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TWO-DAY CELEBRATION WITH TREE LIGHTING, HOLIDAY POP-UP MARKETS, ART ON THE RIDGE, LIVE MUSIC, SANTA'S ARRIVAL AND MORE

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Philadelphia, PA - Roxborough Development Corporation presents Happy Holidays from ROX, a two day festive celebration taking over Ridge Avenue with the Roxborough Tree Lighting, holiday pop-up markets, Art on the Ridge holiday gallery, Santa's arrival on a firetruck, seasonal food and drink, lights and decorations, and other surprises. Festivities start on Friday, December 6th with the Annual Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony and Party from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, at Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue). Look for the lighting of the three holiday trees, plus live music, holiday cheer from New Ridge Brewing Co., entertainment and ornament making for the special wishing trees. For both Friday night and Saturday, December 6th, look for two holiday pop-up markets with dozens of vendors, including an indoor market at RoxyHall Island Cuisine (6139 Ridge Avenue) and an outdoor market at the Roxborough Pocket Park. Art on the Ridge will be open for a special holiday open house during Holidays from ROX with handmade art and gifts from artists and makers from the Northwest section of Philadelphia. For Saturday's festivities, on top of Art on the Ridge and the two holiday pop-up markets, look for Santa's arrival on Engine 39 fire truck at 3:00pm, photos with Santa from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, special appearance from Elsa from Frozen and Sip and Shop at Art on Ridge.  Admission to Happy Holidays from Roxborough is always no-charge, while food, beverages, and shopping are pay-as-you-go. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or trying to warm your spirit with a cup of hot cocoa and song carols, Happy Holidays from ROX is a “must-go” seasonal festival for fans of festive holiday fun. For more information, visit roxboroughpa dot com/events

"We are excited to bring this classic holiday celebration back to Roxborough for another year," said Roxborough Development Corporation Executive Director Jax Cusack. "Happy Holidays from ROX is about keeping spirits bright embracing the best of our community during the coldest time of the year, with collaboration from the local businesses and restaurants along Ridge Avenue."

Celebrate the most festive time of year with a two-day celebration centered at the Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue), and Ridge Avenue between Leverington Avenue and Dupont Street will transform into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive activities, and old-fashioned Holiday Markets featuring tasty treats and artisan-made gifts.

FRIDAY NIGHT FESTIVITIES

Happy Holidays from ROX kicks off on Friday, December 6th, at 5:00pm with the Annual Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony. Colleen and Philip D’Agostino, local business owners and 2024 Roots of Roxborough awardees, will lead Roxborough’s annual holiday tree lighting. The tree lighting ceremony will be followed by a festive holiday party featuring live music, delicious holiday drinks and plates from New Ridge Brewing Co., a Holiday Market, and seasonal entertainment.

During the ROX annual tree lighting ceremony, visitors can craft their own ornaments for the special wishing trees! This unique tradition invites attendees to add a personal touch to the celebration by creating ornaments that carry their hopes and dreams for the coming year. These ornaments can be added to our two wishing trees displayed in the Pocket Park, bringing a festive and community-centered touch to the season. Each ornament represents a hope or wish, creating a beautiful tapestry of shared dreams from neighbors and friends in the heart of our holiday celebrations, a wonderful way for families and community members to connect, decorate, and celebrate the season together. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this heartwarming experience!

Friday night, visitors and merry-makers are invited to shop and stroll along Ridge Avenue with an outdoor pop-up market at the Roxborough Pocket Park, an indoor market at Roxy Hall Island Cuisine (6139 Ridge Avenue), and Art on the Ridge (6133 Ridge Avenue).

SATURDAY FESTIVITIES

Happy Holidays continues on Saturday, December 7th from Noon to 6:00pm with live music, toasty desserts, Art on the Ridge Sip and Shop, holiday pop-up markets, Santa's arrival and many festive surprises.

Merrymakers are invited to whip up a treat at Rox's make-your-own s’mores bar and sing along to classic holiday carols with City Light Church Choir. Live music and festive drinks/food run during the entire event on Saturday.

Families will create their own holiday memories at 12:30pm to 3:00pm with appearances from Flyleaf the Book Fairy and Elsa from Frozen. Santa will arrive on the Engine 39 fire truck to take photos with families.Snap family and Santa photos between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

Saturday, visitors and merry-makers are invited to shop and stroll along Ridge Avenue with an outdoor pop-up market at the Roxborough Pocket Park, an indoor market at Roxy Hall Island Cuisine (6139 Ridge Avenue), and Art on the Ridge (6133 Ridge Avenue).

NEW: ART ON THE RIDGE

Roxborough Development Corporation is excited to announce Art on the Ridge, a six-week pop-up gallery showcasing local artisans and fine artists from Northwest Philadelphia. The gallery, located at 6133 Ridge Avenue, through the holiday season opening before Thanksgiving and extended through December 28th, offering a unique space for the community to experience the area's creativity.

Funding for Art on the Ridge is made possible by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Philadelphia Activities Fund, and sponsorships from community partners Baker Street Partners and Christine Ertz/The Main Street Team.

The pop-up will feature local artists and makers, with artwork available for purchase.  The gallery will feature a diverse selection of artwork, including custom jewelry, photography, quilted wall hangings, and fine art. This variety ensures that there will be something for everyone, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to appreciate and purchase original pieces crafted by local artists. The gallery aims to increase foot traffic along Ridge Avenue, especially in the evening, and serve as a case study for the potential establishment of a permanent gallery.

Art on the Ridge partnered with the Manayunk Roxborough Art Center (MRAC) to write the grant that secured the funding through the PA Council on the Arts. MRAC is a nonprofit organization located in Roxborough, dedicated to supporting and showcasing local artists in Northwest Philadelphia. Established in 1953, MRAC offers community-centered arts programs, exhibitions, workshops, and events for artists and art enthusiasts of all ages. It provides a collaborative space where emerging and established artists can develop their skills, display their work, and engage with the community. The MRAC Gallery at Art on the Ridge proudly features work from over ten members of the Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center. With MRAC’s mission, “Artists bringing people together,” this partnership naturally enhances the pop-up’s vision. Through their collective creativity, the artists add a rich, local character to the gallery, underscoring the value of collaborative arts in the community.

The Art on the Ridge pop-up gallery will take place in a vacant store front. By activating an empty storefront with the Art on the Ridge pop-up gallery, the Roxborough Development Corporation aims to showcase the space's potential, demonstrating how creative use can drive foot traffic and add vibrancy to Ridge Avenue. This initiative not only supports local artists but also illustrates the appeal of the area to prospective long-term tenants, highlighting its viability as a dynamic, community-centered business corridor.

In addition to providing a new avenue for local artists to sell their works and activating a vacant store front, Art on the Ridge is also creating temporary employment for two individuals. The initiative includes a mentoring opportunity where an established gallery manager will guide and support a community member who is new to the workforce. This aspect of the project not only enriches the arts scene but also contributes to workforce development and professional growth within the community.

Daily Hours for Holidays:
Wednesday & Thursday 1pm – 7 pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm – 8pm
Sundays 12pm – 6 pm
*hours subject to change*

HOLIDAY WEEKEND OVERVIEW

Friday, December 5, 2024

5:00pm to 8:00pm
Art on the Ridge Holiday Open House and Holiday Market (6133 Ridge Avenue)
Outdoor Holiday Market (Roxborough Pocket Park)
Indoor Holiday Market (Roxy Hall Island Cuisine, 6139 Ridge Avenue)
Live Music from the Watershed Church Band (Roxborough Pocket Park)
Free Balloon Animals (Roxborough Pocket Park)
S'mores Station and Seasonal Beer/Drinks (New Ridge Brewing Company at Pocket Park)
Complimentary chai and butter tea from White Yak Restaurant (Roxborough Pocket Park)
Delicious Caribbean at Indoor Winter Market (RoxyHall Island Cuisine)
Fresh funnel cakes from Hardy's Funnel Cakes (Roxborough Pocket Park)

5:30pm to 5:45pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony  (Roxborough Pocket Park)

Saturday, December 6, 2024

12:00pm to 6:00pm
Art on the Ridge Holiday Open House and Holiday Market (6133 Ridge Avenue)
Outdoor Holiday Market (Roxborough Pocket Park)
Indoor Holiday Market (Roxy Hall Island Cuisine, 6139 Ridge Avenue)
Free Balloon Animals (Roxborough Pocket Park)
S'mores Station and Seasonal Beer/Drinks (New Ridge Brewing Company at Pocket Park)
Live Music and Christmas Carols
Complimentary chai and butter tea from White Yak Restaurant (Roxborough Pocket Park)
Delicious Caribbean at Indoor Winter Market (RoxyHall Island Cuisine)
Twisted Flavors Funnel Cakes (Roxborough Pocket Park)

12:30pm to 3:00pm
Elsa from Frozen (Roxborough Pocket Park)
Flyleaf The Book Fairy (Roxborough Pocket Park)

2:00pm to 6:00pm
Sip and Shop: Cocktail Tasting with Top Dog Cocktails (Art on the Ridge)

3:00pm
Santa on the Fire Truck (Roxborough Pocket Park)

3:00pm to 6:00pm
Photos with Santa (Roxborough Pocket Park)

VENDORS FOR POP-UP MARKETS

Indoor Holiday Market at RoxyHall Island Cuisine
6139 Ridge Avenue

Friday, December 6, 2024

Thrive Flower (Bath & Beauty)
Just 4 U Gift Baskets (Gifts)
Chu Homemade Blessings (Bath & Beauty)
Black Bunny Skincare (Bath & Beauty)
Handcrafted by Robin (Art)

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Thrive Flower (Bath & Beauty)
Chu Homemade Blessings (Bath & Beauty)
Mahika Paper (Stationary)
Handcrafted by Robin (Art)
Black Bunny Skincare (Bath & Beauty)
Sweet Nostalgia Scents (Candle)

Outdoor Holiday Market
Roxborough Pocket Park & Ridge Avenue:

Friday, December 6, 2024

Laluna Butterfly (Gems)
Saint Rocco's (Pets)
Carter James Co. (Jewelry)
Revolutionary Hot Sauce (Food)
T-Mobile (Phone & Internet)
Badlandz by Design (Art)
Gaaays in Space (Non-Profit)
All American Gutter Protection (Home Improvement)
The Lazy Glazier (Pottery)

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Laluna Butterfly (Gems)
Saint Rocco's (Pets)
Carter James Co. (Jewelry)
Revolutionary Hot Sauce (Food)
Badlandz by Design (Art)
T-Mobile (Phone & Internet)
Phannies (Accessories)
Revolutionary Hot Sauce (Food)
A Milli Little Things Bath & Body Cafe (Beauty)
Steve's Urban Lumber (Gifts)
Lulu Stunner Haute (Clothing)
Arts & Feels (Art)
Gaaays in Space (Non-Profit)
All American Gutter Protection (Home Improvement)
Kevin Karcher Waxworks (Candles)
The Metz Art Gallery (Art)
The Lazy Glazier (Pottery)
M&A Fashion (Clothing)
Paparazzi (Jewelry)
Ardenrosedesigns (Art)
Rusty's Creations (Art)

CONNECT AND THANKS

Happy Holidays from ROX is organized by the Roxborough Development Corporation, with support from major sponsors MGMT Residential, European Wax Center, Independence Blue Cross, and New Ridge Brewing Company.

roxboroughpa dot com/events/happy-holidays-from-rox
@roxboroughpa
#RoxboroughPA  #HappyHolidaysfromROX

TRAVEL AND PARKING

By Car - Just across the Schuylkill from I-76, Roxborough is easy to reach by car. The drive is 11 minutes from Chestnut Hill, 19 minutes from University City, and 22 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. It is just over 20 minutes from the shopping hub in King of Prussia and less than half an hour from the Philadelphia International Airport. For parking, two parking lots are available for convenient access to the festival, one at 465 Leverington Avenue and the other at 514 Dupont Street.

By Bike - The scenic, riverside Kelly Drive makes biking to Roxborough from Center City an easy ride. Just ride north on the bike path beside the Schuylkill River until it hits Main Street in Manayunk. Then that will take you right through Manayunk and into the heart of Roxborough.

By Bus - An array of buses run right through Roxborough. The #9 runs from Center City to Andorra. The #27 goes from Plymouth Meeting Mall to Center City. The #32 will take you right from Roxborough to Center City via Philadelphia University. The #35 runs a Manayunk / Roxborough Loop. The #38 goes from 5th and Market to Wissahickon. And the #65 goes from Germantown / Chelten to 69th St. Transportation Center.

By Train - Septa’s Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line runs out to Roxborough, stopping at Wissahickon, Manayunk and Ivy Ridge.  

ABOUT ROXBOROUGH

Roxborough is unique because of its history as one of America's oldest towns. Back in the 1600's it was a neighborhood of farms stretching from the clear waters of the Wissahickon Creek to the apex of Ridge Avenue. Now it has a more city-like appearance still with a small-town charm. It's close to the Wissahickon where many enjoy the trails and nature and close enough to hustle and bustle of the city for work and outings.

ABOUT ROXBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Roxborough Development Corporation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, economic development organization dedicated to enhancing and supporting the growth of the Roxborough neighborhoods and Ridge Avenue commercial corridor.

ABOUT THE BANDS

Watershed Church Band

The Galena Brass (aka, "The Little Brass Band of the Lehigh Valley") has been entertaining audiences since 1995. Originally started as a few friends getting together for some music and laughs one evening, the group continues to embrace this ideal. Our performances maintain the spirit of camaraderie and welcome the audience into our musical fun. You see, whether we are performing a concert, marching in a parade, providing music for ceremonies, or strolling around the streets playing “mood music,” we always delight in the fact that we are sharing our music.