Roxborough-Manayunk Patch's Holiday Event Guide

As it begins to look a lot like Christmas, local businesses and civic organizations have an exciting slate of holiday-themed celebrations scheduled for the coming weeks. So grab a cup of hot chocolate, throw on a terrible sweater, and join us at one of these fun, wintry events.

Holiday Arts Festival

• The Manayunk Holiday arts festival, which began with a Thanksgiving tree lightening ceremony, will be running on weekends along Main Street through Dec. 18. In addition to deals offered by local merchants, arts and crafts vendors will ply holiday-themed wares in heated tents.

• Starting at 10 a.m.. on Dec. 10, master ice carver Peter Slavin will sculpt a throne for Santa, before the big guy himself swings by to take Christmas wishes. Come by the corner of Main St. and Carson to enjoy the festivities.

• On Dec. 10 at 2 p.m., stop by the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion on 200 W Tulpehocken St to listen holiday-themed readings from Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott and Clement Moore. Children's craft activities are planned as well. Come for the literature, stay for the cookies and punch.

• Join the congregants of Leverington Presbyterian Church on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. for their first annual advent concert series. The performers will be both local and international. Admission is free to all comers, and refreshments are provided.

The Sounds of the Season

• Come to Keenan's Valley View Inn on Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and holiday songs from a collection of Philadelphia vocalists. The event costs $35 per person, and will benefit North Light Community Center. Not sold yet? There will be plenty of beer, and 50/50 raffles as well.

• The guys and girls of Roxborough High School will be putting on a winter showcase on Dec. 20. Read about last year's event , and swing by for holiday tunes from this spirited bunch.