Christmas Village Is Back and I have Lots of Details to put you in the Holiday Mood

November 25, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Christmas Village Is Back, Now at City Hall with a Carousel in Courtyard

Christmas Village presented by NRG has returned to Philadelphia for the 2016 holiday season at an exciting new location CITY HALL!

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(Top of page is North)

Philadelphia’s largest holiday attraction will this year transform Philadelphia’s City Hall (1400 JFK Blvd.) into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thursday, November 24, 2016 and Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2016. PLUS TODAY on Black Friday, November 25, Christmas Village in Philadelphia invites you to head out of the office and skip the malls for a special free lunch concert from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. This year, the German Christmas market welcomes local favorite singer and songwriter Jennifer Logue on stage.

All of your favorite shops are back

As well as those cute little mugs for your wine

Daily market hours are Friday through Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday through Thursday 11:00am to 7:00pm. Thanksgiving Day hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Black Friday hours are 9:00am to 8:00pm and Christmas Eve hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s Grand Opening Ceremony is Sunday this year (Sunday, November 27) from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Invite your family and friends to come sing along to holiday selections by the Camden Catholic High School Band and Clearview Regional High School Choir. Meet the original Christkind from Nuremberg after she officially opens the market by reciting her traditional prologue. Take photos with her as she does her traditional walk of the market. In Germany, she is the person that brings the Christmas gifts to the kids, and she won’t be coming to the City of Brotherly Love empty handed! With our new location at City Hall this year, watch for a special surprise during the Opening Ceremony!

Music schedule on the main stage at the City Hall North Apron:

* Monday through Thursday – 4:00pm to 7:00pm
* Fridays – 12:00pm to 1:00pm and 4:00 to 8:00pm
* Saturdays – 12:00pm to 8:00pm
* Sundays – 12:00pm to 7:00pm

Selected early announced performances include:

* Saturday, December 3 – St. Thomas Gospel Choir from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
* Sunday, December 4 – New Spirit of Penn (Gospel Choir of the Penn University) from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
* Wednesday, December 7 – Slante (Irish Band during Ho Ho Happy Hour) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
* Saturday, December 10 – Donauschwalben from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
* Saturday, December 10 – German Hungarian Schuhplattler Group from 3:00pm to 4:00 pm
* Saturday, December 11 – GTV Almrausch from 3:00pm to 4:00pm
* Wednesday, December 14 –The Mixed People Band (during Ho Ho Happy Hour) from 5:00pm to 7:00om

Children and families from around the region are invited to join Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s second Lantern Parade on Wednesday, November 30, starting at 5:15pm. Meet outside in front of the Christmas Village’s main stage on City Hall’s Northern Apron and join the festive procession with your homemade and decorated lanterns (battery please, no flame). Children’s carolers from Walnut Street Theatre will accompany the parade around City Hall with a stunt at the big Christmas tree on Dilworth Plaza. The highlight of the night will a stage performance by the Philly POPS Festival Brass at the market’s main stage as the grand finale. Here, the quintet will perform holiday favorites and set the perfect backdrop for a joint performance with all participants. Once the parade has ended, all participants are invited to enjoy a sweet treat together.

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NRG will host their Gingerbread House Decorating Contest again on Friday, December 9 at 1:00pm with members of the press competing on behalf of four local non-profits. In the evening, after the contest winner has been chosen, NRG also brings an official Eagles Player to Christmas Village in Philadelphia for a photo and autograph session at 6:00pm.

Santa will be visiting on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and offers family photos inside his hut. There will also be other family fun like story-telling, caricature artists, face painters, music and more. Schedule will vary by weekend and day.
The new kids’ corner will be open Saturdays 11:00am to 8:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
This year, a traditional carousel can be found inside the Courtyard which adds to the atmosphere of an authentic Christmas Village. Tickets will be available at the market for a small price.

New Pet Photos with Santa
Woof woof! New for the season, bring your pup down for pet photos with Santa during every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during regular market hours.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is made up of more than 80 booths and a big vendor tent, much like those found in traditional Christmas Villages in Germany. Within this village, you’ll find a wide variety of seasonal goods and gifts that you won’t find in any common shopping mall. Aside from our American vendors, we have German and international vendors selling Christmas decorations from genuine Erzgebirge, nativity sets, glass ornaments in assorted sites, toys, jewelry and so much more.

FOLLOW:

Twitter @philachristmas
Facebook Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Website www.philachristmas.com

Philadelphia

The Ultimate Philly Christmas/Holiday Tree Lighting List + #PhillyHolidays

November 19, 2016 by HughE Dillon

The Ultimate Philly Christmas/Holiday Tree Lighting List & #PhillyHolidays

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and much earlier than ever. Over the past couple years the trees of the City seemed to be lit in the first week of December, but it seems this year the powers to be sensed we needed Christmas right this very minute.

Comcast Light Show
Credit: Photo courtesy Comcast

TONIGHT: Chestnut Hill Circle of Trees – Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Avenue
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 5:30–7:00 p.m. FREE

Family and friends come together to celebrate the annual tree lighting and the beginning of Chestnut Hill’s holiday season. Enjoy live music, hot chocolate, cookies, and a special surprise guest. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a charity for underprivileged children. Sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Business and Community Association. tree

Don’t forget to check out the Holiday Store tree

and say hi to Stephen Kerzner for me.

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Another Christmas Tree Making Spirits Bright before Thanksgiving is the Philadelphia Museum of Art Tree which is being lt on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. Standing at almost fifty feet tall, the Museum’s holiday tree will sparkle down the Parkway with solar-powered lights. Kick off the season with us at this public event.

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Light refreshments, live performances, and ugly sweaters on the East Terrace.

5:45 p.m.
Official countdown and tree lighting

’til 8:45 p.m.
The Museum will remain open with Pay What You Wish admission. Head inside and visit the galleries.

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Then next Saturday, after the jolly one arrives on Thanksgiving, The City lights their tree. I know firsthand Mayor Jim Kenney is excited. Last year he told me he’d be moving the tree out from the City Hall Courtyard and out to Dilworth Park, cause the Tree is the People’s Tree and everyone should be able to see it. On Thursday, Mayor Kenney placed the first ornament on the tree.

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Saturday, November 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving…from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. is the Entertainment
6:30 p.m. is the long-awaited tree lighting hosted by Mayor Jim Kenney
6:40 – 7:00 pm – more holiday entertainment

Ø Saturday, November 26 – Manayunk Tree Lighting

Ø Tuesday, November 29 – Rittenhouse Row Tree Lighting

Ø Thursday, December 1 from 5-7pm – East Passyunk Tree Lighting – Deck the Ave with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain on + holiday fun all month long!

Deck the Ave! The ‘Deck the Ave’ holiday campaign will kick off on Saturday, November 26 with Small Business Saturday on the Avenue, offering special events, sales and more. This holiday season, we’ll also be featuring weekly photos with Santa, ‘PassyunkShops’ shopping specials, and Arctic Ave, a day-long festival with live ice carvings.

A list of fun #PhillyHolidays Events.

Ø Friday, November 25 – SEPTA Santa Express at Dilworth Park

– Macy’s Christmas Light Show& Dickens Village Begins

11/18/16 Friday evening they unveiled their windows, and they were spectacular. I love that we have a Macy’s

Ø Sunday, November 27 – Christmas Village Grand Opening at City Hall

Ø Friday, December 2 – WinterFest Tree Lighting at Penn’s Landing

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Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park

November 11, 2016 – February 27, 2017

The holiday season kicks off early with the opening of Rothman Institute Ice Rink & Cabin. Skaters and non-skaters alike can relax in the cozy cabin over seasonal snacks, frosty beers and warm beverages, Themed events and holiday activities take place throughout the season. For more information, visit Center City District’s website.

America’s Garden Capital Maze

November 11, 2016 – February 27, 2017

This new attraction brings a festive winter garden to Dilworth Park. It features willow-branch archways, a variety of seasonal perennials, trees and shrubs and several topiary sculptures that showcase all 32 of the public gardens, arboreta and historic landscapes that are located in the Philadelphia region. For more information, visit Center City District’s website.

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This year they have a carousel – $3 a ride (Aversa PR shot)

Christmas Village

November 19-20; November 24 – December 24, 2016

Philadelphia’s German-style Christmas Village returns again this year, but with a new location—City Hall! This holiday favorite lets shoppers find the perfect gifts from Germany and around the world, including glass ornaments, handcrafted jewelry, music boxes, nutcrackers and more. Shoppers can also enjoy hot mulled wine, gingerbread and bratwursts during their visit. For more information, visit the Christmas Village website.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

November 19 – December, 24, 2016

Holiday shoppers can stock up on handcrafted goods made by local artists, crafters and designers at the holiday market in Dilworth Park. Also available: lots of yummy Philly foods that will satisfy shoppers’ cravings and/or make great gifts. For more information, visit Center City District’s website. Vibrant neighborhoods within Philadelphia offer holiday sing-alongs, parades and tree-lighting festivities. Join Chestnut Hill on November 19; Manayunk on November 26; Rittenhouse Square on November 29 and South Street on December 4.

Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show

November 10 – December 31, 2016 (except Thanksgiving & Christmas)

The free show, presented by PECO, incorporates a giant lighted kite and 50,000 lights choreographed to holiday music. The show runs every 30 minutes from 4 to 8 p.m. on weeknights and 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Other festivities include visits from Santa, rides on the holiday train and carousel, min-golf and the brand new Ben’s Bites & Brews. There’s also a family-friendly 6 p.m. Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party with fireworks. For more information, visit Historic Philadelphia’s website.

Philadelphia

Photos: Gingerbread House Making Contest at the Christmas Village – NBC10’s Keith Jones, Fox 29’s Caitlin Roth and CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry

December 21, 2014 by HughE Dillon 1 Comment

So many parties, and festive events this week puts PhillyChitChat so far behind in blog posts. Happy Sunday; enjoy this special entry as I try and catch up!!

NBC10’s Keith Jones, Fox 29’s Caitlin Roth and CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry went head-to-head at NRG’s Home Gingerbread House Decorating Contest last Friday in Christmas Village.

Each charity received $1,000 just for participating and another $1,000 went to the winning charity.

Keith Jones is working on the Red Cross Gingerbread House.

CBS3’s Syma Chowdhry was helping the Red Paw team. See that bone on the roof, that is a solar power bone, collecting energy to run the electricity for the whole house.

Fox 29’s Caitlin Roth with Heritage Conservancy

I was the honorary media person for HopeWorks Camden, but wanted to take photos and neglected my duties too much.

Syma Chowdhry

When I shot this I though that Caitlin’s house was going to win.

And I thought this is a winning shot for Molly Eichel’s column the next day, but neither turned out to be winners. In this shot is Caitlin Roth, Keith Jones and the Frank Lewis from WOGL as the emcee .

Karlin Andres, India Thomas, Jose Figueroa and Chad Spaulding.

Keith Jones, Tessi Ruiz and Mary Anne Milner.

Mary Kury and Syma Chowdhry

Lori Albirght, Heather Farber of NRG Home, Sarah McGill, Mary Kury and Syma Chowdhry

Karlin Andres, India Thomas, Jose Figueroa and Chad Spaulding.

Lori Albirght, Sarah McGill, Mary Kury (Red Paws) and Syma Chowdhry

Red Paws is the winner

Heather Farber of NRG Home hands Red Paw a check for $2,000

Heritage Conservancy accepts a $1,000 check for their work

The winning house by Red Paws

The Christmas Village is here until December 28, there’s still lots of fun things to do, and see there, as well as eat. I hear the Wisconsin cheese is delicious. I’ll be there on Monday, picking up last minute gifts. Hope to see you there.

Philadelphia

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE RINGS IN HOLIDAY WEEKEND WITH PREVIEW ON THANKSGIVING

November 27, 2014 by HughE Dillon

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE RINGS IN HOLIDAY WEEKEND WITH PREVIEW ON THANKSGIVING, CONCERT ON FRI NOV 28 AND GRAND OPENING CEREMONY ON SAT NOV 29

WHAT:
Opening Weekend for Christmas Village in Philadelphia: Presented by NRG

WHERE:
Philadelphia’s LOVE Park (15th and JFK Boulevard)

HOURS:
Thursday, November 27 preview 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday, November 28 preview 11:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday, November 29 official opening 11:00am to 8:00pm

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:

Black Friday Holiday Jams Concert (Fri Nov 28, Noon to 1:00pm) – Christmas Village kicks off a new Friday lunch series with Good Girl, Jacqueline Constance and Jay Marie. Future dates:
* Dec 5 – Walt Anderson, Felicia Punzo and others
* Dec 12 – BridgeSet Sound
* Dec 19 – Gin Canaries

Grand Opening Ceremony (Sat Nov 29, 4:00pm to 5:00pm) – Sing-a-long to holiday selections by the Father Judge Pep Band, Clearview Regional High School Choir and other entertainers. The original Christkind from Nuremberg will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage from 76 Carriages. She will then officially open the market by reciting her traditional prologue and rings in the official lighting ceremony of the Christmas Village Fountain (not the tree), presented by NRG Home. She will then do her traditional walk of the market.

WHO:
Thousand of neighbors, visitors and tourists will flock to the opening weekend of Christmas Village. This season, over 550,000 are expected to visit between Thanksgiving Day and December 28, 2104.

VISUALS:

* Christkind will light Christmas Village Fountain and walk the village (Saturday)
* Santa will take photos with children (All weekend)
* Live music
* Twinkling lights and decorations throughout LOVE Park
* LOVE Park Tree and LOVE Statue
* International and local shopping in 65+ decorated booths
* Food and mulled wine served
* Wish Wall for Make-a-Wish Foundation

MEDIA CHECK-IN POINT:
We would appreciate it if you could confirm coverage by emailing kory@aversapr.com or calling 215-840-9216. Aversa PR will have a check-in point for the Grand Opening at the information
booth located to the right of the stage (as you face City Hall).

Thank you for considering for your weekend holiday coverage!

# # #

ABOUT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

The Christmas Village will again transform Philadelphia’s LOVE Park (15th and JFK Boulevard) into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thanksgiving and Sunday, December 28, 2014. Shop for high-quality, international and local gifts and decorations. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with thousand of twinkling lights, the LOVE ParkChristmas Tree, live music, children’s activities and photos with Santa Claus. Warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying European and American food and drink. Admission is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go. Now in its seventh year, the village has grown into one of the region’s most unique and charming holiday attractions. It expects to attract more than 550,000 people in 2014. Sixty-five international and local merchants and artists are busy preparing high-quality gifts that will be sold in decorated tents and wooden houses that will pop-up throughout Center City’s famous LOVE Park. With toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, homegoods, artwork and more, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s list.

ABOUT SPONSOR

NRG Home empowers residential energy customers with a new way to think about, buy and use energy. Innovative, exclusive energy products give customers unprecedented choice and control through customized electricity plans with unique rewards and access to emerging energy technology solutions. NRG Home is part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company that serves almost three million retail customers across the country. NRG Energy creates value through reliable and efficient conventional power generation, while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions.

CONTACTS:

Kory Aversa
CEO/President
Aversa PR & Events
215-840-9216
kory@aversapr.com
@koryaversa @aversapr

Timo Kargus
Project Manager
German American Marketing, Inc.
215-391-3017
kargus@philachristmas.com
@philachristmas