Holidays On The Hill Returning To Chestnut Hill

CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA — Holidays on the Hill are coming back to Chestnut Hill this holiday season, with added safety guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The monthlong celebration runs from Saturday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Dec. 31.

Visitors can enjoy the tunes of a brass quartet, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets, view an outdoor model train display, take advantage of late-night shopping hours, and experience socially-distanced visits from Santa.

This year, the Chestnut Hill Business District has implemented new coronavirus safety
guidelines, reimagining Holidays on the Hill to create various safe and socially distant
ways to celebrate the holidays, virtually or in-person.

Chestnut Hill’s oldest tradition, Stag & Doe, is expanding to an all-day event, with staggered entertainment, to provide for a comfortable, safe, and socially distant shopping experience.

During the holiday season, Chestnut Hill’s six public lots are offering free parking all day on Wednesdays for Stag & Doe. Street parking is free every day after 6pm and on Sundays.

Below is the schedule of events for Holidays on the Hill:

Nov. 21
Woodmere Art Museum (9201 Germantown Ave.), in partnership with the Chestnut Hill Business and Community Associations, reimagines Circle of Trees for 2020 with a virtual event that includes a visit from Santa, tree lighting, a choir performance by Norwood Fontbonne Academy's Note-ables, and more! Guests will also be treated to a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Santa! Register for this free event here.

Nov. 27 through Dec. 25 (Wednesdays through Saturdays)
Fourteen Chestnut Hill businesses have committed to extended evening shopping hours to allow visitors to the Avenue to shop later and safely for friends and families. Doors will stay open until 7 p.m. or later beginning on Black Friday, Nov. 27 through Christmas Day, Dec. 25. See the full list of participating retailers here.

Nov. 27 through Dec. 31
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Ave.) returns Nov. 27 and continues through the end of the year! The exhibit features an intricate outdoor and expansive train display of 15 rails and a quarter-mile track adorned with a miniature village. Advanced tickets are required and may be purchased by clicking here. New for 2020 are extended Holiday Garden Railway Nights on Saturday and Sunday nights!

Nov. 28
Shop Chestnut Hill’s trendy and one-of-a-kind boutiques on Small Business
Saturday and #KeepItOnTheHill. Check off gifts from your holiday wish list and support local
retailers and restaurants while Santa and a Mummers trio stroll down Germantown Avenue.
Santa will stroll along the Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Mummers Trio will play from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from 3 p.m. to 6pm.

All December
Select Chestnut Hill retailers are offering safe VIP & Private Shopping Experiences to view inventory, shop, and meet with sales associates personally without contact with other shoppers. See the full list of retailers participating in this one-on-one experience here.

Tuesdays in December
The Chestnut Hill Business District Facebook Page will feature Live Stream Holiday Shopping Previews of a selection of stores at 1 p.m. every Tuesday in December (1, 8, 15, and 22) with featured items, seasonal specials, and other holiday gift ideas to show shoppers what stores have to offer this holiday season.

Wednesdays in December
During Chestnut Hill’s oldest and most-anticipated tradition, Stag & Doe, visitors, and locals can stroll along Germantown Avenue on Wednesdays throughout December (2, 9, 16, and 23) to catch a glimpse of Santa, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, shop independent stores during extended hours, dine outdoors, or order takeout. To allow for safe shopping, Stag & Doe is now an all-day experience to allow guests plenty of space and extra time to enjoy the festivities. Santa will be wearing the new mask that Mrs. Claus sewed for him and children are welcome to speak with Santa from six feet away while also wearing masks. On Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, Santa will be on the Avenue between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and on Dec. 9 and Dec. 23 he will make appearances between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A brass quartet will play at various locations every Stag & Doe Night between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the new extended shopping hours and all-day entertainment, perfect for a socially distanced day trip on the Hill.

Dec. 5 and Dec. 6
Team Whetzel partners with retailers on the Avenue for a unique shopping and adventure experience during a two-day Chestnut Hill Holiday Hunt for all ages. Children search for hidden snowmen in participating retailers to complete a holiday map and are rewarded with a treat at Busy Bee Toys (8511 Germantown Ave.) after it is finished. This is a great way to get the kids out of the house and entertained while parents can check off items from their list!