To light up the holiday season, there are plenty of merry occasions to check out tree lightings around the city. And we’ve got the scoop on some of the best in 2022.
Evil Genius Beer Company
Fishtown’s Evil Genius will be igniting the lights on their tree this Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. But first, the venue will be throwing a party in celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. The 20 foot-tree will be lit inside, while the outside will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with hot cider, beer and hot wine being served up.
Christmas trees from Front Street Trees will also be available for purchase, and Evil Genius will also be serving up their seasonal festival saison, “Santa!! I know Him!”
1727 N. Front Street, evilgeniusbeer.com
Rittenhouse Square Holiday Park Tree Lighting
Rittenhouse Square is said to be one of the most beautiful parks in the city with all of the festive decorations, over 5,000 lights and of course, it’s grand Christmas tree during the season. To see the switch light it all up, head to the historic part of the city on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from about 4:45 to 6 p.m. (the actual tree lighting will be around 5:30 p.m.).
210 W. Rittenhouse Square, friendsofrittenhouse.org
City Hall
This Thursday, Dec. 1, City Hall will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony chock full of holiday spirit. The celebration will kick off at 7 p.m., and according to a release, the event will also feature a performance by Grammy-nominated artist, singer, songwriter Montell Jordan– best known for his Billboard Top Ten and Hot 100 single ‘This Is How We Do It.’ The evening will also feature performances by Julian King, Saleka Shyamalan, Jakeya Limitless, and other special guests while being broadcast by 6abc personalities.
While there, Philadelphians are invited to come a bit early to check out giveaways, and also free coffee and hot chocolate from The Wawa Community Care Vehicle. The festive event will take place on the northside of City Hall, at Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Historic Holidays in Old City
The Old City area is ringing in the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony this week. Taking place this Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m., Philadelphians can head to the Betsy Ross House Courtyard to join in on the celebration, which will feature musical/dance performances, special guests and more.
The tree itself was designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville, a Parisian Florist and Garden Designer, and the Tree Lighting will also be streamed via the Old City District’s Facebook. The area will also be hosting a menorah lighting, with that date to be announced sometime in the future.
239 Arch Street, oldcitydistrict.org
Vintner Wonderland at Renault Resort and Winery
If you’re headed to New Jersey, Renault Winery will be hosting its own tree-lighting ceremony this Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. The venue’s tree structure is a little different being made of real wine barrels, and Jolly Old Saint Nick will be there to flip the switch (photos will be available with Santa afterwards).
A full list of events taking place at Renault that evening will be available online.
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, renaultwinery.com
East Passyunk
The tree lighting ceremony is perhaps one of the most notable traditions down in this neck of Philly. Taking place on Dec. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m., this annual activation brings visitors of all ages to see the main event, with the background sounds of the Coppin Middle School HOME Band. In addition to the excitement of the ceremony, the massive tree is adorned with vibrant LED lights, aimed to colorfully visualize the joyous sounds of holiday music within the surrounding area, a release states.
Having your photo snapped with Jolly old St. Nicholas is another popular feature on East Passyunk— and it’s encouraged for both children and four-legged friends (on a later date) as well. The photos begin the same night as the Tree Lighting (Dec. 1) at the Singing Fountain.
Northern Liberties
On Nov. 29, Glu Hospitality will be opening its igloo dining experience, plus a tree lighting to really spark up the occasion at Figo. The lighting ceremony will kick off at 6 p.m., and afterwards, Philadelphians can also dine in the establishment’s new outdoor igloos—which are packed full of heat and clear views—or check out the new Christmas pop-up in Figo’s outdoor cocktail garden and bar being built.
For future endeavors, the Igloos will also host the grand return of the Ice Queen and the Northern Liberties Princess Brunch, on Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, and Brunch with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 18.
1033 N. 2nd Street, figoitalian.com
