The kick-off to Night of Lights 2026, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free outdoor public history, architecture, and design exhibition celebrating more than 250 years of history, landscapes, and architecture in Northwest Philadelphia with family-friendly activities, projected exhibitions, illuminated buildings, live music, and more.

Friday, October 2, 6:30-9:00 pm
Chestnut Hill Conservancy
8708 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Free
In-person

Experience the kick-off to Night of Lights 2026, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free annual streetscape exhibition that transforms Germantown Avenue into an illuminated celebration of history, architecture, landscapes, and place. Family-friendly activities will be held at the Conservancy from 6:30-7:00 PM, followed by the “Flip the Switch” opening ceremony from 7:00-7:15 PM. After the switch is flipped, festivities continue along Germantown Avenue with projected exhibitions, illuminated buildings, live music, storytellers, and more from 7:15-9:00 PM.

This year will feature:
– Six projected video exhibitions in storefront windows from the 8600 through 8100 blocks of Germantown Avenue, exploring more than 250 years of architecture, landscapes, and social history in Chestnut Hill, Northwest Philadelphia, and the lower Wissahickon watershed.
– Illuminated historic buildings and architectural details extending farther along Germantown Avenue, using light and color to highlight the built environment throughout the commercial corridor.
– Live music performances from the 8600 through 8000 blocks of Germantown Avenue on Opening Night, with music strategically between projected video locations along the Avenue.
– Storytellers at each projected video location on Opening Night.
– The Night of Lights Pastport, featuring an event map, projected video locations, a guide to historic foods and drinks available along the Avenue, and the Chestnut Hill raffle, with four prize packages typically valued at more than $250 each. One winner will be selected each night.

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https://chconservancy.org/programs/night-of-lights/