Bouvier Street near Oregon Avenue

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

Fitzgerald Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

 Where to go if you want to do a live-action TikTok remake of The Grinch.

West Oregon Avenue Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

It’s like Franklin Square and the Delaware Waterfront and the Zoo Balloon all in one.

Wolf Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Why let any section of the window be without decor?

South 8th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Some classy reindeer gathering at a pine tree, as they do.

Fitzgerald Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Candyland, meet Christmastime.

Wolf Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Got elves watching the whole block for naughty/nice behavior.

South 17th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Icicles dripping from just about every surface.

South Camac Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

House, snowman and Santa not to scale.

South 8th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Polar bear sleigh? Why not.

South 13th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Joy for a good cause! The Flying Dutchman Foundation is a Mummers group that marches for autism awareness.

South 11th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

A tree trimmed with lights and presents.

South 11th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Reindeer stretching before their global commute.

South 10th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Are the elves trapped in there? If so, they probably get plenty of treats.

Maria Mantelone on West Oregon Avenue said her holiday window is a work in progress Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

A work in progress, per its creator.

South 17th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Some representation for the traditional decor lovers.

West Oregon Avenue Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Where to go if you forget how many days left till Christmas.

South 18th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

A holiday arch perfect for the ‘gram.

South 22nd Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Fenced-in porch, Decorating 101.

South Chadwick Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Sleek, very sleek.

South 17th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Santa HQ! Check out that North Pole igloo.

South 17th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Never enough wreaths or boughs.

Wolf Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

Green bulb porch light is obligatory.

South 11th Street Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY

A 3D Merry Christmas sign and presents falling from the window, 10/10.

Michaela Winberg is a general assignment reporter at Billy Penn. She covers LGBTQ people and culture, public spaces, and transportation and mobility. She also sometimes produces radio and web features...