This past weekend, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation kicked off a new season of what has become one of Philly’s favorite holiday traditions, “Christmas in Fairmount Park”. This year’s theme, “A Very Philly Christmas”, features six of the park’s treasured historic houses each decked out in the season’s finest and offering various special events.

     The Historic Houses of Fairmount Park – Cedar Grove, Laurel Hill Mansion, Lemon Hill Mansion, Mount Pleasant, Strawberry Mansion and Woodford – have a long-time tradition of decorating for the holidays and entertaining visitors. This season is no different.

  “The holidays are a time for entertaining, and the Historic Houses provide the perfect setting,” said Ed Miller, Historic Houses Coordinator at Fairmount Park Conservancy. “We are thrilled to offer events inspired by our city geared towards music lovers, food lovers, children, and our neighbors.”

  The holiday fun kicked off last Saturday, as the “Sounds of the Season” were celebrated as various local musicians performed from 10AM to 4PM. Sponsored by WRTI, the day featured performances by the Mummers All-Stars, AMLA (Artístas y Músicos Latino Americanos),  Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz,  Quiet Storm authentic Philly doo wop, Opera Philadelphia and Pearl Chamber Orchestra. A special holiday version of Parks On Tap was also held outside of Historic Strawberry Mansion.

  On Sunday, December 4th, Family Day brought a full day of holiday entertainment and activities for children and their parents to the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park. Santa was on hand for photo-ops at Lemon Hill Mansion and representatives from the Please Touch Museum, Smith Playground, Mornin’ Music, Spirit Q Puppet Theatre, Blacksmith, Franklin Institute, Revolution Shakespeare and Walnut St. Theater each stopped at a different Historic House for a special presentation.

   What’s in store for this weekend? On Saturday, December 10th, from 10AM-4PM, join the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park for “Neighbor’s Day” as they showcase the many talents of the neighbors who live near and around Fairmount Park. Admission is $8 per house, payable at the door. Children 12 and under attend for free. Discounted event passes available online at holidaysinthepark.com. Residents of Brewerytown, Fairmount, Francisville, East Falls, Parkside and Strawberry Mansion mat attend for free.

    On Sunday, December 11th, from 10AM-4PM, stop by the Historic Houses for “Flavors of the Season”. Walter Staib from City Tavern will be on hand to engage visitors’ culinary curiosities along with free samples of holiday delights from local food superstars including Shane Confectionery (Lemon Hill – 10AM-4PM), City Tavern (Cedar Grove – 10AM-4PM), Philly Pretzel Factory (Mount Pleasant – 10AM-4PM), Yard’s (Mount Pleasant – 1-4PM), Sweetzels Bakery (Woodford – 10AM-4PM), Giambri’s Quality Sweets (Strawberry Mansion – 10AM-4PM), and Whole Foods (Strawberry Mansion – 10AM-4PM)

   Admission is $8 per house, payable at the door. Children 12 and under attend for free. Discounted event passes available online at holidaysinthepark.com.

    “A Very Philly Christmas” isn’t your only chance to enjoy the Historic Houses this holiday season. Check out the following events for even more Fairmount Park Fun this December:

Christmas Open House

December 1 – 31, 10AM – 4PM

  Stop by the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park and see the decorations inspired by “A Very Philly Christmas.”  Reservations not required. Free parking available at all houses.

Admission is $8 per house, payable at the door. Children 12 and under attend for free. Operating schedules vary. Check holidaysinthepark.com/events for a full December schedule.

Holiday Candlelight Tour

Thursday, December 1 & 8, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

   Tour festively-decorated Laurel Hill Mansion, Woodford Mansion, and Strawberry Mansion on this exclusive tour lit softly by candlelight, evoking the past in a unique and lovely way. Friendly and knowledgeable guides share the rich and interesting history of Fairmount Park and the life of the residents who called each of these magnificent buildings home. The tour concludes with assorted hors d’oeuvres and desserts at Strawberry Mansion.

   Ticket price is $45 and covers transportation, admission at each house, and refreshments.

A Festive Tradition Trolley Tour

December 15-18, 10 AM – 12 PM and 1:30 – 3:30 PM

   Be part of a cherished Philadelphia tradition by touring the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park exquisitely decorated for the holidays. Hear from knowledgeable and engaging guides as they lead you to three historic houses and share the rich history of Fairmount Park. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

  Admission $40 ($32 for Philadelphia Museum of Art members); free for Museum Circle members ($500+) and above.

PHLASH Holiday Houses Loop

December 1-18, Thursday-Sunday, 10:00AM-4:00PM

   Visitors and locals can use PHLASH to visit the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park this holiday season. Simply board a comfortable and heated PHLASH at the west entrance of the Art Museum and enjoy all 5 houses in East Fairmount Park or park at any one of the historic houses and hop on PHLASH.

    Price is $5 for all day pass. Visit phillyphlash.com for more information.  •