The temps might be falling but things are heating up on the Main Line this month, from a yuletide festival in Devon to sauna sessions in Wayne to igloo dining in KOP.

Enjoy XOXO!

• Decked Out in Devon

‘Tis the season for a European-inspired winter market at the Devon Horse Show fairgrounds! The brainchild of Jes Bickhart and his father Rob—both of Villanova—Yuletide at Devon will feature 29 festive days of live music, gourmet farm-to-table fare, carnival rides, specialty drinks, Santa sightings and high-end vendors.

Highlights include:

• A 65-foot Ferris wheel, carousel, Himalaya ride and photos with Santa in his cozy ski chalet

• Top-tier musical acts spanning all genres, from rock to holiday to country, including a special New Year’s Eve show starring Chris Lane

• Daily Santa parades featuring local marching bands

• Locally sourced culinary delights to satisfy any palate (think gourmet grilled cheese, BBQ, sliders, crepes, pizza, tacos, Asian favorites and more!), all overseen by chef Chris Nguyen of Philadelphia’s Strothers catering group

• Plenty of drink options to sip while you stroll, including gourmet hot chocolate, cocktails, coffee and homemade gluhwein (red wine infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and citrus)

• Amazing vendors from near and far, such as Coco Blu, The Blue Beret, Studio Flora, Grace Winery, Dubbary, Milk Jawn and Culinary Harvest, plus a gift-wrapping station

• Strolling carolers

• Millions of twinkling lights and nearly 1,000 Christmas trees!

The Bickhart’s are well-versed in the art of event planning and production—Rob helped found Penn State’s THON and coordinated the pope’s visit to Philadelphia in 2015 while Jes works in film and television production in LA. The duo is in close contact with Easttown township and law enforcement to ensure a joyous time for all and hope to make Devon Yuletide a treasured holiday tradition for Main Line families.

Yuletide at Devon runs select dates from November 24 through December 31. Ticket price includes rides, entertainment, concerts and photos with Santa. All tickets must be purchased online, in advance. FYI: Yuletide is a cashless event.

• Garrett Hill Goes Al Fresco

Radnor commissioners approved an ordinance last month that will allow outdoor dining in Garrett Hill from March 1 through November 30, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM daily. Outdoor dining capacity is limited to 40 percent of an establishment’s number of indoor dining spaces. Although the ordinance was approved 4-2 by the Radnor Board of Commissioners, reaction from residents was mixed. While some were supportive, noting that restaurants could use the revenue boost during the slower summer months, others expressed concerns about parking and noise. About 130 residents tried to oppose the ordinance via signed petition.

• Renew You!

Gateway Shopping Center is now home to a second location of the state-of-the-art wellness and renewal studio dtxfy (the flagship is in Manayunk).

Intrigued? The studio offers three types (or “degrees”) of renewal:

• Infrared sauna: While regular saunas use heat to warm the air and stimulate the sweat glands, infrared saunas heat your body directly via warming wavelengths of natural light that penetrate the skin and release toxins. At dtxfy, each private sauna suite is equipped with a television and access to streaming services and bluetooth to help you pass the time (about 20-30 minutes). Sauna solo or with a friend!

• Red light therapy: This technique uses low wavelengths of red and near infra-red light to promote healing and cellular regeneration. Sessions last about ten minutes, during which time clients stand between two high output red light panels that gently warm the body.

• Massage therapy: dtxfy’s cutting-edge massage pods boast 6d rollers that envelop the body and mimic the feel of human hands. Choose from deep-shiatsu, targeted body-part, stress relief, muscle recovery and more.

Owner Denise Lehman started dtxfy after being plagued with arthritic pains and brain fog in her 50s despite adhering to a healthy exercise and diet regimen. Research led her to infrared sauna and red-light therapy, both of which helped reset her body and boast energy levels. She opened her first dtxfy studio in Manayunk in 2022 to help bring these therapies to the masses.  

Clients can purchase a single session or monthly membership, and newbies can take advantage of a $25 introductory special for a limited time.

dtxfy in Wayne is located at 133 E. Swedesford Road in Wayne. The studio is open every day except Wednesday. Hours vary by day; check the Web site for details.

• Design Time

Popular modernist furniture retailer Design within Reach has opened a 4,200- square-foot showroom in Suburban Square, near Lola’s Garden. This is the 36^th location for the brand, which specializes in higher end modern furniture and accessories.

The company was founded by Rob Forbes in 1998 to give Americans easier access to pieces by contemporary European designers. Free design services are available at the Ardmore location.

Design Within Reach is located at 6 E Montgomery Avenue in Ardmore. Hours are Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

• Motto On Over

Motto Restaurant  has taken over the old Otoro Sushi in Berwyn. Owners Mia and Rain Zhuang have streamlined the menu, nixing the hibachi and teriyaki in favor of more appetizers, specialty rolls (19 in total!) and build your own ramen. The star of the show is arguably The Golden Wind roll, featuring shrimp tempura, spicy salmon, tuna and avocado, topped with a sprinkling of 24K gold soy paper flakes (yours for $22.95)!

For those craving a little bit of everything, several “Motto All Day” chef’s choice combos are available, from $29.95 to $65.95 per person.

The décor is lighter and brighter, thanks to some fresh paint and new artwork. Motto, which means “more” in Japanese, offers delivery and catering but no booze. Patrons are welcome to BYOB, however.  

Motto Sushi is located at 688 Lancaster Avenue in Berwyn. Check the Web site for hours.

• Igloo with a View

For one week in November, you can dine in your own private igloo on the King of Prussia Town Center green space AND support community members in need. As part of Igloo Garden on the Green, patrons can reserve one of six heated igloos, all beautifully furnished by AVE King of Prussia and Ethan Allen. With space for up to six diners, each igloo features sparkling lights, cozy seating and a bluetooth speaker. Patrons can order takeout to enjoy in their igloo from any of the town center’s restaurants, many of which are offering special deals and promos all week. Reservation fees ($15/person for lunch and $20/person for dinner) benefit the Upper Merion Community Cupboard.

Igloo Garden on the Green runs from November 7 – 14 and is located at 200 Main Street in King of Prussia. Reservations available from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (lunch) and 5:00 – 8:00 PM (dinner).

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