Candis R. McLean
Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and culture places to visit in addition to exciting events in and around the Philly area. We call it Philly Influencer’s Weekend Picks. If you attend any of these places or events, let us know how it went! Tweet us or email us at [email protected].
1. Art After 5: Festival of Lights
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Friday, December 23rd, 5PM-8:45PM
Every Friday after 5 p.m., the Philadelphia Museum of Art opens it doors for “After After 5.” The theme shifting gathering is a fun time for everyone in attendance. This Friday, “Festival of Lights” will provide a glorious and stylish way to kickoff your holiday weekend. This will be a celebration of international and emerging jazz acts and dancers. Come to Stair Hall to take in great food, cocktails, wine, beer, and live entertainment from the West Philadelphia Orchestra.
…
2. Franklin Square Hanukkah Celebration
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When: Friday, December 23rd, 5:30-7:30PM
The night before Hanukkah begins, Franklin Square will be celebrating the cultural holiday at it’s fantastic structure. There will be dreidel games, latkes, and more for sale for each guest. Later in the night, spectators can be overwhelmed by the holiday lights show at 9 p.m. More than 50,000 LED lights will visually accompany the best in holiday tunes. Come see the lights illuminate the park and spread all the way up through the 12ft tall Ben Franklin Kite.
…
3. 12 Nights of Christmas: National Lampoon’s Christmas
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Lodge, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
When: Friday, December 23rd, 8PM
The Blue Cross RiverRink continues its 12 Days of Christmas movie extravaganza this weekend. This is the last weekend of the holiday screening series. This Friday, the film National Lampoon’s Christmas will entertain friends and families at the RiverRink Lodge. There will be warm and comfy seating and food and drink speciality menus. There will also be screenings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Click here for the lineup.
…
4. Macy’s Light Show and Dickens Village
Where: Macy’s, 13th and Market St.
When: Friday, December 23rd& Saturday, December 24th, 10AM-7PM
Every 2 hours starting at 10am the Macy’s Market Street location has a Lights show. The massive structure decks the halls with thousands of lights. Guests can also hear the most festive music gorgeously blaring from the Wanamaker Organ. The third floor of Macy’s has been remade into Dickens Christmas Village. The floor features characters from some of the most beloved Charles Dickens novels. Come to holiday lane and take pictures with Santa and explore the Christmas gift shop.
For more information, click here.
…
5. Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Where: Dilworth Park, 1401 JFK Blvd.
When: Daily through February 26th, Fridays: 12PM-11PM, Saturdays: 11AM-11PM, and Sundays: 11AM-8PM
The Rothman Rink and Wintergaden has been famously adjacent to City Hall for over a month. The ice skating rink provides a dynamic and fantastic wrinkle to Center City. Admission for kids age 10 and under is $3 and for adults it’s $5. Skate rentals are $10. This is an opportunity to have one of the unique and treasured forms of joyous entertainment this holiday season. The winter lodge next door has a wide variety of tasty snacks and Christmas specialty beverages.
For information, click here.
…
6. Winterfest at Cooper River
Where: Jack Curtis Stadium, 5300 North Park Dr. Pennsauken, NJ
When: Friday, December 23rd, 12PM-10PM and Saturday, December 24th, 12PM-6PM
Across the river, lies the Winterfest at Cooper River. Here you’ll find amazing and world-class ice skating performers and other fun activities. Vendors will be there supplying attendees with drinks and delicious Christmas goods. Come here the best in holiday music as it plays through the speaker systems. Skate rentals are $4, admission for adults is $6, and admission for kids is $4. The rink is open all the way through Valentine’s Day.
Click here for performance schedules and information.
…
7. The 90s Before Christmas Party
Where: The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave.
When: Friday, December 23rd, 10PM
In a twist on the holiday classic film A Nightmare Before Christmas, This party takes 90s music to new heights. For a $5 cover, partygoers get to rock out to the best in that majestic musical era. The event will be blasting everything from Britney Spears, to Montell Jordan, to Destiny’s Child, and to Fat Boy Slim. There’s something for everyone. Come out to this pre-Christmas Eve extravaganza and dance the night away.
…
8. Jay Black
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 .E Laurel St.
When: Friday, December 23rd, 8PM & 10:15PM
With the stress of the holiday’s rapid approach, it might be nice to get a few laughs in after your hectic shopping. This Friday, Punch Line Philly will be hosting Jay Black. Black has performed in hundreds of events all over the county. He was named college comic of the year twice. Black has a Netflix feature film titled Meet My Valentine and he appears on FOX’s broadcast LAUGHS. Tickets are $25.
For tickets, click here.
…
9. Midnight Madness: Edward Scissorhands
Where: Ritz at the Bourse, 400 Ranstead St.
When: Friday, December 23rd, 11:59
Each Friday, the Ritz at Bourse hosts a Midnight Madness film series. In line with the Christmas season, this Friday the film Edward Scissorhands will be featured. The haunting and imaginative Tim Burton spectacle is a cult holiday favorite for many. This is the treasured tale of a man-made entity, leaving his gothic castle, and heading to suburbia. Come see this great feature film centered around the holiday. The tickets are only $10.
For tickets, click here.
…
10. Christmas Backpack event for Homeless
Where: 9th and Market St. In front of the Gallery
When: Saturday, December 24th, 12PM-2PM
One Kind Act A Month is heading this aiding and glorious event of giving. The organization asks attendees to bring one backpack and 5-10 bags of food. Brown paper bag lunches and waters will also be accepted to hand out to the homeless people in the area. You can either attend this fantastic function or make donations. Drop off time is between 12-12:10 p.m. The giveaway will commence with a walk from 9th and Market street to the Love Park area. Tis the season for giving and this is surely an event molded around that notion.
…
11. Comcast Spectacular
Where: Comcast Center, 1701 John F Kennedy Blvd.
When: Everyday through January 1st, 10AM-8PM
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular will run though the new year. The sate-of-the-art video screen in the plaza of the Comcast Center will be on full display. Each feature is 15 minutes an includes family and Christmas musical favorites, Pennsylvania Ballet performances, and much more on the 83 feet wide video screen. This amazing visual experience takes place daily at the top of the hour. If you’re around the area and doing last-minute holiday shopping, this offers a nice little reprieve from the bustling outdoors.
…
12. Christmas Village
Where: Dilworth Park, 1401 JFK Blvd.
When: Daily through Saturday, December 24th
This open holiday market will have the best in Christmas treasures for the holidays. The crisp smell of cider and the aroma of mulled wine fill the air. The structures, molded after the German fresh air market, will close its doors after Christmas Eve. There will be 80 plus vendors housed inside of their wooden framed storefronts. There’s also a carousel for kids in the courtyard. Each ride is $3. Come out and find a gift for your special loved one.
…
13. Made In Philadelphia Market
Where: Dilworth Park, 1401 JFK Blvd.
When: Daily through Saturday, December 24th
Inside the Christmas Village, is the Made In Philadelphia open-air market. There’s an area of the village exclusively for Philadelphia artisans and crafters. This pop-up peddling village has some of the finest in Philadelphia handmade goods and more. Here you can find antiques, jewelry, clothing, candles, ornaments, and several other holiday trinkets. Come out and support this great Philadelphia creative endeavor.
…
14. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
When: Daily through December 31st, various times (excluding Christmas)
One of the highlights of the Christmas season is the ballet George Balahine’s The Nutcracker. The Pennsylvania Ballet’s production will run through the end of the month. The Tchaikovsky scored ballet is full of lavish ambiance, a mouse king, sugar -plum fairies, and a girl given a gift that takes her on a glorious dream. There just wouldn’t be a Philadelphia holiday without this classic tale.
For tickets and info, click here.
…
15. Blue Cross RiverRink
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
When: Everyday through March 5th
The Blue Cross River Rink offers a lot more than just movie nights. Every day through March 5th come see the splendor and wonder of this park. On Christmas Eve, the hours will run between 1 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and on Christmas Day the hours will be 1 p.m. -8:30 p.m. General admission is $3 a person and skate rentals are $10. There will be food vendors and beverage distributors for all of your snaking needs. Come to this glorious rink for and enjoy one of the most fantastic activities of the holiday.
For information, click here.
…
16. A Child’s Christmas In Wales
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
When: Everyday through Saturday, December 24th, various times
The Walnut Street Theatre is putting on this “cavalcade of imagery and sensation”. This Dylan Thomas adapted treasure A Childs Christmas in Wales is one of the great productions on the theater’s roster of holiday shows. This joyous musical has it all from magical ghost stories, Christmas songs, and the theme of family and community. This will be a great way to share the holidays with your family and friends and take in the merriment of the season. Come see this stage delight before it’s too late.
For tickets and information, click here.
…
17. Being… at Christmas
Where: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall E.
When: Sunday, December 25th, 10AM-5PM
This Sunday the National Museum of Jewish History offers this fill in the blank event. This annual date for family fun and recreational activities is a great tradition for the museum. The galleries will be open and the café will be serving some great food. There will be live music, face painting, feature films playing, story time, and balloon art. This inclusive cultural event will also have a clay studio. For those who are looking for something to do on December 25th, this event is for you.
Find info, here.
…