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Popular Old City boutique Third Street Habit is all aflurry with awesome winter discounts. Its winter “Sale Flurry,” happening now until wares run out, features 40-60% discounts off seasonal merchandise from all designers. That means Rag & Bone, Velvet, Etoile by Isabel Marant, Graham & Spencer and many, many more. Get yourself a present for surviving the holiday season gauntlet, or stock up on stocking stuffers for next year. The store is closed New Year’s Day but open December 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Happy shopping! [Third Street Habit]

2011 was a whirlwind year for Philadelphia, with some seriously impressive accolades, great green developments, lots of exciting restaurant openings and plenty of festival fun.

In the spirit of ubiquitous “Best of 2011″ listage, plus our love for awesome photography, we’re presenting our “Best of 2011 in Photos” roundup.

Relive the past year in visual form, below:

In February, CNN Money named Philadelphia the fourth most romantic city in the U.S. Meanwhile, Mayor Nutter officiated a local couple's wedding aboard Mural Arts' Love Letter Train on Valentine's Day. (Photo courtesy Mural Arts)

[CNN Ranks Philadelphia The Fourth Most Romantic City In The Country, Plus Video Of Mayor Nutter Marrying A Local Couple On The Mural Arts Love Train]

In March, the ribbon was cut on the brand new annex of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The one million square foot expansion connects the Convention Center with the Avenue of the Arts and City Hall. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Continue reading, below.

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Keep your New Year’s partying going strong into 2012 at the 18th annual Hair ‘O The Dog, Saturday, January 14 at the elegant Westin Philadelphia.

This glamorous gala will support two local charities this year: the Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s Official 9-11 Memorial; and Friends Are By Your Side, a network of salon owners and beauty industry experts united in a mission to support women battling cancer and suffering from hair loss as a result.

The latter charity will graciously reward one woman who is battling cancer an all-inclusive “Queen O’ The Dog Package” for the party that includes a custom-made gown, VIP status and other prizes.

The festivities include multiple DJs, custom made Hair O’ The Dog strolling tables, a special photo booth, gourmet food, 4 and a half hours of top-shelf open bar and more.

Bonus: painters Glenn Stevens and Perry Milou will create a live painting at the party with a portion of their proceeds going to the two charities.

Tickets start at $95 and are available online.

Hair ‘O The Dog
When: Saturday, January 14, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Where: Westin Philadelphia, 99 S. 17th Street
Cost: Tickets start at $95
More info: www.hairothedog.com

The 2012 Winter Classic banners have been hung as the Winter Classic Build-Out continues, leading up to Day 1 of the fan festival on December 31. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

When the news about the Winter Classic coming to Philly first broke in September, we knew it was going to be huge.

But as the Flyers vs. Rangers outdoor battle gets closer and closer, it seems like with each day, an even more awesome element is added to the mix.

First, there was the the 24/7 HBO series, as well as the star-studded alumni rosters for the special Alumni Game on December 31.

Then the news broke that public skating will be available on the outdoor ice rink on the field of Citizens Bank Park.

And now comes word that the NHL will host a free, three-day fan festival just outside the gates of Citizens Bank Park during the major Winter Classic events, December 31-January 2.

Called the Winter Classic Spectator Plaza, the festival will transform Citizens Bank Way, between Phillies Drive and Pattison Avenue, into an outdoor entertainment venue for fans of all ages with live music, interactive hockey-themed attractions, giveaways, food, beverages and officially licensed team merchandise.

Test your shooting skills as you go one-on-one against a Bridgestone goalie in a fun slap shot shootout.

Step in from the cold at the Molson Canadian Hockey House, where you can compete for prizes at bubble hockey and video games, see how fast you can suit up in goalie gear and raise a cup of cold Coors Light or Molson Canadian.

Food-wise, Aramark has enlisted Bassett’s Original Memphis BBQ from Moorestown, Jose Garces’ Guapos Tacos food truck and the Nomad Pizza Co. wood-fired pizza truck.

Green bonus: NHL Green™ has partnered with Restore Hockey to collect used hockey equipment at Spectator Plaza as part of the “Recycling the Game” program. Restore Hockey will refurbish the donations, and redistribute gear to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. A mobile solar unit will power the NHL Green tent.

We are completely stoked for Winter Classic Week, a huge coup for Philadelphia sports fans. The Winter Classic celebrates ice hockey’s traditional outdoor roots, and we literally can’t think of a better place to host the event than the awesome setting of Citizens Bank Park.

Winter Classic Spectator Plaza
When: December 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; January 1, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; January 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Way, between Phillies Drive and Pattison Avenue
Cost: Free!
More info: www.nhl.com

Chef Mitch Prensky has amped up his partnership with The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. to present Lemon Hill, a tavern-like joint in Fairmount boasting delicious American food and great craft cocktails. (Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

In a continuation of the innovative partnership between The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. and Supper that began last spring, The Franklin’s Managing Partner Mike Welsh and Supper Chef Mitch Prensky will debut Lemon Hill tonight, December 28.

Since March, patrons at The Franklin have been enjoying bar snacks by Chef Prensky and Supper’s diners have been sipping Franklin-created cocktails.

Now Lemon Hill will wed The Franklins top-notch tipples with Prensky’s seasonal American cooking, all under one roof, in a cozy neighborhood tavern-like joint.

Location

Located in Fairmount in the old Lucky 7 spot, Lemon Hill takes its name from the historic mansion located just up the street.

The restaurant will take a more casual approach to food than does Supper, with a large portion of the kitchen’s fare will be made in the beautiful centerpiece brick oven, pictured above.

Green

In keeping with his tradition of sustainably sourced ingredients, Prensky will be serving Creekstone Farms beef and turning out a signature burger blend, from La Frieda, for the Classic Pattymelt. Local produce will be sourced from Newtown Square’s Blue Elephant Farm, which serves Supper & Lemon Hill exclusively.

Drinks

The beverage program’s well-curated wine and beer list (six taps will contain a mix of local and non-local brews), in addition to coffee by Stumptown Roasters, will complement the craft cocktail list, created by Al Sotack of The Franklin.

Fun fact: Lemon Hill is the only bar in the neighborhood and one of the few in the city to use Kold Draft Ice, the purest available in the industry.

Overall, Lemon Hill’s casual setting (think exposed brick, and frosted windows salvaged from The Architects Building on 17th & Sansom Streets) and approachable food and drink menus are a perfect addition to an up-and-coming neighborhood, and the Philadelphia culinary scene in general.

Call (215) 232-2299 for reservations. Check out the full menus, below.

Lemon Hill
727 N. 25th Street
www.lemonhillphilly.com

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Quite a sight to behold — a historic rivalry will heat up the chilly January air when the Philadelphia Flyers take on the New York Rangers during the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on January 2 at Citizens Bank Park. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHL via Getty Images)

Looking good, Citizens Bank Park!

As you can see above, the 2012 NHL Winter Classic rink set-up is getting very close to completion. We can smell the ice shavings already.

Check out a full gallery of the rink being built here.

And don’t forget to enter our contest to win 2 tickets to the January 2 game!

NHL Winter Classic: Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers
When: January 2, 1 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, Citizens Bank Way and Pattison Avenue
More info: www.nhl.com/winterclassic

West Philly’s Dock Street Brewery is celebrating the return of their Champagne of beers, Bubbly Wit, and the introduction of Belgian Black 2x IPA with a special Black & White-themed (or Whit-themed) party tonight, December 28.

Both beers will be on tap, in addition to other special Black & White features across the board: a special B&W pizza, B&W cake, B&W themed music and Charlie Chaplin shorts playing on the big screen.

Philadelphia Magazine recently anointed Dock Street as one of the city’s best purveyors of both beer and pizza so you’ll be in good hands.

Dock Street Brewery’s Black & Whit Party
When: Wednesday, December 28
Where: 701 S. 50th Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.dockstreetbeer.com

Birra offers at least 50 craft beers, in addition to high-quality craft cocktails. Drink up for less during happy hour. (Photo courtesy Birra)

‘Tis the season for major eating and drinking.

In that spirit, Birra’s Gordon Dinerman has announced he’ll be offering happy hours on weekdays starting today, Tuesday, December 27.

Birra’s early weeknight feature, called “Mangia,” includes half priced pizzas for dining in from 4-6 p.m.

Enjoy $3 Cheese Pizzas; $4.50 Gaaalic Pies; $6.50 Mac & Cheese White Pizzas; $8.50 Cheeseburger Pies; and Birra’s new La Peperonata, featuring Anaheim peppers, long hots, Fresno chilis, mozzarella, white sauce and spicy capacolla for $7.

“Salute,” Birra’s late night happy hour, is on from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays (Birra is closed on Mondays), and features $4 craft beers, $5 glasses of wine and $6 specialty cocktails.

Head over tonight!

Birra
1700 East Passyunk Avenue
www.birraphilly.com

We’ve been keeping you updated with guides to fireworks-watching, ideas for alternative NYE celebrations, family-friendly options and more. But be sure to check out Visit Philly’s comprehensive guide to New Year’s in Philadelphia for the 411 on hotel packages, NYE dinner, a special romantic itinerary and much more. From now until the day after the New Year, there’s a plethora of entertainment for families, couples, singles, sports fans, culture vultures and everyone in between to do day and night in the Philadelphia region, and Visit Philly has you covered. [Visit Philly]

Get a bird’s eye view of the parade on Broad Street from the Kimmel's balcony, or stake out a spot at any of the six free performance zones along Broad Street. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

Kick off the New Year in true Philly fashion by attending the 112th annual Mummers Parade presented by Sugarhouse Casino (new this year!) on January 1. We have a helpful guide to the Mummers, below.

Background

The Mummers’ tradition actually dates back to 400 B.C. with the Roman Festival of Saturnalias, where folks marched around in masks throughout a day full of satire and noise-making.

Today’s Mummers, who make up the oldest folk parade in the country, are serious business while still invoking the merry-making of bygone Mummers. Clubs work on the elaborately sequined and colorfully plumed costumes months in advance and practice their well-choreographed routines all year long.

It’s best to get an early start on the 1st to stake out a good spot on the parade route. While you’ll see the marchers all up and down Broad Street from South Philly to City Hall, you may want to position yourself at one of the free six performance zones so you can catch all the skits.

Six free performance zones:

• Broad and Shunk Streets
• Broad and Wolf Streets
• Broad Street and Washington Avenue
• Broad and Pine Streets
• Broad and Sansom Streets
• 15th and Market Streets

Ticketed seats:

• JFK Boulevard judging station: Purchase tickets for $19 in advance at the Independence Visitor Center or Fairmount Park Welcome Center for seats on the bleachers.

• Pennsylvania Convention Center: After a performance at Broad and Washington, the Fancy Brigades head to the Convention Center for ticketed shows at noon and 5 p.m. (tickets are $17 and available online). Before the noon show starts, snap pictures with performers on the show floor, and get in step with the merrymaking in a Giant Mummers Strut. You can also get a special sneak peek of the show on December 30 at 7 p.m.

For the outdoor parade, dress weather-appropriately as the show goes on rain or shine (or wind or snow or sleet…). And it wouldn’t hurt to pack a thermos of hot cocoa to keep you extra toasty.

We’ve included the detailed parade route map, below. Take a look because the route is a little different this year.

Mummers Parade
When: January 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Parade runs along Broad Street, starting at Oregon Avenue and ending at JFK Boulevard (new this year)
Cost: Free along main route; $17 for Fancy Brigade shows
More info: www.mummers.com

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