Philly gets very merry and bright during the snowy season—especially in Manayunk.
This lively neighborhood has plans to once again launch its Holidays in Manayunk series, with most of the fun kicking off this Thursday, Nov. 20, with the area’s Tree Lighting ceremony. Taking place at Canal View Park (4418 Main St.), the event starts at 5:30 p.m. and will feature live performances, ornament decorating, hot cocoa, North Pole Elves, and a Santa meet and greet in front of the tree.
This week also marks the start of Manayunk’s “Get Lit” decorating contest, which features over 40 local businesses decking out their storefronts with festive decor and lights. Passersby can vote for their favorite (voting ends mid-December) in categories like Best Overall, Most Lit, and Most Creative.
Another fan favorite includes Taqueria Amor’s annual holiday pop-up, dubbed ‘Senor Grinch’. Back for its 6th season (and open now), the locale features savory dishes and themed cocktails like a Hot Tequila Cider (made with apple cider, reposado and Spitball cinnamon whiskey), Cindy Lou’s Spiked Yoo-Hoo (Deep Eddy vodka, Kahlua, Yoo Hoo and cream, with a chocolate sugar rim), the Grinch-A-Rita (silver tequila, Triple Sec, green apple, melon liquer, “Grinch” juice, lime and a red salt rim) and more.
Friday (Nov. 21) additionally kicks off Operation Santa Claus, a collaborative program between the Manayunk Development Corporation and North Light Community Center that will support local families in need this holiday season. As a release notes, residents and visitors can stop by the Welcome Center at 106 Grape Street to pick a gift item from the holiday tree to donate to a North Light Family for the occasion.
The holiday season in Manayunk also features “Get Lit” weekends and the Jolley Trolley on select dates. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December, Main Street will feature entertainment, merchant deals and rides on the Trolley. Decked out with lights, decorations, and holiday movies/music, the transport runs on a hop-on and hop-off format and is free of charge.
A few stand-out dates to look out for in Manayunk also include Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) and Santa Paws (Dec. 6.)
The former will feature over 50 small businesses, and this year, shoppers can also once again nab the Manayunk Shop Small Passport. Leading up to Nov. 29, and day-of, shoppers will be able to pick up a passport from the Manayunk Welcome Center or in one of the participating businesses. With it, stickers can be earned from different stores, restaurants, studios, cafes, and businesses. Those with six stickers will be able to redeem a prize and be entered into a larger giveaway.
And with the latter event, Philadelphians can find Santa at a pet-friendly photoshoot at Pet Friendly Bakery (4324 Main St.) Reservations are $15-$20, and proceeds will benefit an adoption organization. The occasion will also feature in-store sales and specials for furry friends.
The festive few weeks in Manayunk will also feature a Rudolph Run (Dec. 13, at 9 a.m.), Lincoln Mill Haunted House’s Twisted Christmas (Dec. 12 and 13), a Hanukkah on Main Lighting Event (Dec. 18, at 6 p.m.), and the Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah (Dec. 14 to 22.) With the latter, the area will be hosting ‘Eight Crazy Nights’ of Instagram giveaways with prizes from Manayunk restaurants, stores, and specialty businesses.
And finally, the holiday season also highlights Manayunk Meals and More. With this initiative, 15+ local restaurant owners work together annually to prepare and deliver more than 700 holiday meals to their neighbors in need at the Northlight Community Center. This year’s delivery will take place on Dec. 7.
To find out more information about the holidays in Manayunk, visit manayunk.com
