Photo by Cody Aldrich
Philadelphia, PA – It’s the most wonderful time of year to be dazzled by the return of Craftsman Row Saloon’s Miracle on 8th Street Holiday Wonderland Christmas Pop-up – that is bigger, brighter, and even more over the top! Nationally recognized for creating one of the country’s most immersive, extravagant and super-sized holiday pop-up dining experiences, the beloved restaurant and bar is back with even more sparkle, flavor, and festive flair.
Owners and operators brother sister duo George and Vasiliki Tsiouris are thrilled to welcome back all the holiday merry-makers into the Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, decorations and themed food and drinks at 112 S. 8th Street in Jeweler’s Row District. This year look for thousands more lights, garland, ornaments and FOUR over-the-top holiday milkshakes.
Look for giant signature over-the-top holiday milkshakes Pumpkin’ to Talk About (pumpkin ice cream, festive pretzel stick, slice of pumpkin pie, holiday sprinkles) and All I Want for Christmas (vanilla ice cream, egg nog, crushed gingerbread cookie, holiday decorated cookie, lollipop, green and red sour strip), plus Santa’s Cookies and Mint to Be Merry. The special decor and menus will run from now through January 2025. New for this year, Craftsman Row Saloon will be open seven days a week, starting at Noon Monday to Sunday. Closing/ kitchen hours are 11:00pm Mondays to Thursdays, Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00pm on Sundays.
“Every inch of Craftsman Row is absolutely glowing with thousands of shimmering lights, dazzling displays, and whimsical holiday décor, transforming the space into a true Holiday Wonderland. Guests can enjoy creative holiday cocktails, extravagant milkshakes, and indulgent burgers, making it a must-visit for travelers and locals seeking the ultimate seasonal experience. Whether you’re chasing the magic of the holidays or simply craving something merry and bright, “Miracle on 8th Street” delivers a uniquely joyful celebration that’s pure Christmas magic,” said Vasiliki Tsiouris.
“We love to see the joy on people’s faces when they experience what we have put together in both decorations and the menu items,” said George Tsiouris. “We are very excited to offer this pop-up again to our guests. Christmas holds a special place for our family and it’s so great to bring this pop up together another year with the whole family team.”
He added, “We are excited to bring the festive fun back to Jewelers’ Row. We believe in the magical time of Christmas being a time to share experiences with family and friends and doing something for someone, this is an opening of our hearts with Philadelphia and we have so much fun putting it together. Please join us for Miracle on 8th Street!”
For Craftsmans Row Saloon’s 2024 Holiday Wonderland Christmas Pop-up, look for over 60,000+ ornaments, 20,0000+ lights, 6,000+ feet of garland, and hundreds of wreaths, nutcrackers, deer and Santa dolls that join new ornament and tree installations. This year the brother and sister duo added more lights, more Christmas Tree Ornaments, more Christmas trees, hanging ornaments, more feet of fabric and more feet of garland and more elves on shelves. New additions also include a giant ornament chandelier over the main dining area, giant nutcrackers all in a row along the side wall.
A new brand-new Santa’s Letters Mailbox greets guests right at the entrance, brimming with heartfelt-written envelopes from children and grown-ups alike. Toward the back of the restaurant, a colorful pile of wrapped presents completes the North Pole scene, while above the bar, a whimsical 70-foot train track suspends along the ceiling – adding a nostalgic touch reminiscent of cozy holiday nights spent surrounded by love and laughter.
The banquette now twinkles brighter than ever, adorned with Christmas carols, glowing taper candles, jingle bells, and even a snow-covered window, where guests can peek through and imagine the carolers looking to see if anyone is home as they eagerly prepare to share their musical joy. Standing proudly throughout the back of the restaurant, four-foot nutcrackers — the steadfast guardians of holiday magic – stand watch, ensuring the spirit of the season shines bright and the wonder stays alive all winter long. Dozens of more sparkling presents and stockings hang overhead, wrapping guests in the wonder of what surprises the holidays might bring.
To make things even cozier, the fireplaces are now trimmed with stockings, beckoning visitors to settle in and imagine the holiday wishes waiting to be unwrapped. Outside, the four-story twinkling light show is ready to illuminates the minds of all entering the building, while festive ornaments and greenery greet guests from the street.
Every element ties together in a full-sensory holiday celebration, where the food and drinks perfectly complement the décor – creating an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a Christmas dream. Whether inside or out, every corner of “Miracle on 8th Street” offers a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured, so keep your camera ready and your spirits bright!
George said, “We have taken Craftsman Row to dazzling new heights – adding even more sparkle, nostalgia, and heartwarming details to the experience. Guests will discover 3,000 twinkling lights, thousands of ornaments and hanging baubles, hundreds of feet of festive garland and new details scattered throughout to spread cheer. We wanted to go for wow factor when you came in the front door, but we also want you to discover all the fine small details hidden throughout the space.”
The 4-story twinkling light show that illuminates the whole building is brighter than ever, with ornaments greeting everyone outside. New nods to traditional Christmas décor provides the perfect touch of reminiscing to Christmases past. Additionally, the drinks and food items tie into the décor perfectly taking guests on a full sensory experience. Float into a dreamland of various holiday experiences. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!
Taste buds will be celebrating the special food and dessert menu running from now through January 31st.
For more information, visit craftsmanrowsaloon.com and follow on social at @craftsmanrowphl