Mark Your Calendar

By Ryan Hartnett

Holidays in Manayunk

Key dates include:

Nov. 18: Tree Lighting Ceremony (6:30 p.m.), Manayunk Gets LIT Launch Nov. 27: Small Business Saturday Dec. 5: Santa Paws Dec. 11: Rudolph Run Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Holiday Light Nights (5-9 p.m.)

Come shop and dine small this holiday season with us in Manayunk! This holiday season will be kicked of with our annual tree lighting ceremony and ofcial launch of “Manayunk Gets LIT” decorating contest on November 18, followed by Small Business Saturday on November 27. During the month of December, Manayunk will be hosting and partnering up with small businesses for many merry events, including Latitudes & Longitudes’ and Pet Friendly Dog Bakery’s Santa Paws on December 5, along with Philadelphia Runner’s Rudolph Run on December 11. Every Thursday night in December leading up to Christmas, everyone is encouraged and welcomed to come to Holiday Light Nights, featuring the Jolly Trolley and strolling entertainment.

Founders Philly Freeze-Out February 5, 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

On Saturday, February 5, we are welcoming back a special event! Founders Brewing Company is coming back to Manayunk for our 5th Annual Founders Philly Freeze-Out. Get ready and bundle up for Manayunk’s own little winter wonderland. Come down and stroll Main Street to witness live ice carving demonstrations, ice sculptures, Founders Brewing Company specials in restaurants and bars, and giveaways. Bring the whole family for live music, entertainment, and more!

We’re Getting Lit in Manayunk!

…No, not that kind of getting lit…

By Leo Dillinger

The term “Getting Lit in Manayunk” has taken on a brand new meaning in 2021 as a series of lighting installations brightened our community in the last year.

New Main Street Pedestrian Lighting

Starting back in February 2021 and recently completed this November, Main Street’s $4.29 Million Streetscape Project completely transformed the district’s appearance. Featuring the installation and illumination of brand new Victorian-style pedestrian streetlights, the center of Main Street’s commercial corridor is now brighter than ever before.

In addition to new lighting and the removal of the old lighting fixtures, this months-long project also included brand new paving along the entire length of Main Street as well as Shurs Lane between Ridge Avenue and Main Street, improved pedestrian crosswalks and bump outs with flashing beacons, and ADA ramps.

This work could not have been done without the tireless work from Ramos & Associates Contractors, Armour & Sons Electric Inc., Michael Baker International, James J Anderson Construction Inc., and the City of Philadelphia’s Streets Department.

Illuminating the Manayunk Bridge

Ever since the Manayunk Bridge Trail first opened to pedestrians and cyclists back in 2015, the trail could only remain open during daylight hours due to a lack of sufcient lighting on the bridge between dusk and dawn, especially during the winter months.

But all of that is going to change with a project that broke ground in October 2021.