Thursday, December 18, 2025

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE...

...and other views. 


I got into Philly late this afternoon and staying overnight in Philly with a friend before heading to New York to meet the clan tomorrow. Once off the train, I was already greeted by a stunning tree in 30th Street Station, then headed to Wanamaker's for a organ listen before closing. A short walk about yet again makes me miss Philly, and how beautiful the city is. Just walking around for a bit before settling in tonight got me into the spirit of the holiday. Everything is sparkling. That old song from Auntie Mame, We Need A Little Christmas rings true, in these times we are living in. It seems to me I'm seeing more lights and decorations then in years past. And since I love Christmas Pyramids and have quite a few German ones, I was so happy to see a huge one in Love Park. It's now raining and my friend informs me he made a homemade butternut squash and apple soup for dinner. I tell you; I have the best friends. I will sleep good tonight.

34 comments:

  1. It’s a beautiful city!
    Jelly you’re going to NY. Have tons of fun!

    XOXO

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  2. Lovely pictures! Being bore and raised in Philly, I LOVE this city where it all begun, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

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  3. I had no idea 30th Street Station had a beautiful tree up till I took the train out the other day for a gig. I was blown away when I came in the doors. Enjoy you night Mistress.

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  4. Really Love the Photographs, Y'all do it up in a Big Way up There.. We got a few bonfires on the Levee on the Red.

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    1. I wonder what the significance of the bonfires is?

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  5. I don’t know how I could have lived on the east coast all those years without ever visiting Philly. I even have family there. What a cool city!

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    1. You told me that before and I think that completely shocks me. Cuz I have a feeling you two would absolutely love Philly

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  6. I miss living in Philly. I have lived in many cities and Philly has been hands down my favorite. Hated DC. I liked Chicago, by way too cold in the winter. After a year, I left. Others not worth mentioning. My finally move will either be to Denver or back to Philadelphia. I'm putting in for that. I just love these pictures. There is much culture and peoples, very friendly, the restaurants are incredible, not to mention all that rich history, museums and so accessible to other cities, and local towns like your Hew Hope.

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    1. I think I have to agree with you Azrael. At one time when the family started dwindling, I consider moving to the West Coast. But I don't think I could I love Philadelphia in the Northeast too much, not to mention all the weird weather out there would drive me nuts, such as flooding earthquakes wildfires Heat. Philadelphia is definitely one of the most fun cities I've ever been to. And I'm still seeing things that never saw before.

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  7. The organ looks glorious and that eagle is even decked out! Enjoy your jaunt.

    Call me crazy, but I always enjoyed Philadelphia far more then New York City, which can get overwhelming...FAST. Too much advertising in your face...everywhere. Takes aways from all the other beauty you ask me.

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    1. I adore New York city, but being visual and the amount of visual intake, I usually come back very mentally exhausted.

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  8. SPARKLE MISTRESS SPARKLE!!!!

    Your blog has been a fun festive and welcoming jewel this December. I love it. We need a place to escape all the bull crap from the news which seems to be 24/7. I too adore Philly, we after all lived on the Main Line for 52 years, till I downsized. Glorios pictures! Have you ever been to the group community sing of Silent Night the city does every year? It's an amazing time and feeling to be part of. I miss that. To see all the people, everyone is welcomed, to sing Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful. Hundreds attend. It's a cherished event.

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    1. Agnes I have heard of this tradition but I have yet to ever attend one. I think it's an amazing idea that they do it. The advertised a lot on wrti.

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  9. This all just reeks of Christmas--in a good way. It gives me historic vibes, but with modern splashes of color. And the tree, oy, that tree!

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  10. Brings back fond memories, there is a fun Christmas market there. How was the big organ?

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    1. Older Christmas Village at Dilworth Plaza is amazing! It's it even extends across to love park now. So many local Artisans selling their Wares, not to mention seasonal Delights to be sampled. The organ was phenomenal playing Carol's.

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  11. Christmas isn't Christmas without family to share it with.

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  12. What spectacular photos! Thanks!

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  13. Absolutely fabulous, darling! Have fun. Xx

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  14. Such beautiful Philly Christmas photos. I know you'll have fun in NYC!

    Love,
    Janie

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  15. Anonymous12/19/2025

    Quelle splendeur pour Noël :)
    Touché ! Philadelphie est une cité exceptionnel et très culitivée.
    Et Bon Voyage Maîtresse ! :)
    -Beau Mec à Deauville

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  16. So many beautiful Xmas trees! And I see your favourite eagle is all decked out for the holidays too. Enjoy your weekend shenanigans in NYC, Maddie!

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    1. Oh I love that. The new landlords of the building called my ex boss back he used to be the visual in the building to decorate it. So that was all Brian that did the eagle. As soon as he sent me a picture I can tell it was him. Of course the whole visual team came in to set up the tree where the facade of the organ is.

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  17. Ah, the annual pilgrimage to see the lights? I can't wait for more of these glorious pics.

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    1. I don't know if you saw it yet but I already posted the Bergdorf Goodman windows.

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  18. Anonymous12/20/2025

    The best, Christmas in Philly.
    Gorgeous trees !
    Don’t we have the most beautiful City Hall and colonial townhouses in America ? :)
    And boy do I remember the occasional police sweeps on famed Rittenhouse Square. Now so peaceful.
    And the eagle, back at his proper place on the main floor of Wanamakers.
    From the days when we would say:
    “See ya at the eagle” :)
    An Old Philadelphian

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    1. I agree completely with you. One of the prettiest cities at Christmas. It was nice to see the Eagle all decked out. My ex boss from Bloomingdales was the last Visual Manager the property saw before shuttering the building with Macy's. I thought he did a great job with the center court of flags and such, the light show was extra special and hearing the organ since it will be silent for some time to come. I also loved what he did with the eagle and greens.

      Still odd though to see the place empty with exception to just the Eagle. I didn't have time to make it to Elfreths Alley, but I always love seeing that at Christmas too, along with a visit to Shane's Confectionary.

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    2. Anonymous12/20/2025

      It all makes Philadelphia a special place, along with the world class museums. Thank God they’re preserving the Wanamakers building, and so nice to see the eagle back. As a child my grandmother would take me to Shane’s during the holidays for the chocolates and candies shaped like animals.
      Love your lovely photos, you should publish a Philadelphia holiday book.
      Pan in Wynnewood

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    3. Pan.....I LOVE Shanes!!!!! I was so disappointed I didn't make it to that end of town. Of course I spend way too much money, so maybe it's a good thing my mouth is a little sore still! And I have your bought their hot chocolate there yet? Some of the best hot chocolate I've ever had. Last time I was there I brought two tins home. And I always enjoy seeing the creativity of their windows for a candy shop.

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  19. I don't know...one just doesn't see that kind of spirit and feeling of Christmas like in the Northeast. And I agree with some here...I need another trip to Philadelphia. I had a great time when I was there.

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  20. It's all so pretty, but I have to say the giant Christmas pyramid is neat.

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  21. Let's be honest, size does matter !

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!