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. Thanksgiving Dinners
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Don’t miss your chance to skip the dishes and shopping this year. There are several local restaurants that will be serving up Thanksgiving meals to-go. From a juicy turkey to tremendous side dishes, there is something for everyone. With a spread that’s being offered for pickup, you’ll wish you made the takeout switch years ago.
For more information, click here.
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2. Thanksgiving Day Virtual Celebration
Where: Virtual Event
When: Thursday, November 27 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day celebrations will take place this Thursday and will be virtual. Get ready for hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest to take over the stage. There will be marching bands, a performance from singer/songwriter Deniece Williams, and an appearance from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Carson Kressley.
For more information, click here.
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3. Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Where: Virtual Event
When: Begins Friday, November 27
Did somebody say lights? Each year Macy’s Center City gets you in gear for the holidays and fills their building with Christmas spirit. This year, the spirit isn’t going away, it’s just moving online. The Wanamaker Organ will still be serenading us with famed Christmas classics from The Nutcracker and more. Dickens Village will also be virtual for 2020.
For more information, click here.
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4. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Sunday, March 7
This treasured ice skating rink is finally opening! The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest kicks into full gear this week. In its 27th year, the wintry themed entertainment center will be full of ice skating lovers (mask required) and the music of the seasons.
For more information, click here.
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5. Deck the Hall Light Show at Dilworth Park
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Runs through Friday, 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 p.m. and continues every hour until 9 p.m. On weekends the show lasts an extra two hours and will run until 11 p.m.
For more information, click here.
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6. Christmas Village in LOVE Park
Where: LOVE Park | 15th St & Arch St
When: Runs through Thursday, December 24
It’s that time of the year again. The edges of LOVE Park will be packed with many popup wooden boutiques. The bustling and socially-distanced 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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7. Made in Philadelphia Market
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S 15th St
When: Runs through Friday, January 1
Local artisans, designers, crafters, and confectioners will be on full display this season at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Complementing the adjacent Christmas Village, this free admission shopping area is the perfect place to find a treasure for your loved ones. Over the next few months, 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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8. Winter at Franklin Square
Where: Franklin Square | 200 N. 6th St
When: Runs through Thursday, December 31
Stop by the Franklin Square holiday attractions to ring in the season. This will be a spectacular way to take in the sights and sounds of the season and great attractions. Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens will feature the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show and more. More than 100,000 lights will shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS® in two alternating shows every 30 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. daily, until 9 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays, weather permitting. There is also a holiday-themed minigolf on their 18-hole course. The festivities include reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks with seasonal lighting and Christmas music.
For more information, click here.
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9. Holidays in Chestnut Hill
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Chestnut Hill! During Holidays on the Hill, visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of the season by strolling through Philadelphia’s Garden District. Visitors can enjoy the tunes of a brass quartet, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets, view an outdoor model train display, take advantage of late-night shopping hours, and experience socially-distanced visits from Santa! This year, the Chestnut Hill Business District has implemented new COVID-19 safety guidelines, reimagining Holidays on the Hill to create various safe and socially distant ways to celebrate the holidays, virtually or in-person. Chestnut Hill’s oldest tradition, Stag & Doe, is expanding to an all-day event, with staggered entertainment, to provide for a comfortable, safe, and socially distant shopping and dining experience.
For more information, click here.
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10. Winter on Broad Street
Where: Outside the Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
When: Runs through Sunday, January 3
The Wells Fargo Center parking lot will be sending season’s greetings to the region through January. The sizeable lot will be full of 193 massive sculptures during Winter on Broad Street. From the larger-than-life reindeer to ornaments, and more lining the icicle path, there’s something for everyone here. If that doesn’t convince you, you can also take a flick with Gritty Claus. The attraction will also have a holiday-themed market selling the best gifts and handmade crafts in town.
For more information, click here.
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11. Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Where: Morris Arboretum | 100 E. Northwestern Ave
When: Runs through Thursday, 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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12. Historic Holidays in Old City
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Thursday, 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. There will also be a window decorating contest this Saturday.
For more information, click here.
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13. Buy Black Friday and Museum Store Sunday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, November 27 and Sunday, November 29
With restrictions hitting museums and certain communities the hardest, there are several ways to give back to the institutions and shops in need this weekend. #BuyBlack Friday is your chance to uplift Black-owned shops in the city. This Sunday is also Museum Store Sunday. Shoppers can find great gifts on both days.
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14. Small Business Saturday in Philadelphia
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, November 28
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 deals in Manayunk, Old City, East Passyunk, and more.
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15. Philadelphia Orchestra
Where: Virtual Event
When: Runs through Sunday, November 29
The Philadelphia Orchestra will be showcasing its tremendous talent this week with digital performances of Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 and Adagio for Strings by Barber. Conducted by Nézet-Séguin, you can access these artistic triumphs on-demand. Bring the sounds of this phenomenal orchestra into your holiday weekend.
For more information, click here.
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16. PHestivaL of Trees at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center| 100 Station Ave | Oaks, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, November 29
Bring your entire family out for this three-day, drive-thru event at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend. You’ll be able to enjoy the majestic tree, a nativity scene, Kwanzaa decorations, a sizable Hanukkah menorah, and a light show. Santa will also be in the vicinity to spread holiday cheer. all proceeds will go to local animal shelters.
For more information, click here.
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17. Brunch with the Snow Queen
Where: Germantown Garden | 1029 Germantown Ave
When: Saturday, November 28 | 11 a.m.
Bring the magic of the holidays and Disney’s to your children this weekend. This outdoor event will feature the Snow Queen inspired by Elsa, with a safe and socially-distanced photo opportunity, songs from the princess’ story, and a grand entrance sing-along. Each reservation will also receive a one on one Snow Queen visit per each Igloo, a souvenir, and frozen themed activity sheets. All children and adults above the age of two must wear a mask to and from their dining table. Costumes for the little ones are encouraged but not required.
For more information, click here.
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You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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Silent and beautiful, this nearly 200-year-old cemetery sits at the edge of the city, looking out of the Schuylkill River. It’s a popular spot to visit come fall, when the falling leaves and crisp air enhance its mystical quality. Plus, the cemetery offers a roundup of fascinating and fun events like yoga classes, history tours (that touch on spiritualists, rituals, hauntings and more), and of course, a Halloween-themed family day in the cemetery. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is a nearly century-old Philly staple. Since it opened in 1921, the park has seen a number of changes, including the addition of a golf course and skate park. Now, it’s undergoing a revamping project which will bring all kinds of gorgeous new amenities to the space. Take this spring to check out the beloved—and historic—South Philly spot.