While we are in the midst of the strange limbo that is the week between Christmas and New Year’s, there are still plenty of things to do in Philly. We have live music from Shaun Cassidy, Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, and Studio Ghibli film composer Joe Hisaishi.
There are stage productions with Disney on Ice and Potted Potter, and a comedy showcase raising money for performers. You also have a chance to be in the audience for Jason Kelce’s talk show taping, and party with Ben Franklin for his birthday in Franklin Square.
If you’re looking for a roundup of all things New Year’s, here is our events guide to the end of 2024 and the kickoff to 2025:
Happy New Year, everyone!
Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY
Disney on Ice, Potted Potter, New Year’s Eve and Day, Shaun Cassidy, the Philly All-Pro Comedy Showcase, composer Joe Hisaishi.
SEE DISNEY ON ICE. Bring the kids to see Asha, Valentino, Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, Ariel, Elsa, Moana, Stitch, and more friends return to Wells Fargo Center through January 4 with Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Dance. Morning, afternoon, and evening shows available. $22-$210+. 3601 S. Broad Street
EXPERIENCE HARRY POTTER … UNAUTHORIZED. The Olivier Award-nominated Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience comes to the Zellerbach Theater now through January 5 with shows at 2pm and 8pm. This hilarious parody attempts to condense all seven Harry Potter books into 70 minutes of laughter. Perfect for ages six to Dumbledore. $50-$100. 3680 Walnut Street
GO SEE THE WORLD-FAMOUS MUMMER’S PARADE. On New Year’s Day, January 1, the Mummer’s Parade starts at 9am at City Hall. Heads south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue. Lasts through the afternoon, typically past 5pm. The order of performances: Fancies (the giant, most elaborate costumes; only one such division / club is left), Wench division (these are the partiers who’ve made themselves notorious in ways we don’t need to mention here), Comics, String Bands (who play actual live music, banjos and all). Free to watch from the street. Bleacher seats ($25) at City Hall are ticketed, and, because Philly, available to purchase only in person at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets or by calling (800) 537-7676. Broad Street from Market Street to Washington Avenue
BELIEVE IN MAGIC. AT LEAST FOR THIS SHOW. Writer, producer, actor and singer Shaun Cassidy is live at City Winery for Unwrapped: Stories and Songs for the Holidays January 2 (doors at 5:30pm, show at 7). $85-$135. 990 Filbert Street
GET YOUR LAUGHS FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Punch Line Philly hosts the Philly All Pro Comedy Showcase January 2 at 7:30pm, featuring Mary Radzinski, Jarrod Micale, Michael Beavers, Maeve Hennessey, Adam Flick, and host Spark Tabor. A portion of each ticket for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community providing financial crisis relief, mental health and chemical dependency treatment. $21.55-$30.25. 33 E. Laurel Street
GET SPIRITED AWAY, AND THEN SOME. Legendary composer of Hayao Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli films Joe Hisaishi leads The Philadelphia Orchestra in an enchanted performance of his masterpieces January 3 and 4 at 7pm at Marian Anderson Hall. $206. 300 S. Broad Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Jason Kelce live show taping, Ben Franklin’s 319th birthday party, live jazz with Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society, and improv classes.
SPEND A LATE NIGHT WITH JASON KELCE. January 4 through 31, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce begins taping on Fridays at 3:30pm at Union Transfer, and you can be in the live audience. The show promises to be “an immersive experience” showcasing Kelce’s personality and featuring celebrity guests from football and beyond. Free; tickets by request only. 1026 Spring Garden Street
PARTY WITH BEN FRANKLIN FOR HIS BIRTHDAY. On January 4 from 5 to 7pm, Franklin Square hosts Boozy Ben’s Birthday “Bengo” inside the park’s heated tent to celebrate its namesake’s 319th birthday. Play Franklin-themed bingo and drink seasonal cocktails. Proceeds benefit Franklin Square. $5 per Bengo card. 200 N. 6th Street
INDULGE YOUR INNER FLAPPER. Local roaring 1920’s jazz band Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society are hitting up The Lounge at World Cafe Live on January 4. Doors at 6pm; show at 8:30. $20 advance, $25 day of show. 3025 Walnut Street
DO IMPROV. JUST DO IT. Kid-centric Philly band Ants on a Log gives musical improv classes for adults Mondays at 6pm, January 6 through February 10 at The Arts League in West Philly. Through improv exercises and games, learn to create songs and scenes on the fly, common song structures, and the art of spontaneity within a supportive community. No previous training in improv or music is required, ages 18+ only. $300 registration. 4226 Spruce Street
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street
CELEBRATE THE WINTER AT DILWORTH PARK. It’s that time of year already! The ice skating rink, Wintergarden and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market open for the season at Dilworth Park. Holiday shopping is Friday and Saturday from noon to 9pm and Sundays through Thursdays from noon to 8pm. The rink is open 7 days a week with special events scheduled throughout the season. Advanced tickets are recommended! Free-$19. 1 S. 15th Street
SEE THE ZOO ALL LIT UP AND LOVELY! The Philadelphia Zoo’s holiday multimedia spectacular LumiNature is back for the season. More than a million twinkling lights include a 22-foot tall butterfly tree, 40-foot tall glowing penguin, a new sparkling waterfall and loads more bright attractions that will light up the venue — while the animals slumber out of sight. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages will also be on hand. LumiNature is open from 5 to 9pm select nights through January 4. $18-$29. 3400 W. Girard Avenue
SEE THE WINTER SPECTACLE IN FRANKLIN SQUARE. Winter in Franklin Square runs nightly through the New Year (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day). Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dancing fountains choreographed to holiday tunes strike up every 30 minutes throughout the evening while you ride the carousel, play mini golf, or warm up with some hot cocoa and/or adult beverages at Ben On the Rocks. Oh and this year, they’ve added street curling. Pay as you go. 200 N. 6th Street
CATCH MICKALENE THOMAS ON INTERNATIONAL TOUR. The iconic creator of large-scale tableaux of Black women in glamorous repose shows more than 50 of her stunning works at the Barnes. Mickalene Thomas: All About Love is the artist’s first international tour, a show New York wishes it had, through January 12, 2025. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
THINK ABOUT FAMILY IN A NEW WAY AT A NEW ART EXHIBITION. The Museum for Art in Wood hosts Mark Sfirri: La Famiglia through February 26, 2025. This new solo exhibition of new and never-before-seen work by the artist and woodturner “presents a way of thinking about the definition of family and its meanings through different lenses.” Museum hours have been extended and are now Sundays to Saturdays, from noon to 5pm. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street
CELEBRATE WINTER AT PENN’S LANDING. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest opens at Penn’s Landing November 29 and runs through March 2. Enjoy ice skating, cabin, lounge, and fire pit rentals, and festive food and drink now until practically spring break. Hours vary. Pay as you go. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY
Photo courtesy Battleship New Jersey