Holidays On The Hill Returning To Chestnut Hill

CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood is getting into the holiday spirit by launching its annual Holidays on the Hill.

Holidays on the Hill on begins Nov. 20 with Circle of Trees.

During Holiday on the Hill, guests can enjoy the live sounds of a brass quartet, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets, view an outdoor model train display, take advantage of late-night shopping hours, and enjoy hearty holiday-themed food specials.

Santa will also be strolling Germantown Avenue posing for pictures and handing out candy canes.

The Chestnut Hill Business District entices visitors with over 200 retailers to shop this season and 29 restaurants to enjoy.

Many businesses are independently-owned and highlight local artists and uniquely handcrafted items.

From shopping on Small Business Saturday to visiting the Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum to enjoying a beverage during the legendary Stag & Doe Nights, Chestnut Hill offers holiday experiences for all ages.

Work up an appetite shopping?

Many restaurants along the avenue offer seasonal drink specials and savory dining options.

Below is the Holidays on the Hill schedule:

Circle of Trees — Nov. 20
A favorite of local families and children, Circle of Trees returns to kick off the holiday season on Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. This year, the event takes on a new COVID-friendly format, with Santa’s firetruck making stops at several neighborhood locations, the first at Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Ave. Stay tuned for more details about where he’s touching down.

Holiday Garden Railway — Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2022
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Ave.) returns Nov. 26 and continues daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of the year. The exhibit features an intricate outdoor and expansive train display of 15 rails and a quarter-mile track adorned with a miniature village. Holiday Garden Railway Nights will be open from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekends and require advanced tickets. Tickets are available here.

Small Business Saturday — Nov. 27
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 11 a.m. to 2 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.n. to 3 p.m., let a Mummers trio and costumed Victorian carolers will entertain with holiday tunes and singalongs.

Stag and Doe Nights — Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22
Chestnut Hill’s beloved annual Stag & Doe Nights return Wednesdays in December from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each Wednesday will feature special entertainment, extended store hours, holiday specials, and complimentary refreshments and treats at many stores. Every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m., shoppers can catch a glimpse of Santa strutting down the Avenue greeting families, along with a brass quartet entertaining guests from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can also take a horse- drawn carriage ride down the Avenue. From 6 to 9 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.).