Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Hannukah, Philly! There are things to do in celebration of all three holidays this week, so rejoice in the spirit of the season.
The Free Library, the Penn Museum, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, and Franklin Square are all hosting Kwanzaa events this week. Old City is lighting its Menorah, and the Christmas markets are rolling on to the very last minute.
If it’s live performance you’re looking for, STOMP is in town, and so is Disney On Ice. For the less traditional, Hijinx is back for a two-day party, The Disco Biscuits are swinging through on their tour for two hometown shows, Gogol Bordello is in town as well, and so is Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience, and of course…Skeletor Karaoke.
For the history buffs, we have an educational Old City walking tour and a big reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware.
There’s a lot to choose from this week, so celebrate to your heart’s content. Happy Holidays, 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
STOMP, Potted Potter, Kwanzaa celebrations, Disney On Ice, Washington crossing the Delaware
SEE THOSE SUITE DANCE NUMBERS LIVE. The Philadelphia Ballet proudly presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® at the Academy of Music, now through December 29 with afternoon and evening performances available. Experience the holiday classic through the eyes of “the father of American Ballet.” $59-$235+. 240 S. Broad Street
BE A WITNESS TO CHRISTMAS HISTORY. Come to Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County on December 25 from noon to 3pm to witness A historical reenactment of General George Washington’s 1776 Crossing of the Delaware River. Free. Washington Crossing, Routes 532 and 32 (River Road)
LEARN ABOUT KWANZAA AT THE LIBRARY. The Parkway Central branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia joins the Kwanzaa Cooperative for a two-day celebration of the uniquely African American holiday on December 26 and 27, both from noon to 3pm. Children ages 18 and under also receive a free bagged lunch and gift. Free. 1901 Vine Street
HONOR KWANZAA. The African American Museum in Philadelphia is putting on five in-person and two virtual celebrations of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, starting with a celebration of unity (December 26 from 5 to 8pm), then a student resource fair (December 27 from noon to 4pm), an afternoon about writing featuring an open mic session (December 28 from 2 to 4pm), and a Black vendor marketplace with quizzo in Franklin Square (December 29 from 5 to 8pm, 200 S. 6th Street). As for virtual, on December 31 from 1 to 2pm, there’s collage making. January 1 from 1 to 2pm, it’s about creative meditation. Free. 701 Arch Street
GET YOUR STOMP ON. The on-stage percussion sensation STOMP comes to the Miller Theater from December 26 through December 29 with shows at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. An eight-member troupe uses everything but drums to bring you unstoppable rhythms. $49-99. 250 S. Broad Street
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 December 26 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 December 26 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
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Karaoke with Skeletor, Riot Nerd’s Diamond of the Season Ball, Hijinx, Historic Old City walking tour, Gogol Bordello, The Disco Biscuits
DO KARAOKE WITH SKELETOR. I know, right??? Appearing live at The Lounge at World Cafe Live December 27 is the can’t-miss Skeletor Karaoke Holiday Spectacular. Doors open at 6pm, show is at 8:30. Free, reservations highly recommended. 3025 Walnut Street
FORGET CHICANERY, HOW ABOUT SOME HIJINX? The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts Hijinx Festival December 27 and 28. This year’s alt-rave lineup includes over a dozen DJs and musical artists. Only two-day passes are available; various afterparty tickets sold separately. Get them while you can! $219+. 1101 Arch Street
ACCEPT LADY WHISTLEDOWN’S INVITATION. On December 28 World Cafe Live hosts Riot Nerd’s Diamond of the Season Ball, A Bridgerton-inspired dance party complete with a costume/look contest with prizes, including a crown for the lucky winning Lord or Lady. Dance to the original, non-orchestral versions of the pop hits from the show and similar contemporary artists. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 9. $15-$20. 3025 Walnut Street
TAKE AN IMMERSIVE 18TH-CENTURY WALKING TOUR OF OLD CITY. Ideal for history enthusiasts but open to everyone curious about America’s founding, Liberty & Co. presents Philadelphia’s Society Hill Stroll: A Walking Conversation with President James Madison December 28 at 1pm. Professional costumed historical interpreters lead the tour — a unique educational experience of Philly’s historical landmarks. $39.99. 234 Arch Street
BRING THE FAMILY TO A FREE DAY OF KWANZAA. The Afro Culture Preservation hosts its 41st Kwanzaa celebration on December 29 from 11am to 4pm at the Penn Museum. The free community event includes a procession with Karen Smith Drumming, dance by the African American Stilt Ballet, cultural storytelling with Black Boys Makin’ Noise, activities in the Children’s Village and handmade Zawadi gifts. Free. 3260 South Street
CELEBRATE KWANZAA WITH TRIVIA AND SHOPPING. Franklin Square and the African American Museum in Philadelphia have partnered for Celebrating Ujamaa: Kwanzaa Quizzo and Evening Bazaar happening December 29 from 5 to 8pm. Enjoy a family-friendly market featuring Black-owned vendors from across the region, a Kwanzaa-themed quizzo, music, and more. Free. 701 Arch Street
ATTEND OLD CITY’S MENORAH LIGHTING. On December 30 at 4:30pm, the Betsy Ross House joins the Old City Jewish Arts Center for the Community Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Traditional Hanukkah gifts and treats will be offered for guests to take home. Free. 239 Arch Street
WEAR PURPLE TO THIS SHOW! On December 30 at 7pm Gogol Bordello brings its Eastern European punk to the Brooklyn Bowl with special guests Puzzled Panther and PONS. This show is all-ages, standing GA only. So, you know, bring the kids, and ibuprofen. $48-$153+.1009 Canal Street
SEE PHILLY’S OWN JAM BAND. Coming to The Fillmore for a two-night stand are local legends The Disco Biscuits. Tickets are available for December 30 at 8pm, December 31 at 9pm, or a two-night pass. $46-$160. 29 E Allen 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
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
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
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 through December 29 for 7pm and 2pm shows. $20, 302 S. Hicks Street
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
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
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. Don’t miss the Hot Cider and Hands-On Holiday Craft Table on December 7, 14, and 21. 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
