First Annual Gorgas Park Evergreen Enchantment Now Underway

ROXBOROUGH, PHILADELPHIA — Roxborough's Gorgas Park is hosting a brand-new holiday tradition that promises seasonal fun for the family.

The First Annual Gorgas Park Evergreen Enchantment: A Roxborough Holiday Celebration is underway in Gorgas Park.

Now through Dec. 21, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland built around a Christmas tree maze.

This new tradition is designed to encourage evening park use, create photo opportunities, and support a vital cause for local children through a partnership with Toys for Tots.

The Gorgas Park Christmas Tree stand is a beloved tradition of Roxborough, and this year Chris Meyers and his team are not only helping the residents of Roxborough pick out the perfect tree, but they are also creating a unique interactive experience.

Adorned with hundreds of lights, the maze offers a magical, sensory experience and a perfect backdrop for holiday photos. Make your way around the maze to learn historical facts on the symbol of the Christmas tree and make your way to the center of the Maze where a surprise photo op awaits.

The Evergreen History Hunt is a self-guided activity that blends festive fun with local history and nature education, accessible right on your phone.

Families will follow a digital map to find specially decorated wreaths placed throughout the park — near the gazebo, the War Memorial, and the award-winning gardens. Each wreath will feature a QR code, which will reveal facts about the park's history and local flora and fauna.

To enter, participants must submit their final answer digitally after completing the hunt. Random winners will be drawn every week from all entries to win gift certificates and prizes from local Roxborough businesses.

The digital map and instructions are available daily via a main QR code posted at the park entrance, making the hunt available throughout the entire Enchantment run.

In the spirit of the season, a prominent and secure drop-off station will be established for new, unwrapped toys benefiting the Toys for Tots program.

The drop-off box will be accessible throughout the entire Evergreen Enchantment run, with special volunteer support during the peak "Santa Saturday" events to encourage maximum donations.

To enhance the holiday spirit and encourage repeat visits, designated days will feature special, unique programming.

Dec. 7, 11 a.m. — A Day of Remembrance with the 21st Ward Veterans Association. This year’s ceremony holds special significance as it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army, Navy and Marines. The program will include a historical reflection on the origin of Veterans’ Day.

Dec. 13, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Get cozy and experience the magic of the holidays with classic outdoor Movie Reels and delicious refreshments from Friends of Gorgas Park, including hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy and more. The community is invited to share the festive cheer and support a great cause by bringing a donation for the Friends of the Roxborough Library Book Drive.

Dec. 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Jingle Bell Rock Nite. Roxborough’s own Mitchell Street Phillbillies will be providing the festive soundtrack for the evening. The Gorgas Park Luminary Path Celebrate Winter Solstice with Luminaries that will be set out and lit every night from dusk until the park's closing time, creating a warm, classic glow that enhances the festive atmosphere. Santa will visit Roxborough again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the last chance to donate to Toys for Tots will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.