Get Vez-tive after Macy's
Our favorite animated, larger-than-life Lite-Brite has been a Philly holiday tradition since 1956. Today, the old John Wanamaker's light show feels nostalgically low-tech - and still gives us goose bumps. Meet us by the eagle, on the hour.
It's cool. It's casual. It's got big booths your family can slide into and a photo booth to distract the kids while you slurp a margarita and wait for nachos. Mexican eatery El Vez (121 S. 13th St., 215-928-9800, elvezrestaurant.com) serves lunch and dinner daily, right around the corner.
A hop across Market Street and a skip east, open-daily Reading Terminal Market's (12th and Arch streets, 215-922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org) has decked its halls, set up its trains and rechristened its beer garden. Snag seats at the Dutch Eating Place counter for apple dumplings and fries, then check gift-basket-buying off your list with a stop at the Pennsylvania General Store.
Macy's Grand Court, 1300 Market St., free, 215-241-9000, macys.com.
Have some tea, dolly
Popular, pointy-faced, often caroling, usually Dickens-inspired Byers' Choice dolls surely occupy least one window/corner/mantel at your mom's/grandmom's/aunt's house this time of year. The company's Montco factory has a museum with thousands of those dolls, Christmas crèches from around the world - and endless opportunities to add to your relatives' collections.
Great Aunt Gladys or cousin Dorothy will love breakfast, lunch or high tea at the precious Talking Teacup (301 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, 215-997-8441, thetalkingteacup.com, closed Mondays). Have the scones. Or the tea sandwiches. They're darling.
