On Friday, December 6, uCity Square proudly hosted its third annual Holiday Fest for its community of scientists, students, and surrounding neighbors, offering fun and free activities for all ages. The Lawn at uCity was decorated with an abundance of holiday decor to add to the festive mood.

This year, Holiday Fest returned to a one-day-only Friday evening event. The event drew over 150 people from all backgrounds, with Photos with Santa was one of the most popular activities!

Special holiday activities included:

  • In partnership with the organizers of Clark Park Craft Market, we hosted 10+ vendors with holiday goods, gifts, and vintage items for sale.
  • John Grady, Senior Vice President at Wexford Science and Technology, presided over the tree lighting ceremony. At the tree lighting ceremony, which featured a 14′ decorated tree that will remain at The Lawn throughout the holiday season, is West Philadelphia’s only tree lighting ceremony!
  • Penn’s Dischord a cappella group performed popular hits at the tree lighting ceremony.
  • Photos with Santa was a big hit, and as a bonus, photos were complimentary! Children, families, college students, and adults alike took the opportunity to pose with Santa while having their photo professionally taken.
  • The Two Locals Beer Garden opened one final time this season to offer beer and wine.
  • Beach Beans Coffee came for the evening to offer hot cocoa, hot cider, and coffee drinks. One young fan even said it was the best hot cocoa he’s ever had!
  • The night was chilly, so we offered roaring fire pits surrounded by Adirondak chairs and cozy blankets. We provided complimentary packs of s’mores ingredients to roast over the fire pits – this was also a big hit and over 130 packs were consumed!
  • There was a make-your-own-ornament craft station in the middle of all the action.

This was a successful and worthwhile event that we will plan to bring back again next year!