Things to Do in Philly in December
SOULFUL CHRISTMAS: Choirs from all over the region get together for a little gospel celebration at the Kimmel on December 15th.
December 2-December 30
’Tis the Season at Roxy
A holiday-themed film series comes to the Rittenhouse cinema, with highlights Home Alone (12/16), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (12/23) and Edward Scissorhands (12/30).
December 2-December 31
Cast of This Is the Week That Was | Photo by John Flak
This Is the Week That Is at Plays & Players
The city’s funniest theater troupe is celebrating 10 years of this annual send-up of politics and media.
December 3
All Them Witches at Boot & Saddle
Exciting psych rock from Nashville.
December 3
Tree Lighting at City Hall
Mayor Nutter’s last time with his finger on the switch. If you can’t make this one, the tree lighting at Christmas Village in LOVE Park is the next day.
December 5
Miley Cyrus at Electric Factory
One stop of a super-short (seven cities only!) tour that pairs the bawdy pop tart with the Flaming Lips as her backing band. Apparently, one of the shows on the tour will be performed in the buff. Godspeed.
December 5
Night Kitchen at Beaumont Wherehouse
The monthly salon hosts performances by Philly stage talents Mary McCool and Hannah Van Sciver, among others.
December 9
Joanna Newsom at Union Transfer
It’s not often a harpist takes the stage of the city’s best rock club.
December 11
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at Fillmore
Our newest music venue welcomes the Vermont singer and her band.
December 11-13
“X-Mas Philes” hits the Kimmel Center on December 11th.
Messiah at Kimmel Center
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Handel’s masterpiece.
December 11-13
X-Mas Philes at Kimmel Center
Philadanco’s holiday dance presentation has become a tradition in its own right.
December 11-31
The Nutcracker at Academy of Music
Like having the Pennsylvania Ballet around? Keep in mind that much of its money comes from ticket sales for this holiday classic.
December 12
Army-Navy Game at Lincoln Financial Field
After a year in Baltimore, the rivalry is back at the Linc. Navy hasn’t lost since 2001.
December 12
Andrea Bocelli at Wells Fargo Center
Less than three months after he performed for Pope Francis.
December 12
Northern Arms at Everybody Hits
One of our favorite local bands in a show at the batting cages on Girard Avenue? Sure, why not. They’re joined by Tutlie and Queen of Jeans.
December 15
“A Soulful Christmas” at Kimmel Center
Choirs from all over the region get together for a little gospel celebration.
December 18
Slay Belles at Trocadero
A little burlesque for the holidays from the Peek-a-Boo Revue.
December 21
The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret at FringeArts
What a drag.
December 24-January 3
Disney On Ice at Wells Fargo Center
This “100 Years of Magic” show celebrates some of the more old-school characters.
December 27
The Roots at Borgata
Questlove and company may have abandoned us for New York and Jimmy Fallon, but we still love them.
December 31
First Night at Haddonfield at various locations
Got kids and don’t want to sit at home watching Ryan Seacrest yuk it up on TV all night? Head to the quaint South Jersey town for dozens of performances—from rock bands and DJs to the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra and Haddonfield Cello Society—and lots of kids’ activities in local schools, churches and businesses and on the street. But if you want to go boozing, go elsewhere: First Night Haddonfield is very much alcohol-free.
December 31
Red 40 & the Last Groovement at FringeArts
A New Year’s Eve dance party with the funky theater-rock ensemble. Plus, you’re in prime position to watch the fireworks on the waterfront.
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