StreetTalkin – Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia Welcomes Shoppers with Holiday Tradition, beginning November 20th

Beginning on Friday, November 20^th, Chestnut Hill, outside of Philadelphia, will start the holiday season a bit early with its “Lets Get Lit” tree lighting ceremony.  Two weeks later, on December 5^th, will be the Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour, where five magnificent homes will be professionally decorated for the holidays and open to the public.  Following this, will be the most cherished holiday tradition in Chestnut Hill: Stag & Doe Nights which will be held on Wednesdays, December 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd, from 6 to 9 pm.  Shops offer evening hours with wine and cheese or cocoa and cookies.  Live music, roasting chestnuts, carolers and merriment make the nights come alive with joy and holiday spirit. And everyone looks forward to greeting Santa as he, too, enjoys the fun of Stag & Doe, so get out to Chestnut Hill this winter for some pre-holiday fun!

October 30, 2009 - Philadelphia, PA – With the holidays right around the corner, Chestnut Hill is trimming its trees and making the season bright as it welcomes its guests in true holiday tradition with brightly decorated shops brimming with one-of-a-kind gifts, fresh pine boughs and red velvet ribbons, and trees sparkling with lights in the winter night.  Its cobblestoned streets come alive with the music of carolers, acappella groups, brass quartets and the laughter of children.  Stroll the avenue, savor the aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and sip a steamy cup of hot cocoa.  Last but not least, meet and greet the jolliest of visitors…Santa Claus!

Chestnut Hill starts the season a bit early with its “Lets Get Lit” tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 20^th.  Share this family tradition which includes mummers and music, caroling and cocoa, treats and goodie bags for the kids as well as a special surprise guest that will delight everyone.

Discover wonderful holiday design ideas at the Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 5^th. Five magnificent homes, each with unique design and architectural styles, will be professionally decorated for the holidays and open from 10 am to 4 pm.

The most cherished holiday tradition in Chestnut Hill is its Stag & Doe Nights which will be held on Wednesdays, December 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd, from 6 to 9 pm.  Shops offer evening hours with wine and cheese or cocoa and cookies.  Live music, roasting chestnuts, carolers and merriment make the nights come alive with joy and holiday spirit. And everyone looks forward to greeting Santa as he, too, enjoys the fun of Stag & Doe.  New this year is Girls Night Out onWednesday evening, December 2^nd from 6 to 9 pm. Participating shops will offer lots of goodies and the ladies can get a head-start on their holiday revelry (and shopping, too).

For a special treat, Santa will be in Chestnut Hill every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.  He has invited all the children to visit him at his gingerbread house and tell him their wishes for Christmas.  The Morris Arboretum has a special gift for all children who stop by to see Santa…admission for two children for the price of one with a full-price adult admission to the Arboretum’s 9^th AnnualHoliday Garden Railway Display.  Visitors of all ages will be wow-ed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars.  The Garden Railway opens on Friday, November 27^th and remains open through January 3^rd.

Names by Forbes in 2007 as “one of the top seven urban enclaves in the USA,” Chestnut Hill is truly Philadelphia’s most magical neighborhood during the holidays.  Visit and experience a wonderful, old-fashioned Christmas full of holiday spirit and fun. Chestnut Hill is easily accessible by train or by car and offers free shoppers parking in its nine convenience parking lots.  Though budgets may be tighter this year, Chestnut Hill offers a holiday experience that is rich in tradition.

For additional information on Chestnut Hill and the holiday festivities, please contact the Chestnut Hill Business Association at 215-247-6696; Christa Guidi at 215.627.1060 (o),cguidi@cashmanandassociates.com; or visit our website at www.chestnuthillpa.com.