PHILADELPHIA -- You can learn to snowshoe, help a local family, and check off your holiday shopping list when you visit University Square during the annual Holiday Fest from Dec. 13-17.   This year, in addition to enjoying the specials offered by the merchants of Penn shopping and dining district, adventurous patrons can take advantage of free showshoe lessons from Eastern Mountain Sports.  The lessons will be offered at noon Dec. 14 and 15 at EMS on 36th Street in University Square.   

Shoppers will also have an opportunity to share their holiday spirit with families in need by donating to a toy drive organized by Penn VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service).  Bring small, unwrapped gifts to the 36th Street Plaza (between Sansom and Walnut Streets) on December 13 and 14 from 3 to 7p.m.  While you're there, you can watch sculptors from Fear No Ice transform 1.5 tons of ice into works of art, while you enjoy a cup of hot chocolate courtesy of MBNA America.

"The University Square Holiday Fest gives people a reason to come outside," said Sharlene Sones, director of marketing for Penn Business Services Division. "If you've been planning to visit one of our shops or restaurants, this is a great time because there are many discounts and promotions that are special to this time of year.  So come out and shop, stay for dinner and don't forget to donate a toy!"

Holiday Fest Specials

Camera Shop, Inc.: 138 S. 34th Street  215.387.0600 - $10 off any memory card 256mb or above, with the purchase of any digital camera $150 or more.  Bring in any memory card and put the images on a CD for only $1.99.

Douglas Cosmetics: 3603 Walnut Street  215.222.2366 Special free gift with every purchase.

Eastern Mountain Sports: 130 S. 36th Street  215.386.1020 Mention that you are attending HolidayFest and receive 10% off your total purchase.

Gap: 3423 Walnut Street  215.387.0172 Bring this ad in to receive $10 off a $75 purchase or more.

Houston Market: 3417 Spruce Street 215.746.6071 Free fountain beverage with purchase of meal.

Marathon Grill: 40th and Walnut Streets 215.222.0100 Free frozen yogurt with purchase of any

salad, sandwich, or entree.  Available at lunch or dinner.

Modern Eye: 3419 Walnut Street  215.386.5953 25% off non-Rx sunglasses, in stock only.  25% off any complete pair of glasses, in stock only ($100 max discount).  Offer cannot be combined with insurance or other discounts.

Penn Bookstore: 3601 Walnut Street  215.898.7595 20% off Penn branded-merchandise on 12/13 and 12/14 only.

Penn Computer Connection: 3610 Sansom Street  215.898.3282 Offering a variety of holiday deals, including buy an apple computer and an Epson printer and receive up to a $100 rebate.

Penn Running Store: 3701 Walnut Street  215.898.6452 Visit to receive discounts on selected merchandise throughout the store.  Gift certificates also available.

The Energy Zone: 3701 Walnut Street  215.387.4977 A juice and snack bar.  Discounts on selected merchandise.

The Left Bank: 3131 Walnut Street  215.222.5400 Receive $300 off 1st month rent.

Triangle Diner: 3716 Spruce Street  215.573.4431 Free fountain beverage with purchase with of meal.

University Jewelers: 3421 Walnut Street  215.386.1100 Visit the store and receive a discount on all merchandise!

World Cafe Live: 3025 Walnut Street  215.222.1400 10% off a purchase of $25 or more on food.