It officially looks like the holidays in South Philly. The lights have been turned on and the switch has been turned on what many call the most magical street in the city.
“I really like it, it’s really cool,” said Dante Bercolino, as he took in the sights and sounds with his family.
The 1600 block of South 13th Street, just a few blocks from Broad, has been transformed once again into what neighbors call the “Miracle on South 13th Street.”
Many homes are lit up and decked out in different themes, from Super Mario Brothers to Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
“The one with the Nutcracker,” Vera Dugan said about which house is her favorite.
“If you take a walk it’s all bright lights and if your friend lives here you can get hot chocolate,” Ellis Targoff said.
Hot chocolate helped keep people warm on a bitterly cold Saturday evening. Despite the blast of arctic air, neighbors on the block kicked off the festivities with an opening night block party.
CBS News Philadelphia.
CBS News Philadelphia.
CBS News Philadelphia.
“I’ve never been here before, so I think this is pretty cool,” Desire Diaz said. “I think the fun outweighs the cold a little bit.”
“As long as there’s no snow, we’re fine,” joked Anthony Bercolino. “This has always been my home, so I enjoy showing things to the kids and spending time with the neighbors.”
Children were bundled up as a parade of characters helped welcome Santa to the block.
The dazzling light display is a decades-long tradition that attracts families from across the region.
Neighbors in the area started decorating about a month ago. They added a few more lights and displays this year and they said this is their way of giving back to the community.
“We do it for the neighbors, we love the joy, and we do it honestly for the kids,” said Ryan Targoff, who moved to the block five years ago.
A holiday destination that is in the sun until New Year’s Day.
