Tag: Philadelphia

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Dining Out For Life

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It’s back, Philadelphia’s longest-running and most beloved dining event is back and marking a major anniversary! Action Wellness presents the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life® on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring over 40 participating restaurants. I remember going to the first one, where only a handful of restaurants participated, but the following year it was a Citywide celebration, with a lot of support.

Philadelphia’s longest-running and most beloved dining event is back and marking a major anniversary!

Action Wellness presents the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life® on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring over 40 participating restaurants.

For 2025, this year’s restaurant line-up reads like a who’s who of the region’s most award-winning restaurants, with notable names such as Barclay Prime, Bistro Romano, Buddakan, Butcher and Singer, DaVinci & Yu, El Vez, Frankford Hall, Gilda, Giorgio on Pine,Good Dog Bar, LMNO, The Love, Mamajuana Cafe, Morimoto, P’unk Burger, P.J. Clarke’s, Parc, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, Sophie’s BBQ, Stina, Talula’s Garden, Taqueria Amor, The Continental Midtown, The Dandelion, Villa Di Roma, Wilder and many more. Hours vary by restaurant. Reservations are encouraged in advance.

“My favorite part of the event is the community aspect and simplicity of it,” said Action Wellness Development Coordinator Kevin Vuernick. “I have made it a point to dine out during this event for as long as I can remember. Inevitably you always see a longtime friend or acquaintance who is also dining out to support the cause. Going out to eat is something so many of us do regularly without thinking about it. The hardest part for me is deciding where to eat! The decision about whether to go to an old familiar haunt or go to one of the wonderful new places or somewhere I have yet to try is always the most difficult. But each year the one thing I know is it is always so rewarding.”

Funds raised from Dining Out For Life (DOFL) Philadelphia go to Action Wellness to support more than 2,000 clients and their families through the provision of life-sustaining services. HIV and its impact is felt especially by those in low-income and historically marginalized communities. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health there are 18,000 people living with HIV in Philadelphia.

For a full list of restaurants or to make an advance donation, visit diningoutforlife dot com/Philadelphia. Watch for updates by following on social media at @DineOut4LifePHL and share your meal using #DOFL2025 #DineOutEndHIV.

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Crooked Tea Launches in Philly with Brandon Graham

Super Bowl Champ Brandon Graham Launches Crooked Tea in Philly at Ladder 15

Over the weekend, the Crooked Tea 🍋 team made a big splash in Philly, teaming up with two-time Lombardi Trophy winner and former Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham,

who brought the energy to Ladder 15 in Center City on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate the official launch of Crooked Tea, a new hard iced tea brand.

Brandon rolled deep with lots of fans, influencers, and friends

Saturday night quickly turned into an unforgettable Philly moment when Brandon surprised everyone by hopping behind the bar and passing out cans of Crooked Tea.

The crowd got the full Crooked Tea experience—chilled cans, live selfies, nonstop laughs, and a taste of what the brand stands for: bold flavor, high energy, and unapologetic vibes.

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Dancing With The Stars – Montessori Moves

The inaugural Philadelphia Montessori Charter School (PMCS ) “Montessori Moves” was held on March 8th at Vie. Over $100,000 was raised to support the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School. Think Philly dancing with the stars-style event where 8 philanthropic/business leaders showed off their best moves!

Amanda Wilson (Ex Dir of Montessori Charter School of Philadelphia) and Carmelina Berardi (winner raising most money raise $24,000 )

PMCS excels at providing children in Kindergarten through 4th grade with a Montessori education in an environment that nurtures the whole child, celebrates inclusion, embraces innovation, and encourages collaboration with families. Carmelina Berardi won top fundraiser and Stefanie McCarthy and Gretchen Ralston tied for best dance!

Laura and Justin Stefanick
Nick and Kristen Pantaleo

Tali Shani Ben-david makes her moves

Natelie Jackson and Stephanie Williams
Laurie Trongone, Camille Doherty, Andrea Ronca and Amy Ritter
Dominique Yannuzzi, Anna Iuliano, Liliana Dicicco and Carmelina Berardi
Dana Fiumara,, Jason Manus and Jill Longstreth
Ryan and Kate Banks
Jalen Millevoix and Avi Ben David
Julie Lynn and Jennifer Sherlock

Jen chose bachata as I’ve always wanted to learn this sensual style dance. “Thanks to @stormballroomdancecentre for everything they showed me including a sense of community.” She raised over $4,000 for the kids.

Serena Saunders, Ahyana King and Michelle Hamilton

Carmelina Berardi: “Wow, what a magical night! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me by donating money and attending the event! With your help, I was able to raise $24,000 for @pmcs2227 and learn some new moves too! Thank you to my instructor @eric_groysman @vibe_dancesport and to @lynsie.feinberg for putting together such an amazing event! Special thank you to the best cheering squad ever, my @shopskirt girls and my friends and family who are always there to support me, Grazie di cuore 💗”

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Around Town With HughE

Neiman Marcus KOP x Jen Su Jet Set

Jen Su is a media personality, known for her work in radio and television, as well as her singing career. She has covered red carpets worldwide including the Cannes Film Festival, the Grammy’s as well as NY Fashion Week and can be found at many of the elevated events here in Philly. Last week she hosted a fashion show at Neiman Marcus, featuring their hottest looks as well as some of Philly’s favorites from the Fashion Incubator, who is hosting FashCon Philly Friday at Moore college.

Golda Collings, GM Neima Marcus, Jen Su and Kris Flynn, Philly Mag

Jen, dressed in an off-the-shoulder violet silk gown with ostrich feather sleeve by Christian Cowan, talked about her life journey as a TV news anchor and fashion
correspondent. “Sometimes you might see my Instagram and think that my life on the red carpet is so glamorous,” said the Philly native on stage. “There’s actually so much stress behind the scenes, from all the credential and travel logistics, to getting the interviews, to filing the stories as quickly and accurately as possible, so I sometimes forget to savor the moment.”

Melissa Leonard and Gregory Jerome
Karen Cox and Donna Coghlan
Fashion designer Nancy Volpe Beringer and Deborah Van Cleve

Jen Su does much more than red carpet events, she’s a philanthropist as well. “I’ll also be involved in the upcoming CHOP: The Runway on May 19th – bringing together fashion and philanthropy.” “But I feel eternally grateful,” added Jen . “After my son was airlifted to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) when we lived overseas in 2017, he endured 3 years of chemo and treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Today he is
cancer-free and CHOP saved his life. I’m inspired by the resilience of these young kids.”

Paul Rimar, Conrad Booker and

Philly designers included Nancy Volpe Beringer of Project Runway and Philadelphia Fashion Week; Elmira Vandenberg , Designer in Residence of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI); Priscilla Carvalho of Priscilla Couture; Jeanette Limas, of PFI, Philly Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week; and Conrad Booker, a PFI alum and Board Director who has been published in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and the New Yorker.

Jee Mint Cao, Gina Lizzo, Main Line Today and Jaimi Blackburn, Fearless Restaurants

The who’s who of the Philly fashion scene was in attendance sipping on champagne and gourmet lite bites, with DJ Eddie Tully on the decks. This Saturday Tully is spinning at his quarterly Matinée Dance Party at VINYL

Philly Fashion Week’s Kevin Parker; Philly Fashion Incubator’s Elissa Bloom; Fox 29’s Drew Anderson; GM of The Bellevue Carissa Dalske; wedding dress fashion maven Deborah Van Cleve; NYFW fav Ramillionaire (above)

Jet Set with Jen Su, was a joyful fusion of high-fashion whimsy and effortless travel glam. Featuring 12 striking looks, the collection showcases iconic names—Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana—interwoven with cool-girl labels like IRO and La Pointe. Think: cobalt blue power suits, butter yellow flowing dresses, sequined separates, and flirty florals with peplum flair. Whether you’re boarding a yacht or brunching in the city, there was something for everyone.

Jane Levin, Elissa Bloom, Priscilla Carvalho, Janet Workman, Tracey Evelyn Reed, Diadem Abayoda, Caitlyn Ellerbeck and Sheilisa McNeal of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator

What are you doing Friday? Jen Su will also be one of the featured speakers and moderators joining the “godmother
of New York Fashion Week” Fern Mallis, celebrity designer Milan Harris (Milano Di Rouge), and other top fashion personalities at this Friday’s (April 11) highly anticipated Philadelphia Fashion Incubator’s FashCon Philly, a fashion industry conference at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. Tickets and info on fashconphilly.com.

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Around Town With HughE

Parkway & Kelly Drive Road Closures 2025

Parkway & Kelly Drive Road Closures 2025 : It’s that time of year along the Parkway and Kelly Drive when Charity Runs, Parades, activations and Regatta’s take place and we need to be prepared to take alternative traffic routes to get around. Here’s the list so far, but I will update it as we go forward.

This Sunday is the Love Run.

What we have so far for interruptions along the Parkway. The City issues press releases for specific road closures as the date approaches. The Kelly Drive Regatta List, below this one, is more complete.

Saturday, April 5 – Hot Chocolate 15K  

Sunday, April 6 – Greek Independence Day Parade  

Sunday, April 20 – Jewish Martyrs Memorial Service  – 16th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway,

Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27 – 2025 Philadelphia Show  

Saturday, April 26 – Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Armenian Heritage Walk   

Thursday, May 1 – The Franklin Institute Gala, 20th street in front of the museum is usually closed from 4pm until 10pm

Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18 – Portal to Universal Studios Epic Universe  – Activation on the Art Museum Steps

Saturday, May 24 – Georgian Culture Day  

Saturday, May 3 – MS Walk  

Check Out the Office of Special Events for a listing of Street Closures through out the City. As we approached each date, we will have a better understanding of which streets are affected.

List of major public events.

SCHUYLKILL RIVER SCHEDULE

March 30: 3rd Flick-Horvat Regatta. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:30 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 5: College Match Race. Host: Penn H&L M/Drexel M/Temple W (w/ Harvard/Cornell/UD). Time: x:00-x:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 6: 4th Flick-Horvat Regatta. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 13: 5th Flick-Horvat Regatta. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 19: Kerr Cup; Blackwell Cup; Wood Hammond Trophy. Host: Drexel + Penn H&L M. Time: x:00 am – x pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 26: College/Club Match Race. Host: St. Joe’s U M&W ; UBC (Bergen/Kelly Cups) + Kelly Cup. Final Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

May 3: College Match Race: Host: St. Joseph’s University Women (w/ Lehigh).  Time: xx am-xx pm

May 3-4: Philadelphia City Championships. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM & OVERNIGHT.

May 15-17: Schuylkill Navy’s Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: Fri& Sat, 8:00-6:00 pm. (Clear Launching Area and Race Course above Girard by 7:15 am).  KELLY DRIVE CLOSED THURSDAY AT 10 AM AND OVERNIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY.

June 7: Independence Dragon Bat Regatta. Host: Phila Dragon Boat Association. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

June 14: Schuylkill Navy Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

Jul 4-6: Schuylkill Navy’s Independence Day Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM AND OVERNIGHT.

Jul 19: Schuylkill Navy’s Philadelphia Youth Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

Aug 2: Quaker City Regatta.  Time: 8:00-6:00 pm.

Oct 11: Navy Day Regatta. Host: St. Joseph’s University. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

Oct 24-26: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Host: Head of the Schuylkill. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM AND OVERNIGHT.

Nov 2: Hidden River Chase. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm.

Nov 27: Schuylkill Navy Run. Host: Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia. Time: 9:00-11:00 am.

Subscribe to the Schuylkill River Events Google Calendar here.

Save This For Later.

Have a great weekend. See you on Social Media.

Socially Yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Les Dames d’Escoffier Philly

On March 5, the Philadelphia Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier hosted a cocktail party to celebrate their remarkable new members and induct them into the Philadelphia Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Alexandra Chermiavsky, Betty Alberts and Mollie Battenyhouse

The Philly chapter is part of  an international network of accomplished women in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality, industries, with members in 40 chapters from London to Hawaii, NYC to Mexico.

Tina Breslow, new member, Dame Lynn Buono , Retired Owner, Founder and Chief Culinary Officer of Feast Your Eyes Catering for 43 years. Consultant and culinary teacher., President and Dame Jacqueline Peccina Kelly Chapter’s co-president (Chef Jacqueline Peccina-Kelly, AKA Chef Jacquie, is the founder of StrEATs of Philly Food Tours, a Michelin-recognized culinary tourism expert. She has helped locals and travelers explore Philadelphia’s wonderfully diverse and culturally rich food scene since 2010.) with Moi. Thanks Mike Toub for taking the photos.

It is very meaningful for the gathering to be at Walnut Hill College, as the school is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Many of their members came through the Restaurant School. (The old name.)

Fran Costigan, Membership Chair with Tiffany DuBois-Morales, a new member
Janet Chrzan, Scholarship Chair/BOD and scholarship recipient Maria Williams

An important part of The Dames mission and their goal is to increase the number of young inspiring chefs, and assisting them with scholarships!

One of our initiatives for scholarship fundraising is the Dining for Dames program that gets off the ground on Tuesday, March 25th. All you have to do is have dinner at the Rittenhouse Grill, ideally with a group of friends. The restaurant will then donate 10% of your bill to our scholarship efforts! Just remember to tell them that you are here for the DAMES 2025. 

Interested in joining ?

Candidates for membership are professional women who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in professional and philanthropic capacities and who have been actively engaged full-time for a minimum of five (5) years in careers in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.

Dame Fran Costigan, Membership Chair and Dame Susanna Foo

The Philadelphia Dames Chapter is comprised of women that are chefs, restaurant owners, caterers, dietitians, sommeliers, product developers, culinary instructors, food service managers, small business owners, farmers, lawyers, cookbook authors, winemakers, brewers, media spokespeople, food stylists, journalists and more! We all reside in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, or Northern Delaware. Membership Applicant

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Charity Philly To Do

The return of Black-Tie GayBINGO!

Action Wellness proudly presents the return of Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Now in its 26th year, Black-Tie GayBINGO! rolls out the glitz and glamour as it continues to raise significant funds for live-saving programs to help those with HIV disease. 

This year’s event holds special significance as AIDS Fund, the original creator of GayBINGO!, will be honored for over 35 years of leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for establishing one of Philadelphia’s most iconic fundraising events. 

After passing the torch in late 2024, Action Wellness now takes the helm, ensuring the legacy of GayBINGO! continues to thrive for years to come. 

For this year’s grand return, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening with: 

* Welcome reception and cocktails

* Silent auction

* Seated dinner with exclusive menu

* Dancing and music

* Musical performance numbers

* GayBINGO! and the famous Bingo Verifying Divas

* Community Award honoring AIDS Fund

“Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love,” said Action Wellness Executive Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic. This is our first year as an organization hosting the event and we are proud to honor AIDS Fund, an organization, like Action Wellness, that has done incredible work while positively impacting the lives of people with HIV over the last 30 years. Please join us for a night of dining, dancing and GayBINGO! with the incredible Bingo Verifying Divas.”

GayBINGO! is the fabulous, irreverent, campy and wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for nearly 30 years. The “Best of Philly” award-winning event went on to host tens of thousands of people, attract sold out crowds, garner national attention, and raise millions of dollars.

Guests will enjoy a special cocktail reception, seated dinner with exclusive menu just for the event, music and dancing, and of course rounds of GayBINGO! The Bingo Verifying Divas will of course be on hand and please come ready with the compliments, as they will be looking more glamorous than ever! Two long-time fan favorites and GayBINGO! icons will be on hand to preside over the evening’s festivities. Carlota Ttendant will host the BINGO games, and Stella D’Oro will serve as hostess of the awards and program.

During the night, guests can help raise additional funds through a silent auction featuring gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and local small businesses.

Action Wellness will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award for their work in starting the event and for their work for the Philadelphia community. Former Executive Director Robb Reichard will accept on behalf of AIDS Fund, along with former staff and board members. In December 2024, AIDS Fund announced their decision to conclude operations.

“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” said Torres. “After 35 years of dedicated service, AIDS Fund concluded operations in December of 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the fight against HIV in Philadelphia – a chapter defined by resilience, compassion and community driven progress. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting individuals and families, and funding critical services during times of crisis.”

GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! have raised over $4M to date and counting. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

SAVE THE DATE: Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at aidsfundphilly dot org/gaybingo. For more information and event previews, please follow @actionwellnessphl on social media.

Monthly GayBingo will continue from April to June, before taking a break for the summer season. Events will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, located at 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Photos by Jeff Fusco

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Around Town With HughE

PHILLY HOME SHOW 2025

It was another successful Philly home and garden show this weekend in Oaks PA. It’s basically Philadelphia but 45 minutes away. Folks lined up to see celebrities like Christopher Knight, Brady Bunch who has a line of home furnishings Christopher Knight Home and Craig Conover a fan favorite on Bravo’s hit reality series, Southern Charm, who talked about their wares and then meant their fans. How as to check out so many great home and garden ideas on a very chilly weekend in February.

Philly Home + Garden Show, consumers enjoyed fresh inspiration, helpful tips,

innovative products and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, décor, gardening and outdoor spaces with hundreds of experts all under one roof.

DIY workshops at the Make It Take It presented by @little.tall.rulers on Saturday and Sunday of the Show

Sleep with Saquon Barkley with this cool balloon installation.

Michael Knight with a fan

Commiserating with Craig Conover (Bravo’s Southern Charm, Sewing Down South Co-Founder) about my broken shoulder

It was really a great exhibition this year, always great but this year just very informative. Don’t sleep on it next year make sure you go and I’ll say hello!! You still have a few hours left today to go. Sunday, February 23, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Home and Garden Show & Craig Conover

The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA for three days only from Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd. Attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces. The event offers opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.

Over 300 exhibitors will present a wide variety of products, ranging from home decor and furniture to garden and landscaping items, as well as kitchen and bath essentials. Plus, a vibrant marketplace will allow you to take home something special! If you love turning to HGTV, DIY, and TLC home improvement shows for the latest tips and tricks, you can meet with gardening to home design experts here in person!

Join us to welcome Craig Conover Southern Charm on Bravo and co-founder of Sewing Down South, a rapidly growing Southern lifestyle brand. Craig will be presenting on Friday, February 21st at 6:00 PM and Saturday, February 22nd at 1:00 PM.

Another celebrity attending the show is Christopher Knight, former child actor known for his role as “Peter Brady” on the iconic TV show The Brady Bunch. Today, Christopher is the owner of Christopher Knight Home, a popular online home furnishings brand. He will take the Philly Home + Garden Show stage on Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 AM and on Sunday, February 23rd at 1:00 PM.

The Barking Lot + Doggy Fashion Show IS RETURNING

Make It, Take it Workshops presented by Little.Tall.Rulers: At the Make It, Take It Workshops, you can craft something special for your home for FREE! Work with local designers, artists, and crafters to explore the latest DIY trends. Ask a Garden Expert: For advice about getting started in the garden, visit the “Ask a Garden Expert” booth in the Garden Hall provided by the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners!

AND SO MUCH MORE!! I’ll be there Saturday taking photos…

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!

Admission is $12 for adults at the event, $10 for adults online until February 20th, and free for children under the age 12. Parking is free at the Philly Home + Garden Show. For all show information and tickets, visit PhillyHomeandGarden.com.

Photos and copy provided by Jenna Communications.

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Around Town With HughE

Chit Chat Holiday Happenings

Happy Holidays doesn’t officially start until the Philadelphia Holiday Tree is lit, and last night it was. WOW the tree is gorgeous. I’m a simple guy, and I love a tree lit in white lights and a beautiful blue star to top it off. (I did love the other tree as well, but it’s like we’re entering a new phase this year.) The base is brand new, simple with the Philly skyline, and words of encouragement like LOVE. It was bitterly cold last night, but that didn’t stop the crowds from coming out to enjoy the festivities with entertainment by Keyshia and Liamani as well as ride the Ferris wheel. Great job Michael DelBene, President & CEO Welcome America and team. (Look for more photos at Metro Philly and CBSPhilly today)

In the past decade, the west and north aprons have come alive with so much activity especially during the holidays. And don’t forget Christmas Village extends to the Center of City Hall, and across the street at Love Park.

Speaking of tree lighting, Old City had theirs on Wednesday and as always the neighborhood really came out to support their efforts. And Old City put on a show. (Old City – Society Hill Films)

Held at Betsy Ross’ house, this year the tree is adorn with red balls, as well as accented with two giant ones at the base.

In November there was a special night opening party of Winter in Franklin Square with a new song which is played along with the dancing fountain during the holiday light show. by The Philly Specials (@jason.kelce, @jordanmailata, & @lanejohnson65 @aphillyspecialchristmas. ) Connor Barwin and Charlie Hall were in attendance to hear Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials along with the crowd for the first time.

(Photos Cari Feiler Bender)

Amy Needle, the president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia greeting the crowd. Here’s what’s coming up you might be interested in. Jingle and Mingle with Santa (December 7, 12, 14, and 21, 5-7 pm) and bring pets for Santa Paws (December 14, 5-7 pm). On Thursday, December 12, Santa (aka City Councilmember Mark Squilla) will make a special appearance from 5-6 pm. Keep an eye out for Santa near the Franklin Square Fountain, double-checking his naughty and nice lists and posing for elfie-selfies. FREE.

Ben Armstrong, Vice President of Communications & Marketing, PECO.

Winter in Franklin Square, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, celebrates traditions old and new at this beloved public space. Through February 23, 2025, Winter in Franklin Square. The centerpiece of the festivities is the nightly free Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Guests can cozy up around fire pits with hot beverages, including spiked options for adults, and enjoy Street Curling and Chilly Philly Mini Golf, adorned with lights and seasonal decorations. Visitors can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and seasonal treats in the pop-up winter bar, Ben On the Rocks. The Square will also host various family holiday events, such as Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa Paws, and Brunch with Santa.

Had dinner with PR Santa Kory Aversa at his new client’s the other night – MAMAJUANA CAFE PHILLY, it was delicious, and spicy which hit the spot on a chilly night. I especially loved the Rice Pudding Pops, with this cute little tree, which I learned wasn’t a souvenir but did make a good Instagramable photo.

Philly Social Club’s Helping Hand Charity Cocktail Reception

Thanks to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, in partnership with the nonprofit Kelly’s Kidz (Bob Kelly, Fox29 seen above giving his wish list to Santa), donated hundreds of toys to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, which will be distributed to patients and families of patients being treated at the hospital this holiday season. Check out photos at Metro Philly and CBSPhilly.

Congratulations to Ray Smeriglio whose longtime partner, fiance, Miguel Martinez-Valle who popped the question to HIM on Wednesday night in front of friends. Traditionally Miguel’s emcees the lighting of the East Passyunk Tree, and they host a party for friends and family, as they did this year, with a surprise proposal to Ray. Earlier this year Ray popped the question to Miguel. NBC10 has the story. Hi to

Shout out to Mark Brown (and his wife), longtime ChitChat reader, and IG follower (msaxbrown). I promised him I would write more on the blog in 2025….Thanks everyone for bearing with me this year. Coverage here was a bit spotty. Mark entertained us at Miguel & Ray’s party on Wednesday night.

So much more happening in the City, follow along on my Instagram account where I update you a few times a day.

Thanks!! Socially yours, xoxo HughE