November 20, 2018
Content sponsored by
Elizabeth Ferguson Photography/Chestnut Hill Business District
’Tis the season for festive parties, family traditions and a seemingly endless to-do list. This year, jingle all the way up and down Germantown Avenue to prepare for your gatherings while enjoying the holiday charm of Chestnut Hill, a Philadelphia gem that’s easy to get to by car or SEPTA Regional Rail. With more than 125 independently-owned retailers – including chic boutiques, toy stores and specialty culinary shops – you’re bound to find memorable presents and delicious hosting essentials. On Wednesdays throughout the season (November 28 – December 19), be sure to join in the village’s oldest and most beloved holiday tradition, Stag & Doe Nights, as gaily decorated shops stay open late and welcome visitors with hot cocoa, wine tastings and special discounts.
Here’s where to go in Chestnut Hill for the makings of a magical holiday season:
Whether shopping early or last-minute, Chestnut Hill’s specialty stores
make it easy to pick out something unique for each of your friends and
family members. Discover new favorite playthings for kids at
Oxford Circus
and
Busy Bee Toys, then stop in children’s boutique
Villavillekula
to select cute hats and clothes for little ones. Peruse clothing,
housewares and handmade items for grown-ups on your list at
Serendipity, which sells goods from multiple vendors under one roof. If a watch or
fine jewelry is what you’re after, spend time with the specialists in
Chestnut Hill Jewelers, who will help you choose the perfect design for your loved one. Need a
stocking stuffer? Pamper with a gift card to luxury spa
CURE de Repos
or
Coco Blue Nails & Spa. Fitness fanatics will love receiving a certificate to use on group
classes from cycling to boxing at
Balance Chestnut Hill. And don’t forget furry friends!
The Bone Appetite
has you covered with treats and toys for dogs and cats.
Dustin LaCava Wingate/En Route
Opening your doors to guests this year? Head first to
HOST
to spruce up your home with one-of-a-kind furniture and decorative accents.
Next up, plan for hungry guests. At
Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop, curate a party-worthy cheese board, including gourmet nibbles such as
fresh caviar, truffle-infused honey and mixed nuts. (Their custom cheese
baskets are also a thoughtful gift!) Inside
Baker Street Bread Co., buy freshly-baked challah, dinner rolls or pastries for dessert – then
make another sweet stop at
Bredenbeck’s Bakery
to try their famous gingerbread and put together the buttery cookie platter
that holiday dreams are made of. Before scrambling home to clean, go to The Foodery to stock up on a selection of craft brews that
will impress even the beer snobs in your family.
Elizabeth Ferguson Photography/Chestnut Hill PA
The colder months call for stylish sweaters and accessories – both for you
and your giftees! Men will appreciate the recently opened
Style by Blain, offering classic yet fashion-forward looks that can be worn for years to
come. As for women,
ellelauri,
Noble Goods
and
STYLE CAMP
are just a few of the must-visit boutiques selling polished wardrobe
staples from workwear to weekend outfits. Complete your ensemble with cozy
winter accessories from
Sara Campbell
or statement jewelry from
Artisans on the Avenue. Looking for an easy everyday style update? Refresh your frames for the
new year at
Artistic Eyewear, which carries an array of trendy brands.
Dustin LaCava Wingate/En Route
You don’t need a special occasion to gather with friends in Chestnut Hill
for good cheer and shared memories this time of year. Meet at
Anders Ruff Workshop
for a craft night out, where you can catch up while making a handcrafted
gift, then continue the festivities with cocktails and holiday jazz at
Paris Bistro. Another fun option: Check out the new Escape Room Chestnut Hill together, and follow up your
victory with beers at
Chestnut Hill Brewing Co.
or
Campbell’s Place. If you’re celebrating over a meal, try brunch at the
Breakfast Boutique, or host a special dinner at
Jansen, located in a quaint 18th-century cottage that sets a cozy
scene for the holidays.
Elizabeth Ferguson Photography/Chestnut Hill PA
Also mark your calendar for Holidays on the Hill events throughout the season – and bring your little ones to see Santa during the first three weekends in December! You can find him on Saturdays at the Market at the Fareway and on Sundays at Laurel Hill Gardens. Find more information about upcoming holiday events at chestnuthillpa.com.
