Philadelphia’s iconic Avenue of the Arts, a place steeped in history and home to beloved seasonal traditions like the Nutcracker and the Grinch, is set to dazzle visitors for the 2024 holiday season. Starting Friday, November 29, the cultural heart of Philadelphia will be a holiday wonderland of strolling performers and spectacular decorations, including twin 25-foot live spruce trees flanking the south entrance of City Hall.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc. presents its 3-week Holiday Celebration, featuring sparkling decorations, strolling carolers in Victorian garb, Mummers All-Star band performances, and a special holiday showcase by Fricknadorable.
“The Avenue of the Arts holiday celebration brings together the warmth and traditions of the season with the cultural energy of Philadelphia,” said Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of Avenue of the Arts. “We’ve created a welcoming, festive atmosphere where visitors can enjoy music, dining, and the arts all in one place.”
DECORATIONS:
- Signature illuminated ‘A’s and wreaths adorning the historic lampposts
- Twinkling white lights wrapped throughout the Street’s trees
- Festively decorated winter planters along South Broad Street
- Decorated and illuminated twin 25′ live Spruce trees flanking the South courtyard entrance of City Hall, which will later find their permanent home at the Ambler Arboretum at Temple University
A series of performances and events are scheduled throughout the three weeks, offering showgoers, restaurant patrons, and passersby a chance to experience the spirit of the holiday season in one of Philadelphia’s most iconic neighborhoods.
In addition to performances along the Avenue of the Arts on select evenings, the performance route will extend to the Midtown Village as part of a partnership with the Midtown Village Merchants Association.
FREE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES:
Friday, November 29: Villager Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Saturday, November 30: Classic Carolers, 6:00-8:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Sunday, December 1: Fricknadorable Holiday Showcase, 1:00-3:00 p.m. — Outside the Miller Theater
Thursday, December 5: Parson Brown Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Friday, December 6: Villager Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Saturday, December 7: Classic Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Sunday, December 8: Parson Brown Singers, 1:30-4:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Thursday, December 12: Parson Brown Singers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Friday, December 13: Village Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Friday, December 13: All-Star Mummers String Band, 5:00-8:00 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Saturday, December 14: Classic Carolers, 5:00-7:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Saturday, December 14: All-Star Mummers String Band, 4:00-7:00 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Sunday, December 15: Parson Brown Carolers, 1:00-3:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Thursday, December 19: Parson Brown Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Friday, December 20: All-Star Mummers String Band, 5:00-8:00 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Saturday, December 21: Classic Carolers, 5:00-7:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Saturday, December 21: All-Star Mummers String Band, 4:00-7:00 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Sunday, December 22: Parson Brown Singers, 12:00-2:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
PERFORMANCE ROUTES:
Avenue of the Arts Loop – Southbound on the East side of South Broad Street to Spruce, returning on the West Side to City Hall. Stops: City Hall, Capital Grille, In Somnia cookies, Doubletree Hotel, Cambria Hotel, Wilma Theater, Loch Bar, Arthaus Condominiums, Kimmel Center, Steak 48, Miller Theater, Academy of Music, Bellevue Hotel, Union League, Ritz Carlton.
Midtown Village Loop – Market Street to Spruce Street, Broad to 11th Street. Performance stops: On 12th Street: Finn McCool’s, Tinsel, Sueno. On 13th Street: Alpen Rose, Barbuzzo, Botld, Broth Thyme, Charlie Was a Sinner, Danny’s Midnight Confessions, Darling Jacks, Double Knot, El Vez, Kilwins, Modern Eye, Morton Contemporary Gallery, Open House, Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar, Prunella, Sampan, Shibe Vintage Sports, Verde, Vintage, Woody’s Bar, Zio’s Pizza. On Chancellor Street: Franky Bradley’s. On Chestnut Street: Bru, Fogo De Chao, Tradesman’s, Wicked Wolf. On Drury Street: McGillin’s Old Ale House. On Locust Street: Bud & Marilyn’s, Little Nonna’s, The Cauldron. On Ludlow Street: Ludlow at East Market. On Market Street: Iron Hill Brewery. On Sansom Street: BAR, Drury Beer Garden, Fergie’s Pub, Paper on Pine, The Collins, Time. On Walnut Street: Hi-Lo Taco, Holiday Inn Express Midtown, Level Up, Optimal Sport 1315, Scoop DeVille.
About Avenue of the Arts (aka S. Broad Street)
Avenue of the Arts is Philadelphia’s premier cultural district, home to the city’s most prestigious performance venues, theaters, cultural institutions, and luxury residential buildings. The district spans Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue, 13th to 15th Streets. It is the center of Philadelphia’s cultural life and features one of the country’s highest concentrations of theater seats outside Broadway in New York City.
About Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Since 1993, Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI), a non-profit organization, has worked to transform South Broad Street into the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Through infrastructure improvements, beautification projects, and cultural events, AAI has enhanced the area’s role as a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors. A 2024 economic study by Econsult found that every dollar invested by AAI generates $226 in annualized economic impact for Philadelphia.
