PHILADELPHIA, PA — Straw mazes, imaginative scarecrows, ghost stories, costumed pets and plenty of candy are taking over Chestnut Hill this October as Halloween on the Hill returns with a month of family-friendly fall festivities.
The celebration spreads seasonal activities throughout Philadelphia’s Garden District, giving families multiple reasons to explore Germantown Avenue and surrounding attractions throughout the month.
At Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue, families can test their navigation skills in the museum’s annual Straw Maze. Built from massive bales of straw with a new design each year, the maze is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $5.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, is also getting into the Halloween spirit with ArBOOretum Month, which began Oct. 1. Visitors can explore the Pumpkin Cottage, a 100-square-foot display covered with hundreds of pumpkins, make nature crafts and wander among the entries in the 19th Annual Scarecrow Walk.
This year’s Scarecrow Walk marks America’s 250th anniversary with a journey through the “70s,” featuring interpretations of the 1770s, 1870s, 1970s and other eras. The scarecrows will remain on display through Nov. 1, with visitors able to vote for their favorites through Oct. 18.
Art takes center stage Oct. 11 when the 42nd annual Fall for the Arts Festival transforms Germantown Avenue into an open-air arts destination. More than 300 artists and vendors are expected for the free event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors will find paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and other handcrafted pieces, along with live music and entertainment, artist demonstrations and interactive workshops. Galleries, shops, restaurants and other neighborhood businesses will also participate in the festivities.
Halloween gets a little spookier Oct. 17 with Ghost Walk Stories at the Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue. Participants will follow a short route from the library to Hilltop Books, 84 Bethlehem Pike, stopping along the way for four chilling stories performed by costumed storytellers. Costumes are encouraged.
Four-legged residents get their turn in the spotlight Oct. 25 during the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s annual Halloween Pet Parade.
Costumed pets and their owners will parade along Germantown Avenue from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., beginning at 150 E. Evergreen Avenue and ending at Buckley Park. The festivities will include trick-or-treating, photo opportunities and a new costume contest featuring prizes for Scariest, Cutest, Look-a-Like with Their Owner and Most Creative costumes.
The candy continues that afternoon with the annual Trick-or-Treat Stroll from 1 to 3 p.m. Children can visit 30 participating Chestnut Hill shops and restaurants to collect candy and other treats.
Select businesses will also participate in FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project, offering non-food treats for children with food allergies and other dietary needs. Families can identify participating locations by looking for teal pumpkins displayed outside.
- What: Halloween on the Hill, a month of fall and Halloween activities throughout Chestnut Hill
- When: Throughout October, with major events Oct. 11, Oct. 17 and Oct. 25; individual attraction hours vary
- Where: Chestnut Hill neighborhood, centered along Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118; activities take place at multiple locations
- Cost/Tickets: Varies by activity. Fall for the Arts is free; Woodmere Art Museum’s Straw Maze tickets start at $5.
- More Info: ChestnutHillPA.com
With activities ranging from art and nature to ghost stories and trick-or-treating, Halloween on the Hill gives families a full month to celebrate the season — whether they prefer getting lost in a straw maze, searching for their favorite scarecrow or showing off a costume along Germantown Avenue.
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