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].
1. Closing Soon: Black Magic
Where: Crane Arts | 1400 North American St #103
When: Runs through Saturday, November 30
The Philadelphia Photo Arts Gallery, in conjunction with Icebox Project Space and New York Live Arts, has been hosting Black Magic for over a month. Rashaad Newsome’s multipart project is holistic reflection on agency, Blackness, and the futurity of intersectional identities and oppression. This immersive exhibit comes to an end this Saturday.
For more information, click here
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2. Closing Soon: Mean Girls
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 1
Regina George, Gretchen Weiners, Katie Heron and friends will be at the Academy of Music through Sunday. The blockbuster film Mean Girls has been turned into a hit Broadway show. Come see the brainchild of the award-winning creative team of Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin, and director Casey Nicholaw.
For more information, click here
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3. Thanksgiving Day Parade
Where: Begins at 20th St and JFK Blvd
When: Thursday, November 28 | 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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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4. Wild Wizarding Weekend at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Runs through Sunday, December 1
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 – 8 p.m. The Fantastic Beasts of the academy will be on display. There will be a bunnies and broomsticks segment, a magic workshop, and so much more.
For more information, click here
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5. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Sunday, March 8
This treasured ice skating rink is finally opening! The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest kicks into full gear this week. In its 26th 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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6. Santa Express
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Begins Friday, November 29
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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7. Deck the Hall Light Show at Dilworth Park
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
If you’ve passed City Hall over the past week, you’ve seen preparations for the Christmas visualizations that will adorn the historic structure. Created by Klip Collective, The Deck The Halls Lightshow will be in town until January first. On weekdays the show starts at 5:30 p.m. and continues every hour until 8:30 p.m. On weekends the show gets an added hour lasting until 9:30 p.m.
For more information, click here
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8. Christmas Village in LOVE Park
Where: LOVE Park | 15th St & Arch St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 24
It’s that time of the year again. The edges of City Hall and the area around the revamped LOVE Park will be packed with many popup wooden boutiques. The bustling mercantile village will have the best crafters in Philadelphia all in the same place. Come purchase your holiday gifts at this booming annual event peddling collectibles, art, jewelry, candles, food, beverages, lotions, and more.
For more information, click here
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9. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center
Where: Comcast Center | 1701 JFK Blvd
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
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 a.m. –8:00 p.m. New for this year, the Comcast Technology Center will be hosting a holiday pop-up market in the concourse. There will be visits with Santa every Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, click here
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10. Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Where: Adventure Aquarium | 1 Riverside Dr | Camden, NJ
When: Runs through Monday, December 30
There’s only one place where you can see the world’s tallest submerged Christmas tree this holiday season. Christmas Underwater is one of the prime yearly fixtures of Adventure Aquarium each year. Brings your entire family out to visit scuba Santa Claus, hear story time with Santa’s helpers, join the dance parties, and more.
For more information, click here
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11. Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Where: Macy’s Center City | 1300 Market St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
Did somebody say lights? Each year Macy’s Center City gets you in gear for the holidays and fills their building with Christmas spirit. Over 200,000 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 its immersive and creative Dickens Village.
For more information, click here
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12. Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Where: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
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, Saturday, and Sunday night specialized events on select weeks.
For more information, click here
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13. A Christmas Carol
Where: Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
The Walnut Street Theatre will be performing the seasonal classic A Christmas Carol through the end of December. Come see these talented and wonderful performers liven up the theater and let them warm your heart with the Ebenezer Scrooge centered tale.
For more information, click here
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14. Local Choirs at the Kimmel
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus will be taking you deep into the gospel genre with 5 free performances by local choirs on the Kimmel Center’s Plaza stage. The soulful Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church Choir taking the stage this weekend. Look out for upcoming shows over the next few weeks.
For more information, click here
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15. The Philadelphia Orchestra Weekend
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 1
This weekend the Kimmel Center will be filled with music from BeethovenNOW and Organ and Brass Christmas. Don’t miss your chance to have your Thanksgiving weekend highlighted by Prokofiev’s rhapsodic Fifth Symphony featuring Gil Shaham and the musicality of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s legendary brass section. Usher in the Christmas season with great musicianship and stellar classical music.
For more information, click here
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16. Red Wings vs. Flyers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, November 29 | 4 p.m.
The Flyers are breaking sports into the weekend list. This Friday evening they will be hitting the ice at the Wells Fargo Center and taking on the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Come cheer on the home team during the holiday weekend.
For more information, click here
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17. Carmen Lynch
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, November 30
The popular comedy club Punch Line Philly will be the place to be this week. Carmen Lynch will be performing a two-night stint at the laugh house. The Late Show vet will be filling the lounge with her charisma, comedic delivery, and hilarious jokes.
For more information, click here
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18. The Menzingers
Where: Franklin Music Hall | 421 N. 7th St
When: Friday, November 29 | 7:30 p.m.
The Menzinger will be performing at the Franklin Music Hall this Friday night. The Scranton, Pennsylvania band has released six studio albums. Their most recent project, Hello Exile, was released in October. The indie-rock band will have plenty of tracks to please fans with during their set.
For more information, click here
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19. Thanksgiving Weekend at the Museums
Where: National Constitution Center | 525 Arch St and The Museum of the American Revolution | 101 S. 3rd St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 1
Come to the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution this weekend. At the National Constitution Center, you can learn Native Americans who lived in what is now New England. You’ll also learn about how Thanksgiving was made into a national holiday. The Museum of the American Revolution’s Thanksgiving weekend will be full of exciting events.
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20. Small Business Saturday in Philadelphia
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, November 30
The day after 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. There will be a Made in Philly pop-up, events in Manayunk, Old City, and down the Main Line, and more.
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21. Historic Holidays in Old City
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
Old City will be transformed into a holiday gem over the next few weeks. Shoppers can enjoy extended hours at the shops, special menus at local restaurants and bars, and events at galleries. There will be tree and menorah lightings, decorating contests, wreath parties, live entertainment, craft workshops, and more. Stop by the Betsy Ross House this Saturday for Colonial Chocolate Making and to learn how women played an active role during the American Revolution. You can sample the hot chocolate drink that colonists enjoyed at this free event sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. Download the free Historic Holiday Pass powered by PECO to receive discounts at several museums, attractions, shops, restaurants and more.
For more information, click here
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22. Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar
Where: Greensgrow Farms | 2501 E. Cumberland St
When: Saturday, November 30 & Sunday, December 1 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Head over to Greensgrow Farms this weekend for their first installment of the annual Holiday Bazaar. Over the next few weekends, you can find treasured gifts and unique gems at this mercantile event. Come get your holiday trees, green plants, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, and more.
For more information, click here
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23. UConn vs. Temple
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Where: Lincoln Financial Field | 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Saturday, November 30 | 12 p.m.
The (7-4) Temple Owls will be taking on the (2-9) The UConn Huskies this Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. This will be the regular-season finale for the local university. The matchup will be hard-fought as they face a conference foe.
For more information, click here
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24. African American Book Expo at The Victorian Banquet Hall
Where: The Victorian Banquet Hall | 4809 Germantown Ave
When: Saturday, November 30 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Victorian Banquet Hall will be hosting the African American Book Expo this Saturday afternoon. The best in African American literature will be on display. Several authors from a variety of genres and experience levels will be on location.
For more information, click here
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25. Grand Illumination
Where: American Heritage Credit Union | 2060 Red Lion Rd
When: Saturday, November 30 | 7 p.m.
Beginning at 7 p.m. 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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26. Pacers vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, November 30 | 7 p.m.
The Sixers continue to be red hot at the Wells Fargo Center this year. Come to the South Philadelphia arena to see Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and company take on the Indiana Pacers. The house will be rocking as we take on this Eastern Conference foe.
For more information, click here
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27. Sandy (Alex G)
Where: Union Transfer | 1026 Spring Garden St.
When: Saturday, November 30 | 7 p.m.
Formerly known as just Alex G, this Philly-based act has collaborated with Frank Ocean and several others. This year he released his 7th studio album House Sugar. The demand is high for this Pennsylvania indie-rock singer-songwriter. Be sure to get your tickets for his added show this Saturday night.
For more information, click here
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28. City Winery Weekend
Where: City Winery Philadelphia | 990 Filbert St
When: Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1
Following its stellar debut, City Winery Philadelphia has become a burgeoning hotspot to hear great music in the city. This weekend is no exception. This Saturday, Dwele will be on the mainstage. On Sunday, you can fellow R&B singer Dave Hollister. Both acts will be performing two shows each day.
For more information, click here
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29. Miller Lite Mystery Show
Where: Liacouras Center | 1776 N. Broad St
When: Saturday, November 30 | 8 p.m.
The Radio 104.5 Miller Lite Mystery will be taking over the Liacouras Center this Saturday night. The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, Vance Joy, and plenty of others could be the surprise act this weekend. You’ll have to get a ticket and come down to the arena to find out.
For more information, click here
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30. DaBaby
Where: Franklin Music Hall | 421 N 7th St
When: Saturday, November 30 | 8:30 p.m.
DaBaby has taken the charts and radio waves by storm. The sizzling rapper will be performing at the Franklin Music Hall this Saturday night. Come see the “BOP” hitmaker tear up the stage. There will also be an afterparty at NOTO Philadelphia.
For more information, click here
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31. Museum Store Sunday
Where: Various locations
When: Sunday, December 1
This Sunday is Museum Store Sunday. This worldwide celebration features more than 1,100 museums. The Barnes Foundation will be offering 20% off regular-priced merchandise. With a Museum Day Passport, shoppers at Penn Museum will get 25% off storewide. The African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Fabric Workshop and Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and other institutions will have holiday deals for you as well.
For more information, click here
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32. Museum Sundays
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy and The Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Sunday, December 1 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation will be having their monthly pay-what-you-wish and free admission Sundays this weekend. The Barnes features PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Winter Solstice this weekend. There will be storytime, music by the Philadelphia Jazz Project, and much more. The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Family Festival: Holiday Clay will also be this Sunday. Come out and see some of the biggest names in art at these globally and world-renowned institutions.
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33. A Philly POPS Uptown Christmas at The Met Philadelphia
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad Street
When: Sunday, December 1 | 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
A Philly POPS Uptown Christmas kicks-off this weekend. Conductor David Charles Abell and the POPS will be filling The Met Philadelphia with wondrous and beautiful holiday tunes. There will be performances by actor and musician Tituss Burgess and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez this Sunday.
For more information, click here
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34. South Street Headhouse District’s Winter Wonderland
Where: Headhouse Square | 2nd St & Lombard St
When: Sunday, December 1 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This annual extravaganza features South Street Headhouse District’s premier holiday traditions. This free event is fun for all ages. Santa Claus will be in attending the Winter Wonderland celebration and taking photos with your entire family. South Street Headhouse District businesses will join vendors from around the region under the Shambles for the Headhouse Holiday Market with gifts for everyone on your list. There will be music, dancing, hot beverages, and more.
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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