Philadelphia

Forget the North Pole, Santa is heading South for the winter! Jolly Old St. Nick will visit Alphabet Garden (1631 East Passyunk Ave.) for a free photo sitting every Wednesday night (6-8pm) and Saturday afternoon (2-4pm) from December 3 through 20, 2014 as part of the month-long “Deck the Ave” celebration on East Passyunk Avenue. Purchase an optional photo package that will be printed on the spot or bring your own camera to snap free pictures.  Bring Fido on Saturday, December 13 (1-2pm) ONLY for a special pet photo sitting with Santa!

Celebrate the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree above the Singing Fountain with carolers, Santa Claus, and free seasonal treats from Avenue restaurants on Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 5pm to 7pm. After the ceremonies, “Deck the Ave” and enjoy a musical procession down East Passyunk, extended shopping hours, specials, sales, giveaways and other festive surprises. For more information, visit http://visiteastpassyunk.com/events, call (215) 336-1455 or tweet @EPassyunkAve.

With the 2014 Philadelphia Marathon right around the corner, runners from around the country are no doubt going to need to fill up on carbs before the big race.

Santa gets his jolly on at 12 East Passyunk bars and restaurants during Spirits & Suds with Santa Bar Crawl on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. Registration starts at 5:30 pm at South Philly Bar & Grill (East Passyunk and Wharton). Admission is only $5.00 and includes $3 craft beers, $4 merry cocktails and $5 snacks, a Santa or Elf hat, and a chance to win a $300.00 prize package. Age 21 and up with valid identification.

Celebrate this Thanksgiving at Davio's Philadelphia located in Rittenhouse Square. On Thursday, November 27th, 2014 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm, guests are invited to enjoy one of two special Thanksgiving Day menus prepared by Executive Chef Chris Tavares. Guests can choose between a three-course pre-fixe menu featuring items such as the Chestnut Bisque and Roasted Turkey, or a Family Style Whole Turkey Dinner that includes items such as Cranberry Walnut Salad, Baby Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, and Orange Cranberry Chutney.

South Street Headhouse District presents their annual extravaganza Winter Wonderland on Sunday, December 7, 2014, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Historic Headhouse Square Shambles (200 Pine Street).  Free family fun includes the annual holiday tree lighting, Santa Claus arriving on a firetruck, free horse-drawn carriage rides, dance performances, a holiday shopping market organized by PHAIR and much more. Before or after the festivities, stroll the district and check out holiday displays at 30+ businesses competing in the Window Wonderland Storefront Challenge.