Holidays On The Hill Begins Saturday In Chestnut Hill

CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA — The holiday season is about to get into full swing in Philadelphia's Garden District, as Holidays on the Hill returns to Chestnut Hill this weekend.

Holidays on the Hill begins Saturday.

Events will run through Christmas Day.

Holidays on the Hill will feature a brass quartet and carolers, rides on a horse-drawn carriage, an outdoor model train display, extended shopping hours, and holiday-themed food specials.

And, Santa Claus himself will be strolling Germantown Avenue handing out candy canes and posing for photos.

Check out the schedule of events for Holidays on the Hill:

Circle of Trees - Nov. 19
A perennial favorite of local families and children, Chestnut Hill’s kick-off to the holiday season, Circle of Trees, returns on Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. with Santa arriving on a fire engine to meet children and hear their holiday wishes! During the night, there will be music, a straw maze, and the highly anticipated illumination of trees.

Holiday Garden Railway - Nov. 25, through Dec. 30
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave., returns Nov. 25 and continues daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 30. Visitors can view the enchanting rail cars and intricately decorated villages, which span over a quarter-mile track and are surrounded by a festive wonderland of lights and sounds. Holiday Garden Railway is a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages. Tickets may be purchased here.

Small Business Saturday - Nov. 26
Shop Chestnut Hill’s trendy and one-of-a-kind boutiques on Small Business Saturday and #KeepItOnTheHill. Check off gifts from your holiday wish list and support local retailers and restaurants throughout the day. From noon to 3 p.m., visitors can meet Santa as he strolls up and down Germantown Avenue and enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m. Finally, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a Mummers trio and costumed Victorian carolers will entertain crowds with holiday tunes and singalongs.

Stag & Doe Nights – Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21
Chestnut Hill’s beloved annual Stag & Doe Nights return Wednesday during Holidays on the Hill from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each night will feature unique entertainment, extended store hours, holiday specials, and complimentary refreshments and treats at many stores. Every Stag & Doe, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., shoppers can catch a glimpse of Santa strutting down the Avenue greeting families while listening to the holiday sounds of a brass quartet. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., local distillery Stateside will sell vodka and bourbon bottles with available engraving, conveniently conducted at the Chestnut Hill Welcome Center (8514 Germantown Ave.).

Santa at Market at the Fareway – Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, and Dec. 24
Santa will greet visitors at Market at the Fareway, located at 8221 Germantown Ave., on Saturdays in December from noon to 2 p.m.

Chestnut Hill Community Association Annual Holiday Parade - Dec. 10 (rain date Dec. 17)
The Chestnut Hill Community Association Annual Holiday Parade takes place on December 17 at 9 a.m. at Chestnut Hill and Germantown Avenues. It finishes at 10 a.m. at Market at the Fareway (8221 Germantown Ave.). Entertainment includes the Phillie Phanatic, fire engines, marching bands, choirs, antique cars, horses, and participating local schools.

During the holiday season, Chestnut Hill’s six public lots offer free parking all day on Wednesdays from now through Dec. 24.