Numerous Holiday Events Bringing Cheer To Manayunk

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA – The holidays are here and that means Manayunk will be buzzing with numerous events full of holiday cheer.

Kick off the holiday season on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24 by shopping local at more than 50 small businesses to find something for everyone on your list as the neighborhood kicks off the holiday season.

Sponsored by American Express, this day is dedicated to supporting local, independently owned shops in the district. The night will end with the annual tree lighting at Canal View Park at 5:30 p.m. Stick around for performances by Merge Dance Studio and the Delaware Valley Opera Company. Keep an eye out for the big man himself, too!

One Nickel Coworking will be your one-stop shop for all of your gifting needs as it hosts the second annual holiday edition of Style Me Manayunk! The retail pop-up event will celebrate all things fashion, from women’s apparel, home goods, gifts, and more at One Nickel Co-working – 4323 Main St. – from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vendors include Manayunk retailers LILA Fashion International, The Little Apple, and Pineapple on Main. In addition, Main Street will light up for the third annual Promenade of Trees. Stop by the Manayunk.com table for voting coins and a map to all tree locations decorated in the theme "Christmas Vacation." A guided tour will leave One Nickel Coworking at 4 p.m.

On Dec. 2, Santa Paws is coming to the Pet Friendly Dog Bakery, 4324 Main St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get your pet’s photo taken for a suggested fee of $10, which will be donated to the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

On Dec. 8, Philadelphia Runner will host their fifth annual Rudolph Run at 9 a.m.

Dress to impress for this three-mile run along the towpath. 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. In exchange for each donation, participants will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a gift basket filled with items and gift cards from local Manayunk businesses.

Runners are also eligible for deals and discounts at select restaurants and retailers when they show their bib. Not only does the Main Street community host a variety of holiday events; it also gives back.

Local businesses will also continue the Manayunk Meals & More tradition on Dec. 23, where select restaurants will prepare and deliver more than 1,000 hot meals to Intercommunity Action, Inc.'s program, Journey's Way. Other local shops and restaurants will collect canned goods, toiletries, and paper products for North Light Community Center’s food cupboard throughout the holiday season.

Other new additions to this holiday season are the Manayunk Holiday Stroll nights every
Thursday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20. Theme nights run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Below is the schedule and theme for the events:

• Nov. 29 – Sweets & Spirits Night: Merchants will have baked goods, cocktails, etc. inside their stores
• Dec. 6 – Secret Santa Night: Shoppers who spend a certain amount will get to fish out a promo or gift card from participating merchants.
• Dec. 13 – Men's Shopping Night: Men will get an extra personalized experience when shopping for their ladies.
• Dec. 20 – Dashing Through the Stores: A night of last minute shopping, grab and go items gift-wrapped, and stocking stuffers.

"Manayunk’s holiday events just keep getting merrier with each year," Jane Lipton, Executive Director of the Manayunk Development Corporation, said. "We’re excited to put our new businesses on display and thrilled to always have our Main Street staples celebrate with us this time of year. There’s no place like Manayunk to do all of your holiday shopping and dining this year."

Image by JPG Photography, courtesy of Manayunk.com