Philadelphia, PA - Deck the halls, as Philadelphia local restaurants prepare for the Christmas season. From Cocoa and Crepes to The Feast of the Seven Fishes check out these local events to help get you in the holiday spirit.
Christmas Events In Philadelphia Region
Cocoa + Crepes Weekend Pop-ups - a.kitchen + bar
a.kitchen + bar is bringing back their beloved Cocoa and Crepes weekend sidewalk pop-ups to infuse a little Parisian flair into the Philadelphia holiday season. Every weekend in December, guests can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet or savory (or both!) crepe from Chef Eli Collins while soaking in stellar views of Rittenhouse Square decked out for the season. The series is done in partnership with Chris Curtin and Éclat Chocolate.
December 14: Abundantly Good Bake Sale - Fork
The city’s top bakers are coming together to raise some money for Philabundance and its Abundantly Good Program via a festive holiday bake sale hosted at Fork. An impressive lineup of local bakers, alongside High Street on Market’s head baker, Alexander Roman, will be preparing an array of seasonal sweets for the charity on December 13th from 11 am-3 pm. Participants include Cadence, Essen, Cakelife Bake Shop, Fiore Fine Foods, Sweetbox, Lost Bread Co. Townsend, Éclat, and Jezebel.
December 24: Feast of the Seven Fishes - Fork
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a food-filled tradition beloved by many who celebrate at Fork annually. With Fork’s dedication to sourcing sustainable and top-quality seafood, this year’s menu is shaping up to be a great one, with a $99 tasting menu home to:
The Feast will also feature an intermezzo dish, desserts (like truffles, cookies, and, of course, cannoli) and a wine pairing for $55.
December 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner - Res Ipsa
For New Year's Eve, Res Ipsa will have three different dinner servings. For the 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. seatings, guests will enjoy Chef’s Southern Italian tasting at either $60 for family-style starters, pasta, entrees, and desserts - scaled up based on the party size - or $80 if they opt for the same tasing with luxury finishes — think caviar and truffles. For the 10 p.m. seating, diners can expect the luxury tasting menu with a special champagne toast for $110. Parties can be reserved in groups 2, 4, or 6 for the occasion by calling the restaurant at (267) 519-0329.
December 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner - Laurel
For New Year's Eve, Laurel is offering two seatings: a five-course tasting menu for $75/per person and a nine-course tasting menu for $135/per person. The menu will feature luxury flourishes and wine pairings will be available.
December 31: Land and Sea Feast - High Street on Market
For New Year’s Eve this year, High Street on Market will be hosting a feast — but not any old feast, a land and sea feast highlighting their thoughtfully chosen purveyors of meat and seafood. Larger groups may consider sharing both treats. Guests may also want to indulge in High Street’s beverage option for the evening, their “trio,” an offering of a cocktail or sparkling wine, a glass of wine and a digestif to round it all out. Reservations can be made online or by calling 215-625-0988.
Now - December 31: Miracle Christmas Pop-Up - ITV + Laurel
ITV has been reimagined with holiday flourishes, festive flair, and an exclusive holiday menu for its annual Miracle Christmas Pop-Up. Simultaneously, the (heated) garden outside of Laurel has transformed into a winter wonderland (think: flannel blankets, fire pits, and string lighting galore). For the first time, Laurel is in on the festive fun, too.
Royal Boucherie, Old City’s utterly festive American brasserie from Top Chef winner Chef Nicholas Elmi, is decked for the holiday season and ready to invite kids and those young-at-heart to Not Your Basic Santa Photo - a fun photo op with Saint Nick aka Chef Nicholas Elmi on Saturday, December 21 from 1-3 pm at the restaurant. Chef Elmi will be donning his finest Santa gear for this very special photo-op, while complimentary Christmas cookies will accompany this fun event.
Talking about cookies - Additionally, Royal Boucherie will host an evening of Cookie Decorating with Ommegang on Monday, December 23, from 6-9 pm. For $10, guests are invited to step up to Royal Boucherie’s tented second-floor patio and decorate cookies while sipping on Ommegang Ciders. Cookies and the first Ommegang cider are included in the price. Last-minute shoppers will also have the chance to purchase a signed copy of Elmi’s cookbook, Laurel: Modern American Flavors in Philadelphia!, for $35 at both events.
The Bourse is getting in the holiday spirit with Deck the Food Hall, a two-day family-friendly holiday bonanza, featuring photos with The Grinch and Santa benefitting Morris Animal Refuge, a gingerbread making workshop with Barry’s Buns, Escape the 1980s Santa Experience, themed food & beverage specials, and more on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 10 am – 4 pm.
Starting at 11 am on both Saturday and Sunday, guests can get their photo taken with either the Grinch or Santa in support of Morris Animal Refuge, America’s first animal shelter. For a $20 donation, guests will receive a 4x6 keepsake photo with each of the characters.
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly
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