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: The SpongeBob Musical
Where: Forrest Theatre | 1114 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 15
This weekend will be your chance to see Sponge Bob The Musical. The hit Broadway production features a Grammy award-winning and a Tony award-winning design team. This family-friendly sensation is something you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here
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2. Closing Soon: BalletX Fall Series
Where: The Wilma Theater | 265 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 15
The premieres of s Matthew Neenan‘s and Jo Strømgren‘s productions at the BalletX Fall Series will be coming to an end. Come to the Wilma Theater to see with top-notch movement and choreography. These performers will blow away.
For more information, click here
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3. PHILADANCO: Xmas Philes
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts | 3680 Walnut St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 14
Speaking of tremendous choreography, PHILADANCO’s Xmas Philes will be running through the weekend. Choreographed by Daniel Ezralow, this wonderful production blends stunning contemporary movement with the sounds of the season.
For more information, click here
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4. Army-Navy Weekend
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
The Army Black Knights take on the Navy Midshipmen will be writing the next chapter in their historic gridiron rivalry this weekend. Before things kick-off at Lincoln Financial Field, there will be an official pep rally this Friday. Before the matchup, attend the pre-game tailgate. The two-day Patriot Games competition, fun run with a cheesteak finish, and other events will be the highlights of the weekend.
For more information, click here
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5. Miracle on 13th St
Where: 1600 S. 13th St
When: Runs through Thursday, January 2nd
South 13th Street produces a dynamic light show each year. The Miracle on 13th Street Holiday Light Display spans the entire avenue and illuminates this cherished area of the city. Come out to this neighborhood festival of lights before the year ends.
For more information, click here
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6. Christmas at the Orchard
Where: Linvilla Orchards | 137 West Knowlton Rd | Media, PA
When: Runs through Monday, December 23
The holiday season is a time to make cherished memories with all your loved ones that will last forever. Livilla Orchards offers up several activities for you and the entire family through the end of the month. You can cut your own Christmas tree, meet Santa, go on caroling hayrides, and more. This year will also feature a holiday beer garden, ice sculptures, and more.
For more information, click here
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7. Trolls LIVE!
Where: Liacouras Center | 1776 N. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 15
Continuing with the theme of family-friendly events, the Liacouras Center will be hosting Trolls LIVE! this weekend. Poppy, Branch and their friends will be up to their familiar antics and come to life like never before. Join the fun for the first-ever Trolls LIVE! tour.
For more information, click here
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8. FEASTmas at FringeArts
Where: FringeArts | 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Friday, December 13
Many local chefs have been serving up tremendous four-course dinner menus for FEASTmas at FringeArts. Culinary names like Kiki Aranita, Chris Vacca, Ari Miller, and Joncarl Lachman will be participating. The meals are $100 per person you’ll get a delicious meal and great wine pairings.
For more information, click here
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9. The Escape Game in King of Prussia
(The Escape Game)Where: King of Prussia Mall | 160 N. Gulph Rd
When: Opens Friday, December 13
The Escape Game will be coming to the King of Prussia Mall starting this weekend. The 60-minute adventure offers a one-of-a-kind and tactile experience like nothing you’ve ever seen. Teams work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately complete a mission to escape the room. Each game immerses teams in scenic design that rivals Hollywood movie sets and incorporates twists, turns, and jaw-dropping surprises around every corner.
For more information, clickk here
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10. Contemporary Photography Exhibition IX
(“Touch”// Sasha Phyars-Burgess)Where: Philadelphia Photo Arts Center | 1400 N. American St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 22
Sasha Phyars-Burgess and Guanyu Xu have won the ninth annual Contemporary Photography Competition and Exhibition competition. Phyars-Burgess’ UNTITLED PART II & III (WE ALL HAVE TO MAKE COMPROMISES), is a multimedia series that explores the cultural connotations and markers that come with looking at bodies, particularly black bodies. For Guanyu Xu’s series Parallel Rooms, he photographed complex installations that he situates secretly and temporarily in his parents’ home in Beijing, China. He positions and layers portraits of himself and other gay men, photographs of landscape and built environment taken in the United States, Europe, and China; and torn pages from the film and fashion magazines he collected as a teenager.
For more information, click here
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11. Weekend Events at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Various times
The Philadelphia Museum of Art promotes this great cultural and musical showcase each week. This weekend the famed institution will host Joyeux Noel. The event will feature live music by Doug Munro and La Pompe Attack. They’ll perform swinging gypsy jazz versions of your Christmas favorites. This Sunday, Caroling through the Galleries, will highlight the renowned museum. The Pennsylvania Girlchoir, led by Ya-Jhu Yang, will perform a selection of traditional carols.
For more information, click here
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12. Martina McBride
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Friday, December 13 | 8 p.m.
Country music star Martina McBride will be performing at The Met Philadelphia this weekend. The fourteen-time Grammy nominee and three-time Academy of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist winner, will be singing some of your favorites all night long.
For more information, click here
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13. Dan St. Germain
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Friday, December 13 | 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.
Stand-up comedian Dan St. Germain will be performing at Punch Line Philly this weekend. The Comedy Central, Fallon, and Conan vet will be bringing his signature brand of comedy to the City of Brotherly Love. Dan also hosts a podcast “Total F’n Marks” for All Things Comedy Network.
For more information, click here
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14. Helium Comedy Club Weekend
Where: Helium Comedy Club | 2031 Sansom St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 14
The Helium Comedy Club will be bringing the laughs this weekend. Actor, writer, and entertainer Michael Rapaport will be taking over the comedy venue for five shows this week. You can also catch The Secret Keepers Club’s Carly Aquilino (“Girl Code”) and Emma Willmann (Netflix) live podcast taping.
For more information, click here
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15. Pelicans vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, December 13 | 7 p.m.
Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and the 76ers will be taking on the New Orleans Pelicans this Friday night in the return of JJ Reddick. Come to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the home favorites extend their WFC winning-streak and continue the Pelicans’ losing streak (10 games).
For more information, click here
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16. The Bourse Presents: Deck the Food Hall
(The Bourse Philadelphia)Where: The Bourse | 111 S. Independence Mall E
When: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Bourse is getting in the holiday spirit with Deck the Food Hall, a two-day family-friendly holiday bonanza, featuring photos with The Grinch and Santa benefitting Morris Animal Refuge, a gingerbread making workshop with Barry’s Buns, Escape the 1980s Santa Experience, themed food & beverage specials, and more. Starting at 11 am on both Saturday and Sunday, guests can get their photo taken with either the Grinch or Santa in support of Morris Animal Refuge, America’s first animal shelter. For a $20 donation, guests will receive a 4×6 keepsake photo with each of the characters.
For more information, click here
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17. German American Weekend at LOVE Park
Where: LOVE Park | 16th St and JFK Blvd
When: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15
Christmas Village is welcoming all visitors to the annual German American Weekend over the next few days. Enjoy traditional German dance performances by the local Schuhplattler Dancers from GTV, live singing, German games, food and beverages, and more at the two-day festival.
For more information, click here
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18. Historic Houses Holiday Events
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15
A Very Philly Christmas continues to take over the Historic Houses of Philadelphia. This weekend there will be Sounds of the Season presented by WRTI. On Saturday, tune into the holiday season’s greatest hits with some of the best jazz, classical, gospel, and Latin music in Philadelphia, including Opera Philadelphia, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, and international master percussionist Pablo Batista. On Sunday, Cracks of the Season will wow you. Each Historic House will have creative activities and workshops for kids and adults alike. The day will include demonstrations from local artists and designers such as Tiny WPA and several of the houses will offer guests the opportunity to can create their own one-of-a-kind ornaments, wreaths, and more.
For more information, click here
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19. Cup of Tea Weekend
Where: Historic Strawberry Mansion | 2450 Strawberry Mansion Dr
When: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 | 12 to 4 p.m.
Make visiting the Historic Strawberry Mansion, Fairmount Park’s largest historic house, part of your holiday tradition. During Tea with Toys, you’ll get a special opportunity to see the Mansion’s third floor and view the extraordinary doll and toy collections. Children can compare their favorite stuffed animal with the dolls and toys loved by other generations housed at Historic Strawberry Mansion. This weekend you can also enjoy free tea and cookies in the Banquet Room. Spend your day enjoying gorgeous holiday decorations, including vintage teacups, baskets, and honey on sale throughout the month.
For more information, click here
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20. AAMP Family Funday
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m
This Saturday, bring all your loved ones out to the African American Museum for Macy’s Family Fun Day. At The Art of Storytelling, there will be a story slam, poetry workshops, Black history trivia, crafts, and so much more.
For more information, click here
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21. Crafternoons
Where: The Clay Studio | 139 North Second St
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.
The holiday season at The Clay Studio is always festive. Come shop the fabulous gallery for one-of-a-kind ornaments, giftable ceramic art, and treats for your own holiday decor. Join them for a free, hands-on event series from 2 to 4 p.m. every Saturday through December 21. Bring the kids and they can make and decorate free winter-themed ornaments while you shop! The Clay Studio is the best place in Philadelphia to go for the ultimate array of handmade, artistic holiday ornaments.
For more information, click here
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22. Holiday Flea Markets
Where: Various locations
When: Various locations
With the holidays rolling around like the blink of an eye, it’s always a great choice to have multiple gift options available. This weekend you’ll have ample options and stops to choose from. Get your shopping done at the Made at Bok Market, Liberty Flea, Fishtown Flea Holiday Market, Clover Market’s Holiday Market, and several other holiday hotspots. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park and Christmas Village at LOVE Park are also open daily.
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23. Reading Terminal Market’s Winter Wonderland
Where: Reading Terminal Market | 51 N. 12th St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Reading Terminal Market remains one of the best attractions and food venues that the city has to offer. This Saturday there will be a special Winter Wonderland at the market. There will be live music, cooking demonstrations, and more. Don’t forget to stop by and immerse yourself in the traditional aromas of the holidays.
For more information, click here
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24. Polar Express Day
Where: The Franklin Institute | 222 N. 20th St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Franklin Institute will be celebrating the Christmas classic The Polar Express this weekend. There will be all-day screenings of the film and plenty of family-friendly activities. From train fun to snowflake sights and sounds, the Franklin Institute has you covered. Kids who dress up in pajamas will get $2 off the admission price.
For more information, click here
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25. Olney Winter Festival
Where: Begins at La Caleñita Bakery & Café | 5034 N. 5th St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 12 – 3 p.m.
North Philly’s Olney neighborhood will be hosting a free holiday winter festival this Saturday. There will be pictures with Santa, a holiday walk, face painting, caroling, trolley rides, and so much more at this free community event.
For more information, click here
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26. Fishtown Freeze
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, December 14 | 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Fishtown Freeze is on Saturday, December 14. The neighborhood festival will have participating restaurants and bars serving up great sips and bites all day long. There will be live ice sculpture carvings, live music, a flea market, a photo pop-up, and more.
For more information, click here
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27. Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center | 100 Station Ave | Oaks, PA
When: Saturday, December 14 | 12:30-4 p.m. & 5:30-9 p.m.
This Saturday is the 9th Annual Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival. There will be over 150 beer and ciders, holiday games and prizes, food trucks, and more. There are VIP experiences available, live entertainment, and several other activities. There will be two drinking sessions. Session 1 is from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm and Session 2 runs from 5:30 pm through 9:00 pm.
For more information, click here
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28. The Coffee and Tea Festival
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center | 100 Station Ave | Oaks, PA
When: Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15
Brewing at the same venue, the annual Coffee Tea Festival will be percolating. Over 50 coffee and tea vendors and experts will be offering up tastings, gift bags, and so much more. For all you coffee and tea enthusiasts, take a drive to Oaks, PA.
For more information, click here
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29. Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade
Where: 8200Germantown Ave
When: Saturday, December 14 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
This Saturday morning the Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade will be lining Germantown Avenue. Decorated fire engines will be roaring through the streets, there will be live music, antique cars, Santa Claus, marching bands, and more. Bring your entire family out to enjoy one of the local traditions of the holiday.
For more information, click here
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30. The Philadelphia Orchestra Christmas Kids’ Spectacular
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 11:30 a.m.
Continuing with the holiday theme, the Philadelphia Orchestra will be holding a special concert for the kiddies this Saturday morning. This festive celebration will feature all your favorite Christmas sounds and sing-alongs. Listen closely for those jingle bells, too—you never know who might pay a special visit to Verizon Hall. You’ll be blown away by selections from The Nutcracker, “Little March of the Three Kings” from Karolju, “Farandole”, from L’Arlésienne, and more.
For more information, click here
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31. The Philly POPS
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 8 p.m.
The Philly POP’s Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia’s holiday celebration is this Saturday night. Led by POPS artistic director for jazz Terell Stafford, the ensemble will be performing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s swinging interpretation of The Nutcracker: Suite.
For more information, click here
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32. AIDS Fund Philly: GayBingo
Where: Congregation Rodeph Shalom | 615 N. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 6 p.m.
GayBINGO is the fabulous, irreverent, campy, wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for over 20 years while raising emergency funds for those living with HIV. The GayBINGO experience features premium tables, divas all around, and so much more.
For more information, click here
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33. Jon Daly
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre | 215 N. 11th St.
When: Saturday, December 14 | 10 p.m.
Bob’s Burgers and Big Mouth‘s Jon Daly has already sold out his first show Good Good Comedy Theatre. Thankfully, a second show is on the menu. The comedian, actor, and writer will fill the comedy venue with laughs and more at his headlining shows.
For more information, click here
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34. Chase Rice
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 8 p.m.
The Chris Rice AM/PM Tour is coming to The Fillmore Philadelphia this Saturday night. The country music singer-songwriter scored his first number-one single “Eyes on You” this year. Fans will be coming out in droves to hear him.
For more information, click here
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35. Bow Wow
Where: Theatre of The Living Arts | 334 South St
When: Saturday, December 14 | 8 p.m.
If you really have nothing else to do with your Saturday night, Bow Wow will be live at the Theater of The Living Arts. DJ Caution and DJ HBK will be in spinning the best tracks in music. Come out for a night of great live music and Bow Wow.
For more information, click here
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36. Eagles Watch Party at Yards Brewing Company with Connor Barwin
(Yards Brewing Co.)Where: Yards Brewing Company | 500 Spring Garden St
When: Sunday, December 15 | 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Yards Brewing Company is hosting an exclusive watch party with former Eagles great Connor Barwin in their taproom! Your ticket purchase gets you open access to a Philly-style tailgate buffet, delicious Yards beers, and unlimited high-fives from Connor. This high-intensity divisional matchup will need all of the fans that the Yards Brewery Company taproom can handle! Half of all ticket sales support Make The World Better Foundation’s mission of connecting people and inspiring stewardship through public space revitalization projects.
For more information, click here
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37. ROH: Final Battle Fallout
Where: 2300 Arena | 2300 S Swanson St
When: Sunday, December 15 | 6 p.m.
Two days after the huge Final Battle pay-per-view, Ring of Honor will be taking over the 2300 Arena. Wrestling fans will get to see tons of action, autograph and photo sessions with top ROH wrestlers, and more. Come out for a night of ultimate strength and entertainment.
For more information, click here
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38. Los Lobos
Where: City Winery Philadelphia | 990 Filbert St
When: Sunday, December 15 | 8 p.m.
Los Lobos will be front-and-center at City Winery Philadelphia this Sunday night. The famous Mexican-American band will be playing their chart-topping cover of “La Bamba” and other hits. The 2018 Austin City Limits Hall of Fame inductees and Grammy winners will not disappoint.
For more information, click here
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39. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 St. Broad St
When: Sunday, December 15 | 3 &:30 8 p.m.
Hear your favorite Christmas tunes ramped up in prog rock glory in an arena setting. The Wells Fargo Center will be rocking this Friday when the marriage between electric sound, metal, and blazing lights offers up this amazing concert. Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents this The Ghost of Christmas Eve musical experience. There will be lasers, extreme lighting, your favorite Christmas songs turned to power rock anthems, and more.
For more information, click here
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40. Pentatonix
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Sunday, December 15 | 8 p.m.
It’s hard to become a household name in any arena and even harder when it comes to the genre of acapella music. But with tons of album sales, Grammy wins, and world tours under their belt, that’s just what Pentatonix did. This weekend they will be performing two shows at the newly renovated and opened Met. Don’t miss out on your chance to see these amazing vocalists.
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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