Germantown Avenue between Highland and Willow Grove
Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 14 7 – 9pm
Special Opening Night: October 8 (rain date: October 9)
The 5th annual Night of LightsChestnut Hill Conservancy’s innovative free public art installation, will once again transform Germantown Avenue into an interactive display of local history and architecture (and shopping and dining).
For ten nights in October, historical images from the Conservancy’s Archives will be projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue, while neighboring historic buildings will be illuminated with films and colored lights.
The event kicks off October 8th (rain date: October 9th) with storytellers, musicians, prizes, and more. The exhibition—complete with accompanying mobile experience—will remain on view every night through October 17 for self-guided explorations of community history and return visits.
Additional Experiences
during Night of Lights!
See the schedule below for related free activities planned by the Conservancy, and additional ticketed special events organized by great friends and partners. Many stores will stay open late and restaurants will feature local historic food items on their menus (be sure to include McNally’s Tavern as they celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary with a throw-back menu of their own)!
Come for Night of Lights, and stay for any (or all) of the additional fun-filled experiences listed below!
Friday, October 8, 2021 OPENING NIGHT!! (rain date Saturday, October 9)
Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm:
Stroll the Avenue and enjoy live storytelling, musicians, an oral history recording station, interpreters stationed at projection windows, and more.
  • Night of Lights Opening Night Reception featuring a VIP “Flip the Switch”, George Woodward Co., 8031 Germantown Ave 6:45 pm
  • Before the “Flip” kick off the pre-Night of Lights ceremony at George Woodward Co. at 5:30 pm
  • Opening reception featuring an antique and classic car display, wine tasting from Jefferson Vineyards, and cheese samplings from The Fresh Market
  • A Woodward history narrative offered by David Contosta
  • Original “French Village” scale model on display
  • Free event, hosted by George Woodward Co.
Saturday, October 9
RAIN DATE for Opening Night Activities and Reception
Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:
  • Horse drawn carriages featuring a tour of select Woodward developments, departing from Pastorius Park at Roanoke Street and Abington Avenue, 2–5 pm, complimentary carriages available on a first come, first served basis.
  • Guided Walking Tour of Woodward development with David Contosta, departing from Pastorius Park, at Roanoke Street and Abington Avenue, 2 – 3:30 pm, Donation: $30.
  • Self-Guided Tour of Woodward development at your leisure, Donation: $20.
  • Both tours require registration and include an informational pamphlet and a commemorative George Woodward Co. 100 year anniversary button (pick up instructions for pamphlet and button sent upon registration)
  • Organized by George Woodward Co., proceeds benefit Chestnut Hill Conservancy. Register HERE for both tours.
    Mermaid Inn Speakeasy, 7673 Germantown Ave, 6 – 9 pm
  • Featuring Lucy Daigle Band
  • Roaring 20’s Costume Dress optional
  • Philadelphia Historic Foods prepared by Chef Paul Roller
  • Mason Jar of signature “Wissahickon Punch”
  • Cash bar for wine, beer, & cocktails
  • $45 donation and “secret password” (sent upon registration)
  • Organized by George Woodward Co., proceeds benefit Chestnut Hill Conservancy. Register HERE
Sunday, October 10
Night of Lights Exhibition (self-guided), 7 – 9 pm, plus:
     Cocktail Party at Market at the Fareway, 5 – 7 pm
Wednesday, October 13
Night of Lights Exhibition (self-guided), 7 – 9 pm, plus:
    Free building trades demonstrations at Stagecrafters, 6 – 8 pm
  • Including a mason, woodworker, electrician, and metal workers!
Friday, October 15
Night of Lights Exhibition (self-guided), 7 – 9 pm, plus:
   Chestnut Hill’s Spirited Sips, Germantown Avenue
  • Participating Chestnut Hill Retailers serving complimentary pretzel nuggets and cider, open until 7:00 pm
  • Participating Chestnut Hill Restaurants serving $5 “Wissahickon Punch”
  • Organized by Chestnut Hill Business District and Businesses
Saturday, October 16
Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:
    Icehouse Social, 7900 block of Lincoln Drive, tented event, 3 – 5 pm
  • In recognition of George Woodward Co.’s commitment to successful adaptive reuse. This development showcases the conversion of Casey’s Icehouse to Willet’s Stained Glass Studio to the current George Woodward Co. Residential Properties
  • Music provided by Mt. Saint Joseph Academy
  • Special guest visitors from the past George & Gertrude Woodward
  • Our “Past Teller” will channel your past life identity from Chestnut Hill 100 years ago!
  • Rose wine provided by Jefferson Vineyards
  • Sweets provided by Bredenbeck’s Bakery, Night Kitchen, and Baker Street Bread
  • Gift bag with a hand crafted, stained glass ornament to commemorate the occasion
  • $45 donation
  • Organized by George Woodward Co., proceeds benefit Chestnut Hill Conservancy
  • Register HERE
Participating Businesses and
Restaurants
Participating businesses and restaurants have contributed Pastport prizes and/or will be donating a portion of their sales during Night of Lights to support the Conservancy. Please be sure to show your Pastport or mention Night of Lights when making your purchase in person or online. Many will be open late with extended hours during the exhibition.
Many shops and restaurants will be open late with extended hours during the exhibition and restaurants will feature historic food items on their menus. Current as of 9/20/21. Visit the Night of Lights webpage for an updated list of participating businesses.
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  • October 7 – Historic District Advisory Committee Public Meeting 6:30pm. Register HERE for a Zoom link to attend
Thank You!
Sponsors and supporters are community champions. Your support now will continue our work
in the coming year!
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY LEAD SPONSOR
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY GENERAL SPONSORS
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY PROGRAM SPONSORS
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY NIGHT OF LIGHTS MEDIA SPONSOR
Always feel free to contact us with any questions about the Conservancy, our programs and events, or your membership at info@chconservancy.org
Chestnut Hill Conservancy | 8708 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19118