PHILADELPHIA — Get your winter hats ready: Manayunk is about to turn into a snow globe.
The Manayunk Development Corporation has announced its 2025 "Holidays in Manayunk" lineup, and the neighborhood is pulling out all the stops to become the city’s premier holiday destination. Running from November 20 through New Year’s Day, the district will feature six weeks of festivities, pop-up bars, and a massive light competition.
The headline act? Snow on Main Street.
Organizers are bringing in two industrial snow machines—double the firepower from previous years—to blanket the district in white stuff for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
The Kick-Off: November 20
The season officially begins on Thursday, November 20, with Philadelphia’s largest neighborhood tree lighting. Last year, over 10,000 people attended the event at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street).
- 5:30 PM: Festivities begin with live music from The City Belles.
- 7:00 PM: The tree is lit, launching the "Manayunk Gets Lit" decorating competition.
- Special Guest: Santa Claus will be there, and rumor has it he’ll be leading an Eagles cheer.
Manayunk Gets Lit
Starting November 20, over 40 businesses along Main Street will compete for the title of "Best Bling on the Block." Storefronts, windows, and roofs will be decked out with tens of thousands of lights. Visitors can vote for their favorites to win shopping sprees.
The Jolly Trolley Returns
Starting in December, the free Jolly Trolley will run along Main Street on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Riders can hop on and off to shop and dine, often accompanied by costumed characters like The Grinch, Rudolph, and Santa himself.
Pop-Ups and Special Events
The neighborhood is packed with specific events catering to everyone from runners to pet owners:
- Señor Grinch Pop-Up (Nov 20): Taqueria Amor transforms into a Grinch-themed wonderland for the sixth year, featuring movie clips, decor, and themed cocktails.
- Small Business Saturday (Nov 29): Shoppers can pick up a "Passport" to earn prizes while supporting over 50 local businesses.
- Santa Paws (Dec 6): Bring your dogs for photos with Santa at the Pet Friendly Dog Bakery.
- Twisted Christmas (Dec 12-13): Lincoln Mill Haunted House presents the region’s only Christmas-themed haunt, filled with evil elves and scary seasonal decor.
- Rudolph Run (Dec 13): A three-mile fun run where participants don red noses and jingle bells. Entry is a canned good donation for the North Light Community Center.
- Hanukkah Celebrations: The "Eight Crazy Nights" of giveaways run from Dec 14-22, with a public menorah lighting at Canal View Park on December 18.
Manayunk is clearly aiming to create a "Hallmark Movie" atmosphere right here in Philly—snow included.
