The holiday season is chock full of ways to create memories, but only some really last a lifetime — such as holiday photos. All around the City of Brotherly Love there are plenty of opportunities to snap a pic, and Metro has rounded up some of the best options.
Christmas Village
The open-air European holiday market is an obvious destination for most throughout December, but it’s also a hub for your holiday photo needs. Santa Claus will be in the middle of Love Park at his workshop in the center ring, across from the stage, and next to the smell of cinnamon and french toast bites at the booth next door. Russ Brown Photography will be offering photo packages to snap a pic with Old Saint Nick at different prices, although meeting Santa is free. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. until Dec. 24. While there, you can also check out some of the unique vendors ranging in offerings from Christmas Souvenir Ornaments, Nordic Dreams (offering Scandinavian ornaments and souvenirs), Vellum St Soap Company/ Philadelphia Bee Company, Mexican Art Crafts, Astro Vinyl Art, Chopstick Art, Edible Birdhouses, Walking Toys (from Russia) and much more. Now in its 14th season, Christmas Village in Philadelphia presented by Bank of America has grown into one of the region’s largest and most unique holiday destinations — and one of the largest and most celebrated authentic German Christmas markets in all of America.
Love Park, 1600 JFK Blvd., philachristmas.com
Figo Ristorante
There will be two opportunities to meet Old Saint Nick himself at new hotspot Figo Ristorante. According to a release, Santa Claus is coming to Northern Liberties at the brand-new Figo Ristorante at 1033 N. 2nd Street. Figo’s new outdoor Christmas patio and cocktail garden is decorated from top to bottom, complete with the neighborhood tree standing at 16 feet tall. The first ‘Figo Brunch with Santa’ will take place this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are available on Open Table. For brunch food and drink, look for a special family-friendly menu that is pay-as-you-go. Photos with Santa are DIY and available with purchase of brunch. There will also be a cookie-decorating station, seasonal sips for the kids and adults, and a make-your-own hot cocoa station too. On top of Santa and along with the Igloos, Glu Hospitality is also bringing back ‘Enchanted in Northern Liberties: Princess Brunches at the Igloos at Figo’ in partnership with A Dash of Magic Events, running every Saturday and Sunday through New Year’s Eve. Families can “Igloo-distance” themselves from other families and the princess, as she goes Igloo to Igloo, and table to table, and interacts with young children.
1033 N. 2nd St., figoitalian.com
Craft Hall
You can have brunch with a side of jolly photos at Craft Hall this holiday season. This Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the decked out venue will be offering free photos for children, and Santa will even head out to the puppy porch during the event for pics with the pups. The menu is part of the new ‘Bubbles and Brunch’ featuring a brunch buffet and bottomless mimosas, beer, wine and house drinks for only $39.95 for adults and $15 for kids under 21, and kids under 5 are free. Menu items span from a french toast bake, to a house cured lox platter, to shrimp and grits and everything in between. You can reserve now by calling 267-297-2072.
901 N. Delaware Ave., crafthallphilly.com
PetSmart
Need some holiday fun for your furry friends as well? Well this past weekend launched a new service at PetSmart where all pets can get a free holiday picture with the big man in red himself. But there’s also a way to win big while doing so. According to a release, for those interested in participating in holiday photos virtually, PetSmart is also hosting the #SantaAtPetSmart contest on social media, giving 30 grand prize winners a chance to win a year’s supply of premium Hill’s Science Diet pet food. Participants will be entered in a weekly drawing by posting a photo or video of at least one pet with a holiday component on their public Instagram or Twitter, mentioning @PetSmart and using the hashtags #SantaAtPetSmart and #Contest. Find more information at petsmart.com.
various locations
