A month of Holiday events on the Hill Page 3
Holiday Parade
Holiday House Tour
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Friends of the Wissahickon Wreath-making Workshop
Lory-Soda (left) and Scott-Piergrossi at a recent wreathmaking event sponsored by the Friends of the Wissahickon.
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anta isn't the only one with a workshop this time of year. Celebrate the fun and beauty of the holiday season at Friends of the Wissahickon’s Winter in the Wissahickon wreath-making workshop on Sat., Dec. 2, at Valley Green Inn. Choose from either 10 a.m. - Noon or 1 - 3 p.m. sessions to enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider and a light breakfast or lunch buffet. Decorate your holiday wreath with fresh western juniper with blue berries, incense-cedar with yellow tips, holly with red berries, and assorted pine cones and ornaments. Children can make nature gifts for animals and enjoy a winter
woods hike. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis to FOW members. Tickets: $45 for adults, $15/child or $100/family (including two adults, two children, and one wreath). If space allows, tickets will be offered to non-FOW members Those ticket prices, which include a one-year membership to the FOW are: $90/adult, $15/child (after $90/adult purchase), or $145/family (including two adults, two children, and one wreath). Adult and family tickets include one wreath per ticket and all food and beverages. To buy tickets and for more information visit www.fow.org.
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Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Holidays on the Hill: A month of seasonal fun
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hestnut Hill’s month-long holiday celebration – Holidays on the Hill – welcomes the season with holiday charm and festivities that began on Saturday Nov. 18 and will continue through Dec 20. “During Holidays on the Hill, Chestnut Hill is aglow as thousands of lights illuminate the town, ornaments and decorations adorn the shops, and the sounds of carolers and quartets fill Germantown Avenue,” said Martha Sharkey, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District. “We have a long-standing history as one of Philadelphia’s premier shopping districts with locally-owned and independent businesses. This holiday celebration provides an opportunity to create excitement within our community while visitors experience the inherent charm of Chestnut Hill.” Chestnut Hill’s oldest and most favored tradition, Stag and Doe Nights take place Wednesday nights throughout December (the 6, 13, and 20). Sip, dine, and of course shop with extended store hours until 9 p.m. Shoppers will enjoy seasonal refreshments, live (Continued on page 5)
Stag and Doe nights keep Chestnut Hill shops open late on Wednesday nights in December.
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Yes! And...Collaborative Arts hosts holiday fund-raiser
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es! And… Collaborative Arts, 21 West Washington Lane, will hold its annual Auction and Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. Each year, Yes! And… Collaborative Arts hosts its winter benefit to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and raise funds to support a successful following year. All auction proceeds will go toward scholarships and programming for 2018, which includes the upcoming “Winter Sort of Thing,” an original musical experience created by the
collaboration between students and staff. Yes! And…’s auction will feature nearly 100 unique items for people of all kinds. For theatre fans, there are tickets to a number of great productions, from Walnut Street Theatre’s “Annie” to Quintessence Theatre’s “Prince and the Pauper” to fun, family-friendly shows like Storybook Musical Theatre’s “Elves and the Shoemaker.” For the travel-savvy or for those just looking for a getaway, there are a variety of exciting trip packages
up for grabs. Some of these include a weekend stay in a New York City penthouse with two tickets to your choice of a Broadway show, and a week-long stay in a Martha’s Vineyard vacation home that includes a personal pool and party barn. There is also a great selection of handmade pieces from local artists and artisans, which make for fantastic gifts or pieces to add some flair to your wardrobe or home. One of the unique contributions is a set of knitted tiered cake sculptures by Melissa Madonni Haims, a
Elias Brix (left) and Jasmine Young as birds in a recent production at Yes!
local fiber sculptor whose cakes have been exhibited at the Philadelphia International Airport. In the vein of food, there’s a wide assortment of that, too. The Auction and Holiday Party will be catered by chef Catherine Wuenschel and High Point Cafe, with beer provided by Earth Bread +
Brewery. There are also food items up for auction, as well as gift certificates for numerous Philadelphia restaurants. You can pre-purchase your tickets for the Auction and Holiday Party by visiting www.yesandcamp.org/auction, or they can be purchased at the door the day of the event.
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Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Holidays on the Hill: A month of seasonal fun (Continued from page 3)
entertainment, and appearances by Santa and his crew. Families can spend weekends with Santa throughout December. On Saturdays (December 2, 9, and 16) Santa will make appearances at the Market at the Fareway (8228 Germantown Avenue) from noon to 3 p.m., and on Sundays (December 3, 10, and 17) he can be found at Santa’s Headquarters at Laurel Hill Gardens (8125 Germantown Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m. Santa and his elves will be on hand to gather Christmas wishes and pose for photos. Morris Arboretum’s holiday programming opens for the season with the beloved Holiday Garden Railway (opens to the public on November 24; closed December 24 & 25) and Friday Night Lights (every Friday night in December, advanced registration encouraged). Model trains will chug along a quarter-mile track at the Arboretum surrounded by a miniature village adorned with thousands of lights in the winter garden. On November 25, American Express’s Small Business Saturday returns to the Hill, encouraging visitors to shop local and small for the holidays. With more than 125 retailers and restaurants, Chestnut Hill is the ideal setting for this nationwide movement. This year, Chestnut Hill plans to make the day even more special with appearances by Mummers, elves and more. At Woodmere Art Museum, the holidays get jazzy with Motown for the Holidays. As part of the “Music at Woodmere” series, Woodmere hosts a holiday-themed evening on December 15. The Temptations, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and other great Motown artists lend their unique sound to the magic of the holidays. Enjoy a festive night with the unmistakable Motown sound of “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph,” and other holiday classics. On December 16, the Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade shows just how sweet Chestnut Hill can be during the holidays. The parade winds its way through Chestnut Hill with holiday cheer provided by local musical acts, floats, community groups and an appearance by Santa beginning at 9 a.m. Chestnut Hill is a shopper’s dream, especially during the holidays. Easy to get to and get around, the area is just a short train ride from Center City Philadelphia via SEPTA Regional Rail. For more information about Holidays on the Hill events, visit www.chestnuthillpa.com.] .
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Small Business Saturday in Chestnut Hill offers shoppers a deal and real neighborhood atmosphere on Saturday, Nov 25.
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Caroling at the Crèche once more at Top of the Hill by Ruth R. Russell
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aroling at the Crèche in Chestnut Hill will return on the Monday evening before Christmas at the Top of the Hill in front of the Nativity scene set up at Santander Bank. Janine Dwyer, conductor of the music for many years, hopes that everyone will mark their calendars for Monday, December 18, at 7:30 p.m. Sheets of music will be provided, and afterwards carolers will be treated to hot beverages and cookies at Chestnut Hill Library. “A neighbor who came to the caroling for the first time last year is an employee of Santander Bank, which I did not know when I left her an invitation to attend,â€? said Dwyer. “Natalia Dominguez Buckley is her name and her title is Community Partnerships Manager. Thanks to her we will have new song sheets this year, provided by Santander Bank. “Musicians who have been faithful over the years will be back. Included are Pat Kaufmann and his son, Daniel, both on guitar; Steve Hastie, also on guitar, Mickey Leone on percussion, and Rick Stevens, also on guitar. Teenagers
Joseph Block, is a pianist, and his brother, Jonathan, is also a pianist but plays percussion with this group,â€? said Dwyer. “Other talented musicians over the years have included Kitty Kelly, who plays the Irish fiddle; her husband, Mike Albrecht, who usually plays the boron; and Lizzie Edson, a player of bells.â€? Reminiscing for a few minutes she recalls being conductor of the caroling for many years, perhaps 29. “Pat and Steve have been doing this for almost as long as I have. When I started with group Henry Cook, from St. Paul’s, was the conductor. I have been leading this group ever since I started in business and have been here every year except for when my children were very young “The Caroling at the Crèche is so simple, separate from affiliations to committees. It’s an old fashioned idea with a meaning of its own,â€? she said. Meanwhile, plans continue for this year’s Caroling program. The Nativity scene will be set up on Monday, December 4, and taken it down on Monday, January 8. The backdrop for the caroling, the Nativity scene, will be put in
The CrĂŠche at Santander Bank.
place on Monday, December 4. Jesus, three Wise Men two shepThe figures have been beautifully herds and some animals. Antoinette DuBiel, a fellow hair painted by Hugh McNamara and include Mary, Joseph, the infant stylist and dedicated helper for
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many years, calls Caroling at the Crèche “a great continuing tradition for this community. Participants of all ages are welcome to come and carol. The Library has always been very good about serving refreshments afterward.â€? From the beginning this volunteer organization has stood on its own, and is not connected to the Chestnut Hill Community Association. The tradition was begun by a few individuals after Mrs. Morgan (Peggy) Hebard suggested at a community meeting in 1952 that something should be done to counteract what she felt was the commercialization of the holiday. Her concern struck a responsive chord, and since then the Friends of the Crèche have set up a nativity scene with lights and greens at the Top of the Hill each December. Mrs. Hebard donated the original figures, and a manger framework was constructed. Nearby was placed a sign with a message written by the late Mary Wickham Bond, a Chestnut Hill resident and author, saying: “With fervent prayers for Peace on Earth, the Community of Chestnut Hill acclaims the Holy Birth of the Prince of Peace at Christmas Time.â€? The first location for the crèche was in front of the Hill library, which had a disadvantage. Mrs. Hebard or a member of the committee had to get a key and enter the library after hours to turn lights off and on. The following year, the nativity scene was moved to Pennsylvania Railroad Station (as it was then called) and later to the corner of Bethlehem Pike and Germantown Avenue. Subsequently it was caught in stormy winds that swept through the little tableau and smashed three figures. So the crèche was moved to a more sheltered spot, in front of Intercounty Savings Bank, now Santander Bank, where it has remained. For more information about Caroling at the Crèche, call Janine Dwyer at 215-247-2909.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Holiday Parade returns Dec. 16
Both kids and grownups were excited to be part of last year’s parade, which included Harry Potter & Dumbledore, the Nutcracker, Sugarplum Fairy and Bon Bons, the Phillie Phanatic, and even Chestnut Hill’s own Stag & Doe.
by Pete Mazzaccaro
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he fifth annual Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec 16 on Germantown Avenue from 9 a.m. until approximately 10 a.m. The hour-long procession will begin at Rex Avenue and end just below the Chestnut Hill Hotel, 8229 Germantown Ave. The parade’s organizer, former Chestnut Hill Community Association president, Brien Tilley, said he expects this year’s parade to build off the success of four years of good parades. And what makes it great are the number of local groups that participate. “We welcome teams, scouts, and musical groups to help us celebrate,” Tilley said. “You can organize your block and join the parade. In 2016, our fourth year, we had 21 groups participate.” Just what can attendees expect? Tilley said most of the area schools will be marching. Girl and Boy Scout troops will be marching along with bands from area schools, including the Philadelphia University of the Arts. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir will march. Mounted police will take part as well as string bands. The parade will also feature the Santa Claus, who will likely to be riding atop a fire truck. All parade participants will gather at the parking lot of Our Mother of Consolation Church before the parade begins. They will march south along Germantown Avenue and finish at the Chestnut Hill Hotel. Tilley said he’s still looking for volunteers for the parade. ‘We are looking for volunteers to help us prepare for the parade, and also help the CHCA on parade day,” he said. “Please call our office at 215-248-8810 or email info@chestnuthill.org if you are interested.
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A marching band from Norwood Fontbonne Academy took part in last year’s Holiday Parade.
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
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HOLIDAY LIGHTS Shoppers on Germantown Avenue on a recent Stag and Doe Night in Chestnut Hill.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
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The Donetsk Ballet Celebrates It's 20th Year Performing 'The Nutcracker' in Philadelphia
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elebrating over 20 years of collaboration, International Ballet Exchange presents the Donestk Ballet in performances at Plymouth/Whitemarsh High School on December 16 and 17. Since 1989, the Donetsk Ballet has toured the world: Italy, Spain, Norway, France, China, Japan, and cities throughout the United States. In 1991, the company spent nearly one year in Philadelphia while their theater in Donetsk was being renovated. While here, the Soviet Union fell apart, leaving them not only without their theater, but without a country. Since that time, the company has reinvented itself and their theater has been beautifully renovated. Their principal dancer, Vadim Pisarev, was promoted to artistic director and a ballet school was created in his name. Having established strong ties with IBE's executive director, their relationship led them to annual invitations to perform and teach in Philadelphia, bringing their exceptional skills to our community. Performing Peter Tchaikovsky’s famous, fairy-tale ballet, The Nutcracker, the talent of the dancers mingles with the delightful story for an unforgettable experience for audiences young and old. Internationally renowned principal dancer, Irina Komarenko will be dancing the lead role for the company. She was a finalist in the 1998 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson and in 2000 she received an award for being the best non-competing partner at Varna’s International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria. Taking the parts as the children in the production are
The Donetsk Ballet performs “The Nutcracker.”
50 local ballet students, two of whom have won the coveted roles of Clara and Fritz, the children in the story whose lives are touched by a magical nutcracker. The two performances, 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 16 and 2 p.m. on Sunday December 17, will be presented at Plymouth/Whitemarsh High School, 201 East Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting. Ticket prices are $20 for children, students
and seniors and $30 for adults. For online ticket sales go to http://ibexchange.ticketleap.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. For information, call 215-849-7950 or 1-800849-4919. Group rates are available. The performances are sponsored by the International Ballet Exchange (IBE). IBE is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality ballet education, performance opportunities, and
cross-cultural exposure to young aspiring ballet dancers. IBE will also present “The Nutcracker” at reduced rates for school children throughout the city at George Washington High School, Thursday, December 14th, at 10 a.m. This project is supported by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, through its regional arts funding partnership,
Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA). State government funding comes through an annual appropriation by Pennsylvania’s General Assembly and from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. PPA is administered locally by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
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WOODMERE AT NIGHT Holidays on the Hill kicks off every year with a tree lighting and celebration at Woodmere Art Museum
Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
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Christmas tunes ring in holiday season at Chestnut Hill College
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arol Night is a treasured tradition at Chestnut Hill College, and the 2017 Carol Night will take place on Friday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m., in the Rotunda of St. Joseph Hall. This holiday celebration will feature performances by the college’s primary musical ensembles, which include: Jazz Ensemble, Hill Singers, String Ensemble and Wind Ensemble performing Christmas tunes old and new. The performance will end with a sing-along of Christmas carols and
a visit from Santa Claus when children can share their special wishes with him. A reception will follow the concert in the East Parlor, and guests will enjoy the holiday decorations put up by students the night before. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event, contact Kathleen McCloskey, SSJ, M.M.Ed., assistant professor of music and chair of the department, at kmcclosk@chc.edu or (215) 242-7194.
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
24th Holiday House Tour set for Dec. 9
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or the 24th year, the Chestnut Hill Community Association will be hosting its annual Holiday House Tour on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, beginning at the Woodmere Art Museum. Having started in 1989, with a five-year gap from 1994 to 1998, the self-guided tour features a series of five historic Chestnut Hill homes that are specially decorated for the season. While the specific locations of the houses are kept secret leading up to the event, they are typically among the oldest and largest in the neighborhood, and this year looks to be no exception. The houses that will be included this year include ones that were originally a tradesman’s shop, part of a college conference facility and one that had an extra residence built on that dates back to the 1700s. In addition to choosing houses based on their architectural style, the Holiday House Tour committee is also looking to showcase a wide array of decorations. These factors all came into play for the committee over the course of several months of planning. “The committee was looking for different styles of houses to appeal to a range of tour-goers that will showcase the breadth of architecture in Chestnut Hill,” said Helen Phillips, chair of the tour committee. “The tour will reflect the taste of the individual owners’ holiday decorating and the skills of the decorators.” Every year, the tour serves as one of the biggest fundraisers for the CHCA, with proceeds going directly toward funding for other activities put on throughout the year. That it continues to thrive
A home made up for the holidays at a recent Hoiday House Tour.
(Continued on page 13)
Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
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24th Holiday House Tour set for Dec. 9 (Continued from page 12)
after multiple decades is, above all else, the result of a continued combined effort from all those involved in every aspect of the tour. “The tour has remained successful for 24 years through the generosity of homeowners who offer their homes, the support of local sponsors, the talent of local designers and florists and the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers and committee,� Phillips said. “Most of all, the tour owes its success to the loyal tour-goers who every year kick off the holiday season by spending the day in Chestnut Hill and enjoying not only the tour, but also the restaurants and shops in our neighborhood.� With the consistent success of the tour every year comes plenty of challenges in planning and ensuring that the event continues to run smoothly. While there may be too many obstacles to count, according to Phillips, the satisfaction of seeing all the planning finally come together makes the months-long process more than worth the effort. “The Christmas-Holiday House Tour really brings all aspects of the neighborhood together – residents and businesses,� Phillips explained. “There is a sense of community that comes through during the tour and on the busy Avenue decorated for the holidays. As a longtime member of the planning committee, I can say the reward comes at the end of the day looking back at the months of planning that finishes with a successful tour for everyone involved.� Tickets for the Holiday House Tour can be purchased at the CHCA’s main office or online. Prices are $45 for CHCA members and $50 for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit chestnuthill.org.
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A living room decorated for the holidays.
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS (Left) Ebenezer Scrooge got into the Christmas spirit while telling the story of “A Christmas Carol” during Sugarplum Saturday at the Hill Company last year. (Right) A small mummer combo took part in Small Business Saturday on the Hill last year.
CARMAN’S SHOE REPAIR — OF CHESTNUT HILL — Over 70 Years of Quality service • Family owned and operated store
ishing our Wcustomers a very Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your continued patronage. Shoe Repair Makes Sense! Full service shoe and leather item repairs. We carry a complete line of shoe accessories, including insoles and orthotics. 8111 Germantown Avenue • Philadelphia, PA
215-247-7706 • Hours: 9-6 Daily • Sat. 8-1 WWW.CARMANSSHOEREPAIR.COM
Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
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Annual Water Tower Craft Show set for Dec. 9,10
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he holiday spirit is in the air. Everyone enjoys shopping and Chestnut Hill is the place to come for that special, unique experience. The Water Tower Craft Show has been in existence for 32 years and the community has always come out to support our cottage industry crafters. This year the show will be held once again at the Water Tower Recreation Center located on Winston Road and Hartwell Lane. This fun filled twoday event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Over 60 crafters from the Tri
state area will be participating this year. We have many new crafters and many returning crafters. So, if you are looking for that special gift we have jewelry, pottery, lamps, scarves, hats, soap, table linens, blankets, paintings and more. These products are unique and all handmade. Support your local artists. Experience the true meaning of the holiday spirit. Bring you friends and family and enjoy lunch. Look for the white signs in the neighborhood and follow pink signs on Hartwell Lane. If you need more information, call Kathy at (215) 740-5620.
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CRAFT VENDORS (Above) Alan Kennedy sells lamps at a recent Water Tower Craft Fair. (Below) Libby Glatfelter shows her jewelry for sale.
Get Local. Subscribe to the Chestnut Hill Local. Call 215-248-8813 Today. 8434 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118
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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Friday Night Lights headlines Morris Arboretum’s holiday schedule
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orris Arboretum’s popular Friday Night Lights at the Holiday Garden Railway returns this year on five Friday evenings, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.. This is a separate admission from daytime visitation and advanced tickets are required for Friday Night Lights. Prices are as follows: Arboretum Member Adults: $10, and Arboretum Member Child: $5, Non-member Adults: $18, Nonmember Child: $9. To purchase tickets via Ticket Leap, please visit: morrisarboretum.ticketleap.com/fri daynightlights/ Set against the darkening winter sky, Friday Night Lights features the model trains in action, decorated for the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights as they zip around an outdoor quarter-mile track. Famous Philadelphia historic buildings adorned in winter finery surround the tracks to create a magical miniature holiday village. Pack a flashlight and have your children help lead the way through the garden as night falls. Special programming has been planned for many of these evenings to make your night a truly enchanting experience. Morris Arboretum’s popular Friday Night Lights at the Holiday Garden Railway returns this year on five Friday evenings, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Mark Stehle)
• December 1, 5:30-6:30pm: Pennsylvania Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King will greet guests and pose for photos. This costumed duo will captivate and charm your whole family. Also this evening, the Pennsylvania Ballet will also give away two tickets to an upcoming performance of their holiday classic. • December 8, 5:30-6:30pm: Flourtown’s St. Genevieve School Bell Choir, will ring lovely melodies and seasonal favorites. • December 15, 6pm and 7pm, two 30 minute performances: Haverford’s Philadelphia Studio Ballet presents excerpts from its students’ performance of The Nutcracker. Step into Clara’s magical Christmas and journey into the Land of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. • December 22: A tasty treat from Bredenbeck’s bakery in Chestnut Hill will be given to guests (while supplies last). For more snacks, visit the Compton Café that will be open during each Friday Night Lights event with hot cocoa or coffee to warmup your walk. While on site, pick up a few holiday gifts at The Shop at Morris Arboretum that specializes in, environmentally-friendly reuse of materials, and items inspired by nature. Gifts for children to engage and inspire young minds are plentiful. And for the person on your list who has everything, give the gift of a Morris Arboretum membership, the gift that lasts all year long. The Garden Railway is supported, in part, through the generosity of Gwen and Ed Asplundh and by a gift given in memory of Joe Shuttleworth. Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a 92-acre horticulture display garden featuring a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape. Highlights include a formal rose garden, historic water features, a glass fernery, and Out on a Limb, a permanent nationally award-winning exhibit 50 feet above the ground. Morris Arboretum’s Horticulture Center has received Platinum Level LEED® Certification, the highest sustainability rating of the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information, visit: www.morrisarboretum.org.
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