12 Things to Do in Philly Till New Year’s Eve
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
The Victorian Dining Room Series
Start your holiday week off with some quality (and free!) live entertainment. Head to North Star Bar for the Victorian Dining Room Series, a showcase of performances from local artists and bands in the bar's 125-year-old dining room. This week, the series will feature The Chalk Board Artists. Did I mention it's free? For more information, click here. Monday, December 22nd, 8 p.m., 21+, North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar Street.
Movie Monday
Relive some of your favorite old-school classics at the Trocadero's Movie Monday. This week, watch Bruce Willis strong-arm a group of terrorists in Die Hard. On the 29th, they’re showing the flick that kicked off the whole Indiana Jones franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Three bucks gets you in to the screening, and goes toward a drink or a snack. Monday, December 22nd, and Monday, December 29th, doors at 6:30 p.m., movie begins at 8 p.m., $3, 21+, The Trocadero, 1003 Arch Street.
Cuban Tinsel Crisis
Johnny Brenda's will host a very timely yet coincidental evening of holiday hoopla, perfect for all bad Santa's and corrupted elves. Cuban Tinsel Crisis: The 5th Annual Yuletide Variety Extravaganza will include several sketch, stand-up, and prop comedy acts, plus live music and a game show. For more information, click here. Tickets are available for purchase online. Tuesday, December 23rd, 8 p.m., $10, 21+, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue.
The Night Before On XPN
For the 22nd year in a row, out WXPN host—and our 2014 Best of Philly pick for Best DJ—Robert Drake will stay up for 24 hours on Christmas Eve playing the enormous collection of holiday music he’s collected since his youth. Called The Night Before on XPN, the exhaustive set will include every type of holiday song imaginable—rare tunes that reach as far back as 1918. Tune in; it's become a bonafide Philly holiday tradition. Read our interview with him here. Thursday, December 24th, 12:01 a.m. to midnight, 88.5 FM on your radio, or streamed live here.
Disney on Ice Presents: Frozen
Avoid cabin fever induced tantrums this holiday break by scooping up your Queen Elsas and bringing them to Disney on Ice: Frozen. By now, you've probably heard "Let it Go" more times than you'd like to remember, but the show's special effects, talking snowman, and catchy tunes will be sure to please the little ones. Tickets are available for purchase online. Be sure to check out our guide to kid-friendly holiday happenings for more festive family fun. Thursday, December 25th-January 4th, various times, $30-$105, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street.
Moo Shoo Jew Show
Enjoy an evening of Jewish-inspired standup comedy and a delicious Chinese banquet with laughs from Stewie Stone, Jon Fisch, Dave Konig, and Robin Fox. Wednesday, December 24th, 6 p.m., $69 in advance, $80 at the door, Ocean Harbor, 1023 Race Street.—Aubrey Nagle
Art After 5
Don't lose the holiday spirit just yet: spend the night after Christmas at the Philadelphia Museum of Art enjoying a soulful performance of holiday jazz favorites from Barbara Montgomery. In addition to live entertainment, Art After 5 programming includes snacks and cocktails in the Great Stair Hall, as well as guided gallery tours throughout the evening. For more information, click here. Museum admission is available for purchase online. Friday, December 26th, 5 p.m.-8:45 p.m., $17.50-$23.50, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Rolling Stones Tribute
Boot & Saddle will devote an entire evening to the hits of The Rolling Stones. Expect renditions of your favorites—like "Some Girls" and "Exile on Main Street”—from bands including Jesse Lundy Band, Mach 4, North Lawrence Midnight Singers, and Brown Sugar. Tickets are available for purchase online. Friday, December 26th, 6:30 p.m., $10, 21+, Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad Street.
Philly Loves James Brown
Prepare to get funky at a late-night celebration of the Godfather of Soul himself–James Brown. DJ's Mike Nyce, Cosmo Baker and Foxx Boogie will be spinning all of mister Brown's best dance anthems all night, along with live art-marking by Ameerah K Art, and tons of drink specials to have you feeling nice–like sugar and spice. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Saturday, December 27th, 9 p.m., $10, 21+, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue.
Winter Beer Festival
Seek refuge from any remaining members of your extended family, or just sip away all traces of the post-holiday blues at World Cafe Live's 7th annual Winter Beer Festival. Sample offerings from over 40 breweries, including stouts, porters, winter seasons, and special holiday brews. There will be live entertainment courtesy of The Whiskeyhickon Boys, plus plenty of wine and spirit options for those who favor a different libation. For more information, click here. Tickets are available for purchase online. Sunday, December 28th, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., $40, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
Stomp
Head to the Merriam Theater to catch the international percussion sensation, Stomp. The energetic cast creates a rhythmic orchestra of percussive beats using only household and industrial objects, like kitchen sinks, brooms, and paint cans. Explosive, lively, and fun, the award-winning show is a perfect theater experience for the whole family. Tickets are available for purchase online. Friday, December 26th-Tuesday, December 30th, various times, $39.50-$75, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad Street.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Cue the confetti, noisemakers, and Auld Lang Syne. Whether you're looking to ring in 2015 with a low-key evening or an all-night dance party, we've got you covered. Check out our guide to Philly's best New Year's Eve events, and make the last night of the year one to remember. Wednesday, December 31st, various times & locations.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
