Photos: Scenes from the 2021 Philadelphia Christmas Tree Lighting

December 3, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Last night was one of the first big events the City (in person) has held since the pandemic. With socially distancing in mind, the City closed streets on the north side of City Hall, so folks could spread out as they choose. AND IT WAS FABULOUS. I’ve experienced the tree lighting for many years, in City Hall Courtyard, at Love Park, on the West side of City Hall and now a few times on the North side, always kinda tight because the lighting of the tree is like watching fireworks but you can be close. The production was great, this year they had a sponsor, friends section to the left of the staging area, and Philadelphians still had the best viewing spot in front of the stage, spread out along the street, and at the elevated MSB plaza.

The MSB area was sponsor village, where guests enjoyed giveaways from generous sponsors, including Boston Market, (they had a cool photo booth) Wawa (I had a few too many cookies) , Primark had a spin the wheel where guests could win pens, stickers, ear buds or a tote bag, HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD gave out kisses,

NRG gave out really cute lit Santa hats *BTW the holiday tree is powered by NRG., aren’t those hats cute?

The folks behind the scenes – Brenda Goldsmith, hands on producer of Philly Holidays, as well as so many parades and activations in the country, Sheila Hess, City Representative who’s office produced the tree lighting and Michael DelBene, President & Chief Executive of Wawa Welcome America and Philly Holidays. 2nd photo Robert Nonemacker, City Reps Office, Events and Special Projects Manager

Brandon Mandia, Christie Mandia, Director of Marketing & Special Projects for Boston Market, and Jackie Koller, Chatterblast

Thanks to CBSPhilly for our media partnership for over 4 years now. I couldn’t have made it through the pandemic without them, helping me spread the word on the good news of Philly.

Cashman & Associates helping out Primark

**Kevin Lessard,** *Communications* Director at the City of Philadelphia,, and Michael Newmuis, Visit Philly, Chief of Staff – Visit Philadelphia

Then on Saturday December 4, 2021: It’s the

Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade

The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade is perfect event for all Philadelphians looking for some holiday cheer! This inclusive parade will feature floats representing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas, with performances by local marching bands, cold air balloons of your favorite holiday characters, and much more. The parade starts in Old City at 2nd and Market, and goes towards City Hall. Any spot is a great spot to watch from, but definite stop by Primark, do some early shopping, enjoy music spinning by DJ, and take a chance on winning gift cards for shopping at Primark. Look out for the Boston Market Unity Float, and for moi as I will be giving out $5 off Boston Market coupons for use in their stores in our area. Give me a shout out and I’ll take your photo and you might see if here, or in my column at CBSPhilly.

Winter Attractions Open at Dilworth Park Open

November 13, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Philadelphia’s premier wintertime attractions at Dilworth Park returned last week with new safety protocols in accord with City, State and CDC guidelines..

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, featuring a new online reservation system and an open-air layout to support safe social distancing and limited rink capacity. TICKET INFO FOR Ice Skating Rink at Dilworth Park.

What can you eat at Dilworth Park:
Besides the menu at the cabin, you can enjoy pizza from the Oath Pizza truck, located next to the Winter Garden. Prices are reasonable with pies going for $8.50 to $11, with a kids mini pie for $6. There’s also Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks for $7, with savory sweets chocolate chip cookies or a chewy marshmallow bar both priced at $2.50 or chocolate brownie at $3.

Guests 21 and older can purchase warm mulled wine at the Chaddsford Winery kiosk conveniently located within the space.

My favorite part of the park is the Winter Garden: Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn returns to Dilworth Park this season with whimsically-crafted reindeer topiaries, seasonal plantings and an open-air layout. Visitors are welcomed with festive twinkling lights, a new rustic arbor and generous seating throughout the garden. Children and adults are free to explore the Wintergarden at no cost all season long. As a reminder, masks must be worn at all times except when eating or drinking. Head to DILWORTH PARK for info you’ll need on your next visit.

STAY TUNED FOR: The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will once again return to Dilworth Park from Saturday, November 21, 2020 to Friday, January 1, 2021 with all new safety precautions and a reduced amount of vendors to allow proper social distancing. Dozens of artisans, designers and small businesses from the greater Philadelphia region will offer decorations, fashions and gifts inside white, festively lit tents. Visitors will be required to social distance and wear masks while shopping for their loved ones. Vendors will be spaced out in a new layout and set up at least 10 feet from each other. Organizers are also getting ready to set up the lovely wooden huts of Christmas Village across the street in LOVE Park.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Sorry I have been missing in action from posts, and if you sent me an email. I will be catching up on them this week, and going forward will do at least 3 posts on beloved blog. YOU can always find me on social, over sharing. Have a great day!!