Philadelphia, PA - Celebrate the holiday season in America’s most historic square mile with Historic Holiday Nights in Old City, presented by Old City District. Each and every Thursday, from November 30 to December 28, 2017, head to Old City for this unique holiday happy hour from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
More than 50 participating boutiques, shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cafes around the neighborhood will treat visitors to special sales, discounts, promotions, seasonal cocktails, added menu items, special events and extended hours. Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place, and enjoy some seasonal dishes and sips along the way!
Opening Night Nov 30th 2017
Historic Holiday Nights kicks off on Thursday November 30th with carolers, history makers and Old City's first-ever Tree Lighting Ceremony - all starting at 5:00pm at the Betsy Ross House courtyard (239 Arch Street). Festivities will include Betsy Ross, carolers, and the new Old City District Design Tree. At 5:30pm, the Philadelphia Youth Ballet will present excerpts of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Fezziwig’s Sweet Shoppe will offer seasonal sips and snacks, including their famous kettle korn. At 6:00pm, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin. The Old City District Design Tree is an artistic lighting installation designed by FK Productions, and celebrates the season with a nod to the neighborhood’s strong history of art and design. Visitors can enjoy $1 off admission at the Betsy Ross House, which will offer extended hours until 8:00pm.
Tippler's Tour: Yuletide Cheers & Beers will also begin at the Betsy Ross House at 5:30pm. Travel back to the winter of 1777 to enjoy festive ales and libations with a British soldier, as he provides a unique perspective on this tumultuous time in Historic Philadelphia. (Must be 21 and over with valid identification. Tickets must be purchased in advance at historicphiladelphia.org.)
Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest residential street, will also offer extended visiting hours from 5:00pm to 8:00pm (126 Elfreth's Alley).
As part of Old City District’s Historic Holiday Nights, start a magical new holiday tradition by coming to see “Illuminating Liberty," the Museum of the American Revolution’s colorful new window illuminations, inspired by Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale. The window illuminations will be on display nightly from November 30 through the New Year.
On Thursday, November 30th from 5:00 to 7:00pm, the Museum of the American Revolution’s Cross Keys Café will be offering seasonal treats including Shane’s Hot Cocoa, and hot seasonal cocktails. The Museum’s gift shop will be open for holiday shopping. Visitors can try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing and design their own decorative window illuminations on the Museum’s first-floor. (No exhibit access.)
Philadelphia's Historic Holiday Nights Participating Shops -Around every corner of Old City, find one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade goods for your family and friends. Twenty shops, boutiques, art galleries, design showrooms, spas and barbershops will offer extended shopping hours, sales, and promotions every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm through December 28th.
