Those with a sweet tooth are in luck—this Saturday, the Third Annual Hot Chocolate Crawl is taking over East Passyunk, and over 2 dozen eateries will be participating in 2024.
“We created the Passyunk Avenue Hot Chocolate Crawl to bring together our neighborhood and to support all the small, local and independent businesses along East Passyunk,” said event co-organizer Capri Dessecker in a statement. “I am personally super excited for my third crawl — it is one of my favorite family events of the entire year.”
This typically sold-out event started as a way to help businesses during the pandemic, then it went viral, and that led to last year’s event selling out quite quickly. This year is said to be bigger than ever with neighborhood restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops all showing up with their own rendition of this seasonal treat.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14, Philadelphians can sip on specially priced classic cocoas ($3), premium and boozy cocoas ($6) or ice cream-infused creations ($8), all with their own signature mug.
“Every year this event continues to grow and get bigger and bigger. This year we have several new businesses on the roster — and we have a new super fun option with an insulated and loaded martini glass for the adults to indulge in their boozy hot chocolates. For this years main souvenir mug, it will have a lid and be perfect to take as you go shopping with your kids along the avenue,” added Dessecker.
Participating spots currently span B2 Cafe, Barcelona Wine Bar, Delicious Sweets, FLANNEL, Favors and Flavors, Garage Passyunk, Ground Up Cafe & Coffee, Juana Tamale, Milk Jawn, Mike’s BBQ, Nutmeg Bar and Market, Pistola’s Del Sur, Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria, P’unk Burger, Stogie Joe’s Tavern and Townsend Wine Bar. More stops are set to be added.
While walking around trying out the different treats, locals can also peruse different specials, sales, samples and surprises from area retailers and shops (a full list of participating venues can be found online), plus, enjoy live music and Christmas carols by performers from the East Passyunk Opera Project.
The 3rd Annual Hot Chocolate Crawl will also coincide with Nice Things Handmade 14th Annual Ornament Show with hundreds of handmade ornaments from Philly-bred artists and makers. According to a release, other “festive events” are set to be announced by different retailers and businesses this day as well. Nice Things Handmade owner Elissa Kara also helped create the Crawl with Dessecker back in 2022.
“Break out your cutest scarf, warm mittens and cozy up on the avenue,” added Kara in a statement. “Sip on hot chocolate and festive drinks while you stroll through the neighborhood and enjoy everything local and small (business).”
To participate, purchase a commemorative Passyunk Ave Hot Chocolate Crawl 12oz mug for $12, which is available to pick up at The Capri Dessecker Team office on the day of the crawl. The mug is the only way to get the exclusive prices at this pay-as-you-go-event. Then just sip, savor and enjoy.
To find out more information, visit visiteastpassyunk.com
