Things to Do Along the Pike for December 13, 2024

Good morning, neighbors! Today, West Chester Pike is graced with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 33°F (0.5°C) and a low of 21°F (-6°C).

The reduced wind makes the cold more bearable, offering a crisp and clear day to enjoy outdoor activities.

Friday the 13th: Unraveling the Superstition

Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day, a belief rooted in various historical and cultural events. Some trace the superstition to the Last Supper, where 13 individuals were present on Maundy Thursday, the night before Jesus's crucifixion on Good Friday. Others point to the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, by King Philip IV of France. Over time, these associations have cemented Friday the 13th as a day of caution and superstition in Western culture.

Embrace the Adventurous Spirit: Sir Francis Drake's Voyage

On December 13, 1577, Sir Francis Drake set sail from Plymouth, England, commanding a fleet of five ships on a daring expedition. His mission: to raid Spanish holdings along the Pacific coast of the New World and explore uncharted territories. This journey culminated in Drake becoming the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, returning to Plymouth in 1580 laden with treasures and newfound knowledge.

Inspired by Drake's adventurous spirit, why not embark on your own local explorations this weekend? Here are some activities to consider:

• Outdoor Ice Skating: With today's sunny weather, it's an excellent opportunity to visit local ice rinks. The Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink in Newtown Square offers a festive outdoor skating experience.

• Holiday Markets: Explore seasonal markets along the Pike, featuring local artisans, festive decorations, and unique gifts perfect for the holiday season.

• Historical Tours: Delve into the rich history of Southeast Pennsylvania by visiting landmarks and museums that showcase the area's heritage.

Whether you're embracing the winter chill on the ice or uncovering local history, there's plenty to discover along the Pike this weekend.

🎄 Local Special Holiday Events & Offers 🎄 

La Cabra Brewing: Smoked Christmas Prime Rib Dinner

📅 Friday, December 20th & Saturday, December 21st
📍 La Cabra Brewery & La Cabra Smokehouse (both locations!)

Enjoy a festive dinner featuring:

• Smoked Prime Rib

• Bacon & Cranberry Green Beans

• Potatoes au Gratin

• Wild Mushroom Demi-Glace

Limited quantities available each night!

Apple Walnut Cafe: Christmas To-Go & Breakfast

📅 Christmas Eve Pickup: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 2924 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA

• Turkey Platters: $20.50 (add pie or cake for $2)

• Ham Platters: $16.00

• Extra Sides: Gravy, cinnamon rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more!

• Sweet Treats: Whole pies, cakes, and cheesecakes starting at $22.

• Christmas Breakfast: Brioche French Toast Bakes, Scramble Bowls, Whole Quiches, and more for a stress-free morning.

Lansdowne Holiday Tree Lighting Market & Parade

📅 Sunday, December 15th
🕒 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050

Enjoy an evening of:

• Holiday Market: Shop local vendors, find unique gifts, and enjoy food trucks.

• Parade: Begins at 5 PM, followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa visit.

• Live Music by DJ Foley

• Free gift from Delco Bikes!

West Chester Christkindlmarkt

📅 Saturday, December 14th, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
📍 Gay Street (Matlack to Darlington) & Church Street, West Chester, PA

Highlights include:

• Over 100 vendors with unique gifts.

• Free admission.

• Santa photos from 2 PM - 4 PM at M&T Bank.

• Live music and festive vibes!

Swarthmore Night Market

📅 Friday, December 13th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Downtown Swarthmore

Enjoy late-night shopping with:

• Local merchants & pop-up vendors.

• Food, drinks, and holiday cheer.

• Ugly Sweater Contest with prizes!

Riverbend Environmental Education Center: 2025 Summer Camp

📅 Registration Opens: Tuesday, December 17th
Give your kids a summer filled with hiking, crafting, science, and fun!
🔗 More details available online.

Grange Vintage Home Decor Shop: Holiday Schedule

📍 The Grange Vintage Shop

• Saturday, December 14th: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

• Friday, December 20th: 5:00 - 7:30 PM

• Saturday, December 21st: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Additional hours available into January!

Upper Merion Farmers Market: Santa & Buddy the Elf Meet & Greet

📅 Wednesday, December 13th
🕒 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Nor-View Farm, King of Prussia, PA 19406

• Free photos with Santa (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM).

• Buddy the Elf appearance (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM).

Bring your family, holiday spirit, and cameras!

Berwyn Farmers Market: Final Markets of the Year

📍 Berwyn Farmers Market

• Sunday, December 15th: Regular Market, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Sunday, December 22nd: Last Market of 2024, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Winter Market: Starts January 12, 2025, on the 2nd & 4th Sundays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Nifty Fifty’s: Free Ornament with Gift Card Purchase

📅 Now through December 21st
📍 niftyfiftys.com

Order a gift card online ($20 minimum) and receive a FREE Collectible Christmas Ornament!
Online orders only, while supplies last.

S3 Girls Holiday Camp

📅 Friday, December 27th, 2024
📍 United Sports Training Center, Downingtown, PA

• U8-U10 Session: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• U11-U13 Session: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The camp includes:

• Coaching by an all-female staff.

• Division 1 college coach interaction.

• Technical training, small-sided games, prizes, and a Q&A session (parents welcome).