Night of Lights
Thursday, October 3, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Night of Lights draws thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free, innovative public streetscape exhibition. This beloved community tradition illuminates Chestnut Hill’s business corridor and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.
New this year, join us for a soft opening night on Thursday, October 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM to preview the excitement ahead. The evening will feature theatrically illuminated architecture and seven captivating slideshows projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue.
Night of Lights is a distinctive evening event that brings thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s innovative public art streetscape exhibition. Night of Lights reflects Chestnut Hill, the business corridor, and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.
Join us in 2023 as Chestnut Hill’s familiar commercial corridor transforms into a local history and Archive evening exhibition for nine nights.
From the “Flip the Switch” on October 6 to October 14, historical images and films project from the Conservancy’s Archives through storefront windows and onto exterior walls.
At the same time, neighboring historic buildings along the Avenue are illuminated with theatrical lights. Night of Lights is more than an architecture and Archives evening exhibition; it is a celebration of Chestnut Hill’s rich heritage, the vibrant spirit of its residents, and the thriving business community that contributes to its undeniable charm.
Using the commercial corridor as a canvas for sharing and interpreting multiple layers of neighborhood history, Night of Lights is a truly participatory, community-based event that offers visitors and long-time residents a free and accessible opportunity to discover the neighborhood’s history while becoming active participants in the stories being told.
Our opening night “Flip the Switch” ceremony features an exciting lineup of live activities to kick off Night of Lights at 6:45 PM on Friday, October 6. The lively evening in Chestnut Hill featured some of our best Night of Lights traditions, including interpreters at projection windows, community storytellers, music, and our Ask the Archivists table. Enjoy many participating businesses, restaurants, and retail stores that keep special late hours for opening night.
In 2023 we will feature eight slideshows and multiple light installations highlighting the design and architecture in Chestnut Hill along Germantown Avenue.
On Sunday, October 8, the Chestnut Hill Business District will host Fall, their annual for the Arts festival. Small group ticketed walking tours with local historians and experts will be on sale soon for three evenings the week of October 8, when the Avenue is less crowded. Participants can enjoy headsets and special insights on the slideshows, projector locations, and Chestnut Hill’s business corridor. Visitors to Night of Lights can enjoy additional virtual features in our mobile experience, the “Pastport.”
The Night of Lights Pastport will help guide the exhibition and features the event map, building histories, and schedule of experiences. Remember to bring your completed Pastport, stamped at every thematic slideshow projection, to the Conservancy office at 8708 Germantown Avenue to win a prize.
Night of Lights is a distinctive evening event that brings thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s innovative public art streetscape exhibition. Night of Lights reflects Chestnut Hill, the business corridor, and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.
Join us in 2023 as Chestnut Hill’s familiar commercial corridor transforms into a local history and Archive evening exhibition. Beginning as we “Flip the Switch” on Friday, October 6, at 6:45 PM, enjoy an interactive night filled with activities and celebrations as many stores and restaurants stay open late.
The celebrations continue until 9:00 PM as historical images and films project from the Conservancy’s Archives through storefront windows and onto exterior walls.
At the same time, neighboring historic buildings along the Avenue are illuminated with theatrical lights. Night of Lights is more than an architecture and Archives evening exhibition; it is a celebration of Chestnut Hill’s rich heritage, the vibrant spirit of its residents, and the thriving business community that contributes to its undeniable charm.
The second annual Night of Lights will bring thousands of residents and visitors to Chestnut Hill to experience this innovative public art exhibit as it transforms Chestnut Hill’s familiar commercial corridor into an interactive exhibit of local history and architecture.
For one night only, historical images and films from the Conservancy’s Archives will be projected through storefront windows and onto exterior walls, while neighboring buildings along Germantown Avenue will be illuminated with theatrical lights. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced with live music and interactive elements inviting visitors to share their own stories, learn about area histories, and make their own light art. In addition to our continued partnership with the Chestnut Hill Business District, this year, Night of Lights will be a featured participant in the citywide Design Philadelphia and Archives Month Philly marketing.
