If you’re suffering from quarantine boredom syndrome, of which one symptom is a significant dearth in holiday cheer, consider traipsing through any neighborhood south of Washington Avenue.
South Philadelphia window boxes from Pennsport to Point Breeze are swirling with fake snow, tiny elves and tinsel.
Plastic icicles drip from porch awnings, and some houses have turned into entire scenes from seasonal classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” You don’t even have to fret about the early darkness, since so many houses are decked out with twinkle lights and reflective tinsel.
Philly residents treat their rowhome windows almost like personal billboards. They get crafty and creative, using them as canvases to spread all kinds of messaging.
Early in the pandemic, scavenger hunt rainbows and essential worker thank-yous proliferated around town. During the election, windows boasted “lawn” signs for political candidates. And as soon as Thanksgiving ended, they became people’s own private snow globes.
Peep our journey through South Philly’s holiday window boxes. If you decide to take a stroll yourself, let us know how it goes.
South Philly’s holiday window boxes
Where to go if you want to do a live-action TikTok remake of The Grinch.
It’s like Franklin Square and the Delaware Waterfront and the Zoo Balloon all in one.
Why let any section of the window be without decor?
Some classy reindeer gathering at a pine tree, as they do.
Candyland, meet Christmastime.
Got elves watching the whole block for naughty/nice behavior.
Icicles dripping from just about every surface.
House, snowman and Santa not to scale.
Polar bear sleigh? Why not.
Joy for a good cause! The Flying Dutchman Foundation is a Mummers group that marches for autism awareness.
A tree trimmed with lights and presents.
Reindeer stretching before their global commute.
Are the elves trapped in there? If so, they probably get plenty of treats.

A work in progress, per its creator.
Some representation for the traditional decor lovers.
Where to go if you forget how many days left till Christmas.
A holiday arch perfect for the ‘gram.
Fenced-in porch, Decorating 101.
Sleek, very sleek.
Santa HQ! Check out that North Pole igloo.
Never enough wreaths or boughs.
Green bulb porch light is obligatory.
A 3D Merry Christmas sign and presents falling from the window, 10/10.