Right smack dab in the center of the city, there’s a new festive venue popping up. Last weekend, FCM Hospitality transformed its Walnut Garden bar/restaurant into the Walnut Wonderland boasting warm drinks, warm treats and even Christmas trees for sale.
“There is some nostalgia around the holidays where people just want to return to their roots and make some wonderful memories,” FCM Hospitality owner Avram Hornik said in a statement. “Celebrating, decorating the house, holiday shopping, Philadelphians have embraced the season’s joy.”
When Walnut Garden first opened in May 2023 (then re-opened again in September), it debuted a menu of cocktails as an ode to Philly — like the Rittenhouse Sour made with whiskey and fresh citrus, or the Center City Tropic boasting Bluecoat gin, guava, pineapple and lime. On top of that, the space also offered fun twists on some libations, like the Munchkin Land made up of Holla Lollipop Vodka, cranberry and lemon.
With the normal offerings still being served up, the new pop-up also brings a slew of fresh holiday sippers, such as the spiked hot chocolate with vanilla vodka or the spiked hot cider with Jack Daniel’s Honey and winter spices ($11). For kids, there will also be hot cider with winter spices, or hot chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and marshmallows being offered up while here.
Walnut Garden has also set up an insulated and heated dining area tent for its Wonderland, serving up a variety of cookies (think triple chocolate, salted caramel, sugar and smores) for $5, or, Philadelphians can indulge in some of the venue’s seasonal dishes.
Highlights include fried cheese curds, a chorizo and kimchi hot dog, Autumn arugula salad, and the venue’s ode to an elevated cheesesteak — the smoked brisket cheesesteak with crispy onions, cooper sharp cheese and marinated long hots. Additionally, fans of Christmas Village’s raclette sandwich can also try the Walnut’s mushroom chopped cheese, which boasts cooper sharp, fried onions, long hot mayo, shaved lettuce, and pepper jam to mimic the seasonal treat.
As a news release states, Walnut Wonderland hopes to provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience and to further activate and animate the Rittenhouse neighborhood during the holidays. With that idea in mind and with festive lights and decorations strewn throughout the beer garden, the pop-up lot will also feature a variety of Christmas tree species and sizes, including Fraser fir, Douglas fir, and White Pine available for purchase.
“We’re thrilled to offer our guests the opportunity to purchase a fresh Christmas tree right from our restaurant,” Hornik continued. “We know that the holidays can be a busy time, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for our guests to get everything they need for a festive celebration.”
Trees will be ready for purchase whole or pre-cut, and guests will have the option of having their tree cut and wrapped for them (at no additional cost). All trees are 5-6ft tall and cost $99, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walnut Wonderland will be open during regular dining hours Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 23. For more information, visit walnutphl.com
