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].
The best New Year’s Eve Sips & Eats!
Events Running Through the Weekend
1. Closing Soon: The Nutcracker
Where:Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
When:Runs through Monday, December 31st
George Balanchine’s ballet The Nutcracker is one of the most celebrated theatrical pieces of each holiday season. The Christmas themed production will be ending its run at the Academy of Music over the next few days. 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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2. Closing Soon: A Very Philly Holiday
Where:One Liberty Observation Deck, 1650 Market St.
When:Runs through Tuesday, January 1st
The One Liberty Observation Deck in Center City has been in the holiday spirit for weeks. Through the month, there have been ugly sweater parties, Grinch meet-and-greets, parties, candy cane hunts, and much more. Check out the towering building’s last events this week.
For more information, click here.
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3. Closing Soon: Adventure Aquarium Christmas
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr. Camden, NJ
When: Runs Sunday, December 30th
There was only one place where you could’ve seen 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 this weekend to see the last festivities of the season.
For more information, click here.
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4. Closing Soon: Deck the Halls Light Show at City Hall
Where: City Hall, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd
When: Runs through Tuesday, January 1st
If you’ve passed the downtown and Center City fixture of City Hall over the past month at night, you would’ve noticed the new and enhanced visualizations adorning the historic structure. The Deck The Halls Lightshow will be in town through Tuesday. On weekdays the show starts at 5:30 pm and continues every hour until 8:30 pm. On weekends the show gets an added hour lasting until 9:30 pm.
For more information, click here.
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5. Closing Soon: Comcast Christmas Spectacular
Where: The Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd
When: Runs through Tuesday, January 1st
Speaking of annual holiday events, it’s The Comcast Center’s Christmas Spectacular’s last weekend. The amazing LED panoramic screen in the commercial center will be broadcasting various holiday theatrical performances, concerts, images, and more through Tuesday. The daily shows begin at the top of each hour from 10:00 am–8:00 pm. The attraction has brought millions out through the years.
For more information, click here.
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6. Closing Soon: Macy’s Light Show
Where: Macy’s Center City, 1300 Market St.
When: Friday, November 23rd-Monday, December 31st
Did somebody say lights? Each year Center City’s Macy’s Light Show captivates and mesmerizes. Over 100,000 LED lights have been vibrating along the walls and shimmering to the best holiday music coming from the Wanamaker Grand Organ.
For more information, click here.
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7. Closing SoonMorris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Where: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
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 before its too late. There are Friday and Saturday night specialized events this weekend as well.
For more information, click here.
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8. Closing Soon: Franklin Square Sundays
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When: Nightly through Monday, December 31st.
Franklin Square has multiple events highlighting the carousel filled area through next week. This will be the last Sounds of the Seasons this Sunday in which, Philly POPs holiday-themed music plays throughout the location. Don’t miss the musical and majestic event.
For more information, click here.
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9. Closing Soon: Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
When: Runs through Tuesday, January 1st
More than 40 local artisans, designers, crafters, and confectionaries have been on full display this season at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. This free admission shopping area is the perfect place to find a special item, custom crafts, and more.
For more information, click here.
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10. Closing Soon: Holiday Lights at Boathouse Row
Where: Boathouse Row
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
Boathouse Row’s Festival of Lights will be running through Monday, December 31st. The luminary famed houses have been shining brightly for several occasions during the festive season. Through the weekend, stop by the waterfront area to see the houses glistening. Don’t miss out on this visual treasure along the riverbanks.
For more information, click here.
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11. Closing Soon: Miracle on 13th St.
Where: 1600 S. 13th St.
When: Runs through Wednesday, 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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12. Closing Soon: Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes that Shaped a Nation
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
The National Constitution Center will be closing this unique exhibit on Monday. Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation displays the perils and drama between James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Aaron Burr. The intensive will look at Hamilton’s struggles, a timeline of his life, and unmask the historical figure.
For more information, click here.
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13. Kwanzaa at the African American Museum
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
When: Saturday, December 29th
The African American Museum will be having Kwanzaa Celebrations through Saturday. There will be arts, crafts, discussions, and more. Come out for storytelling, drum performances, and so much more heralding the first fruits of the harvest.
For more information, click here.
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14. Xtreme Science Days
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Runs through Sunday, December 30th
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will be hosting Xtreme Science Days through Sunday, December 30th. There will be games, slime, drinks, workshops, family-friendly activities, and much more. Stop by the Xtreme Food Challenge, Afternoon Beer Garden, the Xtreme Animal Adaptation series, and the Mad Scientist Laboratory on any of these days.
For more information, click here.
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15. Holiday Week at The Franklin Institute
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
Another institution getting into the holiday week spirit will be The Franklin Institute. Holiday week includes live shows and activities such as The Science of Fireworks Show and the Holiday Spectacular Show. The uber-famous Creation Station is a fun pop-up that immerses your entire family in activities centering on design, building, and construction.
For more information, click here.
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16. Winter Break at the National Constitution Center
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
The National Constitution Center will be featuring a Winter Break Programming through Saturday. You’ll have access to see the several exhibits as a part of your access. There will be quizzo, crafts, colonial dress up and photo opportunities, a meet a Continental soldier enactment, and more.
For more information, click here.
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17. Museum of the American Revolution Holiday Programs
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd St.
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
Keeping up with educational and institutional features on the list. The Museum of the American will be having, crafts, live play works, sewing instructionals, and more. Guest can journey on a virtual “ten-minute trip through the ten crucial days between the Battle of Princeton and Battle of Trenton” and learn the rules of dueling.
For more information, click here.
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18. Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
The Wells Fargo Center will be full of enchantment and wonder over the next few days. Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party will be taking over the arena through Monday. Bring your entire family out for these magical performances with some of your favorite Disney characters.
For more information, click here.
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19. The Met Philadelphia Events
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
When: Through Sunday, December 30th
Philly rapper PnB Rock will be playing at the newly renovated Met Philadelphia this Friday night. Come out for a night of hip-hop “Fleek”, “Issues”, and “Selfish” rapper. This will be one of the signature rap shows in the city this weekend. On Saturday, The local musician Kurt Vile will be playing at the entertainment venue. The War on Drugs act just released his 7th solo LP titled Bottle It In. Stop by on Sunday and Monday to see host, comedian, writer, and entertainer John Oliver.
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20. Comedy Shows
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Monday, December 31st
There’s nothing like ushering in a new year with some laughs. Several venues in the will be featuring hot acts in comedy and great sketch shows this week. Come to Punch Line Philly to see Nimesh Patel through the week or Love Me Some Comedy hosted by Skeet Carter this Sunday. They will also have Last Laughs 2018 at 7:30 pm and 10 pm on New Year’s Eve. Jon Dore from How I Met Your Mother and Conan will be at Helium Comedy Club through New Year’s Eve. Also, stop by Good Good Comedy Theatre for Make Up or Break Up Ex-Mas Edition a wild series that feature ex-couples on stage. Ramy Youssef from The Late Show will also be there this weekend.
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21. Creative Cocktails and Dinners in Philly
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, December 29th
There are plenty of interesting dining experiences on the table this weekend. Come to Punch Line Philly for a Drag Dinner Brunch on Saturday morning. There’s an Adult BYOB Boozy Baking Class, a Cocktail Workshop: Holiday Edition, and Maggiano’s will be hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner as well.
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22. SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Waterfront Festivities
Where: Delaware Waterfront at Penn’s Landing
When: Monday, December 31st, 6PM & Midnight
The Delaware Waterfront will be the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The scenic area will have tow fireworks shows. One at 6 P.M. and the second will be rocking the waterway skies at midnight. There will be a Parties On Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest event and the first ever Cherry Street Pier – New Year on the Pier party that offer views of the fireworks as well. Also in the area, there will be SugarHouse Casino’s epic NYE bash, The Spirit of Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve Cruise, FringeArts New Year’s Funkin’ Eve, Moshulu New Year’s Eve Dinner, Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing and more
For more information, click here.
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23. Kids Countdowns
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic and Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When: Monday, December 31st
The Please Touch Museum will be having something extremely pleasant for the kids this New Year’s Eve. The institution’s Countdown 2 Noon will have a creative arts studio, live singing performances, and an ultimate ball dropping experience. Franklin Square’s holiday-themed games and rides will be ending this weekend. The family-friendly park will be going out in style with a New Year’s Centered party for all. There will be craft making, a ball drop, food and beverages, a kids dance party, and more.
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24. New Year’s Day around Philadelphia
Where:Various locations
When:Tuesday, January 1st
New Year’s Day will bring several fun events to dive into on your day off. The Kimmel Center a free New Year’s Day celebration with vendors and views of the Mummers Parade. The Art Museum, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, The Barnes Foundation, Franklin Square, and Cherry Street Pier will all be open for business or have special events.
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25. Mummers Parade
Where:Runs down Broad St.
When:Tuesday, January 1st, 9AM
One of the longest-running holiday parades and traditions takes over the city of Philadelphia this Tuesday. The 2019 Sugar House Mummers Parade will display all four categories in the competition: comics, fancies, string bands, and fancy brigades. You can catch the parade live streamed and on 6ABC.
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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