Philadelphia, PA – Roxborough Development Corporation presents Happy Holidays from ROX, a four week holiday festival and month of activities and activations taking over Ridge Avenue and Gorgas Park. Come be festive with the Roxborough Tree Lighting, holiday pop-up market, Art on the Ridge holiday gallery, Santa’s arrival on a firetruck, seasonal food and drink, lights and decorations, Small Business Saturday, Snowflake Scavenger Hunt and much more. Festivities start on Black Friday and run through December (see individual events for details). Look for the lighting of the holiday trees, live music, holiday cheer from New Ridge Brewing Co., entertainment and ornament making for the special wishing trees. Admission to Happy Holidays from Roxborough is always no-charge, while food, beverages, and shopping are pay-as-you-go. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or trying to warm your spirit with a cup of hot cocoa and song carols, Happy Holidays from ROX is a “must-go” seasonal festival for fans of festive holiday fun.
“We are excited to bring this classic holiday celebration back to Roxborough for another year,” said Roxborough Development Corporation Executive Director Jax Cusack. “Happy Holidays from ROX is about keeping spirits bright embracing the best of our community during the coldest time of the year, with collaboration from the local businesses and restaurants along Ridge Avenue. Celebrate the most festive time of year in Roxborough.”
NEW: 1ST ANNUAL GORGAS PARK EVERGREEN ENCHANTMENT
First Annual Gorgas Park Evergreen Enchantment: A Roxborough Holiday Celebration
Presented by Friends of Gorgas Park with support from Roxborough Development Corporation
November 28th – December 21st, 2025
Gorgas Park, 6300 Ridge Avenue, Roxborough, Philadelphia
Friends of Gorgas Park invite the Roxborough community and surrounding neighborhoods to experience the magic of the holiday season at the inaugural Gorgas Park Evergreen Enchantment. This holiday season activation transforms our beloved green space into a winter wonderland, making Gorgas Park the festive heart of Roxborough.
Built around a unique Christmas Tree Maze, the Enchantment offers families a safe, beautiful, and charitable way to celebrate. It is designed to encourage evening park use, create beautiful photo opportunities, and support a vital cause for local children through a partnership with Toys for Tots.
Key Attractions & Activities
1) The Evergreen Christmas Tree Maze ( From 11/28- 12/21/2025)
A truly unique holiday experience! The Gorgas Park Christmas Tree stand is a beloved tradition of Roxborough, this year Chris Meyers and his team are not only helping the residents of Roxborough pick out the perfect tree, but they are also creating a unique interactive experience. Adorned with hundreds of lights, the maze offers a magical, sensory experience and a perfect backdrop for holiday photos. Make your way around the maze to learn historical facts on the symbol of the Christmas Tree and make your way to the center of the Maze where a surprise photo op is waiting!
2) The Evergreen History Hunt (Digital Scavenger Hunt) (From 11/28- 12/21/2025)
Digital Adventure: This self-guided activity blends festive fun with local history and nature education, accessible right on your phone! Families will follow a digital map to find specially decorated Wreaths placed throughout the park (near the gazebo, the War Memorial, and the award-winning gardens).
Scan & Learn: Each wreath will feature a QR code. Scanning the code instantly reveals fascinating facts about:
Park History: Key moments from Gorgas Park’s past, from its original land donation to the Friends of Gorgas Park’s award-winning revitalization efforts.
Flora & Fauna: Fun details about the park’s 250+ trees, its PHS Blue Ribbon pollinator gardens, and the wildlife that calls the park home.
Weekly Winners: To enter, participants must submit their final answer digitally after completing the hunt. Random winners will be drawn every week from all entries to win gift certificates and prizes from local Roxborough businesses.
Activation: The digital map and instructions are available daily via a main QR code posted at the park entrance, making the hunt available throughout the entire Enchantment run.
3) Toys for Tots Drop-Off (From 11/28- 12/21/2025)
Give Back to the Community: In the spirit of the season, a prominent and secure drop-off station will be established for new, unwrapped toys benefiting the Toys for Tots program.
Activation: The drop-off box will be accessible throughout the entire Evergreen Enchantment run, with special volunteer support during the peak “Santa Saturday” events to encourage maximum donations.
Impact: Ensures the event contributes meaningfully to children in need across the city.
4) Weekend Special Events throughout the celebration – To enhance the holiday spirit and encourage repeat visits, designated days will feature special, unique programming.
* Saturday November 30th 5pm – 8pm
Kick off Gorgas Park Holiday Light Spectacular with Live Holiday Music
* Sunday December 7th 11am
A Day of Remembrance with the 21st Ward Veterans Association. This years’ ceremony holds special significance as it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army, Navy and Marines. The program will include a historical reflection on the origin of Veterans’ Day.
* Saturday December 13th 5pm – 8 pm
Get cozy and experience the magic of the holidays with classic outdoor Movie Reels and delicious refreshments from Friends of Gorgas Park, including hot chocolate, popcorn, cotton candy and more! We invite the community to share the festive cheer and support a great cause by bringing a donation for the Friends of the Roxborough Library Book Drive.
* Saturday December 20th 5pm – 8pm
Jingle Bell Rock Nite
Roxborough’s own Mitchell St Phillbillies will be providing the festive sound track for the evening
The Gorgas Park Luminary Path – Celebrate Winter Solstice with Luminaries that will be set out and lit every night from dusk until the park’s closing time, creating a warm, classic glow that enhances the festive atmosphere.
Santa visit Roxborough again from 6pm – 8pm
Toys for Tots Last Chance 5-8pm
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – ROXBOROUGH SNOWFLAKE SCAVENGER HUNT
This Small Business Saturday, Ridge Avenue is transforming into a festive, winter adventure with the launch of the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, running Saturday, November 29th through Saturday, December 6th. The event invites neighbors, families, and visitors to explore and support local small businesses while tracking down 20+ artist-designed snowflakes hidden throughout the Ridge Avenue Commercial Corridor.
Each snowflake has been individually decorated by talented local artists from the Art on the Ridge gallery, bringing a burst of creativity and quirky seasonal cheer to participating storefronts. Patrons are encouraged to visit as many small businesses as possible, scan the posted QR code when they find a snowflake, and check in for a chance to win prizes donated by Ridge Avenue’s generous local merchants.
“Small Business Saturday is all about celebrating the businesses that make our corridor unique,” said Jacqueline Cusack, Executive Director of the Roxborough Development Corporation. “The Snowflake Scavenger Hunt is a fun, family-friendly way to explore the Avenue, meet the faces behind our shops and restaurants, and experience the creativity of our Art on the Ridge artists.”
At the conclusion of the scavenger hunt on December 6th, all decorated snowflakes will be collected and made available for purchase at Art on the Ridge. Proceeds will directly support the gallery’s programming and mission to provide accessible arts opportunities to the Roxborough community.
How It Works
● Visit participating Ridge Avenue businesses from Nov. 29 – Dec. 6
● Look for the decorated snowflakes created by Art on the Ridge artists
● Scan the QR code at each location to check in
● Each check-in earns an entry to win local prizes
● After Dec. 6, purchase your favorite snowflake at Art on the Ridge to support the gallery
This year’s Snowflake Scavenger Hunt is one more way Roxborough is encouraging neighbors to shop small, shop local, and celebrate the season with the community.
Participating Businesses Include
Sun Tan City
Zesto pizza
PrimoHoagies Roxborough
Officialink
New Ridge Brewing Co.
Worldwide Aquarium and Pets
Pauline Nader’s Flower Farm
Santucci’s Original Square Pizza
Lennies Hoagie Shop
Sunshine Sandwich Shop
Flying Sowth
Alex’s Pizza
Jenny’s Smoothie
HIlltown Tarvern
Poppy & Bean
Eremita
AOTR
The Foodery
Furville
Unity Java
Bob’s
Barry’s
Taylors
For more info, visit:
roxborough dot brightrtravel dot com/passports/snowflake-scavenger-hunt
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ROX TREE LIGHTING AND CELEBRATION
The Roxborough Development Corporation proudly presents Happy Holidays from ROX on Sunday, December 6th, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue).
Join us for a day packed with festive fun and community spirit!
Get ready to celebrate the season as the Roxborough Development Corporation presents Happy Holidays from ROX! Mark your calendars for a festive afternoon of community cheer on Sunday, December 6th, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The heart of the celebration will be the Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Avenue. New this year will be our winter market on Krams Ave featuring 20 local artisans and crafters. The schedule features continuous fun, culminating in the cherished Annual Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will enjoy live musical performances by Huston West and spirited caroling with the Roxborough Men’s Choir. A major highlight will be Santa Claus’s grand arrival, making a entrance on a Philadelphia Fire Department truck. Families are invited to take part in the beloved tradition of crafting and hanging ornaments on the special Wishing Trees, adding their hopes and dreams to the community display. With a full afternoon of festivities, including an Ugly Sweater Contest and seasonal treats, this event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season right here in Roxborough. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with neighbors and celebrate the season together!
Event Highlights & Schedule
The celebration will run all afternoon, featuring live entertainment, fun contests, and delicious treats:
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Live Music with Huston West.
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Holiday Market on Krams Ave and in the Pocket Park
12:30 PM – Jeanette’s School of Dance Holiday Show Case
1:30 PM: Join our festive Ugly Sweater Contest for a chance to win bragging rights!
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Santa arrives with the Philadelphia Fire Department on a fire truck! Get your holiday photos taken.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Caroling with the Roxborough Men’s Choir.
5:30 PM: The main event! Our Annual Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and Captain James Kimrey.
A Community Wishing Tradition
During the ceremony, visitors are invited to craft their own ornaments for our special Wishing Trees. This unique tradition invites attendees to add a personal touch by creating ornaments that carry their hopes and dreams for the coming year. Add your wish to one of the two Wishing Trees displayed in the Pocket Park, creating a beautiful tapestry of shared community dreams.
All-Day Festivities
Stay warm and celebrate with:
A fun S’mores Bar to enjoy seasonal treats.
Delicious holiday drinks from New Ridge Brewing Co.
A festive holiday party atmosphere with seasonal entertainment.
Don’t miss this wonderful way for families and community members to connect, decorate, and celebrate the season together!
ART ON THE RIDGE HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN NEW HOME
Shop small and local at Art on the Ridge featuring Northwest Philly artists and makers – and run by RDC! Located at 6155A ridge Ave.
Art on the Ridge is powered by a collaborative effort between the Roxborough Development Corporation and Baker Street Partners, and supported by private community donations. The return of Ridge Avenue’s only art gallery also brings a more permanent status with it – no longer a temporary pop-up gallery, be sure to check out Art on the Ridge for months to come!
The Art on the Ridge gallery will be located at 6155A Ridge Ave, in a vacant store front in between Nanu’s Hot Chicken and Edible. Roxborough Development Corporation aims to showcase the space’s potential with the gallery, demonstrating how introducing new ideas and creative incubators can bring more people, residents and beyond, to the neighborhood. This initiative not only supports local artists, but also illustrates the appeal of the area to prospective long-term tenants, highlighting its viability as a dynamic, community-centered business corridor.
The establishment of this gallery follows the success of its initial pop-up run, which demonstrated strong community interest and demand for a dedicated art space. By activating the new location, RDC is committed to increasing foot traffic and vibrancy on Ridge Avenue, especially in the evening hours, creating a lasting cultural landmark.
The gallery will feature local artists and makers, with artwork available for purchase. Curated to showcase the unique mediums of artists throughout the northwest region of the city, the gallery will include over 20 different mediums including custom jewelry, photography, quilted wall hangings, paintings, crochet, and more. This variety ensures that there will be something for everyone, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to appreciate and purchase original pieces crafted by local artists.
“The opening of Art on the Ridge at our new location is a powerful example of how creativity can breathe new life into our commercial corridor,” said Jax Cusack, RDC Executive Director. “At Roxborough Development Corporation, we are proud to activate a once-vacant storefront into a space that celebrates our local artists and makers, while strengthening Ridge Avenue as a destination. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses, nurturing community talent, and shaping a vibrant future for Roxborough.”
“We are incredibly excited to establish a permanent home for our artists. This space will not only highlight the incredible creativity in our community but also serve as a hub for artistic expression and economic growth along Ridge Avenue” remarked Joann Desper, Board President.
CONNECT AND THANKS
Happy Holidays from ROX is organized by the Roxborough Development Corporation, with more information at:
roxborough.brightrtravel.com
@roxboroughpa
#RoxboroughPA #HappyHolidaysfromROX
TRAVEL AND PARKING
By Car – Just across the Schuylkill from I-76, Roxborough is easy to reach by car. The drive is 11 minutes from Chestnut Hill, 19 minutes from University City, and 22 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. It is just over 20 minutes from the shopping hub in King of Prussia and less than half an hour from the Philadelphia International Airport. For parking, two parking lots are available for convenient access to the festival, one at 465 Leverington Avenue and the other at 514 Dupont Street.
By Bike – The scenic, riverside Kelly Drive makes biking to Roxborough from Center City an easy ride. Just ride north on the bike path beside the Schuylkill River until it hits Main Street in Manayunk. Then that will take you right through Manayunk and into the heart of Roxborough.
By Bus – An array of buses run right through Roxborough. The #9 runs from Center City to Andorra. The #27 goes from Plymouth Meeting Mall to Center City. The #32 will take you right from Roxborough to Center City via Philadelphia University. The #35 runs a Manayunk / Roxborough Loop. The #38 goes from 5th and Market to Wissahickon. And the #65 goes from Germantown / Chelten to 69th St. Transportation Center.
By Train – Septa’s Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line runs out to Roxborough, stopping at Wissahickon, Manayunk and Ivy Ridge.