Candis R. McLean
Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and cultural 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 the Weekend
1. Thanksgiving Day Parade
Where: Begins at 20th and JFK Blvd.
When: Thursday, November 22th, 8:30AM-12PM
This event takes place a day before the weekend. However, it’s so large and spectacular that you need all the details. America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place this Thursday. Get ready for a day of floats, live entertainment, food, crafts, and more. The parade will include marching bands, balloons, Disney characters, and plenty of activities.
For more information, click here.
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2. Wild Wizarding Weekend
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Friday, November 23rd-Sunday, November 25th
The Academy of Natural Sciences will be hosting a Wild Wizarding Weekend. The Academy beer garden will be transformed to Dragons after Dark this Friday from 4 pm-8 pm. There will also be a Fantastic Beasts screening, bunnies and broomsticks, live theater productions, an informative tea leaves fortune telling station, and so much more. Guests that show up in costume will get two dollars off their ticket.
For more information, click here.
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3. River Alive!
Where: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Opens Friday, November 23rd
The Independence Seaport Museum will be opening River Alive! this weekend. The new and interactive 4,000-square-foot exhibition highlights the Delaware River watershed and runoffs. The hands-on exhibition features plenty of modeling tables, discussions, soundscapes, and more.
For more information, click here.
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4. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Where: 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Friday, November 23rd-Sunday, March 3rd
The season’s second holiday ice skating ring in the area has finally opened! The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest kicks into full gear this week. In its 25th year, the wintry themed entertainment center has a cabin selling great food and beverages, a kid’s lodge with arcade games, and of course, a massive rink opens each day.
For more information, click here.
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5. Deck the Halls Light Show at City Hall
Where: City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
When: Runs through Tuesday, January 1st
If you’ve passed the downtown and Center City fixture of City Hall over the past week at night, you would’ve noticed the new and enhanced visualizations adorning the historic structure. The Deck The Halls Lightshow will be in town until January first. On weekdays the show starts at 5:30 pm and continues every hour until 8:30 pm. On weekends the show gets an added hour lasting until 9:30 pm.
For more information, click here.
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6. Comcast Christmas Spectacular
Where: The Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd
When: Runs through Tuesday, January 1st
Speaking of annual holiday events, The Comcast Center’s Christmas Spectacular begins this week. The amazing LED panoramic screen in the commercial center will be broadcasting various holiday theatrical performances, concerts, images, and more. The daily shows begin at the top of each hour from 10:00 am–8:00 pm. The attraction has brought millions out through the years.
For more information, click here.
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7. Longwood Garden Christmas
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Sq.
When: Runs through Sunday, January 6th
Longwood Gardens always has a fantastic Christmas display. The conservatory will be trimmed and laced with several Christmas lights and fixtures. The massive colorful fountain will be dancing to your favorite holiday classics throughout the day. There will also be strolling carol singers, ornaments everywhere, and a half-million lights glowing throughout the park.
For more information, click here.
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8. Macy’s Light Show
Where: Macy’s Center City, 1300 Market St.
When: Friday, November 23rd-Monday, December 31st
Did somebody say lights? Each year Center City’s Macy’s gets you in gear for the holidays and fills their building with Christmas spirit. Over 100,000 LED lights will be vibrating along the walls and shimmering to the best holiday music coming from the Wanamaker Grand Organ. The store will also be fashioned thematically with their immersive and creative Dickens Village.
For more information, click here.
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9. Santa Express
Where: Dilworth Park, 15th and Market St.
When: Friday, November 23rd, 10:30AM-12PM
Docking at the Rothman Rink this Friday morning is the SEPTA Santa Express. The subway cars will be decorated and fashioned to highlight the holidays. The festive train cars will also be filled with musical entertainment and more. On Friday, there will also be a parade with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Guests will be able to skate with Santa during those hours.
For more information, click here.
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10. Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Where: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
When: Friday, November 23rd-Monday, December 31st
Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway is quite a spectacle to see. Bring your entire family out to see the Christmas themed locomotion fixed with lights and festive trimmings. There will be Friday and Saturday night specialized events each week.
For more information, click here.
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11. Cavaliers vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Friday, November 23rd, 7:30PM
The Sixers continue to be red hot at the Wells Fargo Center this year. Come to the South Philadelphia arena to see Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and company take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The house will be rocking as we take on this Eastern Conference foe.
For more information, click here.
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12. Pusha T
Where: Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.
When: Friday, November 23rd, 8PM
The dust has settled in this hip-hop star’s battle with Drake. The promotion of his much celebrated and critically-acclaimed album, Dayton, is now the main event. Pusha T brings The Daytona Tour Part 2 to Philadelphia this Friday night. Don’t miss out on all the action.
For more information, click here.
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13. Small Business Saturday
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, November 24th
This Black Friday the object will be to celebrate, promote, and stimulate small business. Small Business Saturday will be taking over various sections of the city throughout the day. In your busy day of shopping and walking off your Thanksgiving meal, don’t forget to shop locally.
For more information, click here.
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14. Philadelphia Brewing Company Holiday Open House
Where: Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Ave.
When: Saturday, November 24th, 2PM-3PM
This Saturday afternoon the Philadelphia Brewing Company will be hosting an open house event for a good cause. The city’s oldest and largest brewery will have “3 hours of open bars, food, music, holiday cheer, and kitties galore.” There is a suggested donation of $20. Additional donations such as pet food, blankets, and supplies are also encouraged.
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15. Manayunk Tree Lighting
Where: Canal View Park, 4416 Main St.
When: Saturday, November 24th, 5:30PM
The second tree lighting on the list will be nestled in the heart of Manayunk. The area known for all its hills and arching streets will be having its tree lighting celebration this Saturday evening. Main Street will be filled with avid shoppers during the Small Business Saturday activities. Be sure to stop by Canal View Park to see the tree twinkle.
For more information, click here.
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16. Kevin Hart
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Saturday, November 24th, 7PM
Philadelphia funnyman Kevin Hart will be bringing his Irresponsible Tour to the Wells Fargo Center this Saturday night. Come see the homegrown comedian deliver jokes and stories with his signature timing, narration, and gut-busting punch lines.
For more information, click here.
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17. Franklin Square Sundays
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When: Santa Saturdays (4PM-5PM) and Sounds Sundays (Starts 5:30PM)
Franklin Square has multiple events highlighting the carousel filled throughout the next month. There will Sounds of the Seasons this Sunday with Philly POPs holiday-themed music playing throughout the location. This musical explosion takes place each Sunday throughout the holidays.
For more information, click here.
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18. Grand Illumination
Where: American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Rd
When: Saturday, November 24th, 7PM
Beginning at 7 pm the horizon at the American Credit Union will be filled with specks of voluminous light and enchantment. The establishment’s annual lighting and fireworks show is a glorious sight for the thousands that come out each year. The Philadelphia Boys Choir and The Fife and Drums of the Old Barracks will be in attendance. Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross will be counting down to the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree.
For more information, click here.
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19. Giants vs. Eagles
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Sunday, November 25th, 1st
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered the worst defeat by a Super Bowl defending team in decades last week. The beleaguered team returns to the confines of The Linc to take on the New York Giants. This battle of NFC East rivals features to faltering teams trying to gain some ground past the midway point of the season.
For more information, click here.
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20. Love Me Some Comedy
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Sunday, November 25th, 8:30PM
Skeet Carter & Comedy By TuRae Events Presents: Love Me Some Comedy! This Sunday night at Punch Line Philly there will be a celebrity birthday comedy show. A great lineup of comedians will be bringing all the laughs to the venue all night long. Laughter and a good time is always a great way to close out your weekend.
For more information, click here.
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‘Winter Warmup’ Craft Beer & Festive Cocktail Celebration
Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St.
When: Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st
Next weekend, the 23rd Street Armory will be filled with a tremendous craft beer selection and several festive cocktails. The Philadelphia ‘Winter Warmup’ will feature three drinking sessions of winter brews and seasonal beverages. There will be 30+ breweries and 15+ specialty drinks on location. The lively event will also have food trucks, entertainment, fun activities and games, and plenty more. There will also be a winter coat drive hose less fortunate this cold, winter season. This will be an amazing and exciting sampling event that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.
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Map of Events
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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