It’s great to meet you! This is our first monthly newsletter, built to highlight what’s worth knowing and doing from Phoenixville to Pottstown.
This December, our community is packed with things to do. Anything we couldn’t fit in the newsletter, we’ll feature on our Instagram: @PhoenixvilleCurated
Here’s what’s inside this month. Happy reading!
Upcoming Events:
Festive Event Happenings
Firebird Festival FAQs
Live Music Roundup
Trivia & Quizzo Schedule
And more!
Charity Spotlights
Bartender’s Pick
Adoptable Pet of the Month
Historian’s Corner
Day Trip
Movies On Screen
Survey
Upcoming Events
Festive Happenings
Get into the holiday spirit with these festive events happening in the greater Phoenixville area.
Week of Dec 1–7
Holiday Craft Night | Wed Dec 3rd, 6:30 & 7:30pm | Bistro on Bridge | Details
Holiday Movie Trivia | Thurs Dec 4th, 7pm | Rec Room | Details
First Friday Holiday Edition | Fri Dec 5th, 5:30-8:30pm | Main & Bridge Parking Lot | Details
Royersford Holiday Market | Sat Dec 6th, 11am-2pm | Municipal Lot between Sweet Aloha Bowls & Brewed Awakening | Details
Ryerss Holiday Open House | Saturday Dec 6th, 12-3pm | Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines | Details
Santa & the Grinch Meet & Greet | Saturday Dec 6th, 11am-1pm | Bistro on Bridge | Details
Funky Santa 5k | Sun Dec 7th, 9am | Riverfront Park Pottstown | Details
Holiday Vintage Fest | Sun Dec 7th, 11am-3pm | Bistro on Bridge | Details
Buddy the Elf Meet & Greet | Sun Dec 7th, 2-4pm | Great American Pub | Details
Phoenixville Vintage Fest | Sun Dec 7th, 11am-3pm | Bistro on Bridge | Details
Week of Dec 8–14
Week of Dec 15–21
Dog Photos with Santa | Thurs Dec 18th, 6:30pm | Great American Pub | Details
Ugly Sweater Night | Thurs Dec 18th, 6-9pm | Twelve78 Brewing | Details
Christmas Market | Sat Dec 20th, 11am-5pm | Phoenixville Daily | Details
Holiday Cookie Pop-Up | Sat Dec 20th, 9am-12pm | Baked by Jul | Details
108 Sun Salutations for the Winter Solstice | Sun Dec 21st, 11:45am-1:45pm | Nectar Yoga Studio | Details
Week of Dec 22-31
Firebird Festival FAQs
There’s no event more Phoenixville than the annual Firebird Festival (okay maybe Blobfest is close). Meant to signify new beginnings and the town rising from the ashes, the festival culminates in the burning of a 20 ft wooden phoenix, built by an incredibly talented group of volunteers.
2025 Schedule
The annual burning of the bird takes place on Saturday Dec 13th at Reservoir Park on Phoenixville’s North Side. Here’s an agenda from the Firebird planning committee:
4:00pm: Official kickoff at Reservoir park, including food trucks and vendors
4:30-6:30pm: Pre-party at Studio 323
5:00pm: Music and entertainment begin at Reservoir Park, including live music, fire spinners, and fire dancers
6:30-7:30pm: Live music from the Vinyl Roots at Reservoir Park
6:45pm: Procession to the bird begins! Departing from 323 Bridge Street
7:30pm: The procession arrives at Reservoir Park
8:00pm: The burning of the bird! The burning typically takes between 40 minutes to an hour
8:00pm: Live music from Bloom & Decay begins
Location, Transportation, & Parking
The actual burning of the firebird will take place at Reservoir Park on the North side of Phoenixville this year. Parking and ride shares like Uber/Lyft will be extremely limited, so the Firebird planning committee recommends taking the free shuttle service (if you’re not joining in on the official procession!), details below.
Free Shuttle Service:
Free shuttles will run on December 13th from 4–11pm, looping continuously between three stops: Borough Hall Lot, Mill Street Lot (by Root Down), and Holy Ghost Orthodox Church. Wait on the sidewalks only.
After the festival, catch the return shuttle on Fillmore Street across from the Rec Center. Follow the signs and stay out of the road!
Don’t want to face the cold, but still want to see the bird burn? Head over to the Colonial Theatre for a live stream of the festival, starting at 7pm. Details.
Celebrate NYE at the Moulin Rouge!
Hey Siri… play Lady Marmalade.
Photo from the Colonial’s last NYE party (A wickedly fun Wicked theme!)
The Colonial is back with its New Year’s Eve blowout, this time transforming the theater into a full-on Moulin Rouge experience. No word on Ewan McGregor, but rumor has it Mayor Pete will be there.
Your ticket gets you gourmet bites, an open bar, live music, a midnight toast, and a few surprises.
Date: Dec 31st, 2025- Jan 1st, 2026
Time: 9:00pm-12:30am
Price: $175/general admission; $225/VIP
December Live Music Roundup
Interested in jamming out to live music? December has plenty of options to choose from. Check out the venues’ websites for ticketing information.
92nd Street | Steel City | Sat Dec 6th
Genre/Vibe: Wilco meets The Beatles meets the Indigo Girls meets Goo Goo Dolls.
Tab Benoit: I Hear Thunder Tour | Colonial Theatre | Wed Dec 10th
Genre/Vibe: Blues, with elements of rock, Cajun, and swamp pop.
The Milk Carton Kids | Colonial Theatre | Thurs Dec 11th
Genre/Vibe: Folk/Indie, blending ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship with a uniquely powerful brand of contemporary songcraft.
Sly Fox 30th Anniversary Party featuring The Holts | Sly Fox PXV | Fri Dec 12th
Genre/Vibe: Often referred to as “your playlist on shuffle”, The Holts cover everything from Lizzo to Etta James to The Rolling Stones & The Killers.
Johnny Cactus Band with Stateside & Gavyn Bernhardt | The Gem | Fri Dec 12th
Genre/Vibe: Blues/rock, with eclectic influences from grunge to gospel, and funk to California hippy jams.
PAHC Holiday Show | Phoenixville Polish Club | Sat Dec 20th
Genre/Vibe: Hardcore punk from Dysphoria, Freight Train, Punishment, Fool’s Game, & Fire in the Blood.
Fariston and Blind Eddie | The Gem | Fri Dec 26th
Genre/Vibe: A 6-piece indie/art rock band blending the orchestral sound of Black Country New Road with the indie of bands like the Backseat Lovers.
Chinaberry Lane | The Gem | Sat Dec 27th
Genre/Vibe: Rock/pop cover band bringing fresh energy and killer harmonies, covering everything from ‘70s icons to modern indie favorites.
Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute | Colonial Theatre | Sat Dec 27th
Genre/Vibe: Celebrating the entire Talking Heads’ catalog with a seven-piece band meticulously executing the sounds and iconic live visual elements in every performance.
Trivia/Quizzo Roundup
December nights are perfect for warm pubs, good food, and some friendly competition. If you’re looking to find your favorite local trivia/quizzo night, this day-by-day list is a great place to start.
Mondays
JJ Ratigan’s | Pottstown | 7pm
Taco night specials including $15 taco trios and $9 margs
Tuesdays
Sly Fox Brewing | Phoenixville | 6:30pm
Hare’s Hill Brewing | Pottstown | 7pm
Boardroom | Phoenixville | 7pm
Taco Tuesday specials
Wednesdays
Sly Fox Brewing | Pottstown | 6pm
Pizza + sandwich + 2 pints for $25
Great American Pub | Phoenixville | 7:30pm
$8 wings and $6 Sly Fox drafts
Lost Planet Brewing | Royersford | 7pm
Downtown Gastropub | Royersford | 7pm
Kids eat free
Stable 12 | Phoenixville | 7pm
Thursdays
Soko Bag | Phoenixville | 6:30pm
Rec Room | Phoenixville | 7pm
The Perky | Phoenixville | 7pm
Fun Dungeon Brewcade | Phoenixville | 8pm
1 free drink token with $15 entrance fee
Fridays
Fitzwater Station | Mont Clare | 6:30pm
Give Back: Local Charities, Drives, and Events
The season of giving is upon us, and even the smallest contribution can make a meaningful difference for a local family or neighbor. If you’re looking for ways to help our community, here are several Phoenixville-area charities in need of support this month:
PACS | 101 Buchanan St, Phoenixville
Items needed: Pasta, olive oil, adobo, coffee, flour, sugar, jelly
Chester County Food Bank | 650 Pennsylvania Dr, Exton
Items needed: White rice (16 oz. bags only), canned chicken, canned spam, healthy snacks for kids (nut free trail mix, popcorn, individual cracker bags, goldfish)
Better Days Ahead | 145 S. Main St, Phoenixville (Behind First Presbyterian)
Items needed: Sleeping bags, coats, hoodies, backpacks, camping gear
Daily Bread Community Food Pantry | 3938 Ridge Pike, Collegeville
Items needed: Soup, peanut butter, tuna, pancake mix, canned tomatoes
Here’s some local events and charitable happenings you won’t want to miss this month:
Community Food Pantry | Ongoing | PHXville Neighbors
Community-run borough food pantry (like a little free pantry). Follow for updates/needs on Instagram: @phxville_neighbors
White Elephant Bingo | Dec 4th, 5pm | Ann’s Heart
White Elephant Bingo party benefiting programs that support local individuals and families.
Dine & Donate | Dec 6th, 11am-10pm | Bella Trattoria
Dine & Donate event benefiting The Rescue Express animal rescue.
Toy Drive | Dec 7th, 1-5pm | Twelve78 Brewing
Toy drive for St. Mary’s Franciscan Family Shelter. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to help fill Santa’s jeep.
Blood Drive | Dec 11th, 10am-3pm | Chesco Chamber of Business & Industry
Blood drive at the Chamber HQ in Malvern.
DIY Body Scrub Event & PACS Fundraiser | Dec 11th, 6-7:30pm | Body by E & Wellness Center
DIY Body Scrub Event & PACS Fundraiser. Bring a non-perishable food item.
Free Yoga for Teachers | Dec 13th, 12-1pm | Nectar Yoga (Audubon)
Free yoga class for teachers and educators.
Bartender’s Pick: I Can’t Put My Arms Down Amber Ale
An ale to match Scut Farkus’ eyes.
December’s Bartender’s Pick is one you won’t want to miss: I Can’t Put My Arms Down Amber Ale, brewed by Twelve78 Brewing for the Colonial Theatre’s A Christmas Story weekend. Pouring only Dec. 19–21, this malty, smooth amber ale brings a holiday nostalgia to every sip.
Meet December’s Most Eligible Pup: Smokey
Let’s get Smokey in his furever home by 2026!
About Smokey: Meet Smokey, our Adoptable Dog of the Month! This mix is a joyful, energetic companion who loves toys, outdoor adventures, and meeting new friends. He walks beautifully on a leash, knows his basic commands, and adores kids and other dogs (though he’d prefer a cat-free home).
Location: Phoenix Animal Rescue (Chester Springs, PA)
Age: 4 years
Breed: Unknown, likely a sheep dog/husky mix
Size: Medium (~57 lbs)
Adoption fee: $450
Historian’s Corner: Phoenixville Polska
Polish immigrants were among the many groups who came to Phoenixville seeking work at the Phoenix Iron Company. By the early 1900s, a strong Polish community had formed on the North Side, known as Tunnel Hill, centered on their church, clubs, and small shops.
Four Polish families arrived around 1880, and by 1903 there were about 50! Local historian Ryan Conroy shared that his great-great grandfather, Andrew Gawell, arrived that year with his wife and two children. They first lived on Basin Row, later moving to High Street to open a small grocery store.
Interested in local history? Don’t miss Ryan’s upcoming History on the Rocks event on Sunday Dec 7th at 4pm at 10 S. Main Street in Phoenixville. For more local history, follow Ryan on Instagram: @ConroysConvoy
Day Trip: Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, PA
Judge some intricate gingerbread creations while strolling through a winter wonderland only an hour’s drive from Phoenixville.
Photo credit: @PeddlersVillage on Instagram
The walkable village in BucksCo includes over 65 unique shops, restaurants ranging from quick bites to fine dining, and, yes, festive activities out the wazoo. Plan your trip between now and January 17th to see the Gingerbread Competition & Display, featuring 100+ jaw-dropping (or is it mouth-watering?) gingerbread creations.
Location: 100 Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
On Screen This Month
We’re in the thick of movie season, with some exciting new releases (plus familiar favorites) dropping every week.
At the Colonial Theater (Phoenixville)
Wicked: For Good (2025): There’s still time to see the much-anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked on the big screen! Plays until Dec 4th at the Colonial
Little Women (1994): Cozy up to watch the fan favorite film while also enjoying your favorite craft project! Craft Cinema event sponsored by Here & Now Crafts. Dec 4th
Eyes Wide Shut (1999): Stanley Kubrick’s erotic drama is the latest Cult Cinema feature at the Colonial. Dec 17th
Marty Supreme (2025): Lil Timmy Tim (IYKYK) is ping ponging up a storm in this new release from director Josh Safdie. Dec 25th-Jan 7th
Song Sung Blue (2025): Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman in a Neil Diamond tribute band? Say less. Dec 25th-Jan 8th
At Oaks Center Cinema (Phoenixville)
Wake Up Dead Man (2025): Benoit Blanc returns in the latest Knives Out film. Playing until Dec 3rd
Merrily We Roll Along (2025): Filmed version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff. Starting Dec 4th
Wedding Crashers (2005) 20th Anniversary Screening: Personally having a hard time believing that this movie came out 20 years ago, but here we are! Dec 4th & Dec 11th
Hamnet (2025): Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao tackles the film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. Starts Dec 12th
At Flagship Cinemas (Pottstown)
Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025): This is a long one, with a runtime over three hours, so consider Flagship’s heated recliner seats your new best friend. Starting Dec 18th
The Housemaid (2025): Frieda McFadden’s bestselling thriller novel comes to life with Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney. Starting Dec 18th
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Talk soon!