HISTORIC HOLIDAYS RETURN TO OLD CITY
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
WITH FESTIVITIES FROM SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY THROUGH NEW YEAR'S DAY INCLUDING TREE LIGHTING, SHOPPING STROLL, MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY, CHRISTMAS MEALS AND MORE
Philadelphia, PA - Celebrate the season in America’s most historic square mile with Historic Holidays in Old City! Festivities run all the way through December in Old City District, with something for everyone on Santa's list. Festivities kick-off with the Holiday Window Decorating Contest, from November 25th to January 1st, at 18 locations throughout the business district, including Amina, Damari, Independence Visitor Center, Museum for Art in Wood, Petit Jardin en Village, Plough and The Stars, Shan Confectionary and many more.
Visitors are invited to cast their vote for their favorite, with one lucky shopper enjoying a $150 gift card as a prize. Next is Small Business Saturday, Museum Store Sunday and Cyber Monday at participating businesses. Deck the halls with the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting Presented by the Ryland on Wednesday, November 29th at the Betsy Ross House with Betsy Ross, Santa, music, dance and other surprises. Historic Philadelphia Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration will take place on Sunday, December 10th, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Betsy Ross House. The Old City Shopping Stroll returns Wednesday, December 13th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Participating stories will extend their hours and shoppers will receive a free Old City tote bag with any purchase, while supplies last. Old City restaurants celebrate the Feast of the 7 Fishes with special menus at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, The Olde Bar by Chef Jose Garces, Spasso Italian Grill and others. Chef Jose Garces serves up a Christmas Eve Prime RIb Roast at Amada. For Holiday Cruises, head out on the water for a festive experience with City Experiences for Christmas and New Year. For New Year's Eve, start the day with the first-ever Positano Coast New Year's Eve Day Vibe Brunch. For New Year's parties and dinners, look for celebrations at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, The Olde Bar, Amada, Plough and the Stars and many others. Full details on all the festive and delicious happenings in Old City are all found below and at https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/things-do/historic-holidays-old-city
OPEN ON THANKSGIVING - HOLIDAY MEALS
Thanksgiving Feast at Fork
306 Market Street
Thursday, November 23rd
12:00pm to 9:00pm
Join Fork for a Thanksgiving Feast, offering four-course, prix-fixe menu with Chef's seasonal interpretations of Thanksgiving classics along with our guest's favorites.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Plough & The Stars
123 Chestnut Street
Thursday, November 23rd
12:00pm to 8:00pm
FRIENDS-GIVING/ THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BRUNCH
F.R.I.E.N.D.S/ Friendsgiving Brunch
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
212 Walnut St 2nd Floor
Sunday, November 26th
11:30am to 2:30pm
Reservations on OpenTable
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti presents the November theme brunch party F.R.I.E.N.D.S/Friendsgiving on Sunday, November 26th from 11:30pm to 2:30pm. Celebrate the show FRIENDS with your FRIENDS with prizes for creative outfits, special theme cocktails, photo back-drops. After the passing of Matthew Perry, Positano invites guests to share memories of their FRIEND Matthew - and a portion of proceeds from the theme cocktails will be donated to the Matthew Perry Foundation.
HOLIDAY WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST
NOVEMBER 25, 2023 – JANUARY 1, 2024
A charming holiday tradition, Old City’s Window Decorating Contest returns this season! View the delightful displays designed by local shops, studios, galleries, and more.
The contest will begin on Saturday, November 25, 2023, and end on Monday, January 1, 2024. One voter at random will receive a $150 gift card to the participating Old City business of their choice. Visit OldCityDistrict.org for information on how to vote and complete contest rules.
Holiday Window Decorating Contest participants Include:
1. AMINA, 104 Chestnut Street
2. Anima Natural Pet Products, 304 Arch Street
3. Artist and Craftsman Supply, 307 Market Street
4. Damari, 72 N 2nd Street
5. Elektra Vintage, 53 N 3rd Street
6. Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street
7. Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S 2nd Street
8. More Than Old, 144 N 3rd Street
9. Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd Street
10. Old City Jewish Arts Center, 119 N 3rd Street
11. Old City Social, 216 Market Street
12. Oui, 160 N 3rd Street
13. Petit Jardin en Ville, 134 N 3rd Street
14. Philadelphia Independents, 35 N 3rd Street
15. The Plough & the Stars, 123 Chestnut Street (Entrance on N 2nd Street)
16. Red Parasol Café, 220 Market Street
17. Shane Confectionery, 110 Market Street
18. Tommi Mischell International Design, 126 N 3rd Street
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 25, 2023
Shop local and support small businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2023. Enjoy a day of discounts and deals! Old City is home to more than 300 small businesses, including shops, boutiques, art galleries, design showrooms, museums, restaurants, cafes, salons, and more.
Stores with special offers include:
AMINA
104 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Special discount menu items
Anima Natural Pet Products
304 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Anima will have a number of in-store promotions for cat toys, dog toys, cat treats, and dog treats. They will also have some giveaways for pets and their parents — local treats for dogs and beer koozies for dog parents.
Claudia Mills Rugs
133 N 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Pop-Up for Nancy Lisagor Bargello Pillows November 24-26
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
10 S 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
From November 15-December 31 at Cuba Libre, a $10 gift certificate will be awarded for every $50 gift card purchased. Black Friday Weekend Flash Sale: Get 2x bonus gift certificates!
Fringe Bar
140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Pumphouse Pizza - walk up to the window and mention Old City Small Business Saturday and get a $13 red or white pie (33% off) (Pumphouse Pizza food truck in Fringe Bars beer garden).
Mention Old City Small Business Saturday and get $6 Cheeseburger, $5 Fries, $5 Beers.
Hitched
67 N 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
In-store and online for ALL deals Tuesday, November 21 through Cyber Monday, November 27: 10% off precious metal and diamond rings, 30% off tungsten and wood rings, and free pearl earrings with purchases over $1,000.
Las Bugambilias
15 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Happy hour all day on selected drinks
Museum of Illusions
401 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
20% off all puzzles and games, 20% off Museum of Illusions apparel
More Than Old
144 N 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Wine and pretzels for shoppers plus a surprise of the day
Omoi Zakka Shop
41 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Special promotional offers all day in the shop
Philadelphia Independents
35 N 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Free shipping on orders placed online from Black Friday (November 24) - Cyber Monday (November 27)
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
212 Walnut Street 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
$20 gift certificate for every $100 gift card bought in store only
MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023
Support Old City museums and cultural institutions on Museum Store Sunday, November 26, 2023.
The Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia (Carpenters' Hall)
320 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia (Carpenters' Hall) will be selling gift certificates for private behind-the-scenes tours with whisky tasting. The certificate is $90 and admits two people.
Christ Church Gift Shop
2nd and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
On Museum Store Sunday customers that shop at the Christ Church Gift Shop can receive 15% off their entire order just by mentioning “Museum Store Sunday” at the cash register.
Museum of Illusions
401 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
20% off all puzzles and games, 20% off Museum of Illusions apparel
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
101 S. Independence Mall E
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Merchandise from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and free Hanukkah gelt with purchase
CYBER MONDAY
NOVEMBER 27, 2023
Old City businesses will offer special deals online this Cyber Monday, November 27, 2023.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
10 S 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
From Black Friday (November 24) through Cyber Monday (November 27), $20 in gift certificates will be awarded for every $50 gift card purchased
Hitched
67 N 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
In-store and online for ALL deals Tuesday, November 21 through Cyber Monday, November 27: 10% off precious metal and diamond rings, 30% off tungsten and wood rings, and free pearl earrings with purchases over $1,000.
Millésimé
33 N 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
What is your favorite USM Modular color? Contact us and receive 10% Off a USM unit
Philadelphia Independents
35 N 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Free shipping on orders placed online from Black Friday (November 24) - Cyber Monday (November 27)
HISTORIC HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING PRESENTED BY THE RYLAND
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023
The seventh annual Historic Holidays in Old City Tree Lighting presented by The Ryland will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, with festivities starting at 5:30pm and Santa arriving by fire truck at 6:00pm at the Betsy Ross House courtyard (239 Arch Street). The celebration will feature musical and dance performances, special guests including Santa and Betsy Ross, and a holiday tree designed by Old City’s Petit Jardin en Ville, a Parisian Florist and Garden Designer! Live performances will include Philadelphia Dance Academy and experts from the The Nutcracker and holiday songs from Upper Darby High School Encore Singers. Dignitaries will include Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess, District 1 Councilman Mark Squilla, Betsy Ross House Director Lisa Acker, State Senator Nikil Saval and others to be announced.
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION AND MENORAH LIGHTING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023
Historic Philadelphia, in partnership with Old City Jewish Arts Center and Old City District, celebrates Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Festivities will include holiday favorites like latkes and jelly donuts. Children can take home a menorah and some Hanukkah gelt while supplies last.
HISTORIC HOLIDAYS IN OLD CITY SHOPPING STROLL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023
Old City shops will stay open late on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, for special holiday shopping hours from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Receive a free Old City tote bag with any purchase - while supplies last - at participating locations! Also, don’t miss the Farmers Market at Christ Church’s Holiday Pop-Up Market from 3:00-7:00pm at 2nd and Church Streets.
Old City Holiday Shopping Stroll participants include:
AMINA, 104 Chestnut Street
Anima Natural Pet Products, 304 Arch Street
Ari Blanc Medical Spa, 7 N Columbus Blvd, Suite 302
Artist & Craftsman Supply, 307 Market Street
The Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia (Carpenters' Hall), 320 Chestnut Street
Claudia Mills Rugs, 133 N 3rd Street
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 10 S 2nd Street
Damari, 72 N 2nd Street
Elektra Vintage, 53 N 3rd Street
The Franklin Fountain, 116 Market Street
Fringe Bar, 140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd
Gallery51, 51 N 2nd Street
Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S 2nd Street
Las Bugambilias, 15 S 3rd Street
The Link Studios, 213 Arch Street
Millésimé, 33 N 2nd Street
More Than Old, 144 N 3rd Street
Museum of Illusions, 401 Market Street
Old City Jewish Arts Center, 119 N 3rd Street,
Omoi Zakka Shop, 41 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia Independents, 35 N 3rd Street
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, 212 Walnut Street 2nd Floor
Red Parasol Cafe, 220 Market Street
Sto’s Bar, 236 Market Street
Shane Confectionery, 110 Market Street
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
Brunch with Santa
The Olde Bar
125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Sunday, December 17, 2023
10:00am to 12:00pm
Santa Claus is coming to Old City! The only place Santa loves more than the North Pole is The Olde Bar! Spend a festive morning in the Garces winter wonderland visiting with the "Big Guy", snap photos and enjoy a buffet-style brunch perfect for the whole family. -Choose one of our two seatings: 10am and 12pm on December 17th. -Adults $45, Children $25 will be charged at the event; tax, gratuity and beverages not included.
HOLIDAY CRUISES - CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Philadelphia Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise
City Experiences, 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Sunday, December 24, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Starts at $98 per person with food and cruise
Spend a magical afternoon on the water celebrating aboard our Philadelphia Signature Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise. You will create treasured holiday memories with your loved ones as you dine, dance, and soak in magnificent skyline views on the Delaware River. Enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared buffet while taking in Philadelphia's historic waterfront views. You’ll marvel at famed city landmarks, such as the Ben Franklin Bridge from our climate-controlled interior and open-air roof decks. We keep the spirits flowing with a fully stocked bar, games, and lively music from our DJ. Join us for a memorable, one-of-a-kind Christmas Eve celebration.
Philadelphia Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise
City Experiences, 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Sunday, December 24, 2023
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Starts at $98 per person with food and cruise
Spend a magical afternoon on the water celebrating aboard our Philadelphia Signature Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise. You will create treasured holiday memories with your loved ones as you dine, dance, and soak in magnificent skyline views on the Delaware River. Enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared buffet while taking in Philadelphia's historic waterfront views. You’ll marvel at famed city landmarks, such as the Ben Franklin Bridge from our climate-controlled interior and open-air roof decks. We keep the spirits flowing with a fully stocked bar, games, and lively music from our DJ. Join us for a memorable, one-of-a-kind Christmas Eve celebration.
Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve Signature Brunch Cruise
City Experiences, 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
December 31, 2023
11:30pm to 1:00pm
Ring in the new year in style with a New Year's Eve Signature Brunch Cruise on the Delaware River. Enjoy a unique celebration, a festive atmosphere, and the best views of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s Early New Year’s Eve Signature Dinner Cruise
City Experiences, 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
December 31, 2023
4:30pm to 6:30pm
Starts $141 and up
Ring in the new year in style with a New Year's Eve Signature Brunch Cruise on the Delaware River. Enjoy a unique celebration, a festive atmosphere, and the best views of Philadelphia. *Firework views and availability are subject to weather. City Cruises is not sponsoring these fireworks and is not responsible for any changes in display times or cancellations.
CHRISTMAS EVE AND SEVEN FISH DINNERS
1) Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
212 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia
215-238-0499
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Seatings 4:00pm to 8:00pm
$85 per person
Plus tax, alcohol, and gratuities. No substitutions.
Hiramasa Crudo & Fritto Misto
kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, orange, olive oil, parsley puree, calamari, head-on shrimp, zucchini, garlic aioli
Cioppino
octopus, mussels, shrimp, toasted garlic bread
Croquettes
lobster, shrimp, lobster cream
Sea Urchin Linguine
crab, black squid ink pasta, tomato
Pan-Seared Sea Bass
escarole & beans, lemon confit
Basket of Mixed Nuts & Clementines
Christmas Dessert
Amada
217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
Sunday, December 24, 2023
3-course Dinner
$80 per person
$25 per child (12 & under)
Reservations on OpenTable
FIRST
Ensalada Verde
Green Salad, Asparagus, Favas, Avocado, Green Beans
Patatas Bravas
Spiced Potatoes, Paprika Aioli
Cana De Cabra
Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce
SECOND
Entrecôte De Ternera
10oz Prime Rib, Bordelaise, Horseradish Crème Fraîche
Patatas Asadas
Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Pearl Onions, Rosemary
Bruselas Catalana
Brussels Sprouts, Fermented Garlic Honey, Granny Smith Apples, Sangria Raisins, Cabrales, Pine Nuts
THIRD
Roscon De Reyes
Sweet Bread, Candied Orange, Almonds, Whipped Cream
The Olde Bar
125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Christmas Eve, December 24th
Seatings at 5:00pm and 7:15pm
215-253-3777
$95 per person not included t/g
Back by popular demand! The Olde bar presents Chef Jose Garces' twist on the traditional Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fish prix fixe tasting menu.
Raw Bar
Verjus Mignonette, Cocktail Sauce, Fresh Horseradish, Lemon
East Coast: Blackberry Oysters
West Coast: Glacier Point Oysters
Middle Neck Clams
Shrimp Cocktail
Second Course
Grilled Octopus
Crispy Potatoes, Romesco, Black Olive Aioli, Red Chili
Scallop Gnocchi
Seared Peruvian Bay Scallops, Potato Gnocchi, Browned Butter, Crushed Pistachio, Sundried Tomato
Third Course
Mediterranean Sea Bream
Grilled Whole Sea Bream, Charred Scallion Salsa Verde, Pomegranate & Honey Brussels Sprouts
Basilicata Potatoes
Roma Tomato, White Anchovy, Scamorza
Dessert
Mint Chocolate Truffle
Spasso Italian Grill
34 S. Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-592-7661
Dinner on Christmas Eve from 1:00pm to 8:00pm
Regular menu and Feast of Seven Fishes menu available.
306 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Sunday, December 24, 2023
4:30pm to 9:30pm
Fork Restaurant hosts their annual Christmas Eve Feast of Seven Fishes, featuring dishes like caviar and buckwheat sable, monkfish terrine, whole roasted branzino and more! Tickets are available now for just $105 per person.
Christmas Dinner
Plough and the Stars
123 Chestnut St (entrance on 2nd St)
December 25, 2023
12:00pm to 8:00pm
Plough and the Stars is open 365 Days a year until 2am! Our kitchen is serving a traditional Christmas Menu Christmas Day from 12pm - 8pm. With 2 floors and ample seating, we're the perfect place to book your holiday party!
212 Walnut St (2nd Floor)
December 31, 2023
11:30am to Midnight
Ring in 2024 at Positano Coast! First up, we will be brunching New Year's Eve style from 11:30-2:30pm with party hats, decorations, specialty cocktails and more! Look for special theme and featured cocktails, photo stations and other surprises. Then, join us for a special New Year's Eve dinner with an a la carte menu prepared by our chef. All day long we will have a live DJ, party favors and more. Finally, we will top off the evening with a celebratory toast at midnight!
212 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-238-0499
4:00pm to 10:00pm (last reservations are 10:00pm)
and
New Year's Eve Toast on the Coast!
10:00pm to 2:00am
Come for dinner and stay for the after party! Toast on the Coast! Positano Coast in Old City presents their annual New Year's Eve dinner and after-dinner party. Dinner service starts at 4:00pm with special NYE menu available including signature and special offerings like raw bar and starters (Grilled Octopus, Top Neck Clams, Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters, Tuna Tartare, Aldo's Seafood Harvest), entrees (Surf and Turf, Salmon Limoncello, Lobster Fra Diavolo, Branzino, Sesame Crusted Tuna, Whole Fish, Scallops, Zucchini Crab Cake, Bon-in Chicken Parm, Roasted Rack of Lamb), pasta (Squid Ink Linguine, Seafood Risotto, Beet Raviolli, Rigatoni, Oxtail Ragu, Casarecce and more) plus soups, starters and desserts. The last dinner reservations are at 10:00pm. The after-dinner party starts at 10:00pm, with a cash bar, live DJ, party favors and a complimentary midnight toast. All other food and drink is pay-as-you-go. Call 215-238-0499 to make your reservations for dinner and the after-dinner party.
10 S 2nd St
December 31, 2023
10:30pm to 2:00am
Ring in the new year with us at Cuba Libre Philadelphia. We've got a few options for your celebration: A la carte brunch from noon to 4:00pm, a la carte dinner from 4:00pm to 7:30pm, a Dinner & Celebration package with a five-course prix-fixe meal, or our late night dance party! Book your spot now. More info at CubaLibreRestaurant.com under Blogs.
125 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-253-3777
www.theoldebar.com
Starting at 4pm
Ring in 2024 in Historic Philadelphia Style with our $90 four-course celebration! Start With Oysters and Bubbles; nibble on a Baby Gem Caesar while you dive into a Lobster Risotto; choose between a 5oz Lump Crab Cake or a Pork Chop; and Finishing with a Sticky Toffee Pudding. Tax, Gratuity, and Additional Beverages not included. The entire Olde Bar and Garces team is excited to share the holiday with you!
Amada PHL
217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia 19106
December 31, 2023
5:00pm to 10:00pm
$95/ Four Courses
Ring in 2024 in classic Spanish style at Amada with our $95 four course celebration! From Lamb Ribs to Manchego cheese all of the great Spanish classics will be offered. Additionally, we will be offering wine pairings and, of course, our famous sangria. Tax, Gratuity, and additional beverages not included.
First
Truffle Lavender Honey
Jamón Ibérico
Acorn Finished Ham, Cornichons, Dijon Mustard, Caperberries
Hamachi Tiridito
Yuzu, Espellette, Cucumber
Second
Albondigas
Lamb Meatballs, Manchego, Truffle, Sherry Foie Gras Cream
Ibérico Pork Ribs
Maple Sherry Glaze, Rosemary Beans, Apple Slaw
Crab Montadito
Lump Crab, Watermelon Radish, Smoked Trout Roe
Third
Black Garlic, Potato Puree, Chimichurri, Fresh Black Truffle
Scallops Al Ajillo
Smoked Sweet Paprika, Garlic, Romanesco
Judias Verdes
Charred Green Beans, Fennel Confit, Almond Dukka
Fourth
Roscón De Reyes
Sweet Bread, Candied Orange, Almonds, Whipped Cream
123 Chestnut St (entrance on 2nd St)
December 31, 2023
6:00pm to 2:00am
Count down to NYE under the glow of our 25ft LIVE Christmas Tree! The Biggest New Years Party in Old City! Balloon drop at Midnight!!
MORE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
For more information about Old City District, Historic Holidays in Old City, and holiday happenings, visit OldCityDistrict.org or call (215) 592-7929.
ABOUT OLD CITY DISTRICT
The Old City District is a special services district, managed by a board of directors drawn from area commercial property owners, business people and civic organizations. Located in the most historic square mile of the United States, Old City is a unique blend of historic influence and modern lifestyles. Old City has reinvented itself from foundries, factories and warehouse spaces into the residential, retail, dining and cultural destination of the city with art galleries, restaurants, and upscale retail boutiques and historic tours.
Website:
https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/holidays