The display area is chockablock full, from top to bottom with vintage holiday items that were available at Woolworth’s from the 1930s to the 1950s. Ornaments, toys, trees, signage, display cases, everything – the mind boggles!

Alas, for those of us who love old stuff as much as old places, none of these items are for sale. I know, bummer, right? So many cool things!

But what a great opportunity to see just a fraction of what was available at your local five and dime – and to keep an eye out when you’re antiquing or thrifting!

I love to decorate the Hacienda with fun vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations, and was delighted to see this plastic Santa Claus on display:

As his doppleganger holds a place of honor in our Christmas decoration collection (as you can see here the Hacienda mantlepiece)

Here’s a video of the entire display from YouTube vintage Christmas fan “ChristmasMemories1”

They do have more vintage Christmas items scattered throughout the museum, so if you want to get in the holiday spirit real quick this is your place.

Vintage Woolworth’s at the National Christmas Center
3427 Lincoln Highway East (Route 30)
Paradise, PA 17562
(717) 442-1710

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Bayard’s has been providing the Cinnaminson and Cherry Hill area with Valentines day chocolates and candies since 1939, and being the weekend before Valentine’s day, the place was abustle with activity when I entered the Colonial inspired candy house.

Though the place was busy I enjoyed taking in the old fashioned candy house decor. Somehow I always thought that New England had a stronghold on the whole Colonial theme, but here it was, on the wonderful vintage wallpaper and curtains. Each room has a different pattern from bicentennial to nautical, all working well together.  While I’m not a huge fan personally of this decorative style (having grown up surrounded by it) I can’t help but feel like I’ve stepped back in time whenever I see it.

I totally dug the display tables for the chocolates – many of them colonial style dining tables with glass shelves held up with brass candlesticks. This gave 2 levels – one for  the quickly emptying chocolate trays below and the other for pre-packaged candy boxes and gifts above. Once I was there for a few minutes and decided what I wanted, I realized I needed to get a number to ensure I would be waited on in a timely manner.

(I’m not sure if the “TakACheck” is used all the time but just in case, look for it near the entrance – I walked right past this groovy old machine. I LOVED the satisfying KA-CHUNK it made when I pressed the red bar for my ticket!)

Once my number was called I was delighted when I was told I could buy an empty box and have them fill it with whatever I wanted. As they would say in the record biz, “All killer, no filler! It being 2 days before V-Day they had a wide assortment of heart shaped boxes just waiting to be filled with sweets, for sweethearts everywhere.

The candies at Bayard’s are all made using fresh ingredients and ran the gamut from creams to jellies to crunchy centeres, all milk or dark covered. The chocolate covered pretzels appeared to be a big hit, and I was sorely tempted by their chocolate covered marshmallows. Knowing what RetroRoadhusband likes, however, I made sure to get plenty of chocolate nonpariels.

(And, knowing that I’d most likely help him polish off that box of candies, I made sure some of my faves were in there too.

Service was efficient and friendly despite the crowds,  and I was pleased to see folks lining the walls of this local confectionary waiting their turn, instead of buying a pre-made, Lord-knows-how-old box of candies at a chain store. Trust me guys, your Valentine will spot the difference a mile away!

Don’t worry about missing your Valentine treats here this year…Easter is on April 24. Can’t wait to stop by and check out their chocolate bunnies!

Bayard’s Chocolate House
904 Route 130 N
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077-3318
(856) 829-5195

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Here’s an example of the “Kitschmas” in the Hacienda Holiday Decor so you see I don’t just like cool old places, but cool old STUFF too!

I had heard about Suzy’s wreaths over at Pam Keuber’s retro-centric home blog RetroRenovation.com and just loved the idea that someone could make something so attractive and charming out of those old Christmas ornaments that no longer hang on the tree. I wasn’t able to order a wreath in time for this past holiday season, but Suzy let me know when she was adding some to her Artfire shop. It was tough choosing between the ones she created, but I thought the whimsical characters on this one fit right into my Kitschmas theme during the holidays:

Being a creative type I thought long and hard about ordering a wreath from Suzy, as a good chunk of my brain was saying. “I could make that-!” – and I actually have picked up a few bags of lonesome old ornaments at thrift stores for just such a project. But then I was really honest with myself: Part of me would like to be a crafty person (if I’d just sit still long enough to craft something), but in reality I’d rather hit the road and do some exploring and photographing, searching for RetroRoadmap worthy stuff to share! And what better way to give someone like Suzy a thumbs up for doing such a good job being crafty, than to support her by buying her wares? Done deal.

If you’re interested in a wreath of her own, here’s a link to Suzy’s / GeorgiaPeachez’s Etsy shop – she also makes some really cute dioramas out of old ornament boxes as well. Tuck away this idea for next holiday season, or get a jump on it like I did! You’ll be amazed at the level of detail and amount of ornaments on your wreath.

Thanks Suzy, for a cool wreath and for freeing up my creative time to spend more time doing what I love – RetroRoadmapping!

Here’s a sneak peek into how Hilliards make -by hand and by wacky crimping machine-  this wonderful looking sweet treat:

I love how their ribbon candy has that satiny ribbon glow to it – I’ve seen other ribbon candy that looks more opaque, but this one reminds me of the Christmas candy of my childhood.

Speaking of Christmas candy – here’s Hilliards making some Peppermint Bark, using their own candy canes (and a mallet!). Yum! Hilliard’s is famous for their chocolate as well as their hard candies so you know this is going to be delish.

Family owned and operated since 1924, Hilliards is one of my fave places to visit year ’round with the Retro Roadkids – in the summer they have homemade ice cream made with their candy toppings – including their real chocolate jimmies or sprinkles to you non-New Englanders! I’ll have to snap a few photos next time I’m up there (when it’s warm enough to eat ice cream again!). They have 3 locations but my fave is the one in Easton, right near the RetroRoadfam!

Hilliards Candy
316 Main Street
North Easton, MA 02356-1107
(508) 238-6231

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The Wanamaker Organ Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Department Store, Philadelphia PA

Strawbridge & Clothier’s Dickens Christmas Village at Macy’s Department Store, Philadelphia PA

Fireside drinks and dining at McGillan’s Old Ale House, Philadelphia PA

Christmas Lights Galore at Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville PA

Clear Toy Candy from Franklin Fountain, Philadelphia PA

Holiday Movies on the Big Screen at The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

Old Fashioned Downtown Holiday Shopping at Sine’s 5 & 10 Quakertown, PA
What is missing from the list? Let me know! As you can guess, Bethlehem PA is a big destination this time of year and a RetroRoadmap Reader reminded me of the National Christmas Center in Paradise PA, so I think I know where I’ll be heading this coming weekend!

What retro / vintage holiday traditional places do you go in your neck of the woods?

Here are some of the holiday films and events coming up at The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA  this December!

City Rhythm Orchestra Holiday Style –  Sun Dec 5th 7:30pm

The 15-piece City Rhythm Orchestra presents Holiday Style, a big band concert that’s a perfect way to start the yuletide season!

A Christmas Story – Sat, Dec 11, 2:00 pm
A Christmas Story grasps the full scope of childhood injustice and obsession. A BB Gun! A Leg Lamp! You name it, they want it!

The Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley Holiday Musical Extravaganza -Sun, Dec 12, 2:00 pmJoin TOSDV on the second of four shakedown cruises of the Colonial’s Wurlitzer 3/24 Opus 585. The concert will feature members of the TOSDV family performing holiday and seasonal favorites, along with a special holiday silent movie.

It’s a Wonderful Life Sun, Dec 19, 2:00 pm
Not a big success at the time of its release, it’s gone on to become one of the most popular movies ever made. One of Mod Betty’s favorite Phoenixville holiday traditions is seeing this on the big screen!

White Christmas Sun, Dec 26, 2:00 pm
“White Christmas” is a cracking musical….warm, sweet, and perfect for wasting a winter afternoon.”

Now that’s better! Fun stuff to look forward to!

The Colonial Theatre
227 Bridge St
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-917-0223

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I came to this movie late in my life, but can’t resist the story of a jaded little girl who just might start to believe in Christmas, with the help of an eccentric old man (Santa? See the movie and find out!)

If you want to check out the beautiful Roxy this is the time to do it,  as the theatre will be closed from Dec. 1st – 24th while they refinish the auditorium floor, install new seats and carpeting, and finish interior painting. They will reopen on Dec. 25th, Christmas day.

This show is presented by The Northampton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.

The show is at 7:30 PM
Doors open 7:00 PM

Roxy Theatre – Miracle on 34th Street 11/30
2004 Main St
Northampton, PA 18067-1314
(610) 262-7699

[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?gl=us&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111885710047859082033.00048746173181bd0dc2a&ll=41.029643,-75.467834&spn=0.725178,1.167297&z=9&iwloc=000492faae7c5127020e2&output=embed&w=425&h=350]

I’ve got a few new old places I’ll be sharing with you readers, but in the meantime don’t forget to search the archives for places near you to visit and shop at.

Buy gift certificates to your favorite local independent restaurant as gifts and introduce friends and co-workers to the wonders of diners and ice cream parlors!

Become a member of your local independent movie house, or buy gift certificates to there for the neighbors, mailman, et al. We just renewed our membership at The Colonial Theatre and it’s a great feeling to know you support something that gives pleasure to so many!

Visit your local 5&10 and buy some toys for the kids or something handy from their hardware department!

(I’m heading here today to pick up a plastic cover for my sister’s dining table, and some odds and ends for the RetroRoadkids!)

Support your fellow fans of roadside related fun and buy a tee shir or print from Jeff and Kelly – the cool couple who are Vintage Roadside!

Pick up a diner guide from roadsidefan Kyle Weaver at Stackpole books!

Head out to your local antique, thrift, or junque store and do the best kind of recycling there is – unearthing treasures from a lost era and giving them a loving home. I’m off to do that today, to pick up a little something for my RetroRoadmum!

So while this can be the time to be overwhelmed with the barrage of messages imploring you to buy the latest electronic device or  overconsume in a big box store, remember there are independent mom and pop businesses out there who need our support at this time more than ever. Be a good elf, and buy from the small guy!

Franklin Fountain is  a “new but looks old” place that is totally charming in its turn of the century soda fountain ways, and will get it’s own proper write up once ice cream season resumes, but for now, I’m simply raving about their clear candy.

Clear Toy Candy is a Pennsylvania-German tradition that dates to the 18th century when children were gifted them during the holiday season. These candies are handmade in historic Old City, Philadelphia using antique Victorian hard candy molds. Molds were made in Philadelphia at the turn-of-the-century and were in continuous use by Young’s Candies on Girard Avenue since 1897. When Young’s closed in 2006, the Berley Brothers purchased their collection of over 250 molds and are continuing the Philadelphia tradition of clear toy candymaking from their Old City soda fountain.

While these charming folks behind the counter aren’t the ones who waited on me when Retro Roadhusband and I popped in here before a show, I will say that I was beyond impressed with the help I received when trying to pick out 3 candies that were different but also exactly the same, so that the Retro Roadkids would not bicker about who got the better gift. Our pleasant clerk headed “upstairs” to see what they had in additional stock and came back with a selection that was just spot on perfect!

(Thanks to intrepid reporter Constance H for the daytime photos)

And if this hasn’t totally convinced you of the charms and delights of Clear Toy Candy – here’s a video look at the behind the scenes making of these holiday treats!

Edited to add: Who knew that I was on the cutting edge of coolness with my post about Clear Toy Candy at Franklin Fountain! Here’s a link to their December 2009 blog where they let spill that not one but two Food Network shows will feature the Fountain!  Marc Summers stopped by to host the acclaimed “Unwrapped” show and “American Classics”  will document their Clear Toy Candy making process. There are more interesting tid-bits in their Scoop, so click the link and have a look!

Clear Toy Candy at Franklin Fountain
116 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-1899

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The Koziar family has been putting on this light display for 60 years and it is rated in the top 10 attractions of Pennsylvania. Now, you could take my word for it, but you could also listen to our pardner the train conductor tell the tale (or just read my transcription below):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI4W_B83eO4]

To quote our Railroad Train Engineer Pal (who sounds a bit like The Coz, ya see):

This is the 60th year that the Koziar family has created, and continues as a family to to operate, this spectacular Christmas attraction.

It started way back in 1948 -1948! – by William Koziar and his wife Grace who created this for the joy it brought to his four children, his friends and his neighbors.

By adding more and more lights each and every year, this farm, set in the valley, became known as the Christmas House.

Buildings were added, unique displays were created, pathways were made – so that visitors could walk through this extraordinary site – and the Christmas House soon became known as Koziar’s Christmas Village.

According to Wikipedia the “Christmas Village utilizes approximately one half million Christmas lights and other decorative effects in a presentation that has repeatedly been listed among the top tourist attractions in Pennsylvania and the top Christmas displays in the United States.” Having seen my own electricity bill go up from our modest use of Christmas lights, I fully understand why there is an entrance fee at this lit up location!

The Christmas Village is definitely aimed at kids, but at Christmas time who isn’t a kid at heart? I oohed and aahed over the gazillion lights, cracked up at the cutouts of cartoon characters both popular and iffy (Jon from Garfield?) and while I’m not usually a fan of crowds, I loved hearing the random comments of over excited children (“Dad! Look! It’s Santa! He’s stuck in the Chimney!”)

There’s a set pathway through the lights and houses with displays inside so you get to see everything and a few gifty/hot chocolate stands along the way to warm up in.

Towards the end the buildings get larger and more filled with things to buy, but at that point that’s OK, you will probably want to warm up your toesies and watch the giant train displays or look at the kistchy tacky Christmas items for sale.

Do yourself a favor and drive to Koziar’s via the Route 183 way, as the view from the top of the hill is nothing short of spectacular. We came from the other direction and when we left, our view from the rearview mirror was so awe inspiring I turned the car around and drove back, just so we could experience it the way it was supposed to be seen.

Not many days left = bundle up and head out to The Christmas Village!

Koziar’s Christmas Village
782 Christmas Village Road
Bernville, PA 19506
(610) 488-1110

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