Final ‘Stag and Doe’ night of the holiday season takes over Chestnut Hill

The streets were filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas last night as Chestnut Hill celebrated its oldest holiday tradition — Stag and Doe Night.

 

Dating back to the early 1960s, the event that originated as “Stag Night,” was an evening for men to come to the Hill and shop for their wives, daughters and friends. Libations and hors d’oeuvres would be provided and by the end of the night, the men’s gifts would be wrapped and they would be on their way, having had a good time.

Eventually, women wanted in on the fun, and today Stag and Doe Night is celebrated by men, women and children alike, every Wednesday night in December. Last night — the final Stag and Doe of the year — the shops and streets were especially crowded.

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Tara Alexander, self titled “wrapping fiend” owns Mango, a women’s boutique in Chestnut Hill. “Tonight is always the busiest and best Stag and Doe,” Alexander said. “With one week until Christmas, people are out having a good time and getting the last of their shopping done.”

Laura and Steve Maszczak of Erdenheim left their three children at home to enjoy a night out in Chestnut Hill. “There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit,” Laura said. “With the carolers, the lights and all the people, it’s always so festive.”

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