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, Oct. 3 to Wednesday, Oct. 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.

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 Mid Atlantic 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 archival films digitally mapped to project onto 8318 Germantown Avenue. Moreover, 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.