A guide to holiday events in Manayunk

From the Manayunk Development Corporation:

Shop, dine, and be merry in Manayunk! Not only is Manayunk lit up with new holiday decorations this year, the district has also been selected as one of the featured neighborhoods to take part in the second annual city-wide Philadelphia Holiday Festival with events all season long.

Shop small and shop local at over 50 small businesses to find something for everyone on your list as the neighborhood kicks off the holidays season with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25. 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, 54th & City A Cappella, and the Delaware Valley Opera Company. Keep an eye out for the big man himself, too!

On Saturday, Dec. 2, Main Street will light up for the second annual Promenade of Trees from 5-7 p.m. Guests and a panel of judges will be lead by carolers to see all 30 trees decorated by businesses in the theme of “Stories of the Season.” Manayunk residents and visitors can also get their pets’ photo taken with Santa in front of the holiday tree at Canal View Park from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for the annual Santa Paws event. Photos will be taken for a suggested fee of $10, which will be donated to Red Paw Emergency Relief Team.

On Dec. 9, Philadelphia Runner will host their fourth 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 (Up to 20 chances for 20 canned goods). Runners are also be eligible for deals and discounts at select restaurants and retailers.

Don’t run too far, though, as Manayunk is hosting the first ever Style Me Manayunk pop-up event on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The event, which will be held on Grape Street in between Main and Cresson streets, will celebrate all things fashion—from clothes and accessories, to food and music. Stop by for a bite of sweetness from trucks like Cannoli World, get your holiday wardrobe together from vendors like LILA Fashion International, and grab a gift, or that special someone from specialty pop-ups like Latitudes and Longitudes.

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. 17, where select restaurants will prepare and deliver 750+ 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 and Merry, Merry Happy Hours every Thursday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. Each week will feature a different theme, such as Sweets & Spirits Night, Secret Santa Night, Men’s Shopping Night and Dashing Through the Stores Night. Theme nights run from 6-9 p.m. For full details, visit Manayunk.com.

“Manayunk is the perfect location to celebrate the holiday season,” Jane Lipton, executive director of the Manayunk Development Corporation, said. “Our district’s wonderful new lights and garland display, decorated store fronts, all of our events, and our holiday tree truly convey the magic of the season.”

Storefronts will be decked out in holiday décor thanks to Holidays in Manayunk sponsor, Kindy’s Christmas Factory Outlet. Lipton added, “And remember, when you shop in Manayunk, you’re supporting local small businesses.”