With the holiday season well underway, our winter issue of Wissahickon Magazine is here to help you make the most of it – with all the tastes, smells and traditions that make up Northwest Philadelphia’s yearly rituals of celebration.

We start by first introducing you to Chestnut Hill’s newest cafe and taproom, one of several local cideries now helping this region rediscover the craft hard cider that was once Pennsylvania’s signature drink. With next month’s scheduled opening of Cider Belly, Matt and Kim Vendeville are planning a sophisticated yet warm new venue on Germantown Avenue.

Next, we visit the story of just how it is that gingerbread, whether it be in house or cookie form, has become such a staple of all our winter merriment – and what exactly the British royals have to do with it. 

Looking for that last minute, stand-out gift? We bring you Roberto Rashid, a local artist whose limited edition handmade scarves, with prints that boldly evoke the African roots of black culture, are designed to become the kind of heirloom statement pieces that last a lifetime. 

And let’s face it, the holiday season is a busy time. To help you keep track of it all, we’ve rounded up an extensive list of regional events and holiday happenings – from candlelight caroling and tree lighting ceremonies to Victorian Christmas parties and stag and doe nights.

For an easy holiday-themed getaway, we take you to Cape May, a New Jersey shore town that knows everything there is to know about Victorian traditions. With its historic house tours and re-enactments, Christmas in Cape May takes you back to a simpler, more relaxing time – and also offers shopping and dining choices sure to please.

Looking for a break from it all, and want to stick closer to home? Welcome to The Royal, Glenside’s live music open-mic venue now celebrating its first full year in business – with a satisfied list of performers as well as happy customers. And for a bit of good news about our natural world, we also bring you the latest in a growing effort, both here in the Philadelphia region and nationwide, to bring back the tree that looms large in so many Christmas traditions – the American Chestnut. 

Finally, this issue brings you news about our beloved Wissahickon Valley Park, with a quarterly report from our friends and partners at the Friends of the Wissahickon – that committed army of volunteers who work so hard to keep that park the delightful place that it is. Look for it in the center of the magazine. 

Carla Robinson

Editor