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: Shrek The Musical
Where: Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
Walnut Street Theatre has been putting on a production of this beloved DreamWorks Animation feature for the past few months. Shrek The Musical features all the treasured characters that made the film so celebrated over the past few years. Come see the Oscar-winning movie brought to life like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
For more information, click here
…
2. Closing Soon: Longwood Christmas
Where: Longwood Gardens | 1001 Longwood Rd | Kennett Square, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
Longwood Gardens always has a fantastic Christmas display. The beautiful conservatory has been trimmed and laced with several Christmas lights and fixtures for the holiday season. The season’s ending means the massive colorful fountain that has been dancing to your favorite holiday classic will soon cease. Come check out the half-million lit and glowing park before it’s too late.
For more information, click here
…
3. Closing Soon: LumiNature
Where: Philadelphia Zoo | 3400 W. Girard Ave
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
The Philadelphia Zoo opened LumiNature in November. Bring your entire family out to bask in “12 different illuminated experiences” before it’s too late. You’ll be amazed by the winter wonderland light show, vibrant wild animals, and other themed displays.
For more information, click here
…
4. Closing Soon: Photo Pop Philly Winter Wonderland
Where: The Bourse Food Hall | 111 S. Independence Mall East
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
The Bourse Food Hall has embraced the holiday season with installations and more at this pop-up art spectacle. Instagrammers and photo savants, come out to take fun and memorable photos with shimmering holiday-themed backgrounds.
For more information, click here
…
5. Closing Soon: Holiday Ornaments
(Mallory Wetherell)Where: The Clay Studio | 139 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
Come get seasonal ornaments and handmade goods 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 gems, giftable ceramic art, and more. The Clay Studio is the best place in Philadelphia to go for the “ultimate array of handmade and artistic holiday ornaments”.
For more information, click here
…
6. Closing Soon: Disney On Ice
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, January 4
The Eagles’ playoff game has pushed Disney on Ice into closure a day early. Several families have the ability to cash in Sunday’s tickets for Saturday or get a full refund. Disney on Ice Presents Road Trip Ice Adventures features magical performances with some of your favorite Disney characters
For more information, click here
…
7. Philly Loves Bowie Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, January 12
David Bowie died in January 2016. To commemorate the loss of the music legend and universal talent, Philadelphia created Philly Love Bowie Week. There are a series of art displays, concerts, Bowie themed nights at tattoo parlors, quizzo, brunches, happy hours, movie screenings, plays, and other theatrical workings.
For more information, click here
…
8. 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 has been shelling out heaps of fun over the past few weeks. In its 26th year, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, is a stunning sight to behold. The wintry themed entertainment area 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
…
9. The Escape Game
(The Escape Game)Where: King of Prussia Mall | 160 N. Gulph Rd | King of Prussia, PA
When: Runs to April 2020
The Escape Game has been open in the King of Prussia Mall since early December. 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, click here
…
10. Worse-Case Scenario Survival Experience
Where: The Franklin Institute | 222 N. 20th St
When: Runs through Sunday, April 19
The Franklin Institute is offering up and amazing deal for The Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience exhibit for Philly Influencer readers. You can use promo code WCMOMMY to receive $3 off daytime, adult admission for up to 4 people. You can also visit the website or call 215-448-1200 to order your tickets today. Based on Joshua Piven’s best-selling book, this immersive exhibit teaches you how to outlast some of the most severe occurrences the wilderness and life can throw at you.
For more information, click here
…
11. Happy Place
Where: King of Prussia Mall | 160 N. Gulph Rd | King of Prussia, PA
When: Runs through Saturday, February 29
Happy Place has already enjoyed a residency at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. The fun-filled extravaganza will remain at the King of Prussia Mall through February. Whether you’re dancing in the middle of the world’s largest indoor confetti dome, jumping off of a larger than life rainbow into a pot of happiness, or posing inside a rubber ducky bathtub, this place is bursting with joy.
For more information, click here
…
12. Jurassic Quest at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center | 100 Station Ave | Oaks, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
Jurrasic Quest will be at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center through Sunday. Bring your entire family out to learn all about dinosaur history and more. The expo features more than 80 types of species, a dig site installation, baby dinosaur figures, and a sky-high T-Rex.
For more information, click here
…
13. 30 Americans
(Kehinde Wiley. Equestrian Portrait of the Count Duke Olivares)Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Runs through Sunday, January 12
The Barnes 30 Americans exhibit is a cultural marvel. The exciting new artistic showcase displays the work of “30 important and influential contemporary African American artists.” Come see these tremendous pieces illustrating the complexities of identity, race, sexuality, class, and more. You’ll be blown away by the artistry, celebration of diversity, and more.
For more information, click here
…
14. Mural Arts Philadelphia Love Letter Tours
Where: Various locations
When: Each Saturday and Sunday through the season
Philadelphia has been called the “mural capital of the world.” With stunning pieces unfolding in almost every corner, you may want the opportunity to hear the story behind the concepts and artists themselves. Mural Arts Philadelphia provides fun Love Letter Train Tours to help you gain in-depth knowledge about these phenomenal murals enriching the cityscapes of West Philly.
For more information, click here
…
15. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, January 3 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Come to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an immersive night of music, art, and fun. There will be cocktails and small bites at this week’s installment of the museum’s Friday Nights series. Latin and jazz vocalists Venissa Santí, Joanna Pascale, Barbara Martinez, and Eva Cortés will be performing at this artistic and cultural event. Enjoy gallery access and more before and after the performances.
For more information, click here
…
16. Barnes First Friday
Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, January 3 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Barnes Foundation continues its First Friday! series this Friday with this amazing Argentine Tango showcase. the Emiliano Messiez Tango Trio and the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School will be playing and performing at the museum. Come out for a night of live tango and music.
For more information, click here
…
17. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, January 3
Each First Friday of the month Old City opens its galleries and studios for a little fun. Several participating galleries will have painting collection, woodworkings, sculptures, furniture, metal works, and more all throughout several buildings. The workings are landscape shifting, contemporary, and visually stunning.
For more information, click here
…
18. Phill Art Collective First Weekend Series
Where: Philly Art Collective | 253 N. 3rd St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
The Philly Art Collective continually has tremendous and culturally stimulating exhibits each week. This weekend features Black Art First Friday, the HERspace Women’s Art Festival, and the All That Jazz Festival. These free art showcases will be a truly immersive experience.
For more information, click here
…
19. New Kensington First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, January 3
Old City isn’t the only neighborhood celebrating the first Friday of the year. New Kensington and Fishtown will be brimming with art, culture, food, and more. January’s First Friday! will feature special happy hours, the grand opening of a new art gallery, food tasting events, tango classes, art sales, poetry readings, art shows, and several other activities.
For more information, click here
…
20.We Can Be Heroes at the National Liberty Museum
(Bowie IX by Natalie Hope McDonald, Nine panels (each framed 12×12) of works on paper with plastic overlays using paint, ink and tape, Mixed media.)Where: National Liberty Museum| 321 Chestnut St
When: Opens Friday, January 3
One exhibit during the Bowie commemoration week that you don’t want to miss is the National Liberty Museum‘s “We Can Be Heroes”. The exhibit, opening on Friday, January 3, will explore the influence that David Bowie and his music had – and continues to have – on contemporary art. A mixture of sculpture, paintings and digital artwork from both local and international artists will be featured in the exhibit.
For more information, click here
…
21. The Philadelphia Orchestra Performs Disney’s Fantasia
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
Fantasia is a pinnacle of cinematic art and a landmark in The Philadelphia Orchestra’s incredible tradition of innovation. This groundbreaking 1940 collaboration between the visionary genius Walt Disney and the Orchestra’s commanding maestro Leopold Stokowski has never lost its capacity to move, delight, and astonish audiences all over the world. Conductor Aram Demirjian and Philadelphia Orchestra’s musicianship and talent will be on full display with this triumphant selection.
For more information, click here
…
22. David Arnold
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, January 4
Stand up act and comedy writer David Arnold will be performing at Punch Line Philly for multiple nights this week. The Def Comedy Jam, Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Tour, and The Ruckus alum is in the process of creating his own TV show and comedy special produced by Philly star Kevin Hart. Come out to hear his new material at this treasured laugh house.
For more information, click here
…
23. Good Good Comedy Theatre Weekend
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre | 215 N. 11th St
When: Runs through Saturday, January 4
Good Good Comedy Theatre always brings the laughs. Several hilarious programs and standup performances will lighten up your weekend and entertain you. This Friday, at Comedian Psychoanalysis, a real psychological professional will analyze comedians based off of their standup. Saturday’s Set-Up will feature a dating game show with a twist.
For more information, click here
…
24. Femme It Forward Presents: Monica, Ashanti, Amerie, Keri Hilson, and Lil Mo
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Friday, January 3 | 8 p.m.
This Friday night, R&B songstresses Monica, Ashanti, Amerie, Lil Mo, and Keri Hilson will be performing in the City of Brotherly Love. The Met Philadelphia will be filled with stellar vocals and tremendous hits from the past.
For more information, click here
…
26. Three Kings Day Celebrations
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
The Kimmel Center will be having a Three Kings Day event on Saturday evening which includes a Three Wise Men reenactment, music, traditional food. The Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Cultural Center celebrate Three Kings Day with a blowout fiesta on the same day. There will be plenty of Rosca de Reyes, piñatas, traditional food, and more. Taller Puertorriqueño will also be hosting El Día de Reyes festivities this Monday from 3 -5:30 p.m.
…
27. Farmers’ Markets
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, January 4
Each weekend in the City, several areas in the city are filled with produce and handmade crafts. Head over to Clark Park Farmers’ Market, Headhouse District Farmers’ Market, Rittenhouse Square Farmers’ Market, Market at the Fareway in Chestnut Hill, or Fairmount Farmers Market for all your needs. For those in collegiate domains, there’s a weekly University City Farmers’ Market and Cecil B. Moore Farmers’ Market.
…
28. Storytime at The Lodge
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink | 121 N. Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, January 4 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is always one of the true gems of the holiday season. The rink hosts several thematic events, parties, and gatherings at its adjacent lodge. This Saturday bring your kids out for storytime. Books are chosen by the Free Library of Philadelphia and snacks and hot chocolate will be provided for the kids.
For more information, click here
…
29. Philadelphia Bridal & Wedding Expo
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This weekend the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be taken over by wedding gown designers, florists, wedding planners, DJs, photographers, and more. If you’re about to begin planning your big day and need a few ideas or some help, come on down to this fantastic expo that will surely put you on the right path down the aisle.
For more information, click here
…
30. Decadent Gourmet Food Tour
Where: Reading Terminal Market | 51 N. 12th St
When: Saturday, January 4 | 10 a.m.
Each Saturday, the Reading Terminal Market hosts Taste of Philadelphia Tours. This Saturday morning, there will be a Decadent Gourmet food tour throughout the historic and culinary hotspot. Come get an in-depth look and taste of many of the vendors who make fantastic dishes each day.
For more information, click here
…
31. Museum Sundays
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy and The Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Sunday, January 5 | 10 a.m – 5 p.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation will be having its monthly First Sunday events. This Sunday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is Family Festival: 2020 Vision. There will be artist demonstrations, art-making, and family tours. The Barnes Foundation’s PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Creative Journeys will have a number of activities. There will be an art-making station in which you can see the figures in the exhibition Vidas Suspendidas / Suspended Lives and create your own self-portrait. Enjoy storytime, live music, and more with your entire family.
…
32. FOX Sports The Gambler Eagles Kickoff Show
Where: XFINITY Live! | 1100 Pattison Ave
When: Sunday, January 5 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Before each Philadephia Eagles game, head to PBR Philly inside of XFINITY Live! for the best kickoff show in Philly. Sean Brace, Eagles legend David Akers, Philly Influencer’s sports wagering ace Mark Drumheller, and Eagles Insider Adrian Fedkiw will be breaking down each matchup with in-depth analysis and insights. For those who can’t come down to PBR Philly, stream the show on the iHeartRadio app, 105.3 HD Radio, and more.
For more information, click here
…
33. Seahawks vs. Eagles
Where: Lincoln Financial Field | 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Sunday, January 5 | 4:40 p.m.
The battle of the birds is on! This Sunday the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC Wildcard matchup. The Linc will be full of frenzied fans as the underdog Eagles, let by Carson Wentz, seek to punch their ticket into the Divisional round. Fly Eagles Fly!
For more information, click here
…
Map of Events
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
Subscribe, rate, and review all Philly Influencer podcasts here. Follow Philly Influencer onTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram.