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Philadelphia

Political Friends Celebrate with Vince Fumo at his Annual Christmas Party

Political Friends Celebrate with Vince Fumo at his Annual Christmas Party

Last night I attended my 3rd holiday party at Vince Fumo’s. In the  90s & 00s before I was PCC,  I had always read about the grandiose parties at the Green Street mansion, especially at Christmas time when the house on the hill was elaborately decorated. Out of the blue about three years ago the senator wrote me himself to invite me to the famed Christmas party.

Political

 

The first two years I attended the parties were fairly low key, with family members and a few close, notable political operatives. This year it was like back to the future, with triple the size of attendees.

This year was not only a remembrance of the holidays and good will, but a celebration for Fumo’s new biography, which came out last month:


Sen Larry Farnese, Karen Sugarman, Vince Fumo and Lt. Gov Mike Stackhouse

Target: The Senator: A Story About Power And Abuse Of Power , which was just released earlier this month. The former Senator will be doing a book tour in the new year, with a book signing, party at the Union League in January.


Michael Schulson, Nina Tinari Schulson and former senator Vince Fumo


Senator Christine Tartaglione, Nicholas DeBenedictis, Lt Gov Mike Stack, and former CBS3/CW Philly 57 President and General Manager Michael Colleran with guests


Mariska K. Bogle, executive director of the nonprofit Philadelphia Hospitality Inc and Sean Reilly. Esq.


Christian DiCicco and Anna Catania, Ten Pennies


Chef Mark Scharaga, Nyotaimori Experience and one of the few sushi chefs certified by the Blue Ocean Institute for sustainability.


Mina Massaro–Giordano, MD,  Antonio Giordano, a pathologist, professor of biology, and director of the Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine at Temple and Carol Tamburino

Micah Mahjoubian, Linda Knox and Councilman At-Large Al Taubenberger


Hostess Debbie Pastrana, Vince’s girlfriend


Also spotted State Sen. Larry Farnese , Councilman Mark Squilla, State. Sen Shariff Street, Judge Felice Stack, Carol and Nino Tinari


Eric S and Wanda Mora.
Wanda has done such a wonderful job at raising money for her Puerto Rico over the passed few months. Look for her big fundraiser coming up in February at Union Trust – For The Love of Puerto Rico


Balboa Catering did a great job on the food. Upstairs their was a prime rib spread and downstairs delicious pork and lamb options.


Tonya Stack and Lt. Gov Mike Stack


Micah Mahjoubian and Councilwomen Janie Blackwell

Stacy Wanerman, Mike Jerrick, Anna Catania, guest, Larry Wanerman, Cindy Wanerman and Michael Colloran


Tom Knox, Anna Cantina, Carol Tamburino and


Carol Tinari and Cheryl Finocchiaro 

guest, Hacina Saadi, and Dawn Tancredi, Zarwin Baum


The Senator has been in the press lately. Read an interview here at Philly Mag, then head to PhillyVoice for an excerpt from his book.

Merry Christmas. Check out PhillyChitChat tomorrow for another party.
I’m off to Charlotte for a week, follow me on Social Media, links up top, to see what
I’m seeing.

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Philadelphia

The Best Places to Visit with Kids this Holiday (in Philly)

The Best Places to Visit with Kids this Holiday (in Philly)

There’s still time to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year – and there are some things in the Philly area you don’t want to miss this holiday season.  As the cool temperatures take over, this year guarantees the return of Philadelphia’s festive holiday spirit and endless events for kids of all ages. Take a look at the best places in Philly to visit with kids this holiday in Philly.

Macy’s Center City

Holiday

Since 1956, the Grand Court in the Wanamaker Building has offered an impressive Christmas Light Show. The store brings back the sugarplum fairies tradition and dancing snowmen with a light show of more than 100,000 lights. These performances are free of charge and offered every two hours during the normal store hours. Tour the Dickens Village on the third floor between shows – the setup of animated dolls retell a Christmas Carol and ends with the opportunity to let your kids meet Santa and get photos with him. Allow for at least 2hrs to see everything.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Throughout the season, the Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts various activities and events to celebrate the holiday season. Visit on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:45 p.m. and admission to the museum is Pay What You Wish. Don’t miss the tree lighting celebration on the East Terrace and the card-making night where you can make your own handmade holiday cards for your loved ones. The festive Friday night performances are a must-see and make sure to enjoy the seasonal snacks and spiked hot chocolate.

Dilworth Park Wintergarden

The area is chocked full of holiday activities including the Deck the Hall Light Show. The Rothman Institute Ice Rink offers skate rentals for ice skating, lights, and a space indoors where visitors can enjoy snacks, and hot and cold drinks. Don’t miss Craft Hall where you can enjoy BBQ, bread, and beer while viewing the city’s holiday tree. In the open-air courtyard, the youngest guests will find pleasure in the carousel.

Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show

Last night Buddy The Elf – Mayor Jim Kenney and Santa Councilman Mark Squilla lit the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show

The Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square brings the historical square to life, with shows to music playing every half hour from 4 to 8 p.m during the week and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In the center of the 50,000 bulbs is a large, illuminated kite. Enjoy the free event other festivities created with kids in mind such as Saturdays with Santa. Ride the holiday train and enjoy the comfort foods, hot beverages, and local beer. Make sure to check out the mini-golf while you are there! December 31, 2017 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Christmas Village

The Christmas Village is back at the refurbished JFK Plaza, also called LOVE Park. Visit this German-style village where local and international merchants set up booths to showcase and sell cold weather apparel, edible goods, and handmade toys. Festive entertainment makes LOVE Park a must-visit spot by locals and visitors alike this holiday season. The Village is set up through Christmas Eve. Look for the Love statue to return in early 2018.

The Morris Arboretum

The Holiday Garden Railway within the evergreens of Morris Arboretum offers a mini winter wonderland with a model-train track with multiple rail lines, seven tunnels and loops, and model trains that move past replicas of various historical monuments and landmarks decorated with twinkling lights.  Your little train-lovers will be awestruck! Viewings are on select nights and tickets are required.

Philadelphia is home to a wealth of fun experiences and destinations to make this holiday season one for the books. Make sure to take a break from wrapping presents so you don’t miss these breathtaking seasonal celebrations throughout Philly. It’s always a good time to make new family traditions!

This post was written by Katie of Junk Car Medics. Junk Car Medics buys junk cars for cash in Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia

Fashion Standouts at Philly Style Magazines Annual Holiday Party

Fashion Standouts at Philly Style Magazines Annual Holiday Party

Standouts
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… The Philly Style Magazine Holiday Party happened on Monday night at Aqimero at The Ritz-Carlton and many of Philly’s most stylish elves were on hand to celebrate

If you take a photo, please link back to this post, and you should do the same thing for other photographers as well, we rely on our hits for business. Thanks Happy Holidays….

Matchmaker, matchmaker bring me a man, Erika Kaplan (c), who’s with ThreeDayRule.com is a professional matchmaker. New Year, New You, New Love could be your new mantra.

Ben Cross, Rosemary Connors, NBC10, he had me at wooden bow tie and that great jacket – Brandon Hudson, Journalist. Reporter  (He has a great twitter handle @BHudTV), Pamela Osborne, NBC10, Josh Ortiz, Krystal Klei, meteorologist for NBC10’s First Alert Weather team

Karen Hepp, Fox 29 (r), she’s been so supportive of my career and me. It was so wonderful working with her over at Fox 29 for over 6 years.
She’s here with her single, sassy, sister Lizzie Bapson (I have her info) and bff Sara Mayher Standouts 

Love this texture dress St


Adam Matteo, Sales Consultant MASERATI & Alfa Romeo and Tony Piazza, in front of a metallic blue Alfa Romeo of Piazza Premium Automobiles. Adam, a top salesperson at Piazza tells me that the top color seller of Alpha Romeo’s is Russo Red.

Glittery fun is what Jennifer Lynn Robinson is wearing. Recently Jennifer told me she’s a bit of a shopper, and has an entire room of beautiful outfits I’m excited to photograph.”I love to mix high end, vintage and lower cost items. Many seemed surprised when I told them my dress was from Target ” and Jaimi Blackburn, wearing a glossy little black dress.

Kristen Alderson told her Instagram/Twitter followers (nearly 270ks) …My DRESS was $18 from Ross! EIGHTEEN DOLLARS! Hahah And it looked beautiful, was super comfy, and didn’t fall apart. I can’t stress enough that you DO NOT need to spend a lot to look expensive👌outs 

John Colabelli, Publisher of Philly Style Mag and his well dressed posseElaine R. Grosso and Monica Miraglilo with Santa
Naughty or Nice, let me guess

Girls with glasses – Anna Catania (l) Ten Pennies florist had an amazing year of events.
Dr. Nina Radcliff gets snapped in her breezy white dress by Eileen Xu

Melony Roy, KYWRadio, guest, Dr. Jen Caudle (who regularly appears on CBS3 as well as Dr. Oz) and David Alexander Jenkins


Geater getting his heater on
Legendary Emil DeJohn and with Mrs Lauren Colabelli – this dress said to me red is not always the best holiday fashion


Triple Threat: Gal in a Little Black Dress, a Tuxedo Dress and a hot red party dress
Marilyn Melasecca, Cryo Myst and stylist Alissa Frederico, Dressing Jane. Next month Alissa gets ready for the Academy Ball, focusing on the what’s hot for the grand gala. Hopefully no one will wear a “nude outfit this year”, the well heeled crowd is still wagging their tongues over that number. Girls wear that at the Hair of the Dog (Jan 20), not a White Tail gala where you should be wearing formal, floor length evening gown.


Class never goes out of style – Sabrina Tamburino Thorne and Rachel Paz


WOW – Robin Carter Rcb looked amazing in her Neiman Marcus outfit


Always breathtaking Kasia Hopek and Maciej Ciezki
Fashion plate DJ Shelly wearing a gorgeous dress from Touché Accessories

Mina Massaro–Giordano, MD, Hope Cohen and congrats to Amber-Joi Watkins who with her husband Tommy Domalski, is expecting a baby girl in the spring. Tommy and Amber-Joi were married 3 years earlier at the Ritz-Carlton.

Rahel Solomon, pretty in purple made an early appearance as she needed to grab some zzz’s before anchoring the morning
news with Jim Donovan at CBS3Philly at 5AM


Best dressed of the night, Sharon Pinkenson, GPFO Executive Director, all the way down to those sizzling hot boots.

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Philadelphia

Mark & Jason’s Friends Create Christmas Ornaments

What Happens When Notable Philly Create Holiday Ornaments

Saturday night PGN publisher Mark Segal and partner Jason Villemez hosted their annual holiday party. For the first time in 14 years they had a Christmas Tree. They asked their guests to forgo host gifts and instead create an ornament for the tree.

Ornaments

 Judging the ornaments were real judges,  Judge Maria McLaughlin, PA. Supreme Court candidate Justice Kevin Dougherty, here with Jonathan Saidel and Mark Segal

and State Senator Sharif Street

The Philadelphia Gay Mens Choir was on hand to entertain

Mrs. Villemez , Mark Segal, Jarod Williams and David Wagaman

Congrats to David Wagaman who with his help brought together the talented students at the Phila. Performing Arts, a String Theory School who created banners depicting different Philly neighborhoods in the holiday spirit. Go check them out in front of his cafe on the Parkway, in front of Capriccio at Cret Park (16th and Vine) (source)

I missed that part about “create”, I bought an ornament. Major fail on my part, but it was the cutest Eastern State Penitentiary ornament.

The cutest outhouse with a Menorah on the door and rainbow toilet paper, over the crapper is a picture of infamous State rep. Darly Metcalf. Well done Rick Lombardo

Chris Bartlett, Executive Director William Way LGBT Community Center:

It’s titled “Sugar Tacks.” Get it says Bartlett? Created with one red delicious apple, Wawa sugar packets, a package of Rite Aid tacks, one screw, and a blue string. As you can tell, I was a crafty kind of child.

Not surprising Micah Mahjoubian, Policy Director for Senator Sharif Street created political ornaments

Judge Dan Anders hung Elton John, in an ode to the time Mark & others brought

David Wagaman’s ornament using a photo I posted on FB. It is the sincerest form of flattery. Who knew you could go to AC Moore
and get materials to use in your own ornament. That’s where I’ll go next year.

I love this one of Mark Segal’s autobiography by Michael Newmuis

Larry Felzer, Klayton Fennell


I’m going to guess this was Jim Werner from Visit Philly

Ernest Owens, editor of GPhilly with Amber Hikes, Amber Hikes, executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs

Also spotted Councilman Mark Squilla, Nurit Shein, former CEO of the community-health Mazzoni Center, David and Rhonda Cohen, Frannie Price, Judith Kaplow Applebaum, Stephen Alan Glassman, Larry Felzer, Klayton Fennell, Kevin Lessard, Harvey and Julie Welker,

Jeff Guaracino, executive director Welcome America has a big ball


and a lot of them are on the City’s Christmas Tree.
Jeff and his team are responsible for this year’s magnificent Christmas Tree at City Hall,

Judge Dan Anders and attorney Ted Simon. Just in the news is a story Simon’s client Amanda Knox who has launched “The Scarlet Letter Reports” on the Vice Channel. The Philly Voice reports that Philly native Amber Rose will be among the first guests .

Award winning Philly Gay News photographer Scott A Drake and Micheal Ward


Former Gov Ed Rendell stopped by to sing Christmas carols.

Kicking off the night with what he told the crowd was not his former mother in law’s favorite:
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

Jason Villemez and friends

Legendary Suzi Nash, who has been doing people in Philly interviews in the PGN for years.


Michael Sheridan, ‎Professor – ‎Temple University School of Tourism & Hospitality Management (and serious marathon runner) and Jim Werner, (and serious marathon runner supporter & encouragement sign maker) Vice President, Hotel Relations and Tourism Development at Visit Philly, and former councilman Frank DiCicco

Malcolm Kenyatta, who last Thursday announced a run for office. The openly gay community leader and former Democratic National Convention delegate Malcolm Kenyatta announced his bid for state representative in the 181st District with political operative Micah Mahjoubian

Ornament
Delicious buffet as usual by Christine Fisher.

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Philadelphia

Photos: A Dream is a Wish: Princess Holiday Concert

Photos: A Dream is a Wish: Princess Holiday Concert
I didn’t know what to expect when I attended the A Dream is a Wish: Princess Holiday Concert Hosted by Philadelphia Theatre Company at the Suzanne Roberts Theater.

Dream
What I found was the most adorable concert with princess’ who had a lesson to teach little princess’ in training. Every seat was sold out at the concert, but not every seat was taken as the little princess’ clamored to be as close as possible to the stage.

Dream
A Dream Is a Wish: Princess Holiday Concert is a live concert sing-along, featuring nine Princesses including Princess Sofia, Cinderella, Elsa, Mulan, Moana, Belle, and others. Cinderella is having a holiday celebration with her friends and the youngest, Princess Sofia, wants to learn from the other Princesses how to be the best she can be as she grows up! They teach her that even though life will present obstacles, everyone’s path is different, and if she is true to herself, she will find her way. A Dream Is a Wish features over 15 holiday and popular movie-musical songs, including the titular song, “A Dream Is A Wish,” “Let It Go,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “When Will My Life Begin.”


Afterwards there was a meet and greet with the princesses in the lobby of the theater.
in between photo ops, princesses enjoyed delicious cider and cookies as well
smiles and
memories
I loved seeing all the princesses in their various gowns and tiaras
Arielle
See you next year Cinderella. Next up for Philadelphia Theatre Company

Musical Thrones: A Parody of Ice and Fire is a giddy and raucous parody of the Emmy Award-winning HBO show, Game of Thrones. Sing and dance along with Daenerys, her dragons, and many other beloved and be-hated characters as they engage in savagery, sex, and earth-shattering plot twists in the Seven Kingdoms.

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Philadelphia

Safian & Rudolph Grant Couples A Christmas Wish of Engagement

Safian & Rudolph Grant Couples A Christmas Wish of Engagement

Longtime jewelers Safian & Rudolph on Jeweler’s Row at S 7th St & Sansom St owned by Hy Goldberg and his son, Rich Goldberg held a concert during the holidays to give a one-carat diamond ring to one Philadelphia couple in a social media contest which they held.

Engagement

The engagement ring up was created by celebrated designer, Scott Kay, and is valued at $5,000.

There were hundreds of entries with two couples who came out on top: Amith Nanayakkara and Nicole Wenderoth, with Tiara Allen and Cher Watson sitting on the The You and Me Bench. The You & Me Bench was created to celebrate togetherness in the City of Brotherly Love. It toured the City last year, and has landed in its permanent home: outside of Safian & Rudolph on the corner of 7th & Sansom! Be sure to stop by and snap a pic with the new Philadelphia landmark, it’s as adorable as The Love Statue or AMOR. #youandmebench


Cher Watson (left) asks Tiara Allen for her hand in marriage as she presents her with a new one-carat Scott Kay diamond engagement ring.  The two won the diamond after capturing the most votes in the Safian & Rudolph online contest. 
And there was a surprise for the runner up couple, Amith Nanayakkara and Nicole Wenderoth, Safian & Rudolph presented them with a a beautiful engagement ring, at with point Amith proposed to Nicole and she said Yes. The duo met at work 7 years ago.


“Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!”

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Philadelphia

Comcast Sings Plus Net Neutrality Protest, Creed 2 and Baby on Board

Comcast Sings Plus Net Neutrality Protest, Creed 2 and Baby on Board

Hey it’s Friday, lets chit chat…..

Creed
Sly Stallone announced a new director for Creed 2, Stephen Caple, Jr. “a wonderful new talent”. He went with Caple because he’s closer to the age of the generation that he wants to relate to the story. It’s a great idea, he’s checking his ego and doing what’s right for the brand. I love following him on instagram, and watching his instagram stories. He often films his daughters, while they’re living “just like us.” Stallone also announced that newcomer Brock Lesnar, a professional wrestler, will play Drago’s son in Creed 2 as well. Basically the next generation of the Creed franchise, is similar stories as the Rocky franchise, just modernized for the next generation. Filming begins 2/26/18


Congrats to Amber-Joi Watkins and Tommy Domalski on the upcoming birth of their baby. So happy for them.


TODAY Slice Pizza is launching their Pizza of The 7 Fishes today with pizza samples today. Stop by and try it out.


OMG so precious, Social Media posting of the week.


Tomorrow the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs tomorrow at the Comcast Center Lobby. I just checked out the Holiday Show which plays hourly. Great show, comes in at about 12 minutes. Seeing the Philly Gay Men’s Chorus in person is a real treat as well.

People are outraged and disgusted, over this ridiculous Net Neutrality roll back.
SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY SAVE NET NEUTRALITY! We the people are outraged and disgusted at the FCC’s vote against Net Neutrality; despite the large majority of Americans in support of it. We will the show the FCC and their corporate partners the outcry of Americans and the importance of a free, equal internet to all. Bring signs, demand change, and lets show Ajit Pai what Americans really want.
Check out more info on the march here

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Philadelphia

Win a $500 Gift Card from Starr Restaurants Contest

I took this at 10PM with my #iphone8plus . LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW: ENTER To Win $500 Gift Card. This holiday season #PhillyChitChat has partnered with @starrrestaurant for their holiday giveaway! One lucky Philadelphian will win a $500 gift card that can be used at any @starrrestaurant location! All You Have To Do is: – Follow @StarrRestaurant on Instagram – Tag A Friend In The Comments Below, Each tag is an entry – Winner will be chosen on Dec.15th by @starrrestaurant : Feel free to follow me too, Thanks @phillychitchat 📬♥️@parcrittenhouse,#parc #rittenhousesquare #starrrestaurants #philly #holidays #giveaway 🎄🎁💳 #snow #letitsnow❄️ yes he’s trying to catch #snowflakes PS This storm is more than a dusting, it’s sticking on the roads this time as well. More contests to come in2018.

A post shared by Philly ChitChat (@phillychitchat) on

I’m partnering with Starr Restaurant on their holiday giveaway, where one lucky Philadelphian will win a $500 Gift Certificate to use at
any of their restaurants.  Click here to participate by following the directions on my Instagram. Also why not follow my instagram as well cause going foreword I will be having lots of contests in 2018, besides giving you lots of great content daily with at least 4 posts a day that you’ll find interesting. Thanks HughE

https://www.instagram.com/phillychitchat/

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Philadelphia

Celebrating the Holidays at The Shops at Liberty Place

Celebrating the Holidays at The Shops at Liberty Place

Celebrating
“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style”  The shop windows are decorated, snowflakes are hung from the lamp posts, sidewalks are dressed in holiday style as shoppers delight in sparkling Christmas Trees. One of my favorites is located at
the Shops at Liberty Place.
Celebrating
Last week they held an invite holiday cocktail party to celebrate the holidays. House of Claus: A holiday soirée brought together business leaders, guests in hospitality and influencers in Philadelphia.


Maeve Joyce and Jennifer Gross Kruger of Ocean Prime

The holiday party offered guests festive-inspired food from top area restaurants including Ocean Prime, Square 1682, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse and others, beverages from Grace Winery and Bluebird Distilling, live music from Exit 22 jazz quartet (Ampersand & Productions),

live modeling showcasing the season’s hottest looks, and additional seasonal merriment to celebrate the 2017 holiday season — all bathed in sparkling special-effect lighting.
JoAnn Bogart, Holiday Inn Midtown and Brende Mente, Where Philadelphia
Maggie Petrucci, The Union League of Philadelphia, Maggie Munthali, VIP concierge The Union League, Fran Nachman, concierge at the Sonesta Hotel and Mimoza Xhori, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

Molly Albertson, Center City District and Anthony A (LR2)
Maribeth Roman Schmidt, President Of The Board Of Directors at Variety – The Children’s Charity and Angus Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Variety

Co-sponsored by the Center City District, proceeds from the event went to Variety — the Children’s Charity.

Variety also has a gift wrapping station, for a low fee they’ll wrap your gifts. The proceeds go to the Variety,
The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley has continued its mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life.Chris “DJ Swift” Anderson and Bill Zimmerman, both of Philly Bites Magazine

Jordan Parenti, and Laura Burkhardt both of Visit Philly, Joe, concierge Sheraton Hotel and James Zeleniak, Punch Media Pr

Cory Gunselman, Cushman & Wakefield, April McPhatter, Cushman & Wakefield, Leanna L and Lana Maximova
Mindy Myers, Daniel Davis, Jack Cotter all of En Route PR, Zach Santo and Brende Mendte, Where Magazine

For several days, The Shops at Liberty Place will present the Annual Holiday Choir & Orchestra Performances in the Rotunda. Stop in the Rotunda during your lunch hour to listen to amazing performances!

Performance Schedule:

December 18th at 12:00 PM – All Catholic Jazz Band (Archdiocese)

December 18th at 1:00 PM – St. Aloysius Academy

December 20th at 12:00 PM – Harriton High School Jazz Ensemble

James Zelniak, Jared Adkins, Bluebird Distilling and Emily Mormino, Bluebird Distilling
Bluebird Distilling has a tasting room at Shops at Liberty Place


The Shops at Liberty Place gave out swag bags to attendees chock full of offers from shops within the retail space that include holiday newcomers like Bella Turka (jewelry store), Never Too Spoiled (boho chic fashion and accessories), Old City’s Fezziwig’s Sweet Shoppe and Philly Socks.

Jacobs Music

Wednesday, December 13th & Thursday, December 14th
Jacobs Music will provide a self-playing piano in the Rotunda for two days of live entertainment with
beautiful sounds of Christmas music

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Philadelphia

Tinsel Christmas Bar Pops Up in Midtown Village

Tinsel is most definitely back, as festive Pop-up Bar Opens in Center City

In the past couple years Philly has become the Christmas capital of the state, with the 10th year anniversary of Christmas Village, Dilworth Park’s celebration of the holidays with it’s ice skating rink, Philly Made Shops and

the amazing Christmas Tree on the North Apron. Now a Christmas-themed bar decorated in twinkling lights has opened in Center City to the delight of everyone, a place where you can go and soak up the holiday spirit. Tinsel
Teddy Sourias (l) and Craft Concepts Group announce the grand opening of Tinsel Christmas Pop-up Bar last week at 116 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia. Midtown Village in the space formerly occupied by Simpson’s Jewelry.  Kory Aversa, Aversa PR & Events (r)

Tinsel bar consists for three rooms, the first was the original showroom for the jewelry store, and sit at the 25-foot bar on top of the former jewelry counter, Teddy and a friend traveled to Lancaster to pick up the custom wood bar top, which they plan to re use at one of their other properties. There are also 12 bar stools, some of them have Santa hats that say Naughty on them so you know exactly where to sit. The detail in the decorations are amazing, and this photo doesn’t do it justice, see the ornaments and how they had to be hung just perfect to create a festive atmosphere.


Last night was a media party and I ran into a lot of friends including Alex Holley, Fox29, who is taking up the photography hobby. Follow her on instagram to enjoy the fruits of her labor.  In the 2nd room, there’s a real Douglass Fir covered in Tinsel, which Teddy bought from his worker, who also sells Christmas trees.

In the former diamond safe is a glowing “fireplace”.
On the night I was there I asked Teddy where the Mistletoe was, he said it keeps getting stolen. He’s replaced it twice already.


The decorations of my favorite kitschy kind, and Teddy was able to buy a lot of them online as he needed envisioned what he wanted and needed to obtain them as quick as possible, as they decorated the place in the past week. Check out each ceiling tile which was gift wrapped individually.  There’s the Christmas Story‘s lamp.

The custom wood bar top, with the jewelry case full of ornaments and cute houses used in a train set.

Tinsel will serve specialty cocktails and Christmas themed beer on draft included Troegs Mad Elf, Hardywood Bourbon Gingerbread Stout and Chimay Grande Reserve. The Christmas cocktails, $8-$10, will rotate each week throughout the season. They’ll be a lite bite menu, including an array of Christmas cookies.

As a tool to encourage good behavior in children, Santa serves as the carrot, and Krampus is the stick. Krampus is the evil demon anti-Santa, or maybe his evil twin. Krampus Night is celebrated on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day in Austria and other parts of Europe.


In the third room you can drop off your letters to Santa, and use the Gender Neutral Bathroom.
Tinsel will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 2:00pm to Midnight, and Sunday Noon to 5:00pm. Tinsel will offer happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday 5:00pm to 7:00pm with $5 select Christmas Cocktails and all drafts. Previously schedule to close around Christmas, tentatively the Tinsel will be open until the Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day) in which is January 6, 2018. You can thank me for that idea.  Christmas music and commercials can’t start early enough for me, and the holidays end too soon as well. If I had a tree I wouldn’t take it down til Valentine’s Day.