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].
This week’s best New Year’s Eve Sips & Eats!
1. Closing Soon: Deck the Hall Christmas Light Show
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
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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2. Closing Soon: Philly Holiday Festival
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
Several holiday-themed events and attractions will be closing very soon around the city. Presented by Independence Blue Cross, the Philadelphia Holiday tree, the Wawa Holiday Plaza, and holiday tunes will be wrapping up in the coming days.
For more information, click here
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3. Closing Soon: Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Where: Morris Arboretum | 100 E Northwestern Ave
When: Runs through Tuesday, 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 before its too late. This majestic and holiday locomotion wonder will not disappoint.
For more information, click here
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4. Closing Soon: Macy’s Christmas Lights Show and Dicken’s Village
Where: Macy’s Center City | 1300 Market St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
Did somebody say lights? Each year, the Macy’s Christmas 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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5. Closing Soon: Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle
Where: Franklin Square | 200 N. 6th St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
Franklin Square, and its more than 80,000 lights, is a holiday hotspot each year. The historic square has been playing the Sounds of the Seasons each Sunday, having tremendous holiday attractions, and plenty of family-friendly events. This Friday night, come celebrate Kwanza and Hanukah. There will be games, arts and crafts, goodies, and more.
For more information, click here
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6. Closing Soon: Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Where: Comcast Center | 1701 JFK Blvd
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
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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7. Closing Soon: Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
More than 40 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.
For more information, click here
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8. Closing Soon: The Fashion District’s Holiday Light Show
Where: Fashion District Philadelphia | 901 Market St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
The Philadelphia Fashion District will be closing its holiday light show next week. Come get a final glimpse of its 45-foot-tall floating tree adorned ornaments and lights will be highlighted by the music of the Philly POPS. There are five-minute shows running every 30 minutes starting at 4 p.m.
For more information, click here
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9. Closing Soon: The Nutcracker
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
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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10. Closing Soon: Adventure Aquarium Christmas
Where: Adventure Aquarium | 1 Riverside Dr | Camden, NJ
When: Runs through Monday, December 30
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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11. Closing Soon: A Very Philly Holiday
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
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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12. Closing Soon: Holiday Lights at Boathouse Row
Where: Boathouse Row
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1st
Boathouse Row’s Festival of Lights will be running through Wednesday. 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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13. Closing Soon: Miracle on 13th St.
Where: 1600 S. 13th St.
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
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 its magical run ends.
For more information, click here
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14. Closing Soon: A Very Philly Christmas in Fairmount Park
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Wednesday, January 1
Christmas celebrations have touched the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park with festive activities all December. Whether it’s Lemon Hill, Strawberry Mansion, Cedar Grove, or Laurel Hill, these events have brought the warmness of the holiday season to the area in a unique way. Don’t miss out on your last chance to see these historic houses in their holidays best!
For more information, click here
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15. Closing Soon: Hamilton
Where: National Constitution Center | 525 Arch St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
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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16. Closing Soon: Winter Break at the Museum of the American Revolution
Where: The Museum of the American Revolution | 101 S. 3rd St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
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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17. Winter Break at the National Constitution Center
Where: National Constitution Center | 525 Arch St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
The National Constitution Center will be featuring a Winter Break programming through the end of the year. 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. You can also stop by the new exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality.
For more information, click here
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18. Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
Where: Merriam Theater | 250 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 29
Bring your friends and family out to the Merriam Theater this weekend for Cirque Dreams: Holidaze. The theatrical production, presented by Broadway Philadelphia, is a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle, and talent by the sleigh load and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil” according to the New York Times. The two-hour seasonal spectacle features over 300 costumes and 20 acts.
For more information, click here
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19. Disney on Ice
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
The Wells Fargo Center will be full of enchantment and wonder over the next few weeks. Disney on Ice Presents Road Trip Ice Adventures will be taking over the arena through Sunday, January 5. 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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20. Night Vision at the Penn Museum
Where: Penn Museum | 3260 South St
When: Runs through Friday, December 27
Come to Penn Museum this weekend for Night Vision. This happy hour with a twist will make you see the esteemed institution in a whole new light. From the origins of vampires and werewolves to the deep myths of history, this excursion will have you viewing the museum’s collections in the dark. night. Beer and hard cider will be provided.
For more information, click here
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21. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, December 27 | 5 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. Saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart will be presenting Jewish liturgical chants with modern jazz sensibilities from his latest album Hazzan.
For more information, click here
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22. Hanukkah
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Monday, December 30
Outside of the previously mentioned Boathouse Row light show and Franklin Square activities, there will be other Hanukkah events illuminating the city through the weekend. Philly Improv Theatre will be acting out the story of Hanukkah with a comedic twist. The 2nd Annual ACRe Chanukah Party at Alliance Synagogue is also this Saturday.
For more information, click here
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23. Creation Station at The Franklin Institute
Where: The Franklin Institute | 222 N. 20th St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
Back by popular demand, The Franklin’s Institute’s Creation Station returns this week. This engaging and interactive family-focused design event is something that shouldn’t be missed. Bring your budding engineers out yo play and build with giant Tinker Toys, large Imagination Playground blocks, and enjoy an area for building with KEVA planks and Rigamajigs.
For more information, click here
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24. HiJinx Festival
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Friday, December 27 and Saturday, December 28
The two-day HiJinx Festival will take over the Pennsylvania Convention Center this Friday and Saturday. The music festival features Skrillex, Zeds Dead, Kittens, The Underachievers, and plenty of others.
For more information, click here
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25. Leonard Ouzts
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 28
There’s nothing like inching towards the new year with some laughs. Come to Punch Line Philly this weekend to see Leonard Ouzts. The actor and comedian has been seen on The Tonight Show, Standing Up, Falling Down, and other productions.
For more information, click here
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26. Yasiin Bey
Where: The Ave Live 520 | N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Friday, December 27 | 8 p.m.
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def will be at The Ave Live this weekend. The new music and entertainment venue has finally opened its Delaware Avenue doors. The black on Both Sides Tour will feature Bey and Talib Kweli. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Yasiin Bey’s (Mos Ded) studio album debut.
For more information, click here
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27. Kwanzaa Celebrations
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Before the weekend starts, stop by the AAMP to celebrate Kwanzaa. There will be food, dancing, performances, and more this Thursday. The Universal Kwanzaa Alliance will be hosting a Kwanzaa celebration this Saturday. There will be a children’s village, African drumming, and more. The 13th Annual Kwanzaa Collective at the William Way LGBT Community Center will be showcasing the joys of Kwanzaa and Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community of color.
For more information, click here
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28. Reading Terminal Market
Where: Reading Terminal Market | 51 N 12th St
When: Saturday, December 28 | 10 a.m.
Each Saturday, the Reading Terminal Market hosts Taste of Philadelphia Tours. This Saturday morning, there will be a Taste of the Market 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
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29. Minefaire at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Saturday, December 28 and Sunday, December 29
Connect with your kids and be blown away by off-the-charts fun at the #1 Minecraft event in the USA that has broken a Guinness World Record for the largest convention for a single video game. Minefaire: Official Minecraft Community Event, which has produced four previous massive Minecraft experiences in the Philadelphia region, will be taking over the AcademyofNaturalSciences this weekend. Fans of the video game can compete in tournaments, wear costumes, build battles, and try to decode a Minecraft Escape Room.
For more information, click here
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30. PnB Rock
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 28 | 8 p.m.
Philly rapper PnB Rock will be playing at the newly renovated Met Philadelphia this Saturday 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
For more information, click here
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31. The Struts
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St
When: Saturday, December 28 | 8 p.m.
UK rock band The Struts will be playing at The Fillmore Philadelphia this Saturday night. The “Body Talks”, “Could Have Been Me”, and “Kiss This” act will be flooding the entertainment venue with guitar riffs and their signature sound.
For more information, click here
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32. Jamal Parker at The African American Museum of Philadelphia
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch St
When: Sunday, December 29 | 2 p.m.
International slam poetry champion and writer, Jamal Parker will be at The African American Museum in Philadelphia this Sunday. As part of the AAMP Commune series, this community-led and in-gallery conversation is always a favorite. There will be a live performance and more.
For more information, click here
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33. Greta Van Fleet
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Sunday, December 29 | 8 p.m.
Greta Van Fleet will be playing at The Met Philadelphia this Sunday night. The Grammy award-winning band brings their tour to the city of Brotherly Love after a year of critical acclaim for their debut album, Anthem of a Peaceful Army.
For more information, click here
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34. Eric Benét
Where: City Winery Philadelphia | 990 Filbert St
When: Sunday, December 29 | 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
R&B singer Eric Benét will be front-and-center on City Winery Philadelphia’s stage for two amazing shows this Sunday. The singer-songwriter and actor will be performing many of his hits that have made him a household name through the years.
For more information, click here
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35. Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Waterfront Festivities
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
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 a New Year on the Pier party that offers views of the fireworks as well.
For more information, click here
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36. Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
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 party for all. The final night of the Franklin Square Holiday Festival concludes with the most family-friendly New Year’s celebration in town! An animated illuminated square sits high above SquareBurger and is magically lowered during the countdown. The Square Drop utilizes over 50,000 additional colored LED lights to create this Franklin Square tradition. Enjoy music and crafts beginning at 4 pm before the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6 pm and Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, viewable from the Square. The indoor Franklin Square Pavilion will host a Kids’ Dance Party until 8 pm for the final Electrical Spectacle of 2019.
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37. Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Concert
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Tuesday, December 31 | 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday evening, head out to the Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for a night of wonderful classics and stellar musicianship. Conductor Bramwell Tovey returns with his inimitable flair and irrepressible joy to the Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve concert. Bring on the bubbly and ring in 2020 in style.
For more information, click here
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38. New Years Day
Where: Various locations
When: Wednesday, January 1
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. There will be a Broad Street Bash at the famed center. The Philadelphia Museum of Art and other venues will be open for business or having special events.
For more information, click here
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39. Mummers Parade
Where: Runs down Broad St
When: Wednesday, January 1 | 9 a.m.
One of the longest-running holiday parades and traditions takes over the city of Philadelphia this Tuesday. The 2020 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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