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].
Events Running Through Weekend
1. Holiday Maker Fair
Where: WeWork Northern Liberties, 1010 N. Hancock St.
When: Friday, December 2nd, 6:30PM-9PM
The Crafted Life presents this Holiday Maker Fair. The first Friday in December will be highlighted by this collaborative gathering. There will be over 20 Philadelphia makers in attendance. Guest can tour the two-story WeWork building in Northern Liberties at this free event. This will be a great way to support local artists and crafters. There will be a holiday themed photo booth and much more.
RSVP here.
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2. Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular Opening
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
When: Friday, December 2nd, various times
One of Philadelphia’s most beloved shows is back for the 2016-2017 season. Conductor Michael Krajewsji and the Philly Pops will deck the halls of the Kimmel Center with their “A Philly Pops Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season.” Running from December 2nd-18th, guests will hear the beautiful sounds of the holiday season that will have choirs, sing-a-long, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The featured vocalist of the season is Tony DeSare.
Click here for tickets and information.
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3. Ugly Sweater Party Philadelphia Museum of Art
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Friday, December 2nd, 5:30PM-8:45PM
Come to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to experience this popular and trendy holiday tradition. The world-renowned museum will be hosting its very own Ugly Sweater Party. There will be many December holiday events at the museum. This free admission event will have card making, spiked hot chocolate, and a special and intimate performances by The Debonairs. Guests are asked to wear their best ugly sweater and be sure to capture them in the one-of-a-kind photo booth on location.
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4. Blue Cross River Rink Tree Lighting and Fireworks
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 s. Columbus Blvd.
When: Friday, December 2nd, 5:30PM-8:30PM
PECO presents this 4th Annual Tree Lighting at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. There will be dancers, singers, performers, former professional athletes, choirs, and more to help bring in the first Friday of December. Come and get swept away by the magic and wonder of the rink. One of the city’s largest trees will go up with thousands of bluetooth-programmed LED lights that will spread joy and wonder at this amazing sight.
Click here for more information.
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5. Black Nativity Opening
Where: New Freedom Theater, 1346 N. Broad St.
When: Friday, December 2nd, various times
The Freedom Theater has always been on the cusps of bringing the most culturally inclusive and entertaining plays to the city of Philadelphia. Written and directed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharj, this production transports the nativity story to new heights and new locations. Come embrace this story of community, unity, and the overall journey and narrative from which the season was derived and formed.
Click here for tickets and information.
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6. Nikki Gleaser
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E Laurel St.
When: Friday, December 2nd 8PM & 10:15PM shows, Saturday, December 3rd 7:30PM & 9:45PM shows, Sunday, December 4th, 7:30PM
This talented and hilarious young comedian comes to Philadelphia this weekend. Nikki Gleaser will be doing a three night residency at Punch Line Philly. She stars, writes, and executive produces a new Comedy Central series Not Safe w/Nikki Gleaser. She released a one-hour standup comedy special titled Perfect earlier this year. She previously hosted the MTV late-night series Nikki and Sara LIVE. Come see this amazing act that will certainly have you laughing all night.
Click here for tickets and information.
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7. Norah Jones
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St.
When: Friday, December 2nd, 7PM
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Norah Jones will be illuminating the Academy of Music this Friday with her musical catalogue. Jones has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, has won 9 Grammys, and was Billboard Magazine’s artist of the 2000-2009, and was named the magazine’s top jazz artist under the same time frame. Earlier this year she released her sixth studio album titled Day Break. This will be a great opportunity to see one of the most talented acts of recent years.
Click here for tickets and information.
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8. Hasan Minhaj
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S Broad St.
When: Friday, December 2nd, 8PM & 10:30PM
Perelman Theater will open its doors for Hasan Minjaj’s “Homecoming King” comedic tour. The Daily Show correspondent will bring his chronicled journey of “New Brown America” to the streets of Philadelphia. Minhaj tells the story of his first generation Indian-American upbringing. Minhaj uses the speaker series to infuse his wit and brevity to his life’s journey of coming to America, facing racial challenges, finding love, and chasing the American dream.
Click here for tickets and information.
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9. Adventure Aquarium Christmas Opening
Where: 1 Riverside Dr. Camden, NJ
When: Saturday, December 3rd, various times
Running through December 30th
It’s that time of year again. Scuba Santa and his friends are back to spread Christmas and holiday cheer to your entire family. One of the region’s best, most adventurous, and exciting traditions is back. Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration runs from December 3rd through December 30th. There will be special events throughout the month including ” I Believe in Scuba Santa Live”, Christmas Story time, and personalized Santa letters.
Click here for information.
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10. Deck the Alley
Where: Elfreth’s Alley, 126 Elfreth’s Alley
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 3PM-7PM
Elfreth’s Alley was home to artisans, butchers, bakers, crafters, and more in Philadelphia over 300 years ago. For the holiday, the area hosts an Elfreth’s Deck The Alley Open House. There will be seasonal story time, food and beverages, colonial Christmas carols, appearances by Ben Franklin, and more. Philadelphia tour guide extraordinaire Ed Mauger will be sharing the holiday history of the city. There will be several special key appearances by characters and figures throughout time.
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11. AAMP Iconic Images Trolley Tours
Where: Begin at the African American Museum of Philadelphia, 101 Arch St.
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 10AM-1PM
This Mural Arts and African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP) collaboration has something for everyone. The rich and pleasing cultural experience will display the most ethnically decorative mural pieces in the city. This expansive trolley tour will be engaging and informative, showing you important cultural figures from the past and present. Tour guide leaders will also educate you about the mural making process for each creative work.
Click here for tickets and information.
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12. Franklin Flea Holiday Market
Where: Historic Strawbridge’s at 8th and Market
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 11AM
This holiday crafts and mercantile market will provide some of the most intimate and precious gifts that you can buy this holiday season. This collectibles and antiques event, held in the historic Strawbridge’s building downtown, is one of the best gems in the city during the Christmas season. There you can find one-of-a-kind figurines, furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more. Come out to this amazing event that will feature several local artists.
For information click here.
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13. Promenade of Trees Celebration
Where: Main Street in Manayunk
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 5PM-6:30PM
Manayunk and Wawa have joined together to create Wawa Welcome America’s Philadelphia Holiday Festival for the Promenade of Trees. Several business along Manayunk’s Main Street will be decorating trees and their storefronts to commemorate Christmases of the past, present, and future. For the entire month, visitors and shoppers will be able to see these seasonal themed displays. This Saturday, after sundown, celebrity judges and Wawa representatives will view each shop and pick a winner. The winner will receive the “People’s Choice” award.
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14. Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar
Where: 2501 E. Cumberland St.
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 10AM-4PM
On December 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th Greensgrow Farms will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar. Local handmade crafts and gifts will have center stage. Collectibles, produce, candles, flowers, and more will all be on sale at this event. Here you’ll find seasonal things for your home such as, exquisitely decorated wreaths, ornaments, and other creations. This will be a wonderful way to spend your Saturday outdoors.
For information click here.
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15. Around the World at Penn Museum
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 11AM-4PM
World Heritage City, Philadelphia has always been leading the way when in comes to cultural exposure and echoing the sentiment of connectivity throughout the community. This free holiday program will give guests “passports” to “travel to” represented countries at the event. China, Kenya, Iraq, Japan, the Republic of Georgia, and many more counties will be on full display. Here you can discover some of the holiday traditions of some of the oldest countries in the world. There will family tours, karate demonstrations, crafts, and more.
For information click here.
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16. A Very Philly Christmas at Fairmount Park
Where: Various Locations within Fairmount Park
When: Saturday, December 3rd-Sunday, December 4th
The Historic Houses of Fairmount Park will be hosting this “A Very Philly Christmas” event. The participating homes will be Woodford, Mount Pleasant, Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Strawberry Mansion, and Cedar Grove. All weekend there will be various events at each structure including “Sounds of the Season,” “Family Day” at various museums, “Neighbors Day”, and “Flavors of the Season”. It cost $8 to visit each home and partake in the holiday themed festivities. Summer favorite Parks on Tap will be on location at the Strawberry Mansion from 11 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Click here for tickets and information.
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17. Brunch with Santa at City Taps
Where: Both City Tap Locations: 2 Logan Sq. and 3925 Walnut St
When: Sunday, December 4th, 11 AM-3PM
City Tap House has created this holiday brunch series that will take place Sunday, December 4th and Sunday, December 18th. Benefiting the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, your $10 entry fee will go to supporting various families throughout the city during this holiday season. Children under 10 years of age eat free and receive complementary pictures with Santa Claus. There will be a special menu of drinks and culinary delights at both establishments. Reservations are suggested.
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18. Museum Sundays
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy & The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Sunday, December 4th, 10AM-5PM at both locations
Every first Sunday of each month, both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation run fantastic offers. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art its “Pay What You Wish” day. Come see the Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism 1910-1950, the new South Asia Galleries, or take in any of the holiday celebrations. The Barnes Foundation will have free entry this Sunday. Come enjoy Live and Life Will Give You Pictures: Masterworks of French Photography, 1890-1950 and other exhibits.
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19. Mayfair Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Where: The Triangle at Cottman Ave, Frankfrord Ave, and Ryan Ave.
When: Sunday, December 4th, 2PM-6PM
This event will intertwine holiday shopping, a local tree lighting, and delicious seasonal treats in one event. There will be several crafts, toys, antiques, clothing, and more up for sale. Come hear live music, drink some foaming craft beer, discover all the savory food that each food vendor will have on display, listen to the holiday carols, and more. Santa Clause will be there to take photos will all the local children. The Grey Lodge will host a beer tent.
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20. South Street Tree Lighting
Where: Cavanaugh’s Headhouse Square, 2nd and Lombard St.
When: Sunday, December 4th, 5PM
The Headhouse district has created this Christmas wonderland experience for the entire family. This expansive event will include several vendors and establishments along the business corridor and entertainment areas. The Christmas Parade will include the Pennsport Mummers, the Philadelphia Freedom Band, Liberty Bellows, Philly PACK ensemble, Equilibrium Dance Studio, and more. This warm and engaging gathering will have several choirs, live performers, food, beverages, and will have an appearances by CBS 3’s Meisha Johnson.
Click here for information.
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21. Art Garfunkel at Keswick
Where: Keswick Theater, 291 N Keswick Ave. Glenside, PA
When: Sunday, December 4th, 8PM
Legendary American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, actor Art Garfunkel will be at the Keswick Theater for an intimate evening. Best known and regarded for his years in the iconic folk duo Simon & Garfunkel, Art has collected 6 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the same academy, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. AEG Live presents this “In close-Up” event that will give fans a rare opportunity to hear a breakdown the musical art that shaped a period of time from the artist himself. Tickets start $40.
Click here for tickets and information.
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