PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk is officially transforming into a winter wonderland for the 2026 holiday season. Promising more snow than ever before, the Manayunk Development Corporation is launching a massive six-week celebration that will make Main Street feel like a scene pulled straight from a holiday movie.
Step Into a Hallmark Movie: Manayunk Kicks Off 6 Weeks of Holiday Magic
From November 19, 2026, through New Year’s Day, the neighborhood will host the city's first and largest tree lighting, a massive storefront decorating competition, complimentary trolley rides, and unique holiday pop-ups. Here is everything you need to know to plan your festive visit.
The Tree Lighting & "Gets Lit" Kickoff
The holiday season officially begins on Thursday, November 19, at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street). Starting at 5:30 p.m., the annual tree lighting ceremony will feature live performances from the Ghostlight Players, John Viscardi & Lady Alma, and the City Belles. Santa Claus will arrive at 6:00 p.m. for a meet-and-greet, bringing along magical North Pole snow generated by two massive snow machines. The giant tree will be illuminated at 7:00 p.m., which also serves as the official launch of the Manayunk Gets Lit decorating competition, where over 40 local businesses battle for the title of the best holiday bling on the block.
Get Lit Weekends & The Jolly Trolley
Taking in the tens of thousands of lights is easiest on the weekends. From December 4 through December 19, Fridays and Saturdays (5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) will feature the return of the complimentary Manayunk Jolly Trolley. Riders can hop on and off at key businesses along Main Street to enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and festive singalongs.
While visiting on Get Lit Weekends, families can stop by the Manayunk Welcome Center at 106 Grape Street for Santa Merry Meet & Greets (Fridays 5-7 p.m., Saturdays 2-5 p.m.). Pet owners can bring their furry friends for special Santa Paws photo ops on December 11 and 12.
Small Business Saturday
Manayunk is the ultimate destination for holiday shopping, with nearly a dozen brand-new shops and over 50 businesses offering deals on Small Business Saturday (November 28). Visitors can pick up a Shop Small Passport at the Welcome Center; by collecting six stickers through purchases at local stores and cafes, shoppers can redeem prizes and enter a larger giveaway.
Festive Pop-Ups and Holiday Runs
The neighborhood is packed with unique events and attractions throughout the season:
- Hang Ten Rudolph Tropical Christmas: Taqueria Amor (4410 Main Street) returns with its 7th annual holiday pop-up, featuring an over-the-top tropical Christmas theme, Tiki-inspired dishes, themed cocktails, and holiday movie projections.
- The Rudolph Run: On Saturday, December 12, don your holiday finest for this 3-mile fun run along the towpath. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at Philadelphia Runner, with the run starting at 9:00 a.m. Entry requires a canned good donation to benefit the North Light Community Center.
- Twisted Christmas: Add some fear to your holiday cheer on December 11 and 12 at Lincoln Mill Haunted House, which transforms into the region's only Christmas-themed haunted attraction.
- Hanukkah on Main: On Thursday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m., celebrate the Festival of Lights with a magical menorah lighting at Canal View Park featuring latkes and music, alongside gelt giveaways at the Welcome Center.
Share This Article on Social Media
