A Stroll Through Philly's Christmas Village

A very special holiday tradition in Philadelphia is its Christmas Village, 

held in Center City's LOVE Park from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.

The Village is modeled after the authentic Christmas markets in Germany,

the most well-know of which is the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg.

Beautiful arts and crafts, including a large variety of Christmas décor and ornaments,

are sold by vendors in rows of wooden booths bedecked with festive pine garlands,

red bows, and the spectacular yellow Herrnhut stars - also known as Moravian stars.

What a festive way to spend a December afternoon with my daughter!

As is said in Germany, "Fröhliche Weihnachten!"

What a fantastic variety of Matryoshka dolls!

Lots of good eats! Grilled bratwurst was the lunch of choice. 

Roasted nuts, baked cheese raclettes, pretzels, and strudels were also popular.

Exquisite wooden Schwibbogen, ornaments and nutcrackers by Käthe Wohlfahrt.

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How about this trend of brightly colored live Christmas trees?

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A Vintage Christmas - In the Pink!

 

Not your traditional red and green here;

these vintage Christmas illustrations embrace the color pink!

Rosy hues give a confectionery twist to delightful, retro designs!

Lovin' Those Vintage Ceramic Christmas Trees

I was delighted to see lots of vintage ceramic Christmas trees 

while shopping at Adamstown, PA's Mad Hatter Antique Mall.

So many, in fact, that I felt justified to show them off 

with a blog post of their very own.

Different sizes and styles. Green or white glazes.

Multi-color or all one color lights shaped like flames, balls or birds.

Snow tipped boughs, or not. Glitter, or not. Star on top, or not.

It was fun to see the variety.

Mid Century Madness

Maybe a big reason why I'm attracted to them is because way back in 1985,

I attended ceramics classes at a local shop and made one of my own,

which I gifted to my then soon-to-be mother and father-in-law!

And here it is~

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Read these posts, too!

A Stroll Through the Mad Hatter Antique Mall in Adamstown, PA
Marvelous Retro Finds at Mid Century Madness - Adamstown, PA

A Stunning Christmas at Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, PA

A perfect outing to celebrate the Christmas season-

we traveled to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

to take in the beauty of Longwood Gardens!

Longwood Gardens, as explained in its mission statement, is 

"the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, inspiring people through 

excellence in garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts."

A Longwood Christmas is a gorgeous display of

trees, flowers & foliage generously interspersed with lights 

that dares even the most stubborn Scrooge 

not to get into the holiday spirit!

above: This awesome 30' tall Living Tree is created with 1,300 potted plants.

below: One of many Christmas trees laden with ornaments for sale in the gift shop.

Poinsettias of every shade are no doubt the stars of the show.

Amarillys

Breathtaking ice-like chandeliers illuminate the sky-high ceilings

and fascinating architecture of the Conservatory, built in 1921.

Enormous hanging poinsettias dazzle from above.

Poinsettia wow-factor!

A lavish wreath in the Orchid House.

Delicate, feminine baby pink.

The Silver Room is always a favorite. We loved this 12' tree made of succulents!

Worth a closer look.

Air fern kissing balls.

A rich collection of succulents brilliantly arranged into a wreath.

The outdoor lighting has a magical, fairy tale feel!

Here's the Longwood Gardens website.

1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square,  PA

You may be interested to see this post on another of my visits:

An Autumn Afternoon at Longwood Gardens