East Passyunk Feast of 7 Fish Dinners, Christmas Eve and New Year's Hours for East Passyunk and South Street Bars and Restaurants

Restaurants along East Passyunk Avenue and South Street Headhouse District are celebrating Christmas Eve in Italian style with special menus, prix fix dinners and the traditional "Feast of the 7 Fish" dinner. 

Mamma Maria Ristorante (1637 East Passyunk Avenue) - Spend Christmas Eve with South Philly’s most famous “Mamma” and her long-standing Christmas Eve Seven Fish Dinner featuring: Antipasto di Pesce, Chestnut Soup, Fettuccine alle Vongole, Baccala Codfish salad, Calamari Stuffed squid, Sogliola Flounder, Salmone Salmon, Merluzzo Smelts, Conchiglia large stuffed clams, Capo Sante Scallops, salad, sides, coffee, dessert, complimentary wine and after-dinner cordials. Each guest is $65.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Seatings at 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Call 215 463-6884 for reservations.

Noir Restaurant (1909 East Passyunk Avenue) - Noir celebrates the Feast of the 7 Fish with a three-course meal for only $40.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity), including choice of Seafood Bouillabaisse or Mediterranean Salad; Squid Ink Linguini Del Mare, Mosaic Trio or Seafood Risotto; Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Crème Brulee Cheese Cake or Tira Misu. Call (267) 319-1678 for reservations. Reservations for 9:00pm seating are available.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - East Passyunk’s newest restaurant opens just in time for the holidays (12/18) with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. On Christmas Eve, dinner patrons will enjoy complimentary Punzone Poinsettia compliments of Chef Luke Palladino. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Paradiso (1627 East Passyunk Avenue) - Christmas Eve “La Vigilia Di Natale” Feast of the 7 Fish includes delicious offerings from Chef Lynn Rinaldi that include Baccala Mantecato, Fritto Misto, Black Bucatini with Rock Shrimp, Linguine with Clams, Penne with Lump Crabmeat, Whole Dover Sole, Stuffed Skate with Crabmeat and more. Antipasti di Pesce, sides for the table and dessert choice included for $75.00 per person. Call 215.271.2066 for reservations.

SliCE (1740 Sansom St. or 137 Egg Harbor Rd) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Pizza of the 7 Fishes, featuring mozzarella, clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, crab meat, anchovies and sardine all sauteed with fresh olive oil and garlic, and topped with fresh lemon and basil. This unique pie is a twist on the Italian tradition of Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner. Rittenhouse and Washington Township locations are open through 6:00pm on Christmas Day. Rittenhouse will deliver anywhere in Philadelphia that day by calling (215) 557- 9299.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with a four-course prix fixe that includes choice of soup or salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Highlights include Zuppa di pesce (Fish Soup),Shrimp Scampi Flatbread, Baby Neck Clams in Garlic Butter, Jeanie's Code and Shrimp, Salmon Cakes, Frutti di Mare, Jeanie’s Homemade Cheese Pie with Fig Sauce, Chocolate Bread Pudding and more. Glass of wine or soda included for $50.00 per person (not included gratuity). Reservation required by calling (267) 324-3144. Hours 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Stogie Joe’s (1801 East Passyunk Avenue) - Place your order now for a Tavern Style Christmas Menu that you can pick-up for your family. Enjoy offerings like Clams Casino, Crab Sauce, Crab Cakes, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Salad and more. All orders must be placed by Friday, December 20, 2014, by calling 267-767-5701. Pick-up by December 24, 2014 by 5:00pm.

** OTHER RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE ** 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 8:00pm with happy hour specials 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 9:00pm.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open 11:00am to 3:00pm for lunch and bar.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - Dining room and bar opens at 4:00pm regular a la carte menu.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am - one of Philadelphia's earliest spots to put the jolly into your Christmas Eve. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

** OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY **

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 5:00pm to 2:00am.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - The bar opens at 7:00am with a shot of Wild Turkey for only $3.00, open until 2am. Come in before the screaming kids and annoying aunt arrive, or escape the minute they leave. 

** NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS, DINNERS AND HOURS **

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Silvester Party from 9:00pm to 1:00am with four hour top shelf open bar, exclusive winter German import beers, live entertainment, grand buffet, champagne toast and party favors for $125.00 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brauhausschmitz.com. Kitchen will also be open for regular menu from 11:30am to Midnight (with free champagne toast) and the bar will be open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Delicias (526 S. 4th Street) - New Year's Eve seating anytime 5:00pm to 7:00pm with three courses for $35.00, and seating anytime 7:00pm to 10:00pm with four courses for $55.00. Music and complimentary champagne will be offered. Make reservations by calling (267) 687-7631.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - New Year’s Eve four course prix fixe menu for $75.00 with an optional $30 wine pairing, or a six course prix fixe menu for $100.00 with an optional $45.00 wine pairing. Hours 4:00pm to 10:30pm. Highlights include Hamachi Tartare (passion fruit, caviar, cucumber), Lobser Risotto (lobster ceviche, winter citruses, saffro), Foie Gras (warm cinnamon brioche, ginger, candied butternut squash), Wild Sturgeon (roasted spicy golden beets, smoked green apple, cipollini onions) and Crème “Brûlée” Cheesecake (meyer lemon, hazelnuts, anise). Call 267.687.8512 for reservations, or visit www.elaphilly.com/events.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 3:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Stop by Nick’s annual New Year’s Party before and after the 6:00pm and Midnight fireworks in Old City. Enjoy champagne toast, noisemakers and more. Hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Ring in the New Year with a complimentary glass of Prosecco with dinner.  The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:30am to 10:00pm. Enjoy sparkling cider toast at 6:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am with a party featuring drinks, noisemakers, hats and much more in the evening counting down to Midnight. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 4:00pm to 2:00am.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Open 5:00pm to 10:00pm with complimentary champagne toast while dining, reservations required (267) 324-3144.

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Open 5:00pm to 2:00am with St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe and "No Corks Eve" Party. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700.

** OPEN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY ** 

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Kitchen open 11:30am to Midnight, and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am. All-day special Roast Pork with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes for $15.

Bru Craft & Wurst (1318 Chestnut Street) - Spend New Year's Day in Midtown Village with the bar opening at 9:00am and lunch, brunch and dinner service. 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am, with $4.00 Bloody Mary's 11:30am to 3:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 1:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Enjoy Nick’s annual New Year’s Day party with Joey Dog’s family recipe pork and sauerkraut for only $8.50, plus Mimosa, Bloody Mary and cocktail Specials. Warm-up on your way to Two Street with special Italian and Irish coffees. Open 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Kick off the New Year inside East Passyunk’s newest restaurant with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 12:00pm to 9:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open bright and early to start the new year from 7:00am to 2:00am with all-day party and great spot to celebrate with Mummers. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Brunch served 11:30am to 4:00pm, happy hour 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and closes early at 8:00pm.

Taproom on 19th (19th and Ritner) - Brunch served starting at 11am and bar and dining room open until 2:00am.  Great spot to hit after the Mummers' Parade!

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Enjoy either St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe or No Corks Eve Party. No Corks Eve Party will feature sparkling cocktails, champagne by the glass and free pour at Midnight, and is open to all. St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe will feature seatings at 5:30pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm for $65.00 per person that includes amuse bouche, appetizers, from the garden, entree and dessert. A la carte seating available at the bar. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700. Open 5:00pm to 1:00am for the kitchen and 2:00am for the bar.

** OTHER FOODIE CELEBRATIONS THIS HOLIDAY ** 

Monday, December 22, 2014

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Glenfiddich Holiday Event. Enjoy a flight of scotch (15 year, 18 year, retro), a lesson with brand ambassador Bradford Lawrence and house made charcuterie and cheeses to accompany. Two seatings at 8:00pm and 10:00pm at the community table.  Limited to ten people per seating for $30.00 each. Call (215) 625-3700 to reserve now.

December 12-23, and December 26-30, 2014

Bistrot La Minette (623 South 6th Street) - A Traditional French Christmas Dinner: Dîner de Noël. Enjoy five courses for $65 or $100 with wine pairings. Though the French tend to eat rather modestly most of the year, at Christmas dinner, traditionally served from 8:00pm until well after midnight on Christmas Eve, they pull out all the stops and feast on luxurious food and lots of it. Chef Peter Woolsey’s dinner would be at home in any neighborhood bistro in France, or in a French home. In his wife’s family they actually expect us to eat 2–3 dozen oysters, a couple dozen escargot and two types of foie gras (duck and goose) and that is just the appetizers. Highlights include: Velouté de Cèpes et Châtaigne (Porcini and chestnut soup, seared foie gras, crispy leeks, parsley oil), Huîtres au Citron (Five Little Shemogue oysters, Meyer lemon, chives, cracked pepper), Tournedos de Chevreuil Sauce Périgueux (Bacon-wrapped venison loin, pommes purée, seared Brussels sprouts, black truffle Perigueux sauce) and Bûche de Noël Traditionnelle (Pistachio jaconde yule log, chocolate butter cream pistachio ice cream, meringue). Call 215-925-8000 for reservations or visit ww.BistrotLaMinette.com. Regular menu is also available on these days.

Philadelphia Neighborhoods Light Up with 2014 Tree Lighting Celebrations by South Street, East Passyunk, Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd

Starting tonight, Philadelphia neighborhoods will light up for the 2014 holidays with festive celebrations, parties, parades and tree lightings by South Street Headhouse District, East Passyunk Business Improvement District, Go Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd on the Delaware and Christmas Village.  All events listed below are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public. Make sure to bring your family to one or all of them. Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy to the events on South Street and East Passyunk as part of the Joy of Sharing Campaign by CBS Philly. 
 

Photo credit: Visit Philly

Wednesday, December 3, 2014
City Hall and Christmas Village

Head to Philadelphia City Hall for the Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Spectacular with a 35-foot-tall Norway spruce from Linvilla Orchards. Entertainment starts at 6:00pm, with the ceremony at 7:00pm. Tonight is also the first night the Christmas Village Christmas Tree in LOVE Park will be lit. Stop by after today for photos with the twinkling tree and the iconic LOVE Statue.

Thursday, December 4, 2014
East Passyunk's Tree Lighting Party

Kick off the holidays with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The free celebration will include live music, carolers, holiday sweets, shopping and other surprises. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped gift for a toy drive to benefit local youth. After the party, stay until 9:00pm for extended shopping hours as the Deck the Ave campaign kicks off with shopping, sales and other festivities during December. 

Friday, December 5, 2014
Go Mt Airy Tree Lighting

Mt. Airy rings in the Holiday Season with events all weekend, kicked off by a tree lighting at the Lutheran Seminary at 4:45pm, with music from the Salvation Army Brass Band, followed by a community run Caroling session down the Avenue. That same evening, take pictures with Santa at Rothe Florists from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  The event is free and includes warm cider, cookies and candy canes for all.  There will be a store-wide sale on all holiday trimmings.

Saturday, December 6, 2014
Gilded Age Christmas at the Mansion

Glen Foerd will partner with Settlement Music School’s Kardon Northeast Branch to bring musical and ballet performances to the family friendly event Christmas at the Mansion. From 1:00pm to 6:00pm the public is invited to experience the mansion in full holiday décor, enjoy performances and children’s crafts. The Dining Car will be selling holiday sweets and cookies. Join Santa at 5:00pm as he makes an appearance at our outdoor holiday tree lighting and joins guests in singing holiday carols, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30pm.

Sunday, December 7, 2014
Winter Wonderland, Tree Lighting and Headhouse Holiday Market

South Street Headhouse District presents their annual extravaganza Winter Wonderland from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Historic Headhouse Square Shambles on 200 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.  Free family fun will include the annual holiday tree lighting, Santa Claus arriving on a firetruck, free horse-drawn carriage rides, performances by Philadelphia Dance Academy and Society Hill Dance Academy, and the Headhouse Holiday Market in conjunction with PHAIR. Brauhaus Schmitz will serve mulled wine and other treats. Before or after the festivities, stroll the district and check out holiday displays at 30+ businesses competing in the Window Wonderland Storefront Challenge. 

UPDATE: EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL 2015 
Lantern Parade and FREE Concert

The Christmas fun continues after the trees are lit! Help us light up the city with the Lantern Parade at Christmas Village in Philadelphia: Presented by NRG Home. This German-style Lantern Parade starts at 5:00pm. Bring your homemade lantern and meet at the iconic LOVE Statue. The Snow Queen, along with Gerda and Kai fromEnchantment Theatre Company’s The Snow Queen, will lead the parade of lights around LOVE Park and Center City. The parade will end at the Christmas Village stage with a sing-a-long led by children from East Passyunk’s Alphabet Academy Daycare and a free concert by the The Philly POPS Festival Brass.  Join the parade with your family, or simply come to watch! All lanterns should contain battery-operated candles or lights, no flames.

Glen Foerd Mansion Presents a Gilded Age Christmas with Tree Lighting, Visit from Santa, Holiday Tea and New Exhibition

Glen Foerd, Philadelphia’s only riverfront mansion open to the public, will offer a multitude of holiday events this year that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The mansion will offer music and dance performances, a festive holiday tea and an exhibition featuring the German art of paper cutting, called Sherenschnitte. This year’s decorations sparkle in silver and gold, including a twelve foot Christmas tree designed by decorators from Feeney’s Garden Center.

Glen Foerd will partner with Settlement Music School’s Kardon Northeast Branch to bring musical and ballet performances to the family friendly event Christmas at the Mansion on Saturday, December 6. From 1:00pm to 5:00pm the public is invited to experience the mansion in full holiday décor, enjoy performances and children’s crafts. The Dining Car will be selling holiday sweets and cookies. Join Santa at 5:00pm as he makes an appearance at our outdoor holiday tree lighting and joins guests in singing holiday carols.

On Saturday, December 13 from 11:00am to 2:00pm adults are welcome to step back in time and enjoy a delightful holiday tea luncheon with Glen Foerd’s former mistress of the mansion, Florence Foerderer Tonner. Enjoy period music as you enjoy good company at a traditional holiday tea. For information, reservation information and pricing for any Glen Foerd’s holiday programs visit www.glenfoerd.org, or call 215-632-5330. 

Also, during December don' t miss Glen Foerd's latest exhibition, “Shear Beauty: The Paper Cut Artistry of Margarethe Von Glehn Luther." The exhibition is free to the public and can be viewed Monday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

The mission of Glen Foerd on the Delaware is to connect visitors to the legacy of Glen Foerd through programs in the arts, nature and history and to preserve and protect the landscape, buildings and collections for the enjoyment and enrichment of the community and future generations. The historic estate is located on 18-acres at the confluence of the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River. Glen Foerd is a Fairmount Park property where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enjoy a rich natural landscape, historic buildings and impressive art collection surrounded by a grand, intact 19th century estate. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its grounds are listed as a Historic American Landscape Survey site, one of only 24 in Pennsylvania.

Christmas Village Lights Up Philadelphia with New Lantern Parade and Concert by The Philly POPS Brass - EVENT CANCELLED

EVENT CANCELLED Update 12/10 -- Christmas Village in Philadelphia: Presented by NRG Home invites you to a traditional German-style Lantern Parade on Thursday, December 11, 2014.  At 5:00pm, bring your homemade lantern and meet at the iconic LOVE Statue. The Snow Queen, along with Gerda and Kai from Enchantment Theatre Company’s The Snow Queen, will lead the parade of lights around LOVE Park and Center City. The parade will end at the Christmas Village stage with a sing-a-long led by children from East Passyunk’s Alphabet Academy Daycare and a free concert by the The Philly POPS Festival Brass.  Join the parade with your family, or simply come to watch! All lanterns should contain battery-operated candles or lights, no flames.

For more about Christmas Village, visit:
http://www.philachristmas.com

For more about The Snow Queen, visit: http://enchantmenttheatre.org

For info about The Philly Pops, visit:
http://phillypops.com
 

Barrymore Award Winner Inis Nua Theatre Company Presents Spy-Themed Craicdown Under Cover Concert Benefit at World Cafe Live

Inis Nua Theatre Company isn't taking a breather after this fall’s production of Ciphers and five recent Barrymore wins.  Enjoy this weekend doubleheader! 

CRAICDOWN UNDER COVER
Inis Nua Theatre Company presents their annual benefit Craicdown Under Cover this Friday, November 21, 2014, at World Cafe Live! (3025 Walnut Street), from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. In honor of Ciphers, Inis Nua's successful fall production, this year's concert benefit features a "spy" theme, with performers doing their versions of the James Bond movie theme songs. Musicians and theatre artists appearing include Mal Whyte, TJ Kong from TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb, as well as the mighty West Philadelphia Orchestra (putting some Balkan swing on James Bond). Hosting the event is Inis Nua fan favorite Damon Bonetti as Le Falcon, the notorious (and goofy) assassin for hire from Inis Nua's 2013 world premiere The Hand of Gaul. Enjoy an evening of dance, music, comedy, raffles and great performances.  Ticket sales will support future works by Inis Nua Theatre Company. Tickets are $25 in advance at inisnuatheatre.ticketleap.com and $30 at the door. Help “craic” the code to support future works by Inis Nua.
 

WORKSHOP FOR CARMILLA: VIDEO NASTY
Inis Nua Theatre Company presents a free public sharing of a one-week workshop on Carmilla: Video Nasty, an Inis Nua original in development, this Sunday, November 23, 2014, at 6:00pm at Pig Iron School (1417 N 2nd St, Philadelphia). In 1983, a low budget film company tries to adapt Sheridan LeFanu's Gothic horror novella, Carmilla for a direct-to-video audience. With the advent of VCRs, people have the ability to watch video movies in the privacy of their own home. But in 1980's Thatcher Britain, there is no film classification for these videos. And the conservatives are upset about it. They worry that the movies, dubbed "video nasties", will destroy society. Think of the children! What proceeds is a media frenzy and social hysteria ultimately resulting in banning the so-called video nasties. Come see the beginning ideas as the company devises its new work. The workshop is free and open to the public. Register online at inisnuatheatre.ticketleap.com.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Big Fat Quiz of the Year
Monday, December 15, 2014, 7:00pm
Test your knowledge of the year's events as well as Inis Nua trivia. Admission donation is $15.00 at the door, which includes one free drink.  Location is to be announced.

Long Live the Little Knife by David Leddy
February 4-22, 2015
“You need to keep your wits about you, but you will still be taken in by this hugely enjoyable romp.”—The Guardian.  Long Live the Little Knife is a more absurdist take on the double-cross. It’s a fast-paced tale of swindling, dirty tricks and false identities. Husband and wife con artists set out to become the greatest art forgers in the world. What they gain—and what they lose—makes for a shocking, funny and oddly uplifting trip.

Penolope by Enda Walsh
April 8-26, 2015
“Mr. Walsh has an intense, love-hate relationship with words… And the gorgeous, outlandish sentences and speeches he weaves seem to self-destruct even as they are spoken.”—New York Times. This inspired take on Homer’s The Odyssey finds four absurd men holding vigil in an empty swimming pool. These are the last of the one hundred suitors of Penelope, who has waited ten years for her husband Odysseus to return from the Trojan Wars. Will the great warrior return and slay his rivals? Or will Penelope give up and turn to a new love?

ABOUT INIS NUA THEATRE COMPANY

Inis Nua’s mission is to produce contemporary, provocative plays from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales which reflect those cultures’ new identities in today’s world.  Inis Nua also seeks to cultivate and produce contemporary, provocative work from American playwrights who deal with the Irish-American, Welsh-American, Scottish-American and Anglo-American experiences.

To date, Inis Nua has produced one world premiere, seven American premieres and ten Philadelphia premieres. Inis Nua Theatre Company has been the recipient of grants from the Wyncote Foundation, the Pew Center for Arts and Culture through the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, the Independence Foundation, the Fels Fund, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and the Charlotte Cushman Foundation. Inis Nua Theatre has also had six playwrights visit for their shows.


 

Christmas Village in Philadelphia Returns to LOVE Park for 2014 Holiday Season with Festive Sights, Sounds and Shopping

The Christmas Village will again transform Philadelphia’s LOVE Park (15th and JFK Boulevard) into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, open daily between Thanksgiving and Sunday, December 28, 2014. Shop for high-quality, international and local gifts and decorations. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with thousand of twinkling lights, the LOVE Park Christmas Tree, live music, children’s activities and photos with Santa Claus. Warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying European and American food and drink. Admission is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go. Spread the cheer by following @philachristmas on Twitter, liking Christmas Village on Facebook and visiting www.philachristmas.com.

Now in its seventh year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has grown into one of the region’s most unique and charming holiday attractions. It expects to attract more than 550,000 people in 2014. Sixty-five international and local merchants and artists are busy preparing high-quality gifts that will be sold in decorated tents and wooden houses that will pop-up throughout Center City’s famous LOVE Park. With toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, homegoods, artwork and more, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s list.

For the second consecutive year, Christmas Village in Philadelphia is presented by an NRG company.

“NRG Home is once again proud to be the presenting sponsor of Christmas Village in Philadelphia, a growing tradition that brings the community together,” said Heather Farber, Managing Director, NRG Retail Northeast. “We look forward to connecting with consumers at Christmas Village, listening to what their energy needs are, and sharing how NRG Home can help power their holidays both at home and on the go.”

Follow the smell of gingerbread and waffles to a full menu of European food, sweets and drinks, including mouthwatering German bratwurst or schnitzel served on a warm roll (Brötchen). Look for new menu additions this year, including Döner Kebab (a German specialty featuring fresh meat shaved right off the rotisserie spit, placed in a warm pita pocket with tomato, onion, and our delicious homemade sauce). Wash it all down with a warm mug of traditional German Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) or rich hot chocolate.

On top of the great shopping and dining experiences, visitors will enjoy the glorious Christmas Tree in LOVE Park, a Wish Wall in conjunction with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a new kid’s zone on the weekends, theme days and weekends, tasting tours with Chaddsford Winery, live music during evenings and weekends, and other surprises to be announced.

The Christmas Village previews for two days on Thanksgiving Day (9:00am to 5:00pm) and Black Friday (11:00am to 7:00pm). Stop over after Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, November 27 and beat the mall crowds on Black Friday, November 28, 2014.

Daily market hours starting Black Friday through the last Sunday in December will be Friday through Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday through Thursday 11:00am to 7:00pm. Christmas Eve hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm (closed on Christmas Day).

The market will have a Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Invite your family and friends to come sing-a-long to holiday selections by local choirs, marching bands and other entertainers. Meet the original Christkind from Nuremberg after she officially opens the market by reciting her traditional prologue and rings in the official lighting ceremony of the Chritmas Village Fountain (not the tree), presented by NRG Home. Take photos with her as she does her traditional walk of the market. In Germany, she is the person that brings the Christmas gifts to the kids, and she won’t be coming to Philadelphia empty handed!

Vendor lists, food and drink menus, theme weekends, special event details and special promotions will be released in mid-November. Follow @philachristmas on Twitter, follow Christmas Village on Facebook and visit www.philachristmas.com for more information.

ABOUT NRG HOME

NRG Home empowers residential energy customers with a new way to think about, buy and use energy. Innovative, exclusive energy products give customers unprecedented choice and control through customized electricity plans with unique rewards and access to emerging energy technology solutions. NRG Home is part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company that serves almost three million retail customers across the country. NRG Energy creates value through reliable and efficient conventional power generation, while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions.

South Street Headhouse District Resurrects Philadelphia's Day of the Dead Festival and Parade

South Street Headhouse District announces the resurrection of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival and Parade, on Sunday, November 2, 2014.  After a twelve year hiatus, this popular celebration returns to honor departed loved ones while celebrating the circle of life. The unique procession will feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse.  The parade route begins at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South Street) starting at 1:45pm and ends on the 400 block with food, drink, art and family fun from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. The parade and street festival are free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.

“After all these years, we are proud to bring this beloved festival and parade back to Philadelphia,” said Executive Director Michael Harris. “It will be a day to celebrate those we have lost, contemplate our existence and reaffirm our ties with our ancestors.”

Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume and share food, art, music and fun with their extended community, both living and dead.  Starting at 1:30pm, participants can gather at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. While waiting pay homage to deceased family members and friends by writing a chalk message in front of the specially created “ofrenda,” or altar offering up gifts to the dead. The parade kicks off at 1:45pm and feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse (provided courtesy of McGuinness Funeral Home).

Once the procession hits the 400 block, the festival comes to life with music, song and performances from the following:

• * Mariachi Pedro Villaseñor (1:45pm to 2:30pm)
• * Los Straitjackets (2:45pm to 3:30pm)
• * Fuego Nuevo (3:30pm)
• * Tonantzin Coatlicue (3:45pm to 4:15pm)
• * Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico (4:30pm to 5:00pm)
• * Grupo Cenzontle (5:15pm to 5:45pm)
• * Ensemble de Folklore de la Escuela de Música del Estado de Hidalgo (6:00pm to 7:00pm)

The world’s number one instrumental combo, Los Straitjackets, will perform a special preview prior to their show at World Café Live that night where they will perform with the legendary Deke Dickerson in promotion of their new album Los Straitjackets: Deke Dickerson Sings the Instrumental Hits. For tickets and more information, visit tickets.worldcafelive.com

Additionally, participants can enjoy face painting, art demonstrations with Joel Garcia from the Eyes Gallery, Frido Kahlo look-alike contest hosted by the Eyes Gallery, skull tile making, and food and drink from Baron Von Schwein, Copabanana, Farm Truck, Las Bugambilias,Tuk Tuk Real and Woolly Mammoth.  All festival activities will take place on the 400 block, which will be closed to traffic.

Leading up to the Day of the Dead, stop by the Headhouse Square Fountain this week to visit an ofrenda hosted by Brujo de la Mancha (artist, musician, and traditional Aztec dancer). This altar will serve as a place for the community to place objects to honor their loved ones and will include a set of pre-Columbian sculptures provided by Nazbalam, Cascada del Jaguar.

The Day of the Dead Festival and Parade is presented by South Street Headhouse District with support from the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia, the Mexican Cultural Center, and in part by grant funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of its Knight Art Challenge.  Guidance is being provided by original organizers, Isaiah and Julia Zagar of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and Eyes Galley, and Bill Curry of Copabanana.  

All activities are free and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Beer and cocktails are available for those 21 and up, with valid identification.

For schedule updates and additional activities, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.