December is officially upon us. And if you're feeling festive this year, there's plenty of holiday activities going on outside of Center City Philadelphia to jingle your bells about. In fact, if you're a Riverwards neighborhood resident, there's plenty of very merry events going on right in your backyard! It's cold outside -- but there's no reason you have to travel far from home to get into the Holiday Spirit.
So bundle up, gather up the family, and don't miss these holiday themed events in the Port Richmond and Fishtown neighborhoods! There's plenty to choose from in the coming weeks, and they might just become family traditions for years to come.
1. 8th Annual Fishtown Tree Lighting Ceremony
Palmer Park | Saturday, December 8th | 6:00 PM
The historic and beautiful Palmer Cemetary, at 1410 E Palmer Street in Fishtown, will host it's 8th annual Christmas tree lighting Ceremony this Saturday. The celebration will include caroling and a visit from Santa Clause himself.
2614 E Lehigh Ave.
Why is this Pound Cake so good? Certainly you've overheard talk of this mouthwatering miracle in cake form before. This is the stuff dreams are made of. If you've been waiting for the right moment to indulge -- this is it. The holiday's aren't quite complete without a visit to Port Richmond's Stock's Bakery for their legendary pound cake. They sell other baked goods, too -- but legend has it that at Christmas time they ONLY sell pound cake... the demand is that high. I suggest calling and getting your order in now.
Frankford Avenue | Saturday, December 8th | 9:00AM
Fishtown Freeze is an all day Holiday event you probably won't want to miss. The businesses of Fishtown are teaming up to spread Christmas cheer for all of Philadelphia to hear! Along Front Street, Girard and Frankford Avenue's -- businesses and vendors will be serving holiday gifts and refreshments. There will be 25 hand carved ice sculptures along the way. Want to see some live-action ice sculpting? Head over to Sugarhouse Casino & Suraya to watch the ice masters at work. Pictures with Santa will take place at Frankford Hall and Sugarhouse Casino. But, the party doesn't stop there -- many bars will host a cocktail crawl for the 21+ crowd, offering one night only drink specials.
4. Chrusciki at Swiacki Meats
3623 Salmon Street
If you don't know how to pronounce Chrusciki, don't worry -- I don't think I do either. It stands for "Angel Wings", and this Polish Staple is a holiday tradition you may not have heard about, until now. People line up for this fried doughy goodness every December. There's a convenient parking lot across the street, but good luck getting in and out of there this time of year. If you want to be the star at your family's holiday gathering this year -- stop in this family run Port Richmond business and grab a box of these.
5. Power's Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Powers Park Conservancy | Saturday, December 8 | 4:30 PM
This gem of a park in the heart of Port Richmond does not cut corners when it comes to neighborhood events. Power's Park Conservancy knows how to throw a party! Their tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 4:30 -- and will come complete with hot chocolate and cookies, a raffle and pictures with Santa. Head on over to the corner of Ann & Almond Streets and join in on the Holiday fun -- it's always a good time for the whole family.
Want to know more about available real estate in these neighborhoods? Contact Nicole Neff today.
Nicole Neff, REALTOR® Keller Williams Philadelphia
1619 Walnut Street, 5th FL
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Cell: 267-992-6876
E-mail: Nicoleneff@kw.com