Night of Lights

Thursday, October 3 – Wednesday, October 9, 2024, nightly from 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Opening Night: Friday, October 4, 6:45 – 9:00 PM

Thank You So Much For Your Support!

Night of Lights draws thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free, innovative public streetscape exhibition. This beloved, fun, and highly anticipated community tradition illuminated Chestnut Hill‘s business corridor and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.

Thank you to all who joined us and shone brightly on Friday, October 4, for our opening night as we “Flipped the Switch” during a brief but spectacular opening ceremony from 6:45 – 7:00 PM near the orange parking hut near 8328 Germantown Avenue.

The event kicked off the seven-night (Thursday, October 3 – Wednesday, October 9) public streetscape installation that transformed Chestnut Hill’s commercial corridor into an artistic display of local history and architecture. The “Flip the Switch” ceremony will only happen on opening night, but the event will continue each evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The Conservancy began Night of Lights in 2017 to share layers of area history from our Archives, with themed slideshows projected through storefront windows amidst colorfully illuminated historic architecture on Germantown Avenue.

Photo by Steve Weinik.

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy, a nonprofit educational center advocating for the preservation of architecture, open space, and history in Chestnut Hill and surrounding Wissahickon communities, is thrilled to bring back the much-loved Night of Lights streetscape exhibition for a lucky seventh time. The event will occupy a section of Germantown Avenue from Thursday, October 3 to Wednesday, October 9, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM nightly.

Night of Lights will transform Chestnut Hill’s iconic main street — Germantown Avenue — into a vibrant nightly streetscape exhibition of local histories and illuminated architecture. Seven storefront windows will project archival images from the Conservancy and other archives, including Historic Germantown and Springfield Township Historical Society. Colorful lights will theatrically highlight often overlooked architectural features of neighboring historic buildings.

Click HERE to download the Event Map.

Kicking off with a soft preview on Thursday, Oct. 3, this captivating seven-night event will transform Germantown Avenue, bringing its vibrant architecture, archives, and local history to life. The main festivities begin with the much-anticipated brief but spectacular “Flip the Switch” ceremony on Friday, Oct. 4, from 6:45 to 7:00 PM, near 8318 Germantown Avenue.

In addition to the projections, this year’s Night of Lights will feature a brand-new digital laser show on the 8300 block of Germantown Avenue by MidAtlantic FX. Thanks to support from Councilperson Cindy Bass’ office and the City of Philadelphia. For the first time since the exhibition began, Night of Lights will feature six archival films digitally mapped to project onto 8328 Germantown Avenue. Click HERE to watch the video. Select local food and beverage establishments will offer fun and delicious themed specials and extended hours during the exhibition for attendees to enjoy before, during, or after experiencing Night of Lights.

Following the opening ceremony on Friday night only, the Avenue will be full of lively entertainment. That evening, storytellers will interpret and answer questions about each of the seven themed projection locations. At the same time, local musical talents—like jazz group Limited Time Only (LTO), MilkBoy co-founder Tommy Joyner’s Pep Rally, and Maplewood Music Studios (featuring the Rich Rudin Trio and Ralph Salerno)—will set the perfect tone for the evening. Families and history enthusiasts alike can visit the “Ask the Archivists” table for interactive, hands-on activities, including discovering local house histories and diving into the area’s heritage. The fun continues until 9:00 PM.

Save the dates

- - - Thursday, October 3 – Soft Opening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
    - Friday, October 4 – “Flip the Switch” Opening Night from 6:45 to 9:00 PM
    - Saturday, October 5 – Tuesday, October 8 – Night of Lights continues from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
    - Wednesday, October 9 – Trivia Night at Chestnut Hill Brewery from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Slideshows

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we unveil seven captivating slideshows showcasing the rich history and heritage of Chestnut Hill and the Wissahickon watershed. These displays will be featured nightly from Thursday, October 3, to Wednesday, October 9, between 7:00 and 9:00 PM. On opening night, Friday, October 4, don’t miss the special slideshow interpreters and storytellers who will bring the stories to life and enhance your journey.

📍A Soup to Nuts History of the Wissahickon Valley – A slideshow showcasing the history of the Wissahickon Valley, from the days of the Lenape Nation to the present, will also celebrate the centennial of the Friends of the Wissahickon.

Location: 8409 Germantown Avenue (slideshow #3 on the event map)
Created by: Alex Bartlett, Chestnut Hill Conservancy
Sponsored by: Chubb and Friends of the Wissahickon

📍Chestnut Hill Architectural Hall of Fame – A celebration of one of the nation’s most architecturally distinguished communities, showcasing exceptional examples of architecture spanning three centuries, presented by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy.

Location: 10 East Gravers Lane (slideshow #5 on the event map)
Created by: The Chestnut Hill Conservancy
Sponsored by: George Woodward Co.

📍J. H. Dulles Allen and the Enfield Pottery and Tile Works – The Springfield Township Historical Society will offer a glimpse into the origins and legacy of J. H. Dulles Allen’s Enfield Pottery and Tile Works.

Location: 8517 Germantown Avenue (The Bone Appetite) (slideshow #1 on the event map)
Created by: Stephanie Walsh, Springfield Township Historical Society
Sponsored by: The Sivel Group

📍Local Visions: Exploring Northwest Philadelphia’s Vibrant Arts and Artists – A celebration of the vibrant arts scene in Northwest Philadelphia, featuring a curated selection of works from local artists by Woodmere Art Museum. It showcases the rich artistic heritage and diverse talents that have shaped the region’s cultural landscape.

Location: 8202 Germantown Avenue (slideshow #6 on the event map)
Created by: Woodmere Art Museum
Sponsored by: Bowman Properties

📍Public Transportation in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown – A historical exploration of public transportation in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown, presented by Alex Bartlett, the Conservancy’s Curator and Archivist. This presentation highlights the development and impact of local transit systems and supports the ongoing ‘Save the Train‘ campaign, aimed at preserving vital rail services that connect these communities.

Location: 8514 Germantown Avenue (slideshow #2 on the event map)
Created by: Alex Bartlett, Chestnut Hill Conservancy
Sponsored by: Chestnut Hill Hotel

📍The Heart of Germantown: Discovering the Urban Village Historic District – A presentation exploring the newly created Germantown Urban Village Historic District, which centers on the area surrounding the circa 1704 Market Square in central Germantown

Location: 7 East Gravers Lane (slideshow #4 on the event map)
Created by: Historic Germantown
Sponsored by: Kurtz Construction

📍100 Years of Tradition and Community: Celebrating the Venetian Social Club’s Legacy in Chestnut Hill – A celebration of the Venetian’s 100th anniversary, honoring its century-long legacy as a community cornerstone in Chestnut Hill. Founded by Italian immigrants, the club has played a vital role in preserving traditions, fostering friendship, and contributing to the neighborhood’s unique history.

Location: 8202 Germantown Avenue (slideshow #7 on the event map)
Created by: The Venetian Social Club
Sponsored by: MIS Capital

Opening Night Musicians

Get ready for a spectacular opening night of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Night of Lights on Friday, October 4, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. We have a fantastic lineup of musical acts that will light up the evening while you take in the colorfully lit architecture, local historical archives, and eight themed slideshows on Germantown Avenue (between Bethlehem Pike and Willow Grove Avenue).

🎶 Crefeld Rocks! – Crefeld Rocks! are student musicians from The Crefeld School, grades 7-12, who will showcase their talents with a mix of covers and originals, spanning genres from classic rock to musical theater hits. Featuring a small student musician group and the Glee Club, this special performance is led by Courtney Parker, The Crefeld School’s Glee Club director. Expect an engaging set filled with music from musicals, pop, and rock classics!

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: (near) 8318 Germantown Avenue

🎶 Flower Power Band – Flower Power will bring the sounds of the 1960s to life with a special performance at the Venetian Social Club to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The Flower Power Band will perform inside the venue

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8031 Germantown Avenue (The Venetian Social Club)

🎶 Flute of the Spirit—Flute Of The Spirit consists of William R Davis Jr., flutist-saxophonist, and Kevin Lee, guitarist. We will be playing an eclectic repertoire of jazz, fusion, Latin, R&B, and classical music.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8130 Germantown Avenue (The Stagecrafters Theater)

🎶 LTO – LTO (Limited Time Offer) LTO is a versatile group that brings the classics of the American songbook to life, performing jazz standards from Ellington, Gershwin, Porter, and beyond. With evolving additions like Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, their repertoire blends timeless American and Brazilian Bossa Nova favorites. Both seasoned musicians, Pianist Kathleen Wallace and saxophonist Bill Schenk lead the group in twice-monthly jam sessions at Maleni Cafe, where accomplished musicians and vocalists join for an evening of unforgettable music.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8441 Germantown Avenue (Char & Stave)

🎶 Maplewood Music Studio Teachers – Music maestros will bring incredible performances, including from the Rich Rudin Trio. The Rich Rudin Trio features pianist Rich Rudin, founder, and director of Maplewood Music Studio in Germantown and Chestnut Hill. Rich has composed hundreds of works and regularly performs a wide range of styles, including classical, jazz, pop, and rock. Stan Slotter, on trumpet and flute, is known for his versatility, performing jazz, Latin, big band, and more across the Philadelphia music scene. Bassist Bruce Kaminsky, a faculty member at Drexel and Montgomery County Community College, also designs and manufactures KYDD Basses.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8428 Germantown Avenue

🎶 Matteo Bofinger—Matteo Bofinger is a talented sophomore at St. Joseph’s Prep and a member of OMC Parish. He plays saxophone, flute, piano, and guitar (classical and electric) and studies guitar at Maplewood Studios. He is interested in a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, classical, folk, and rock.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8221 Germantown Avenue (near the dog statues at Market at the Fareway)

🎶 Pep Rally – Pep Rally is an art rock marching band mash-up that’s all about spreading joy through dance and infectious energy. Fronted by Philadelphia producer, engineer, and musician Tommy Joyner, Pep Rally delivers a fresh, exciting, wholesome, and electrifying sound. With deep roots in the Philly music scene, Joyner’s renowned studio, MilkBoy, has recorded iconic acts like Lana Del Rey, Fun, Miley Cyrus, and James Taylor. Now, with Pep Rally, he brings a polished mix of grown-up pop-rock that’s fun, thoughtful, and irresistibly danceable.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8606 Germantown Avenue

🎶 Ralph Salerno – Ralph Salerno, an accordion enthusiast since age 9, studied at the Neupauer Conservatory of Music and has performed extensively throughout the tri-state area. Specializing in ethnic styles like Italian, French, Polish, Jewish, and German music—along with Piazzolla Tango—Ralph shares his passion for the accordion with students of all levels. He teaches acoustic and midi accordion at Maplewood Music Studio, promoting the versatility of this remarkable instrument.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: 8500 Germantown Avenue (Ralph will roam the 8500 block of Germantown Avenue)

🎶 Second Story Walkup – Second Story Walkup is a seven-piece band featuring Paul Roller on guitar, Mary MacAvoy on vocals, Monsignor Mike Marceil on organ, Craig Marowitz on guitar, Jim Conklin on guitar and vocals, Dennis Jacoby on drums, and Brad Haberle on bass. They bring a dynamic mix of classics from the 1950s to today, delivering great grooves, soaring vocals, and sizzling solos.

Date: Friday, October 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: Buckley Park, East Hartwell Lane

During the October 3 – 9, 2023 event, seven illuminated windows will present themed slideshows comprising historical images and educational content projected through storefront windows. Click HERE to learn the building history of each projection location.

The Night of Lights “Pastport” will guide the exhibition and features the event map, building histories, locations of the seven themed slideshows, and more. Seven winners (one winner for each night) will be announced on Tuesday, October 15. Each raffle bag is filled with gifts from local businesses, including Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, Chestnut Hill Business District, El Quetzal, Garden State Tile, Quelque Chose Inc., Weaver’s Way Chestnut Hill, Zipf’s Candies, and more!

In addition to finding Pastports at the seven slideshow locations, starting on Thursday, October 3, you can pick up and drop them off at the following locations during their regular business hours:

Chestnut Hill Conservancy (8708 Germantown Avenue): After hours, you can leave Pastports through the “mail” slot in the door.
El Quetzal (8440 Germantown Avenue)
NoName Gallery (8127 Germantown Avenue)
Zipf’s Candies (8433 Germantown Avenue)

Participating businesses such as Foliage Plant Boutique, Garden State Tile, Home Works, Moondance Farm Studios, and NoName Gallery will offer extended hours during the exhibition for attendees to enjoy.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us by emailing Programs@CHConservancy.Org.