Explore the events of the Northwest and eastern Montgomery County! From traditional NW autumn fare to special America 250 themed events...it's all here in our Explore listings. (250 events are highlighted in red)
The Chestnut Hill Local is proud to partner with History Making Productions to bring local screenings of this ten-part documentary series, produced by Philadelphia-native Sam Katz, to venues throughout Northwest Philadelphia and Springfield Township. The screenings are free to the public and each event will include panelists discussing Philadelphia and the historical era featured in each episode. Details on each screening event can be found on the Explore: Cinema page . For more information on the docuseries and how to watch the entire series online, visit In Pursuit of History.
A children’s favorite! Straw Maze hours are 10 am-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, woodmereartmuseum.org, (tickets required, includes admission to museum)
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Arc of Promise explores how Philadelphia’s artists have envisioned “America”. Exhibition pieces span from the late 18th century to the present. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, woodmereartmuseum.org (tickets required)
Inspired by the nation’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit honors the history of Northwest Philadelphia through photos and other archived pieces about its celebrations and milestones. Chestnut Hill Conservancy, 8708 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chconservancy.org, (free admission, $10 donation suggested)
Inaugural retrospective dedicated to the work of Moe Brooker, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved and visionary artists. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, woodmereartmuseum.org (tickets required)
This exhibition presents the work of the prizewinners of the 2026 International Photography Competition. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, woodmereartmuseum.org, (tickets required)
Multiple events throughout the holiday season beginning with a tree lighting ceremony, music and more on Nov. 19 at 5:30 pm at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street). This event kicks off the annual Manayunk Gets Lit! decorating competition featuring businesses along Main Street. Other features include the free Jolly Trolley to transport shoppers and visitors, the Rudolph Run and more. Visit manayunk.com for details and information
Elmwood Park Zoo is transformed by dazzling lights for the holidays. 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, elmwoodparkzoo.org, (tickets required)
One of the most anticipated family traditions in the Northwest. Visit one of the largest outdoor model train displays in the US with 15 different lines running along a 1/3 mile track. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, morrisarboretum.org (free with general admission)
Chestnut Hill’s kickoff to the holiday season. Santa arrives on an antique fire truck, lights the display of decorated trees and welcomes children on the porch of the art museum to hear their holiday wishes. Festive tunes from the Mummers along with hot chocolate, holiday cookies and goodie bags add to the experience. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthill.org (free admission)
Gorgas Park transforms for the holidays with park-wide holiday lights, a Holiday Tree Maze and weekend programming including live music, food, family activities and more. 6300 Ridge Avenue, Roxborough, roxboroughpa.com, (free admission)
Delight at the illuminated railway. Nighttime Express is open on selected dates only. Check website for availability. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, morrisarboretum.org (tickets required)
From Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Manayunk to Ambler and Glenside, the local businesses that make our communities so special are rolling out the red carpet for the annual “Shop Small” event. Expect to see festive holiday entertainment, special sales and unique and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Local restaurants will be ready when you need a break from shopping.
First of four Stag & Doe Nights, a Chestnut Hill holiday tradition. Extended store hours, featuring brass quartet and Santa strolling the Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30. Free parking in public parking lots. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com (free admission)
Annual winter market featuring music, local vendors and special events. Thursday 12/3 is one of those special events – the Conshohocken Holiday Culinary Market running from 5–8 pm. Winter market hours are 5-8 pm on Friday, 11 am – 8 pm on Saturday and 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday. The Plaza at SORA West, 56 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, morethanthecurve.com. (free admission)
A brass quartet and Santa add to the holiday festivities. Complimentary refreshments at many shops. Check the website for specials from galleries, restaurants and retail shops. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com (free admission)
A long-standing holiday tradition. Germantown Avenue, from Chestnut Hill Ave. to the Market at the Fareway, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthill.org (free admission)
Annual event featuring handmade gifts, holiday themed games and more. Get your picture taken with Santa and his horse! Children can experience a guided horse ride for an additional fee. Northwestern Stables, 120 W. Northwestern Ave., Chestnut Hill, northwesternstables.com (free admission, pre-registration for photos).
Annual winter art market returns with thoughtfully priced gift-giving in mind. Selection of art and handmade goods from faculty, students and guest vendors. Allens Lane Art Center, 601 W. Allens Lane, Mt. Airy, allenslane.org (free admission)
Annual kickoff to the holidays in Roxborough, including a holiday artisans pop-up market, food, drink, activities, an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest, Santa’s arrival and concludes with a tree lighting ceremony. Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Avenue, Roxborough, roxboroughpa.com, (free admission)
Experience a colonial Christmas on a guided tour of the 275-year-old Hope Lodge. Evening tours will be lantern light tours. Historic Hope Lodge, 553 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, historichopelodge.org (tickets required)
Plan to arrive early to get a prime spot on Butler Avenue for this annual parade. Butler Avenue, Ambler, amblermainstreet.org, (free admission)
A holiday tradition of dining and shopping. Extended store hours, featuring brass quartet and Santa strolling the Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30. Free parking in public parking lots. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com (free admission)
Don’t miss this Ambler tradition! Come and see Santa roll into town on the train and stay for treats and holiday fun. 35 W. Butler Avenue, Ambler, amblermainstreet.org, (free admission)
Annual winter market featuring music, local vendors and special events. Winter market hours are 5-8 pm on Friday, 11 am – 8 pm on Saturday and 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday. Special breakfast with Santa at Hook & Ladder on Saturday and Sunday (reservations required, paid special event). The Plaza at SORA West, 56 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, morethanthecurve.com. (free admission)
Philadelphia’s longest running holiday tour! Find inspiration for your holiday decorating while visiting homes representing the rich architectural heritage of the area. Self-guided tour. Chestnut Hill, chestnuthill.org (tickets required)
Self-guided tours of the Lodge decorated for the holidays. Festivities include holiday music, train displays, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Historic Hope Lodge, 553 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, historichopelodge.org (tickets required)
Pop-up shops, photos with Santa, entertainment and more. Rain date: 12/20/26. Keswick Village, Glenside, keswickvillage.org (free admission)
Get your last-minute shopping done while enjoying sips and snacks at participating shops. Extended store hours, featuring brass quartet and Santa strolling the Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30. Free parking in public parking lots. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com (free admission)
Mt. Airy’s holiday extravaganza, featuring a Made in Mt. Airy makers’ market, live holiday music, Black Santa, fire pits, festive food and drink and more. Rain date: Sun. Dec. 20. Lovett Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue, Mt. Airy, mtairycdc.org. (free admission)
Annual event that brings Santa through the streets of the community. Check the website for a schedule of when Santa and his fire truck will be visiting. Erdenheimcivic.org/holiday-celebration
The final Stag & Doe night of the year. This is it – you are out of time! But you can still find a unique and thoughtful gift on the Avenue! Extended store hours, featuring brass quartet and Santa strolling the Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30. Free parking in public parking lots. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com (free admission)
