Our shiba Apollo joined us on a family walk around South Philly to enjoy the spectacle that is the Miracle on South 13th Street. It’s a free holiday lights extravaganza on the 1600 block of 13th St. between Morris and Taskers Streets by Passyunk.
It’s a tribute to Philly that all the 50+ homes on the blocks nearby are united in creating one of the biggest and best holiday lights displays anywhere, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
Say Hi to Santa 
We were impressed with how residents go all out to welcome nightly throngs of visitors. It’s kitschy, over-the-top, friendly and an “only in Philly” experience. There were neighbors dressed as Santa, giving out candy canes and posing for photo ops. Others braved the cold in reindeer or snowman finery, waving at strollers and those in cars doing video drive-bys. Cars are can drive down the street and traffic was manageable even on the weekend.
The friendly competition for most elaborate decorations gets more intense each year. Our favorite display had a parachuting elf with Santa and his reindeers looking down from the roof while caught in a snowstorm. One of the most elaborate house displays each year does a movie salute. Our favorite was A Christmas Story, complete with a lighted-display of 2 boys with tongues stuck to a pole. Across the street you’ll spy the Dr. Seuss house with the evil Grinch.
We were impressed with how much our dog got into the Christmas spirit. He posed for photos, though was dubious of the inflatable hotdog. 
You can definitely bring your leashed pet to this party. There were a few small dogs that owners were carrying, but most were loving the festive vibe.
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