The holiday season can be the most wonderful time of the year, especially in the Wissahickon Valley. Just a dusting of snow can transform the natural beauty of the landscape into a winter wonderland. 

But it’s the way that neighborhoods of the Wissahickon embrace the holiday spirit that perfectly captures what is at the heart of the season – families and the peace and goodwill of the community. And their diversity is on full display in all their  holiday celebrations – from the historic to the hip and the traditional to the trendy.

Here’s a sneak peek into holiday events coming up this season:

A Hometown Holiday in Ambler

With a business district adorned with small, local shops that is literally located on Main Street, you’re off to a good start for creating that small-town feeling.  Ambler adds in traditional celebrations and brings the magic of the hometown holiday experience to all. Event details can be found at amblermainstreet.org.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

November 25th, 5 pm

First Presbyterian Church of Ambler, 4 E. Ridge Avenue

HOLIDAY PARADE 

December 3rd, 1 pm

Butler Avenue

Annual parade featuring bands, floats, Mummers and you know who! 

SANTA ARRIVES BY TRAIN

December 8th, 7 pm

35 W. Butler Avenue

An Ambler tradition! Come to see Santa, enjoy treats and hot chocolate, and rock the holiday tunes with the DJ.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WEEKEND

December 9th – 11th

Caroling and luminaries add to the small-town experience during this weekend with extended shopping hours. Shoppers are treated to “Sips & Nips” at participating stores.

Chestnut Hill, The Northwest’s Own Holiday Village 

From the festive decorations and Belgian block of Germantown Avenue to the quaint and unique shops and restaurants, Chestnut Hill just oozes holiday spirit, making it a must-visit destination for many throughout the region. Learn more about the Holidays on the Hill at chestnuthillpa.com/events.

HOLIDAY GARDEN RAILWAY

November 25th through January 1st - Daily 10 am-4pm plus weekend nightly tour hours.

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue

This annual fan-favorite opens on Thanksgiving weekend and runs throughout the holiday season. The exhibit features an intricate and expansive train display of 15 rails spanning a quarter-mile track, surrounded by natural materials, multiple train cars, towns and miniature figurines. 

STAG & DOE NIGHTS

Wednesdays starting November 30th through December 21st 

Germantown Avenue

A Chestnut Hill perennial favorite, Stag & Doe Nights feature extended store hours, holiday specials and complimentary refreshments at many stores.  From 6:30-8:30 pm, a brass quartet and Santa will roam the Avenue to add to the holiday cheer.  The Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation offers free parking in its six public lots all day and night every Wednesday.

SANTA AT THE MARKET AT THE FAREWAY

Saturdays in December 12-2 pm

8221 Germantown Avenue (behind the Chestnut Hill Hotel)

CHESTNUT HILL COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARADE

December 10th (rain date December 17th) 

Germantown Avenue

The Chestnut Hill Community Association presents its annual holiday parade with everything a festive parade should have – marching bands, community and school groups, choirs, antique cars, firetrucks and, of course, Santa Claus! 

VICTORIAN CARD MAKING

December 10th, 11 am-3 pm

Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue

Discover the beauty of Victorian holiday cards. Create your own unique designs and holiday messages.

Family Fun in East Falls

East Falls celebrates the heart of the season – families and community. Details can be found at eastfallscommunity.org/events.

CANDLELIGHT CAROLING

December 14th, 7 pm

McMichael Park, 3299 Midvale Avenue

An East Falls holiday tradition! Meet at the War Memorial in McMichael Park for cookies, cocoa and caroling to sing in the holiday. 

Historic Holidays in Fort Washington

Celebrate the holidays in revolutionary style at the Historic Hope Lodge. Details at historichopelodge.org/new-events

GUIDED MANSION CHRISTMAS TOURS

December 3rd, 1130 am-830 pm

553 S. Bethlehem Pike

The mansion is decorated for the holidays. Four daytime tours and a candlelight tour are available.

HOLIDAYS AT HOPE LODGE & COLONIAL TAVERN

December 10th, 11 am-4 pm

553 S. Bethlehem Pike

Take a self-guided tour of Hope Lodge and enjoy holiday music, train displays and more.

A Victorian Christmas in Germantown

The historical roots of Germantown are deep and varied. For the holidays, you are invited to take a step back in time and experience a Victorian-era Christmas celebration. Details can be found at historicgermantownpa.org/event-directory

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

December 4th, 130 pm

Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, 200 W. Tulpehocken Street

The grace of the 19th century is celebrated at this party featuring caroling in the parlor, a classic holiday tale, Twelfth Night cake and a party favor. 

Lighting Up the Holidays in Manayunk

A vibrant community deserves an equally vibrant holiday celebration and Manayunk delivers! The trendy bars, restaurants and shops of Main Street are decked out for holiday fun.  Learn more about The Holidays in Manayunk at manayunk.com/events

HOLIDAY LIGHT NIGHTS

Every Thursday in December, 5-9 pm

Main Street

Weekly event featuring live music, food and drink deals, shopping specials and a chance to see Main Street businesses decked out for the Manayunk Gets Lit holiday light competition. Every Thursday also features free Jolly Trolley rides.

SANTA PAWS

December 4th

Bring your furry friends to the Pet Friendly Dog Bakery, 4324 Main Street, to get their photo taken with Santa!

RUDOLPH RUN

December 10th, 9 am

Deck out in your holiday best for the 8th annual Rudolph Run, a fun three-mile run along the Canal.

Ringing in the Season in Roxborough

Roxborough’s family-friendly holiday celebration will delight the young and young at heart.  For details, visit roxboroughpa.com/events

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ROXBOROUGH 

December 10th, 2-6 pm

Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Avenue

This annual holiday event is a festive celebration of the season featuring a tree lighting ceremony and a holiday market with local artists and crafters, as well as food trucks and specials from local restaurants. Kids can craft their own ornaments and write letters to Santa to put in the North Pole mailbox. Rain date is December 11th. 

Beyond the Holidays – Winter 2023 Events

CHESTNUT HILL ON ICE

January 27 and 28, 2023

It’s all about the ice at this two-day event on Germantown Avenue between Rex Avenue and Willow Grove Avenue.  The past events have featured ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations, an iceless ice-skating rink, an ice bonfire, ax-throwing, winter inspiration spaces, an ice bar, warming stations, chili specials, live music and more! The event is free to attend with pay-as-you-go activities. Watch for details on the 2023 event at chestnuthillpa.com/events.

FOUNDERS PHILLY FREEZE-OUT

February 4, 2023, 11am-4pm

A sure cure for cabin fever! Founders Brewing Company and Manayunk.com turn Manayunk into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures, ice carving demonstrations, giveaways, food and drink specials and more.  Check manayunk.com/events for updates on attractions.