Philadelphia, PA – Let it snow, let it snow, Philly! Manayunk Development Corporation presents Holidays in Manayunk, featuring six weeks of festivities that have you thinking you stepped right into a Hallmark movie. Starting on November 20, Manayunk kicks off the season with their Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring live performances along with SNOW on Main Street, a brand new tree, glow giveaways, a hot cocoa stand, crafts and Go Birds green Santa himself at a meet and greet, and photo-op in front of the tree! Manayunk Gets Lit lights up Main Street as 40+ businesses compete to see who has the most bling on the block. Get Lit weekends start December 4th and run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through December 20. Each weekend will feature all the twinkling lights, food and drink deals, shopping specials, carolers, festive live entertainment, visits from Santa, the Grinch, elves, Rudolph, and the return of the complimentary Manayunk Jolly Trolley!
Take in the lights and get ready to shop, dine, and be merry as you ride down Main Street in the Jolly Trolley that will stop along Main Street at your favorite businesses. While visiting, shop small and shop local and support dozens of small businesses throughout the charming Philadelphia neighborhood that are offering deals, events, and features for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Returning in 2026 is the popular Manayunk Small Business Saturday Passport, where you can shop your way to exclusive giveaways and prizes. Shoppers will receive a Small Business Saturday Passport, where they will earn stickers from different stores, restaurants, and businesses for purchase. With six stickers, shoppers will win certificates from Main Street businesses and be entered into a larger giveaway. While visiting Manayunk, stop at one of Philadelphia’s top Christmas Pop-up Bars. Taqueria Amor transforms itself into Senor Grinch for the sixth year in a row – with thousands of lights and decorations outside, and a head-to-toe make-over inside that will warm the heart of the Grinch-iest Grinches in all of Philadelphia. Santa Paws Pet Photos is back on Sunday, December 8th, with pet photos with the man in red. Bring fear into your holiday cheer with Lincoln Mill Haunted House’s Twisted Christmas on Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th. The holiday attraction will be decked out with lights, tinsel, and ornaments, along with plenty of scare actors. On Saturday, December 13th, come dressed in your holiday finest for the 10th Annual Rudolph Run. Starting at Philadelphia Runner at 8:30 am, race organizers will be collecting donations/canned goods to benefit North Light Community Center. At 9:00 am, the race will start off at Manayunk Canal View Park. While visiting, help families in need all season long by donating to Operation Santa. Donations can be dropped off at 106 Grape Street. Pick an item off the gift tree to donate. Back again this year in celebration of the Festival of Lights, Manayunk will be hosting ‘Eight Crazy Nights’ from December 14 – 22. Instagram giveaways with prizes from Manayunk restaurants, stores, and specialty businesses. Manayunk will also be hosting a Hanukkah candle lighting with Mt Airy Chabad and complimentary treats and gelt in the Manayunk Welcome Center during the Festival of Lights on December 18. For more about these and many other happenings for Holidays in Manayunk, visit manayunk.com/mnyk-events/holidays-in-manayunk/
“Every holiday season, Manayunk takes pride in showcasing the true heart of our district – our vibrant local businesses and the incredible community that supports them,” says Manayunk Development Corporation Events Manager Carla Ferro. “Thanks to the collaboration between residents, local shops, and visitors, Main Street transforms into a festive, one-of-a-kind experience that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Snow is in the forecast, Philly! We hope you are ready!”
MANAYUNK TREE LIGHTING
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s largest tree lighting celebration returns! After a record 10,000+ people came out last year, this viral event is back. Kick off the season with the annual tree lighting at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street). Expect live performances, festive music, special guests, glow giveaways, crafts and photo ops with Santa.
Manayunk lights up for the holidays on Thursday, November 20, 2025, starting at 5:30 pm with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Canal View Park (4418 Main Street). The night will host special guests and live performances, plus a surprise visit from Santa Claus! There will be tons of family fun with letters to Santa, ornament decorating, hot cocoa, North Pole Elves, and a Santa meet & greet in front of the tree. There’s a good chance Santa will be bringing some magical North Pole snow, too, so get ready for a Manayunk winter wonderland! And word is Santa is also a big Eagles fan and, in what may become a Manayunk tradition, will lead an Eagles cheer! November 20th also marks the official launch of the Annual Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition between 40+ businesses in the district.
Tree Lighting Schedule
5:30 pm – The City Belles
5:45 pm – Santa Arrives
6:00 pm – John Viscardi
6:20 pm – Emily Drinker
7:00 pm – Tree Lighting & Manayunk Gets Lit Kick Off!
MANAYUNK GETS LIT DECORATING COMPETITION
Starts Thuraday, November 20, 2025 through Christmas
Over 40 local businesses along Main Street will deck out their storefronts, windows, roofs, and more with dazzling lights (80,000+ in past years) and festive décor. Visitors can vote in categories like Best Overall, Most Lit, and Most Creative. Voting runs mid‑November through mid‑December. By participating, voters can enter to win a $200 Manayunk Shopping Spree.
Participating Get Lit businesses:
Baby Face – 4249 Main Street
Baker Street Partners – 4127 Main Street
Bayou Bar – 4245 Main Street
Blondie – 4417 Main Street
Cactus Cantina – 4243 Main Street
City of Paws – 4167 Main Street
CPAphilly – 4109 Main Street
Cresson Inn Bar and Grill – 114 Gay Street
Cupid’s Bookshop – 106 Grape Street, front A
dtXfy – 4328 Manayunk Ave
Hotbox Yoga – 4163 Main Street
JDs Hero Complex – 4327 Main Street
JD McGillicuddys – 111 Cotton Street
Jedidiah Gallery & Design Store – 4312 Main Street
Lucky’s Last Chance – 4421 Main Street
Main Street Music – 4444 Main Street
Manayunk Brewery – 4120 Main Street
MI’N TEA – 4229 Main Street
Mia Ragazza – 4411 Main Street
Minor Details- 4401 Main Street
Never Give Up Training- 115 Levering Street
Orbit “The Kings of Craft” – 4312 Main Street
Performance Kitchens and Home – 4429 Main Street
Philadelphia Runner – 4358 Main Street
Pizzeria L’Angolo- 4105 Main Street
Remix On Main – 4355 Main Street
Ryan’s Pub – 4301 Main Street
Salon L – 4120 Main Street
Somo Manayunk – 4311 Main Street
SULIMAY’S Studio on Main – 4227 Main Street
Surprise new business – 4334 Main
Taqueria Amor – 4410 Main Street
The Couch Tomato – 102 rector Street
The Goat’s Beard- 4201 Main Street
The Little Apple – 4361 Main Street
The Wall Cycling – 132 Levering Street
Thrilladelphia – 4203 Main Street
Tubby Robot – 4369 Main Street
Whole House Furniture – 4119 Main Street
Unity Studios- 111 Grape Street
SENOR GRINCH CHRISTMAS POP-UP BAR
Taqueria Amor – Señor Grinch Pop-Up
4410 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Starts Thursday, November 20, 2025
Señor Grinch is back for its 6th festive season starting Thursday, November 20th (with previews starting November 13th) at Taqueria Amor! Cheers to the start of the jolliest time of year with themed cocktails and Grinch-inspired dishes! Christmas lights adorn the outside and inside of the cozy space. Once you are settled into your seat, enjoy classic holiday movie clips on the projector show. Spend the season eating and drinking with those you bring your holiday amor!
For menu and more information: www dot taqueriaamor dot com/
OPERATION SANTA CLAUSE
Starts Friday, November 21, 2025
Launching on November 21st is Operation Santa Claus, a collaborative program between the Manayunk Development Corporation and North Light Community Center that will support local families in need this holiday season. Residents and visitors can stop by the Welcome Center at 106 Grape Street to pick a gift item from the holiday tree to donate to a North Light Family.
GET LIT WEEKENDS & JOLLY TROLLEY
December 4th through December 20th
Thursdays & Fridays: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturdays: 1:00pm to 9:00pm
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in December, Main Street comes alive with festive entertainment, merchant deals and complimentary rides on the Jolly Trolley.
The trolley stops at many key businesses along Main Street so riders can hop on/off. Expect appearances by Santa, the Grinch, Rudolph, elves, carolers, and more.
Bring the family to Main Street all season long for Get Lit Weekends, which will feature food and drink deals, shopping specials, festive live entertainments, and of course, the complimentary Manayunk Jolly Trolley.
The festively decorated Jolly Trolley will run up and down Main Street, making several stops at your favorite businesses. Decked out with lights, decorations, and holiday movies/music, the trolley is truly the best way to take in all the twinkling lights. Secret Santa will give away swag bags and prizes during select weekends, so keep an eye out for prizes and surprises.
Entertainment & Special Guests:
Schedule could change –
Dec. 4 – The Friendly Elf (5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Dec. 5 – Holiday Mickey (5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Dec. 6 – Philly Accents (1:00pm -3:00pm)
Dec. 11 – Santa (5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Dec. 12 – The Grinch (5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Dec. 13 – Philadelphia Fr eedom Band (1:00pm -3:00pm)
Dec. 18 – Santa (5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Hanukkah candle lighting in Canal View (6:00pm)
Dec. 19 – Rudolph (5:00pm -8:00pm)
Dec. 20 – Santa (1:00pm -3:00pm)
Entertainers will both ride the trolley and be strolling on Main Street during each entertainment block. If visitors don’t see them on the Trolley, then look out along the main retail strip.
SANTA PAWS
Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ Pet Friendly Bakery
Capture paw-some memories at Pet Friendly Dog Bakery! Bring your furry friend out, and watch them strike a pose with Santa at this pet friendly photoshoot. Reservations are $15, and proceeds will benefit an adoption organization. Furry friends can also expect in-store sales and specials.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPECIALS AND SHOPPING PASSPORT
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Shop small and shop local at over 50 small businesses in Manayunk! Find something for everyone on your list as the neighborhood kicks off the holiday season with Small Business Saturday happening all day on November 29th. Back by popular demand is the Manayunk Shop Small Passport, where visitors can shop their way to various prizes and surprises. Leading up to November 29th and day-of, shoppers will be able to pick up a passport from the Manayunk Welcome Center (106 Grape Street) or in one of the participating businesses. Day-of only, shoppers can earn stickers from different stores, restaurants, studios, cafes, and businesses with purchase. With six stickers, shoppers will be able to redeem their prize from the Manayunk Welcome Center and be entered into a larger giveaway.
Small Business Saturday participating businesses: Sales, Deals, & Specials
* BabyFace Studio – Officially launching cups + bowls from the Philly Decal Collection plus other student work for sale, and first 20 people to purchase a piece get a complimentary ornament with purchase.
* Bayou Bar & Grill / Cactus Cantina – Bayou 1/2 price appetizers 4-7 Cactus 5-9 .50 wings $5 margarita
* Blondie – Drink specials
* City of Paws – Product Sales, complimentary samples of dog/cat food, pet photos with Santa
* Expect Lace – Refreshments, and 20% off purchase of $150.00 and more
* Hotbox Yoga – Sale: 10 class card for $110
* Jedidiah Gallery & Design Store – Bogo 40% Off Entire Store
* JDs Hero Complex – BOGO Half Off whole store
* JD McGillicuddys – $10 Coors Light Pitchers & $9 Wings (10)
* LILA Philadelphia – Themed event, small gift with purchase, mulled wine / hot cocoa
* Lucky’s Last Chance
* Main Street Music – Black Friday is also Record Store Day! 150 Exclusive titles releasing
* Mia Ragazza – GC Promo – BOGO $100 GC, receive a complimentary $50 GC
* MI’N TEA
* Minor Details – themed cocktails & GWP – details TBD
* Orbit Gallery – trunk show with Rebecca Accessories, light refreshments provided by Winnie’s, complimentary ornament or a blown glass heart with purchase
* Philadelphia Runner – Discounted items
* Remix on Main – Special discounts and complimentary gift with purchase
* Salon L – 20% off all retail salon L and Femina boutique by Salon L; GC sale: purchase $100 get $20 for no charge
* SULIMAY’S Studio on Main – 20% off products
* Somo Manayunk
* Taqueria Amor – Holiday Pop Up Menu TBD
* The Goat’s Beard – Get a $100 GC and receive a complimentary $50 GC
* The Little Apple – shopping party with complimentary gifts with purchase
* The Wall Cycling – $5 classes
* Thrillerdelphia
*Tsaocaa – Spend $30 or more and get a complimentary Tsaocaa tote bag, while supplies last. * Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory – hand-packed pints at a reduced price TBD
* Unity Studios – Gift with purchase, purchase 2 products get 1, and light refreshments
* Vamp Boutique
RUDOLPH RUN
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Philadelphia Runner will host their annual Rudolph Run on Saturday, December 13th with check-in starting at 8:30 am and the run at 9:00 am. Dress to impress for this three-mile fun run along the towpath. Special treats include Brooks footwear testing, red noses, jingle bells, post-run goodies, hot chocolate, and more! The only cost to join the run is a canned or non-perishable food item to be donated to North Light Community Center’s food cupboard.
Register: runsignup dot com/phillyrudolphrun
8:30 am: Donation Drop, Gear Check & Runner Check In at Philadelphia Runner Manayunk (4358 Main Street)
9:00 am: Run Start at Canal View Park
As a part of the Rudolph Run, below lists the businesses that are participating in the Reindeer Stop!
* Bayou bar & cactus cantina: 1/2 price all drinks for runners both locations
* JD McGillicuddy’s: $5 select draft beers
* Jedidiah Gallery & Design Store: 20% off entire store
* MI’N TEA: 15% off coupon
* Orbit “The Kings of Craft”: 15% off any item purchased that the gallery owns
* Philadelphia Runner: TBD
* Remix On Main: 20% on selected items
* Somo Manayunk: GFs for half price drinks or appetizers
* SULIMAY’S Studio on Main: 20% off products in salon
* Unity Studios: $85 GF
* Vamp Boutique: We’ll let you know the details of our promotions next week
LINCOLN MILL HAUNTED HOUSE’S TWISTED CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2025
Bring fear into your holiday cheer with Lincoln Mill Haunted House’s Twisted Christmas on Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th. Make your way through the haunted holiday attraction decked out with lights, tinsel, ornaments, and plenty of scare actors.
HANUKKAH ON MAIN – LIGHTING EVENT
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Hanukkah Candle Lighting: Manayunk Shines bright for the Festival of Lights. On Thursday, December 18 at 6pm join in for a magical Hanukkah candle lighting in Canal View park with Mt Airy Chabad. Candles, delicious latkes, and so much more.
EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS OF HANUKKAH
December 14 to December 22, 2025
Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah Giveaway: Back again this year is Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah kicking off on Wednesday, December 14th and running through December 22nd. In celebration of the Festival of Lights, Manayunk will be hosting ‘Eight Crazy Nights’ of Instagram giveaways with prizes from Manayunk restaurants, stores, and specialty businesses.
Hanukkah Giveaways: During the Festival of Lights, stop by The Manayunk Welcome Center at 106 Grape Street for tasty treats, giveaways, and gelt!
As a part of our Eight Crazy Nights, below includes the businesses that are participating:
* BabyFace Studio
* bayou bar & cactus cantina
* Blondie
* City of Paws
* Jedidiah Gallery & Design Store
* JDs Hero Complex
* JD McGillicuddys
* Lucky’s Last Chance
* Mia Ragazza
* MI’N TEA
* Minor Details
* Orbit “The Kings of Craft”
* Philadelphia Runner
* Salon L
* Somo Manayunk
* SULIMAY’S Studio on Main
* Taqueria Amor
* The Goat’s Beard
* The Goat’s Beard
* The Wall Cycling
* Unity Studios
MANAYUNK MEALS AND MORE
For Manayunk Meals and More, the Manayunk Community, including 15+ local restaurant owners, work together annually to prepare and deliver more than 700 holiday meals to their neighbors in need at the Northlight Community Center. In preparation for the December 7th delivery, each restaurant will provide a different component – entrees, salads, and desserts – 2,100 components total. Manayunk restaurants have been doing this for over 27 years. Bruce Cooper, owner of Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar, worked with Manayunk Development Corporation to organize the event in 1996. Since then, his leadership has continued for a new generation of restaurateurs and is now something that is in the DNA of the small business community. The North Light Community Center is an important part of the Manayunk community and restaurant owners have always been involved in volunteering, fundraising, and serving on its board of directors.
Businesses that are participating in Meals and More:
* Blondie – 4417 Main Street
* JD McGillicuddy’s – 111 Cotton Street
* Lucky’s Last Chance – 4421 Main Street
* Mia Ragazza – 4411 Main Street
* MI’N TEA – 4229 Main Street
* Taqueria Amor – 4410 Main Street
* The Goat’s Beard – 4201 Main Street
* Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory – 4369 Main Street
CONNECT
For updates and more festive happenings, visit Manayunk Development Corporation’s website at manayunk.com and social at @manayunk.com
ABOUT MANAYUNK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) is a 501C corporation with both a primary business development mission and a cooperating community development mission. As a business development organization, MDC takes primary responsibility for the management, promotion, and positive business development of the Main Street business district. As a community development corporation, MDC cooperates with other civic and community organizations in the Manayunk area to plan and carry out community programming and physical improvement projects of interest to both businesses and residents in Manayunk. manayunk.com