On any typical day, with its historic cobblestone streets, elegant mansions, Victorian townhomes, and a quaint walkable buying row, Chestnut Hill, PA is fairly charming. However what most individuals don’t know is that 9 miles northwest of Middle Metropolis, Philadelphia, this picture-perfect “Backyard District” quietly transforms itself right into a Hallmark worthy Christmas village for its “Holidays on the Hill” occasion every year.
With festive occasions operating by means of the top of December, you’ll discover many vacation themed issues to see and do in Philly’s most secure neighborhood.
See twinkling lights, festive decorations, and artistic window shows whereas buying at over 60 distinctive boutiques in celebration of the season. While you get hungry, there’s a wide range of eating places, cafes and bakeries in Chestnut Hill that present indoor and heated out of doors seating choices, whether or not you’re in search of a full satisfying meal or only a snack.
On Wednesdays in December don’t miss their beloved “Stag & Doe Nights,” when retailers in Chestnut Hill provide particular gross sales, free refreshments and late vacation buying hours. There’s additionally an opportunity to satisfy Santa as he strolls up and down Germantown Ave, take a horse-drawn carriage trip, or see performances by touring Victorian carolers in addition to a brass quartet turning out some favourite vacation tunes.
Chestnut Hill is overflowing with a lot vacation magic that even the grumpiest of Grinches will get into the spirit of the season. Right here’s a few of what you possibly can expertise through the Chestnut Hill “Holidays on the Hill” occasion this season!
See The Vacation Backyard Railway At Morris Arboretum
Morris Arboretum
100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
www.morrisarboretum.org
For those who love nature and exploring the outside, then make a degree to go to the Morris Arboretum. Situated within the northern a part of Chestnut Hill and relationship again to 1887, this former Victorian 92 acre-summer sprawling property was initially owned and designed by Quaker siblings John Morris and Lydia Thompson Morris who needed the panorama to mirror their love of nature. Now a part of the College of Pennsylvania, this arboretum is certainly one of Philly’s most beloved locations for escaping town. Visitors right here can discover distinctive and delightful sculpture gardens, scenic meadows, and revel in a wide range of occasions and displays all year long.
Nevertheless it’s their “Vacation Backyard Railway” exhibit that has grow to be certainly one of their hottest and cherished sights through the vacation season. Enjoyable for all ages, this whimsical mannequin practice set up zigs and zags on 1 / 4 mile of tracks laid between winter greenery, water options, twinkling lights and vacation village buildings which are one-of-a-kind replicas of Philadelphia’s most distinguished historic landmarks.
There are 15 completely different rail strains, 7 loops and tunnels, 9 bridges, 2 cable automobiles, and even a trestle bridge you possibly can stroll below with lovely mannequin trains (a lot of that are carrying presents) touring in all instructions.
Enjoyable for all ages, many households come to see the trains as a yearly custom. Daytime admission is free, however if you wish to expertise the trains lit up at evening, tickets are required upfront with their weekend viewings. Don’t wait as a result of tickets promote out rapidly.
When to Go to: November 23th 2024 – December thirtieth 2024
10:00am – 4:00pm or at evening on weekends.
Take Residence A Gingerbread Home Equipment From Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor 
Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor
8126 Germantown Avenue
(215) 247-7374
bredenbecks.com
Established in 1889 and a Chestnut Hill resident for greater than 35 years, Bredenbeck’s is a neighborhood favourite bakery that carries a wide range of scrumptious baked items, together with muffins, cookies, pies, pound muffins in addition to ice-cream. However across the holidays it’s their spectacular gingerbread window shows and scrumptious freshly baked gingerbread “folks” that entice guests from far and vast.
Prior to now, Bredenbeck’s has provided their well-liked gingerbread home making lessons letting prospects get in on the enjoyable. Because of COVID, lessons are presently on maintain, however as a substitute they’ve a wide range of gingerbread home kits you could DIY at dwelling full with an educational video on their web site to assist information you thru the method. For those who love gingerbread homes, however don’t assume you’ll have the time to construct your individual, you can even order a customized made gingerbread home decked out with sweet and ready-to-go. Take a look at their gingerbread choices right here or go to their web site for more information.
Make Vacation Crafts And Reminiscences At A.R. Workshop
AR Workshop Chestnut Hill
8607 Germantown Ave Chestnut Hill, PA 19118
215-544-1116
arworkshop.com/chestnuthill
Many people love the thought of crafting, however it may be troublesome to squeeze into our busy schedules. That’s what makes A.R. Workshop in Chestnut Hill is such a particular place. On this boutique DIY studio you possibly can take a wide range of workshops to create your very personal customized dwelling décor piece as you spend time with household and mates.
Nice for teenagers and adults, A.R. Workshop provides a number of enjoyable crafts to create together with painted picket indicators, trays, pillow covers, and blanket ladders. Their present vacation themed initiatives make a fantastic present or piece you possibly can show 12 months after 12 months.
The instructors listed below are so affected person, tremendous pleasant, and provide you with all of the instruments you want. The very best half is you don’t want any expertise. Take a look at their present class calendar, however A.R. Workshop additionally hosts personal occasions as properly. For some crafting enjoyable you possibly can take dwelling, seize certainly one of their DIY-TO-GO kits which occur to make a fantastic present. Superior registration is required or cease in to buy their number of prepared made items.
For A Particular Reward Have One thing Personalised At Threadwell
Threadwell
8432 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(267) 385-5206
https://threadwell.web
With over 60 boutiques in Chestnut Hill carrying every thing from clothes, equipment and jewellery, to dwelling and pet items, artwork, and books you’ll haven’t any hassle discovering some nice presents. For a present with a private contact, head to Threadwell the place they’ll personalize and monogram on a regular basis necessities like tote baggage, pillow covers, sweatshirts, and frames and with a wide range of colours and fonts for probably the most considerate present ever. For those who need assistance with coloration selections or designing the proper piece, the pleasant employees right here is completely happy to assist. In addition they present BYO monogramming which is ideal for if you discover one thing else on the town you wish to put a particular contact on.
Ebook A Boutique Keep At The Historic Chestnut Hill Lodge
The Chestnut Hill Lodge
8229 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 242-5905
chestnuthillhotel.com
To present your self a while to chill out in Chestnut Hill after a day of buying and vacation adventures, e book an evening or two within the historic and charming Chestnut Hill Lodge. Completely situated within the heart of Chestnut Hill, this not too long ago renovated boutique lodge dates again to 1894 and rests on the location of a fair older inn that was constructed again in 1772. And it’s simply steps to all Chestnut Hill has to supply.
Every of the 36 rooms listed below are distinctive and elegantly embellished, with marble detailed bogs, ultra-comfy beds, robes, and L’Occitane toiletries. In addition they have flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, free WiFi, and work desks.
Every morning visitors are handled to a continental breakfast with espresso and scrumptious freshly baked pastries. Nespresso machines supplied within the rooms are excellent for if you want a caffeine enhance later within the day. For longer stays or if you need cozier vibes, e book certainly one of their rooms full with kitchenette or fireplaces. Discover all their room varieties right here.
The Chestnut Hill Lodge additionally has a health heart, a 24-hour enterprise heart, and 24-hour tremendous pleasant reception which may give you useful Chestnut Hill ideas and complimentary water. They’re dog-friendly too and there’s free parking simply behind the lodge.
While you’re hungry however don’t wish to wander far, head to the Chestnut Hill Grill and Sidewalk Cafe contained in the lodge or stroll behind the lodge to the Market on the Fareway to the rear. This contemporary mini Studying Terminal model Market that initially served because the lodge’s carriage home and stables is now dwelling to over a dozen meals stalls the place yow will discover worldwide delights like sushi, Tibetan dumplings, sticky buns, connoisseur espresso and the Chestnut Hill Brewing Firm.
Eat One Of Philly’s Most Well-known Sandwiches At McNally’s Tavern
McNally’s Tavern
8634 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-9736
https://www.mcnallys.com
For some nice beer and made-from-scratch meals in a heat and comfy setting, head over to McNally’s Tavern. Based by Rose McNally again in 1921, McNally’s has been a favourite of Chestnut Hill locals for nearly a century. As we speak Rose’s nice granddaughters Anne and Meg proceed to run the tavern carrying on the household custom of hospitality providing a menu of contemporary and flavorful consolation meals that features scrumptious home made soups, salads, stacked sandwiches, and rotating every day specials.
However there’s one craveworthy sandwich right here with a cult following you shouldn’t miss: The Schmitter®. Named as certainly one of “Philly’s Greatest Sandwiches” and served at McNally’s for over 50 years, The Schmitter® is topped with a novel combo of tender sizzling grilled beef, sauteed onions, cooked salami (not Genoa), tomatoes, and creamy cheese. It’s completed with “Schmitter” sauce, a play on Russian dressing after which served on a domestically made Kaiser roll. The mixture could seem uncommon, however belief us once we say it’s actually, actually good. We not too long ago tried one and didn’t go away a crumb.
Cease into McNally’s in Chestnut Hill to take pleasure in a Schmitter and a pint from certainly one of their 13 rotating faucets. Don’t go away with out certainly one of Meg’s tremendous moist scrumptious muffins in flavors like chocolate, carrot, and coconut. Open for lunch and dinner, McNally’s additionally provides out of doors patio eating with heaters alongside Germantown Avenue.
Get Scrumptious Bistro-Fashion Eats And Late-Evening Drinks At The Chestnut Hill Grill
Chestnut Hill Grill & Sidewalk Cafe
8229 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-7570
chestnuthillhotel.com/chestnut-grill/
For those who’re staying on the Chestnut Hill Lodge, make a degree to eat on the Chestnut Hill Sidewalk Cafe & Grill which is situated simply inside and serves up scrumptious American impressed Bistro delicacies in a relaxed and informal environment.
We cherished their completely cooked Grilled Petite Lamb Chops appetizer served over greens and drizzled with a contact of balsamic and in addition to their creamy Shrimp Risotto for dinner. For those who love mussels, go for his or her Mussels in White Wine and Garlic Sauce appetizer which is beneficiant sufficient to be loved as a lightweight most important dish. Right here’s a tip: order fries on the aspect and you’ve got your self an ideal “moules frites.” For an unimaginable end go along with the warmed Tollhouse Pie for dessert. Primarily a chocolate chip cookie baked right into a pie and topped with a scoop of wealthy vanilla ice-cream, it is a deal with you gained’t wish to miss.
The cafe is open for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks with each indoor in addition to out of doors seating alongside the lodge’s steps and breezeway. Within the afternoon, pop in for his or her Glad Hour specials and observe the out of doors gallery subsequent to the Chestnut Hill Lodge to seek out the doorway.
Get pleasure from Native Craft Beers And Wooden Fired Pizza Chestnut Hill Brewing Firm
Chestnut Hill Brewing Firm
8221 & 8231 Germantown Avenue
(215) 247-0300
chestnuthillbrewingcompany.com
While you’re in Chestnut Hill and need domestically made craft beer, the Chestnut Hill Brewing Firm is the spot to go.
Situated straight behind the Chestnut Hill Lodge on the Market on the Fareway, they provide a rotating menu of their scrumptious brews together with wooden fired Neapolitan pizzas in addition to contemporary salads, sandwiches and small bites, like tender pretzels and buffalo cauliflower in a pleasant trendy rustic environment that’s exhausting to beat. Additionally, lots of the gadgets on their menu are vegan pleasant.
With each an indoor taproom and heated out of doors seating space full with a hearth pit it’s a fantastic place to wind down. For those who love canine, it’s additionally probably the most dog-friendly spot to pet watch on “The Hill,” the place locals like to convey their pooches and revel in a scrumptious craft brew exterior.
The beer right here is small batch, so choices can come and go. However we love their FIDDLER (5.1%), a crisp and refreshing single malt pilsner with a yeasty end, and a fan favourite known as CATHERINE’S ANCHOR (9.1%), a heavy Russian imperial stout with roasted chocolate notes. If beer isn’t your factor additionally they provide cocktails, cider, native wine from Penns Woods Vineyard in addition to non-alcoholic drinks.
It will get busy right here at conventional consuming hours, so if you recognize you’re coming upfront, they do settle for reservations. Free parking is on the market behind the Chestnut Hill Lodge, and growlers, crowlers and 4-packs can be found to-go.
Get pleasure from South Of The Border Flavors Whereas Eating In A Heated Igloo at El Poquito
El Poquito
8201 Germantown Avenue
(267) 766-5372
elpoquito.com
To spice issues up in Chestnut Hill with flavors from south of the border, head to El Poquito. An informal but trendy “seashore impressed” cantina and tequila bar, El Poquito, that means “the toddler” in Spanish, serves up Mexican favorites together with enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, tacos and bowls. They even have some good veggie pleasant choices like their Curry Cauliflower or Not possible Chorizo flavored Tacos.
Their well-liked margaritas are a should right here and could be made both contemporary, frozen and flavored with fresh-juices like blood orange, passionfruit or strawberry. For those who’re not into tequila, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with their house-made sangria or one or their draft beers like Modelo Especial or Tecate.
For a brilliant enjoyable consuming expertise head to their heated out of doors courtyard embellished with colourful twinkling lights to dine in a heated igloo. Name or go to the El Poquito web site to make reservations to order an igloo.
LOOK OUT FOR THESE CHESTNUT HILL HOLIDAY EVENTS
Listed here are a few of the most important Vacation on the Hills occasions arising. Go to chestnuthillpa.com for extra particulars.
Chestnut Hill Vacation Parade
Saturday, December seventh 2024 at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Prime of the Hill to MARKET on the Fareway.
Small Enterprise Buying Specials & Prolonged Hours
Discover distinctive and one-of-a-kind presents and vacation specials whereas supporting small companies. Most Chestnut Hill retailers are open till 7:00pm or later Wednesdays by means of Saturdays through the vacation season.
Go to chestnuthillpa.com for a full listing of Chestnut Hill boutiques and eating places.
GETTING TO CHESTNUT HILL
Chestnut Hill is straightforward to get to by practice, bus and automotive. Click on right here for instructions.
PARKING IN CHESTNUT HILL
For the vacations, the Chestnut Hill Parking Basis is providing free 24 hour parking in its six public tons each Wednesday from November tenth by means of Christmas. Click on right here for a map of the parking tons.
