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: Christmas Village
Where: LOVE Park | 15th St & Arch St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 24
LOVE Park has been packed with these pop-up wooden boutiques for over a month. The bustling mercantile village has 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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2. Closing Soon: A Christmas Carol
Where: Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
The Walnut Street Theatre will be ending their seasonal run of the classic A Christmas Carol this weekend. Come see these talented and wonderful performers liven up the theater and warm your heart with the Ebenezer Scrooge centered tale before its too late.
For more information, click here
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3. Closing Soon: Gift of the Magi
Where: Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
At the same venue, The Gift of the Magi‘s run will be coming to an end this Sunday. Broadway World called this romantic musical comedy “A delightful not–to–be–missed night at the theatre.” This seasonal classic will remind you about the true spirit of giving and the wonderment that comes with the holidays.
For more information, click here
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4. Closing Soon: On the Exhale
Where: Theatre Exile | 1340 S. 13th St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
Theater Exile’s run of On the Exhale will be coming to an end this Sunday. The compelling play tells the story of “a liberal college professor searches for meaning after a terrible act of violence.” Starring Suli Holum, the production will have you on the edge of your seat.
For more information, click here
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5. Closing Soon: The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Glorious Sounds of Christmas
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center will be filled with beautiful sights and sounds of the holiday season this weekend. The Philadelphia Orchestra, along with conductor Bramwell Tovey will be belting out the best hits. From “Jingle Bells Ouverture” to “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, the artistry of these beautiful songs will be endless. Also this Sunday, the orchestra will be performing Messiah with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir.
For more information, click here
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6. Closing Soon: 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. At Livilla Orchards guests can cut their own Christmas tres down, meet Santa, go on caroling hayrides, and more. Come sip the day away while staring at a beautiful horizon at the holiday beer garden. There are also ice sculptures and fun adventures.
For more information, click here
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7. Closing Soon: Sips & Selfies with Santa
Where: The Shops at Liberty Place | 1625 Chestnut St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 21
The Bourbon Lounge by Bluebird Distilling and Santa Saturdays have been lighting up The Shops at Liberty Place each Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Christmas extravaganza has included free photos with Santa, a charitable selfie contest, and a pop-up Bourbon Lounge. On this final Saturday, Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf, along with Santa, will be inviting guests and their little ones to take FREE photos in Santa’s chair. Come make cherished memories with your family.
For more information, click here
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8. Franklin Square Holiday
Where: Franklin Square | 200 N. 6th St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
Each year Franklin Square gets transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The Franklin Square holiday festival includes this illuminating light show. Over 80,000 lights shimmer and glow to the soundtrack of your favorite holiday tunes. Each day, there will be two alternating shows beginning at 4:30 p.m. Every 30 minutes, this free extravaganza will wow you.
For more information, click here
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9. Christmas Sights and Sounds
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
There are plenty of exhilarating and exciting light shows, holiday-themed events, and places to find the Christmas spirit in the city this weekend. For amazing an amazing light show, stop by the Macy’s Christmas Light Show, the Comcast Center’s Christmas Spectular, Deck the Hall Light Show, and the Deck the District Light Show. Longwood Gardens’ holiday offerings will take you into a winter wonderland and the A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck serves up magical views of the city.
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10. Holiday Attractions
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin near City Hall continues to have plenty of Philadelphians on the ice. Adjacent to the ice rink, is the plush and winter-themed Wintergarden. You’ll find plenty of unique gifts at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. The Morris Arboretum Garden Railway night shows come to an end this weekend. The Bourse’s Photo Pop Philly Winter Wonderland is offering you a holiday excursion with a photo finish. For seasons greeting under the sea, come to the Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. A Very Philly Christmas at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park hosts special events and tours at Cedar Grove, Historic Strawberry Mansion, Laurel Hill Mansion, Lemon Hill Mansion, Mount Pleasant Mansion, and Woodford Mansion.
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11. Ornaments in the Studio
Where: The Clay Studio | 139 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
Get into the holiday season at Ornaments in the Studio. Bring your family out to shop in the studio’s gallery. You’ll find fabulous handmade and one-of-a-kind ornaments, giftable ceramic art, and more. 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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12. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Where: Merriam Theater | 250 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 21
A Charlie Brown Christmas will be live and be playing in the city through Saturday. Come to Merriam Theater to see this timely holiday production brought to life. Everybody’s holiday favorite will have theater members brimming with excitement.
For more information, click here
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13. A Philly POPS Christmas
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 21
A Philly POPS Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season comes to an end this Saturday. Guest conductor David Charles Abell and the POPS orchestra have been filling Verizon Hall with wondrous and beautiful holiday tunes all month long. The 65-piece orchestra will fill your weekend with musical splendor.
For more information, click here
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14. The Snow Queen
Where: Arden Theatre Company | 40 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
The Arden Theatre Company run of The Snow Queen continues this weekend. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, this magical struggle between good and evil will be brought to life in a stunning way. With the theme of friendship and adventure at its core, this production is a can’t miss for the holiday season.
For more information, click here
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15. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
George Balanchine’s ballet The Nutcracker has been a hot ticket in town for weeks. One of the most celebrated theatrical pieces of all time, this Christmas themed production will be running at the Academy of Music through the end of the month. Come see the pageantry of the Sugar Plum Fairies, The Rat King, and the royal court this weekend.
For more information, click here
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16. Museum of the American Revolution’s Winter Break
Where: Museum of the American Revolution | 101 S 3rd St.
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
The Museum of the American Revolution’s Winter Break explores the paramount 10 days in December 1776 and January 1777 that shaped the American Revolution. During that time, “George Washington carried out a series of strategic maneuvers and moves to bring the American army back from the brink”. There will be costumed actors and craft demonstrations. You can also meet costumed living history interpreters portraying Hessians and militiamen.
For more information, click here
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17. Punch Line Philly Weekend
Where: Punch Line Philly| 33 E Laurel St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22
Punch Line Philly is always one of the go-to places in the city for laughs and fun. This weekend the comedy and entertainment a Mean Gays comedy show, the infamous Drag Diva Brunch, and Just Mike The Poet Presents Word Play.
For more information, click here
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18. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 | Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, December 20 | 8 p.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art promotes this great cultural and musical showcase each week. This Friday, get in the spirit of the season with songs with Holiday Jazz. Enjoy innovative arrangements of holiday standards in George Burton’s Yule Log show. Violinist Diane Monroe and vocalist Nancy Harm will blow you away.
For more information, click here
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19. Mavericks vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, December 20 | 8 p.m.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be putting their league-best home NBA record to the test this Saturday night when they take on the surging Dallas Mavericks. After dropping receiving their first loss of the season at the WFC, they’ll look to rebound against Porzingis and company.
For more information, click here
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20. King of Prussia Town Center Winterfest
Where: King of Prussia Town Center| 155 Village Drive Suite 100 | King of Prussia, PA
When: Saturday, December 21 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring your friends and family to the King of Prussia Town Center Winterfest this weekend. This holiday spectacle will feature a snow globe bouncy house, live entertainment, tasty treats and snacks, crafts, a visit from Santa in his sleigh, and more.
For more information, click here
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21. Blue Cross RiverRink Character Skate
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, December 21 | 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest has provided some of the best events of the season. This Saturday, Santa will be stopping by to take photos with your loved ones. While there, you can enjoy the drinks and food at the Lodge, skate to your favorite tunes, and more. There will also be a gift-making workshop this Saturday.
For more information, click here
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22. Butterfly Light Festival
Where: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion | 8046 Frankford Ave
When: Saturday, December 21 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This Saturday marks the second year for the Butterfly Light Festival at the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavillion. The festival will include a light show, painting and crafts, activities, games, and so much more. Art exhibits from Steel ‘N’ Pacific artist Vanny Channal and V.U.R.T. will also highlight the festivities.
For more information, click here
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23. Holiday Punk Rock Flea Market
Where: 23rd Street Armory | 22 South 23rd St
When: Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22
There will be 200 different vendors each day of this blowout sales event. The Punk Rock Flea Market will be at 23rd Street Armory this Saturday and Sunday. There will be countless rare and unique collectibles on hand at this expo. Each lineup of sellers will have vinyl, jewelry, vintage clothing, and more.
For more information, click here
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24. South by Southeast Holiday Sale
Where: Bok | 1901 S. 9th St
When: Saturday, December 21 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
A multicultural arts and crafts sale is coming to Bok this Saturday. Presented by Mural Arts’ the Porch Light program and Southeast by Southeast, this market will have tremendous collectibles, candles, jewelry, art, and more up for sale. Each sale directly benefits Philadelphia’s immigrant and refugee communities. From 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Shira Walinsky will be hosting a screenprinting workshop. Bring a shirt to make your own unique prints. The sale is cash-only, and proceeds go directly to the vendors.
For more information, click here
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25. Kansas vs. Villanova
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 21 | 12 p.m.
The number one team in the county, the Kansas Jayhawks, will be coming to the Wells Fargo Center this Saturday afternoon to take on the Villanova Wildcats (18). Come to this amazing sports venue to see am AP Top 25 matchup.
For more information, click here
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26. Carols in Color
Where: Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts | 3000 West School House Lane
When: Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22
The Elone Dance Theatre will be putting on their fantastic holiday showcase, Carols In Color this weekend. In its 28th year, this production, based on Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, will amaze you. This African American retelling of the Christmas story will be at The Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday. There will be four total shows.
For more information, click here
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27. Wizards vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 21 | 7 p.m.
We head back to the Wells Fargo Center’s hardwoods this Saturday night for an Eastern Conference showdown. The Philadelphia 76ers will be taking on Bradley Beal’s Washington Wizards. There will be excitement, skill, and Joel Embiid. What’s not to love?
For more information, click here
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28. The Starting Line
Where: Franklin Music Hall | 421 N 7th St
When: Saturday, December 21 | 8:15 p.m.
Philadelphia-based pop-punk band The Startling Line will be playing at the Franklin Music Hall this Saturday. Celebrating their 25th year since joining the Van’s Warped Tour, the “Best of Me” and “Leaving” acts will be in front of their home fans.
For more information, click here
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29. WDAS Holiday Jam
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 21 | 8 p.m.
WDAS FM will be hosting their annual Holiday Jam this Saturday night at uber-popular The Met Philadelphia. Kem will be headlining this night of smooth vocals and holiday serenading. Other award-winning and stellar acts like Kirk Franklin and Brownstone will be lighting up the stage. The concert will be hosted by Nephew Tommy of the Steve Harvey Show.
For more information, click here
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30. The Front Bottoms: Champagne Jam 2019
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E Allen St
When: Saturday, December 21 | 8:15 p.m.
The 2019 Champagne Jam includes three stages spanning The Fillmore Philadelphia, The Foundry, and Punch Line Philly. The Front Bottoms will be highlighting this musical showcase which is an all-ages event.
For more information, click here
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31. Cowboys vs. Eagles
Where: Lincoln Financial Field | 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Sunday, December 22 | 4:30 p.m.
Is a write-up required? Do you need more inspiration to head down to Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday? The Philadelphia Eagles will be taking on the hated Dallas Cowboys in a battle for the NFC East crown. This do-or-die matchup is the biggest ticket in town.
For more information, click here
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32. Gospel on the Plaza
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Sunday, December 22 | 6:00 p.m.
The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus will be taking you deep into the gospel genre this Sunday with a free performance by the St. Thomas Gospel Choir. These amazing vocalists will be providing tremendous sounds of the season.
For more information, click here
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33. State Property
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E Allen St
When: Sunday, December 22 | 4:30 p.m.
Philly rappers Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Peedi, and the Young Gunz will be taking over The Fillmore Philadelphia this Sunday. State Property gave the streets hits like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop”, “Roc the Mic”, and several others. Hip-hop heads, come out to the Filmore this Sunday night.
For more information, click here
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34. PJ Morton
Where: TLA | 334 South St
When: Sunday, December 22 | 4:30 p.m.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter PJ Morton will be playing at the Theatre of the Living Arts. The amazing pianist and vocalist will be bringing his Paul Tour to the City of Brotherly Love this Sunday night. Tracks like “Say So”, “Don’t Break My Heart”, and “Built For Love” will enchant you all night long.
For more information, click here
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35. Old City Menorah Lighting
Where: The Betsy Ross House | 239 Arch St
When: Sunday, December 22 | 4:30 p.m.
The Betsy Ross House has partnered with the Old City Jewish Arts Center to host the second annual community menorah lighting in the House’s courtyard this Sunday. Come celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the traditional lighting ceremony, a free buffet featuring Hanukkah favorites, children’s games, and more.
For more information, click here
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36. Rittenhouse Square Menorah Lighting
Where: Rittenhouse Square | 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq
When: Sunday, December 22| 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
This Sunday, Rittenhouse Square will also be hosting a menorah lighting ceremony as well. There will be Hanukkah celebrations and activities throughout the festivities. Bring your entire family out for this city tradition.
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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