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Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have holiday gift drives, The Nutcracker(s), ice sculpting, makers markets, Christmas in the Barrio and more

Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have holiday gift drives, The Nutcracker(s), ice sculpting, makers markets, Christmas in the Barrio and more

It’s Nutcracker season, citizens. This week’s Things to Do includes three opportunities to catch the quintessential Christmas performance live on stage, so you know the holidays are in full swing. Also hitting the stage is Esperanza Arts Center’s Christmas in the Barrio, a can’t-miss event.

If you’re looking for laughs, Jim Gaffigan is in town, and this week is the opening of the one-woman show The Complete Works of Christmas: Abridged.

In the spirit of the season, you have the chance to give back to your community this week with ACHIEVEability’s Holiday Gift Drive, The Block Gives Back’s End of the Year Jawn, and Broad Street Love’s Concert for Coats.

Holiday shopping and day festivals are happening in West Philly, Northern Liberties and Fishtown, where you can also observe awesome ice sculpting while searching for the perfect gift.

For more holiday things to do, check out this guide: 

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

Holiday Slam at World Cafe Live, Kyiv Ballet’s Nutcracker, Jim Gaffigan, he Complete Works of Christmas: Abridged, ACHIEVEability’s gift drive

TELL YOUR BEST HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS STORY when World Cafe Live opens the mic for First Person Arts’ Story Slam, holiday edition, December 10 at 7:30pm. $10, 3025 Walnut Street

 

SEE THE BALLET! (NO, NOT THE BEAR IN THE LITTLE CAR!) The Grand Kyiv Ballet brings their Nutcracker to Philly December 10 through December 17 with shows at the Klein Center, Annenberg Center and Suzanne Roberts Theatre. $49-$89. Showtime (6 and 7pm) varies by location

 

The Complete Works of Christmas Abridged

RELATE IN THE BIGGEST WAY. Amanda Schoonover stars in the one-woman show The Complete Works of Christmas: Abridged from writer-director Brenna Geffers about coming home for Christmas without a romantic partner, but with plenty of eggnog, at The Drake December 12 through 29 for 7pm and 2pm shows. $20, 302 S. Hicks Street

Last year’s Concert for Coats

GRAB A HOLIDAY CONCERT TICKET IN EXCHANGE FOR WINTER WEAR. Broad Street Love welcomes the Philadelphia Wind Symphony for the annual “Concert for Coats” on December 13 at 7:30pm. Hear seasonal classics and other notable works for the wind band, plus the premiere of Dan Blacksberg’s A Feast of Lights. Please donate a gently used coat or other winter apparel items to further Broad Street Love’s Mission in exchange for your ticket! Free winter clothes donations encouraged. 315 South Broad Street 

GIVE THE GIFT OF ALTRUISM FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. West Philadelphia nonprofit ACHIEVEability has partnered with local companies, community groups and volunteers to distribute more than 1,000 gifts to select families in the area at its annual Holiday Gift Drive on December 14 from 10am to 2pm. Volunteers and staff will be wrapping presents and preparing for the drive December 12 and December 13. Free. 5901 Market Street

 

Alan Gastelum, via Wikimedia Commons

LAUGH AT THE ONE AND ONLY MR. UNIVERSE. By that I mean stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer Jim Gaffigan Live at The Met December 12 through December 14. Evening shows only, times vary. $64-$234. 858 N. Broad Street

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

The Tapcracker, The Nutcracker, Fishtown Freeze, Christmas in the Barrio, The Block Gives Back End of the Year Jawn, West Craft Fest, Q102 Jingle Balls concert, shopping in NoLibs and West Walnut.

Photo by Wide Eyed Studios

ENJOY A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT KIND OF NUTCRACKER. See The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble’s signature production of The Tapcracker at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre December 14 at 11am, 3pm and 7:30pm. The December 15 show is sold out. Over 40 dancers will be tapping to a swinging rendition of Tchaikovsky’s score. $31.60-$57.10. 480 S. Broad Street

 

CHILL OUT IN FISHTOWN. Fishtown Freeze takes place December 14 from noon to 8pm. The annual ice sculpture expo and winter festival includes a shopping spree among more than 20 retailers, complimentary holiday treats, beverages and a free trolley running along Frankford Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Huntingdon Street. Pay as you go. Frankford and Girard avenues

 

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE BARRIO. On December 14 from 3 to 5pm, Esperanza Arts Center hosts Christmas in the Barrio, a beloved holiday celebration with villancicos, aguinaldos and festive Puerto Rican traditions. Free. 4261 N. 5th Street

 

Lemon Hill Mansion

EXPERIENCE WINTER AROUND THE WORLD. Winter Around the World at Lemon Hill Mansion lets you experience the holiday traditions, music and cuisine of Southeast Asia on December 14 from 10am to 4pm. $5. Lemon Hill Drive

 

GIVE BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS. The Block Gives Back, a Philadelphia nonprofit based in Kensington, is holding its 10th annual End of the Year Jawn December 14 from 11am to 2pm at the Maken North Building. People can pick up winter wear, hygiene supplies, toys and pet supplies for dogs and cats. Other local nonprofit groups will be on hand to help with donations and connect community members with food and housing insecurity. After the resource and giveaway event, attendees can head to the nearby Scanlon Recreation Building for a catered meal by M3 Catering and ice skating! Free. 3525 I Street

 

SHOP LOCAL WARES HANDMADE WITH CARE. The Rotunda hosts the West Craft Fest happens December 14 and 15 from 10am to 4pm. Pick up handmade holiday gifts by local makers. Pay as you go. 4014 Walnut Street

 

CAN YOU REALLY HAVE TOO MANY NUTCRACKERS? NAH. The Philadelphia Dance Academy’s 15th annual Nutcracker comes to University City’s Mandell Theater December 14 and 15 with shows at 10:30am, 2 and 5:30pm. $32.50-$48.25. 3220 Chestnut Street

 

DO SOME HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND STROLLING IN NOLIBS. On December 14 and 15 from 11am to 4pm, Northern Liberties hosts its Holiday Shopping Stroll and Vendor Market. Get your card punched by shopping at any of the 16 participating vendors for your chance to win the raffle drawing. Laser Philly’s Winter Wonderland is hosting family-friendly holiday activities, photos with Santa, and letters to the North Pole. Pay as you go. Various locations, with a pop-up at 914 N. 2nd Street

 

Photo by R Rabena

STROLL THE STREETS OF RITTENHOUSE. Open Streets: West Walnut is back for the Holidays December 15 from 11am to 6pm. Nearly seven blocks of car-free space means pedestrians can enjoy shopping, dining and activities for the whole family, including ambient entertainment like acoustic musicians, holiday carolers, bubble magic and storytime with Santa on the 1800 block of Walnut Street. Free. 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th

 

Left to Right: CJ A. (@ChrisAntonacci1 on Twitter), via Wikimedia Commons; Warner Records, via Wikimedia Commons; Justin Higuchi, via Wikimedia Commons

GET YOUR JINGLE BALLS ON! The Q102 Jingle Ball takes place December 16 at 7:30pm at Wells Fargo Center. This year’s stellar lineup includes Katy Perry, Tate McRae, Teddy Swims, Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey and Dasha. $245-$306+. 3601 S. Broad 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

Clockwise from top left: Work by Akeil Robertson, Jose Diaz, Larry W. Cook, Don Jones, and Vernon Ray

VIEW A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION ON THE IMPACT OF MASS INCARCERATION. Wherever There is Light features photography by four formerly incarcerated artists sharing their experiences in the U.S. penal system. The exhibition runs through December 21. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm. Free. 1400 N. American Street, Suite #103

The original cast and creators of Fellowship! The Musical

ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY WALK INTO THE ADRIENNE THEATER. You must purchase tickets to see SideQuest Theater’s Fellowship! The Musical, a comedic musical parody of the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings adaptation. Recommended for those 13 and older, the show runs until December 22, with performances Fridays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. $40. 2030 Sansom Street

Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

VISIT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. LOVE Park’s annual transformation into an open-air Bavarian holiday marketplace happens through December 24. Over 100 vendors peddling gifts, ornaments, winter apparel and seasonal treats, including spiced wine, apple cider, and strudels set up throughout the park, are joined by the Festival of Trees at the LOVE Park Visitor Center (aka the “flying saucer”). Vendors stretch all the way to City Hall and its 65-foot Ferris wheel and Kids Express train. Open noon to 8pm Sunday through Thursday; until 9pm Friday and Saturday. Free to enter. 1500 Arch Street

Woodmere Circle of Trees Nov 18th 2023 in Chestnut Hill

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN CHESTNUT HILL. Through December 25, Holidays on the Hill brings lights, hot chocolate, shopping, music and festivities to Chestnut Hill. Homes and businesses will be decked out, free parking specials are available, and local businesses offer unique gifts. Also, Santa will totally be there. Various locations around Germantown Avenue

ADULTS ARE ALLOWED TO LOVE CARTOONS TOO. The Philadelphia Film Society handpicked selections for its Lost in Animation Curated Anime film Series featuring director Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue, Paprika, Tokyo Godfather, and Millennium Actress. Dates and showtimes vary through December 26. $14. 1412 Chestnut 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

Work by Jolie Ngo, featured in The Future of Clay

EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF CLAY. The Clay Studio’s yearlong, 50th anniversary celebration concludes with the opening of The Future of Clay, an exhibition of multiple artists showcasing the future of ceramics art, running through December 31. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 11am to 5:30pm and until 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free. 1425 N. American Street

Works that have been part of Soul Shots through the years include portraits of (clockwise, from top left): Jasiyah Makayla Vasquez by Mary Pax, Quadir Sheaff by Gary Sieling, Jerron E. Lewis by Anni Matsick, Dominique Xavier Milton Williams by Rebecca Hoenig, Aveida Ali George by Nancy Agati, Tianna Nicole Valentine Eatman by Mary Pax, and Craig Hatchett by Amanda Lee Condict.
Works that have been part of Soul Shots through the years include portraits of (clockwise, from top left): Jasiyah Makayla Vasquez by Mary Pax, Quadir Sheaff by Gary Sieling, Jerron E. Lewis by Anni Matsick, Dominique Xavier Milton Williams by Rebecca Hoenig, Aveida Ali George by Nancy Agati, Tianna Nicole Valentine Eatman by Mary Pax, and Craig Hatchett by Amanda Lee Condict.

EXPERIENCE SOUL SHOTS PORTRAIT PROJECT. The fourth edition of this amazing original art exhibition that memorializes victims of gun violence in Philadelphia opens at Widener Hall at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill through December 2024 (open Monday-Friday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to noon). Read more about the project here. Free. 8855 Germantown Avenue

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

Photo by Jeff Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

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

Afro Goddess Looking Forward by Mickalene Thomas

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

Works by Mark Sfirri from his La Famiglia exhibition

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. Don’t miss the Hot Cider and Hands-On Holiday Craft Table on December 7, 14, and 21. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

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

Kyiv Ballet's Nutcracker

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