East Passyunk Avenue Kicks Off Holidays at Tree Lighting Party Tonight

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) and Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC) kick off the holiday's with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker and EPA) tonight, December 5, 2013, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

The free celebration will include carolers from Alphabet Academy, music by students from Andrew Jackson School, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday cupcakes for sale from Ms Goody Cupcake truck. Free food and drink samples will be provided by Belle Cakery, Black n Brew, Noord, Stateside and other restaurants to be announced. Speakers will include Pennsylvania State Senator Larry Farnese, Philadelphia Councilman Mark Squilla, EPABID Executive Director Renee Gilinger and PARC Executive Director Sam Sherman.

At 7:00pm, revelers are invited to the first Deck the Ave kick-off with free candy canes and treats at the shops, extended shopping hours, specials and sales, giveaways and other festive surprises. The Joe King Trio will stroll down the Avenue, leading shoppers to seasonal fun. Select restaurants and bars will offer dinner and drink specials, including Noord's Chef Joncarl Lachman preparing Kabritu Stoba (whole braised goat). Other participating restaurants and bars will include Adobe Café, Belle Cakery, The Bottle Shop, Fond, Fuel, Lucky 13, Noir, South Philly Bar & Grill, Stateside and Stogie Joe's.

BUSINESSES WITH EXTENDED HOURS UNTIL 9:00PM (with specials, if applicable):

* Aversa PR & Events (1141 Pierce) - Tree Lighting After Party and Open House featuring food trucks (The Tot Cart, Sum Pig Food Truck, Ms Goody Cupcake), complimentary nibbles from East Passyunk's Noir Restaurant, holiday photos, music, sweet buffet and other surprises. 7:00pm to 9:00pm, free admission
* Belle Cakery (1437 EPA)
* Beautiful Bride Philly (1613 EPA) - Warm up at our studio with a cup of hot mulled wine and complimentary sweet treats
* Capos Coins & Collectibles (1620 EPA) - 10% off select silver coins
* Cloth (1605 EPA)
* Eclectic Expressionism (1507 EPA)
* Era Atomica (1726 EPA) - Vegan treats and wine
* Frame Fatale (1813 EPA) - 10% off custom framing orders
* HOME | a furnishings boutique (1815 EPA)
* Metro Men's Clothing (1600 EPA) - Complimentary cocktails & snacks and 15% off entire store
* NRS Boutique (1822 EPA) - 15% off and free gift wrapping
* Occasionette (1825 EPA) - Free holiday tote bag with all purchases of $25 or more
* Pollyodd (1908 EPA)
* Sealed With A Kiss (1912 EPA) - 20% off gift certificates, 20% off seating charts and calligraphy with reservation
* Urban Jungle (1526 EPA) - Christmas trees and accessories for sale, free cider

DINNER AND DRINK SPECIALS:

* Adobe Cafe (1919 EPA) - Half off kid's meals
* Bottle Shop (1837 EPA) - Mix-a-six pack of Christmas Beers and get 15% off, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
* Fond (1537 EPA) - Drink specials
* Fuel (1917 EPA) - Complimentary Egg Nog or Peppermint Mocha Latte or Cappuccino with purchase of panini or wrap
* Lucky 13 (1820 S. 13th Street) - $3 Kenzingers until midnight
* Noir (1909 EPA) - 1/2 off selected appetizers, $1 off draft beer, $4 glass of select wines
* Noord (11th and Tasker) - Special menu item: Kabritu Stoba (whole braised goat)
* South Philly Bar & Grill (1235 EPA) - Buy one get one half off wings and $2.50 Yuenglings
* Stateside (1536 EPA) - $5 sandwich and drink special
* Stogie Joe's (1801 EPA) - Pasta, salad and a glass of wine for $20

The Tree Lighting Party and Deck the Ave Kick-Off jump starts East Passyunk's formal holiday campaign that extends through Saturday, December 21, 2013. Details will be announced soon. In the meantime, save the date for these South Philly holiday traditions:

* Photos with Santa (Wednesdays 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Saturdays 1:00pm to 3:00pm, through December 21st)
* Spirits & Suds with Santa Bar Crawl (Wednesday, December 11th)
* Pet photos with Santa (Saturday, December 14th, 11:00am to 1:00pm)
* Holiday Second Saturday (Saturday, December 14, 2013)
* Holiday QOTA (Wednesday, December 18th)

For more information about the Tree Lighting, Deck the Ave or other happenings on East Passyunk Avenue, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com, follow @epassyunkave on Twitter, like "East Passyunk Avenue" on Facebook, or call 215-336-1455.