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The Philadelphia Phillies aren’t the first thing that pops into your head when Christmas time rolls around. Not unless they swing a major trade just after the Winter Meetings or something. But it’s becoming clear this team knows how to do the holidays right.
On Saturday, the team hosted its Holiday Extravaganza, with former manager Charlie Manuel in the house, as well as Phanta Claus.
That’s right. Phanta Claus.
Phanta Claus has come to town! #PhilliesHolidays pic.twitter.com/5V6rUFvIsQ
— Phillies (@Phillies) December 3, 2016
And while it didn’t have quite the pomp, circumstance, or traffic nightmares associated with the White House National Tree lighting ceremony, the Phils’ tree looks pretty sweet, too.
WATCH: @ErinColemanTV @KeithJones and Phillie Phanatic light Christmas Tree at Citizens Bank Park: https://t.co/swBlmqOcKt @Phillies pic.twitter.com/qA2DyYyHFM
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) December 4, 2016
— Phillies (@Phillies) December 3, 2016
The team opened the clubhouse to the public, decked out for the season...
Deck the clubhouse with boughs of holly... pic.twitter.com/OphGj71rTy
— Phillies (@Phillies) December 3, 2016
And put out a starting lineup for the event, which was strong...
@Phillies Today's lineup! #PhilliesHolidays pic.twitter.com/z5V0761Ca9
— Michele B. (@EmBee20) December 3, 2016
I don’t know, I think I’d move Cupid up in the lineup a bit... he’s got surprising pop.
And yeah, there were LIVE reindeer on hand...
So a real reindeer just walked by me at Citizens Bank Park. That's cool @Phillies #merrychristmas ⚾️ ⚾️ ⚾️ ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/V1lCSweTy7
— Cindy Webster (@Cindy610) December 3, 2016
And it’s pretty clear the kids loved it.
Erin's amazement at seeing a live reindeer for the first time. @Phillies #philliesholidays pic.twitter.com/zEsMwx3aFd
— Michael Hertzler (@HertzlerMichael) December 3, 2016
All in all, it was a pretty terrific event by the Phillies, who tend to do these things really well every time.