Open Streets: West Walnut Returns Just in Time For the Holiday Season
Following a successful launch in September, Center City District (CCD) just announced that Open Streets: West Walnut will return for two Sundays during the holiday season, December 8 and December 15. The street closure program temporarily pedestrianizes sections of Walnut Street and 18th Street in Rittenhouse Row to create a welcoming space to shop, stroll and socialize along nearly seven blocks of car-free space.
CCD collected data to analyze the impact of September’s installment, including survey responses from businesses along the route, with nearly 90% reporting an increase in foot traffic to their storefronts. The average increase in traffic across respondents was 86%, though some retailers cited increases as high as 300% above their typical Sunday. Feedback from respondents, along with data accessible on CCD’s Data Dashboard, informed the decision to add the December dates.
“The idea of Open Streets: West Walnut began with a hypothesis: streets filled with people drive more business than streets filled with cars,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of CCD. “September’s four-week pilot program proved just that, while also creating an extension of public space for pedestrians to use how they wanted, whether chasing giant bubbles with their kids, relaxing in lawn chairs or dining outside with friends.”
“With the holiday season approaching, this winter edition of Open Streets will add even more magic to an already festive Center City and provide an extra boost to area businesses,” she added.
The hours for Open Streets: West Walnut are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with street closures starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. along the program route: 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th. Cross streets will remain open to cars at select intersections, including 16th Street, 17th Street, 19th Street and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.
The pedestrian-only thoroughfares will act as an extension of public space, with Rittenhouse Square’s 18th and Walnut entrance being a direct link to the park. Streets will be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand outdoors. Some plan to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives as part of Open Streets: West Walnut. Food and beverages will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route, with many expanding their tables onto the sidewalk. Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants.
CCD will program ambient entertainment, including acoustic musicians and holiday carolers. Along the 1800 block of Walnut Street, a kid-friendly zone will feature sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games and toys, as well as weekly storytime events with Santa Claus. Cozy seating pods will be set up in the streets, including an area on South 18th Street where passersby can watch holiday movies. Philadelphia Eagles games will be broadcast live from the same location at 1 p.m. on December 8 and 4:05 p.m. on December 15.
There will be no supplemental vendors on the street; visitors are encouraged to support the businesses located on the closed streets and surrounding areas.
Open Streets: West Walnut is produced by Center City District with support from the City of Philadelphia and Rittenhouse Row. These events are weather permitting and subject to change. Select performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77.
To find the full list of participating businesses, frequently asked questions and more, visit centercityphila.org/openstreetscentercityphila.org/openstreets.
