a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with its beautiful architecture, historic properties, and direct access to Fairmount Park. The neighborhood is always stroller and dog-friendly, and the annual festivals offer family fun for all ages.

Highlights of the Holiday Festival include a holiday house tour, parade, concerts, workshops, and the oldest and favorite tradition of all — Stag & Doe Nights.

For more information, a complete schedule of events, and to plan your trip to Chestnut Hill, please visit www.chestnuthillpa.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @chestnuthillpa.

Calendar of Events

Saturday, November 15 Woodmere Art Museum Celebrates A Christmas Past in the Pennsylvania German Tradition Step back into the 19th century and enjoy the Christmas traditions of the German settlement in Philadelphia with an exhibition of children’s toys and holiday decorations from the collection of the Germantown Historical Society. Highlights include a charming dollhouse replica of a Germantown row home and a sculpture of Belsnickel, a predecessor of our modern Santa Claus. Exhibit runs through January 11, 2015. Chestnut Hill Cares: Give a Toy, Share a Book — Feel the Joy Sponsored by Chestnut Hill Hospital and Valley Green Bank. Spread the spirit this season and donate a new, unwrapped toy or a new or gently used book to a school-aged child. Drop-off spots will be located in local businesses throughout the neighborhood.

Saturday, November 22 Chestnut Hill Circle of Trees is an honored tradition as family and friends come together to celebrate the annual tree lighting and the beginning of the holiday season. Music and caroling, hot chocolate, and goody bags for the kids add to the delight. Santa rides in for his first appearance of the season as well.

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Saturday, November 29 Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway Grand Opening, 1:00 to 3:00 pm Come see the Holiday Garden Railway dressed in its wintry finest. Model trains chug along a quarter mile track surrounded by a miniature village adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, outdoors in the winter garden. Take part in a fun craft for the kids and enjoy the winter garden. American Express Small Business Saturday

Wednesday, December 3 Stag and Doe Night Chestnut Hill’s oldest and favorite tradition with stores open ‘til 9 pm, music, carolers, refreshments, roasted chestnuts, and Santa.

Friday, December 5 Friday Night Lights at the Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway, 4:30 to 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 6 Holiday House Tour Add swag and style to your holiday decorating by taking a sneak peek into some of Chestnut Hill’s architectural gems. The Chestnut Hill Holiday House tour attracts the region’s finest designers, florists, and retailers as they decorate each house in full holiday regalia. Woodmere Art Museum’s Holiday House Tour Open House, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Enjoy an afternoon of holiday refreshments, treats, and decorations of a Christmas Past in the Pennsylvania German tradition. Northwestern Stables Holiday Bazaar and Open House,10:00 am to 4:00 pm Featuring holiday photos with Santa and his horse, children’s crafts and games, a silent auction, raffles, and “Reindeer” Riding Lessons where kids can enjoy a ride on a “reindeer” horse. Tour the barns, shop for handmade crafts and gifts, and enjoy plenty of food and beverages throughout the day. Breakfast with Santa at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 9:00 am Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, letter writing to Santa, and photos with the man in red. Elves on the Avenue Tempesta di Mare Concert, 8:00 pm at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill

Sunday, December 7 Santa Visits Chestnut Hill Elves on the Avenue Pennsylvania Girlchoir performs at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 3 pm and 6 pm

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Wednesday, December 10 Stag and Doe Night Chestnut Hill’s oldest and favorite tradition with stores open ‘til 9 pm, music, carolers, refreshments, roasted chestnuts, and Santa.

Friday, December 12 Friday Night Lights at the Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway, 4:30 to 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 13 Mobile Glass Blowing Studio: glass blowing and ornament making at the Chestnut Hill Hotel Woodmere Art Museum: Victorian Card Making, 2:30 to 4:30 pm

Sunday, December 14 Mobile Glass Blowing Studio: glass blowing and ornament making at the Chestnut Hill Hotel Santa Visits Chestnut Hill Cantatas and Chamber Music at Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 4:30 pm

Wednesday, December 17 Stag and Doe Night Chestnut Hill’s oldest and favorite tradition with stores open ‘til 9 pm, music, carolers, refreshments, roasted chestnuts, and Santa.

Friday, December 19 Woodmere Art Museum Hosts Friday Night Jazz: Crooner Christmas – This vocal songfest will jazz up the holidays! Join the festivities and sing along with Philly’s finest vocalists and swing to favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Let It Snow,” and “We Three Kings.” Friday Night Lights at the Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway, 4:30 to 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 20 Elves on the Avenue

Sunday, December 21 Santa Visits Chesnut Hill, Elves on the Avenue

Friday, December 26 Friday Night Lights at the Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway, 4:30 to 7:30

Chestnut Holidays

Holidays on the Hill

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!