Holiday Fun Kicks Off Thursday In Manayunk With Tree Lighting, Santa

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA — This Thursday, Manayunk will officially enter the holidays season.

On Thursday, the Manayunk Development Corporation will kick off the season with their Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring performances by The City Belles, John Gilbride, & Emily Drinker along with snow on Main Street, a brand-new tree, glow giveaways, hot cocoa stand, crafts, and Santa himself at a meet & greet and photo-op in front of the tree.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive via fire truck at about 5:40 p.m, and the tree lighting will take place from 6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Canal View Park, 4418 Main St.

Before the lighting, Santa will be available for photos, and attendees will be able to take in live music, see real snow, visit the family zone, and more. After the lighting, families can take holiday light tours of the Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition, stop by the Senor Grinch Stop Christmas Pop-up Bar at Taqueria Amor, and more until 8:30 p.m.

Family activities inlcude writing letters to Santa, ornament decorating, hot cocoa sipping, North Pole Elves, and a Santa meet and greet in front of the tree.

This year, Manayunk is debuting a brand new tree with festive lights, ornament, and topper.

With the Eagles game following the tree lighting at 8:15 p.m., Santa will lead an Eagles cheer, and guests are encouraged to wear their Eagles green by the Manayunk Tree. And, the most spirited Eagles fan decked out in gear will win a $100 Manayunk gift certificate and swag.

Thursday also marks the official launch of the Annual Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition between more than 50 businesses in the district.

You can help decide who will win Most Creative, Most Lit, and Best Overall in the Get Lit Competition. Voting will run Thursday through Dec. 17, with winners being announced on Dec. 18. All voters will be entered for their chance to win a $200 MNYK shopping spree. Vote online here.

Get Lit weekends start Dec. 6 and run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through Dec. 21. Each weekend will feature all the twinkling lights, food and drink deals, shopping specials, carolers, festive live entertainment, visits from Santa, the Grinch, elves, and Rudolph.

Take in the lights and get ready to shop, dine, and be merry as you ride down Main Street in the Jolly Trolley that will stop along Main Street at your favorite businesses.

Those visiting Manayunk during the holidays are encouraged to shop small and shop local and support dozens of small businesses throughout the charming Philadelphia neighborhood that are offering deals, events, and features for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.

New to 2024 is the Manayunk Small Business Saturday Passport, where you can shop your way to exclusive giveaways and prizes. Shoppers will receive a Small Business Saturday Passport where they will earn stickers from different stores, restaurants, and businesses for purchase. With six stickers, shoppers will win certificates from Main Street businesses and be entered into a larger giveaway.

Santa Paws Pet Photos is back on Sunday, Dec. 8, with pet photos with the man in red.

Also, Lincoln Mill Haunted House will host its "Twisted Christmas" experience on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. The holiday attraction will be decked out with lights, tinsel, and ornaments along with plenty of scare actors.

On Dec. 14, come dressed in your holiday finest for the 10th Annual Rudolph Run. Starting at Philadelphia Runner at 8:30 a.m., race organizers will be collecting donations/canned goods to benefit North Light Community Center. At 9 a.m., the race will start off at Manayunk Canal View Park.

While visiting, attendees are invited to help families in need all season long by donating to Operation Santa. Donations can be dropped off at 106 Grape St. Pick an item off the gift tree to donate.

Back again this year is Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah kicking off on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and running through Jan. 1, 2025. In celebration of the Festival of Lights, Manayunk will be hosting "Eight Crazy Nights" of Instagram giveaways with prizes from Manayunk restaurants, stores, and specialty businesses. Manayunk will also be hosting a candle lighting with Mt Airy Chabad and give away treats and gelt in the Manayunk Welcome Center during the Festival of Lights.

"Every holiday season, we take pride in showcasing the true heart of our district—our vibrant local businesses and the incredible community that supports them," Manayunk Development Corporation Events Coordinator Caitlin Marsilii said. "With the collaboration of residents, local shops, and visitors, Main Street transforms into a festive, one-of-a-kind experience that feels straight out of a movie."

Learn more about Holidays in Manayunk online here.