17 Things to Do in Philly Christmas Weekend
This weekend, several holiday attractions throughout the city will keep their doors open for some post-Christmas fun. For those who have filled their Christmas quota, we found some more secular activities people of all faiths can enjoy — musical concerts, theatrical productions, museum events and activities. Check out all our picks below.
Christmas Day
Catch a marathon of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” screenings Friday at Blue Cross RiverRink.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Screening
America’s favorite furry recluse — the Jim Carrey version — will peak his head out to cap off the 12 Days of Christmas Movies celebration at the RiverRink. The showing will begin at 6 pm and play on loop until late into the evening. Enjoy the film as a backdrop to your skating experience or cozy up on a couch with a friend to give the film individual attention. Friday, December 25th, 6 pm, free, Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
Ciroc-mas Ugly Sweater Party
Those oversized scratchy wool sweaters have been waiting all year to be pulled from the back of your closet. Now is their time to shine. The Bleu Martini is inviting you to join them for their annual ugly sweater party hosted by Icon Ryan. Live music will be played by guest DJ O-Boyy and drink specials will be served throughout the night. Friday, December 25th, 9 pm, Bleu Martini, 24 s 2nd Street.
Being [ ] At Christmas
Here is an event for families of all faiths. The American Jewish History Museum is throwing a kosher bash with a jam-packed schedule full of activities that will last all day. Hit the dancefloor to rock out to music from Emmy-winning Alex & the Kaleidoscope, make a self-drying clay dove at The Clay Studio, enjoy stand-up comedy from funny man, The Great Holtzie and more. Friday, December 25th, 10 am, $12 adult, $5 kids, 101 South Independence Mall East.
Post-Christmas Holiday Fun
Photo by Russ Brown Photography
Homecoming Weekend
Christmas Village is closing up shop until next season. Prolong the holiday into the weekend by taking one last stroll through the shopping center at LOVE Park. Come treat yourself to some final holiday cheer and enjoy food and drinks, along with purchasable crafts, jewelry and more. Saturday, December 26th through Sunday, December 27th, 11 am, pay as you go, 1500 Arch Street.
Holiday Garden Railway Last Weekend
Last call for those who still have not made it out to see those little engines at the Morristown Arboretum. Gaze in awe as at the impressive miniature railway display. The quarter mile of track that features seven loops and tunnels are all made out of all natural material, including bark, twigs, mosses, dried flowers, seeds and stones. Meticulously decorated buildings covered in holiday lights surround the tracks and add to the Christmas ambience. Saturday, December 26th through Sunday, December 27th, 10 am, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue.
Arts Destinations
Mural Arts hosts a train ride tour of Stephen Powers Love Letter murals in West Philadelphia.
African American Museum in Philadelphia Hosts Kwanzaa Celebration
Kick off Kwanzaa celebrations at the AAMP. The museum will host a variety of activities to celebrate the holiday and pay tribute to the African culture. Take part in traditional African pastimes like storytelling, West African dancing and drumming. Learn about African artistry by crafting your very own scarves, charm necklaces, quilts and more. Saturday, December 26th, 10 am, Sunday, December 27th, noon, $14 adults, $10 kids, 701 Arch Street.
Love Letter Train Tour
Be a part of unique guided tour that The O’Jays would get a kick out of. It’s a love train that has been brought to the city thanks to a collaboration between Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Mural Arts Program. Experience a series of 50 rooftop murals that were created to express affection from one person to the next. Professionally trained guides tell the stories behind each giant mural along the elevated train ride. Saturday, December 26th, 10:30 am, $20, 128 North Broad Street.
For the Kids
All-Star Day: Dinosaur Day
Take it back to a land before time at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Throughout the day explore different Dinosaur exhibits that give visitors a sneak peek into the lives of the prehistoric beasts and the legacy they left behind. Come face-to-face with live birds and reptiles, listen in on an interactive dinosaur story and play detective using real fossils to solve an ancient puzzle. Saturday, December 26th, 10 am, adults $18.95, kids $14.95, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Children’s Cooking Class at Reading Terminal Market
The kids are whipping up something special at the Reading Terminal Market this weekend. Children’s cooking classes will take place in two sessions: the first for middle schoolers and the second for those in high school. Students will be taught cooking techniques, safety, sanitation, plate and bowl presentation and more. Sunday, December 27th, 12:45 pm (first session), 2 pm (second session), $37.92-$43.19, City Kitchen at the Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street.
Ba-Dum-Bums
Photo courtesy Please Touch Musuem
Helium Presents: Josh Rabinowitz
Josh Rabinowitz is a New York City comedian who has performed standup on countless stages across the nation, including Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party and Just For Laughs Montreal’s All Access on the Comedy Network. He was named one of Comedy Central’s “Comics to Watch.” See this rising star crack some jokes at the Helium Night Club this weekend. Saturday, December 26th through Sunday, December 27th, 7:30 pm, $20, 2031 Sansom Street.
Universal Drum Dance Performers
The Please Touch Museum will welcome the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble to the stage this weekend. 35 dancers from Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Ghanna and more will perform mesmerizing sets complete with stilt walkers, drummers, stunning dancers and masquerades. Sunday, December 27th, 12 pm, $17, 4231 Avenue of Republic.
Music
The Roots and Common (Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com) perform at the Borgata in AC on Sunday.
The Return of the Legendary WNOC Christmas Show
WNOC was one of the most highly demanded bands in Philadelphia back in the 90s. They return to a Philly stage to celebrate this Yuletide season. They’ll hit the platform with their usual outrageous style while they pay homage to the City of Brotherly Love. Saturday, December 26th, 8 pm, $12, 1200 Callowhill Street.
15th Annual New Year’s Concert: Salute to Vienna
The Kimmel Center is ringing in the New Year a little early with a series of Austrian vignettes. Get swept away as conductor Matthias Fletzberger leads the Strauss Symphony of America in an uplifting set of Viennese music. Hand-picked European opera singers and ballroom dancers will accompany each the musical performance. Sunday, December 27th, 2:30 pm, purchase tickets here, 1500 Walnut Street.
Bro Safari at TLA
Born Nicholas Weiller, Bro Safari is an American dubstep producer who will take the TLA stage this weekend. The performer started producing trap, moombahton and dubstep back in 2008 under the moniker Bro Safari. This Saturday he will be joined by progressive metalcore band Gladiators. Saturday, December 26th, 8 pm, TLA, 334 South Street.
Shane Henderson
Shane Henderson’s first emerged as a musician when he wrote, sang and played guitar for the critically acclaimed Philadelphia pop-punk band Valencia. He has since branched out from the group and created a sound that his totally his own. Henderson currently resides in New York City, writing and engineering songs from artists across musical genres. He will hit up The Troc this weekend to perform a live acoustic solo concert. Saturday, December 26th, 7 pm, $12, 1003 Arch Street.
The Roots With Special Guest Common
This Philadelphia-bred band earned their spot in the limelight long before their occasional cut-ins on The Tonight Show. The Roots was first started in 1987 by Philadelphia-native by the band’ drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Since this time they have produced 10 studio albums, two EPs, collaborated with several artists on other albums and perform regularly on the Fallon talk shows. This Sunday they will be joined on stage by the legendary rapper, Common. Sunday, December 27th, 8 pm, $ 69, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ.
The Red Hotts Playing at The Vault
This female fronted five-piece band will have those feet moving all night long. The band is highly versatile, performing covers of 80s classics, power ballads, hip-hop and rock. The Red Hotts have an incredible range of experience that spans across 25 different states. Saturday, December 26th, 9 pm, $10, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA.
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