Night of Lights 2021

Photo Credit: Bradley Maule

Night of Lights 2021

Germantown Avenue between Highland and Willow Grove

Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 17 7 – 9pm

Special Opening Night: October 8 (rain date: October 9)
Tickets for ticketed events can be purchased HERE

The 5th annual Night of Lights, Chestnut 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 colored lights and films.

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 through October 17 for self-guided explorations of community history and return visits.

See the schedule below for related free activities planned by the Conservancy, and additional ticketed events organized by their 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 $6 Wissahickon Punch Slushy!  Visit the Night of Lights webpage for an updated list of participating businesses.

Come for Night of Lights, and stay for any (or all) of the additional fun-filled experiences listed below!

Schedule of Experiences during Night of Lights

Friday, October 8, 2021 OPENING NIGHT!! (rain date Saturday, October 9)

Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:

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

  • Kick off the fifth annual 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
  • Event is Free of Charge

 

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:

 

RAIN DATE: OPENING NIGHT ACTIVITIES AND RECEPTION

 

Chestnut Hill’s Second Saturday, Germantown Avenue, 2 – 6 pm (details at https://chestnuthillpa.com)

  • Horse drawn carriages featuring a tour of select Woodward developments, departing from Pastorious Park at Roanoke Street and Abington Avenue, 2 – 5 pm, complimentary carriages available on a first come, first served basis
  • Guided Walking Tour with David Contosta, departing from Pastorious Park, at Roanoke Street and Abington Avenue, 2 – 3:30 pm, Donation: $30,  Self-Guided Tour  at your leisure, Donation:  $20,  Both tours 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

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:

 

Cocktail Party at Market at the Fareway, 5 – 7 pm

  • Cocktails
  • Small Plates
  • Live Music
  • $50 donation
  • Organized by Chestnut Hill Community Association, proceeds benefit Jenks Playground and the CHCA

 

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:

Building trades demonstrations at Stagecrafters (8130 Germantown), 6 pm – 8 pm

  • Join local artisans for fun and informational demonstration related to the area’s architectural history including a mason, woodworker, electrician, and metal workers.

 

Friday, October 15, 2021

Night of Lights Exhibition, 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
  • booked. and AR Workshop
  • Participating Chestnut Hill Restaurants serving “Wissahickon Punch” at $5.00
  • Organized by the Chestnut Hill Business District and Businesses

 

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Night of Lights Exhibition, 7 – 9 pm, plus:

 

Icehouse Social, 7900 block of Lincoln Drive, tented event, 3:00 pm –5:00 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 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

The Chestnut Hill Business Association and local businesses are proud to partner with the Conservancy on Night of Lights!