19 Things to Do in Philly Christmas Weekend
The Pennsylvania Ballet performing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a Philadelphia holiday tradition. Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker @ Academy of Music
It’s not the holiday season without the Pennsylvania Ballet performing George Balanchine’s Christmas classic. The Nutcracker runs through the end of the month.
Seinfeld Quizzo: Festivus Edition @ Underground Arts
Test your knowledge about nothing at a Seinfeld-themed quizzo hosted by Johnny Goodtimes.
DJ Cutman’s Chiptune Christmas Flea Market @ PhilaMOCA
Despite the name, this isn’t quite a flea market. It’s more of a party, with video games and “good ol’ fashioned non-denominational December holiday chiptunes” — though there will be things for sale, and the first 50 people get a free Santa hat.
There’s Drinking to Be Done: The ’90s Before Christmas @ The Barbary
Dance away your present-buying panic at the Barbary’s ’90s party with music from the likes of Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, Ace of Base and Montell Jordan.
Jay Black @ Punch Line Philly
Comedian Jay Black brings his standup to Punch Line. You can watch his film, Meet My Valentine, on Netflix.
Christmas Miracle @ Good Good Comedy Theatre
Aaron Nevins and Kate Banford host a Christmas comedy show with 10 other funny people pitching in.
John McKeever and Tim Butterly @ Helium Comedy Club
Two of the stars of Comedy Central’s Delaware County-set series Delco Proper will be entertaining us live at Helium. Read Tim Butterly’s thoughts on Philly and the show here.
Electron @ Ardmore Music Hall
Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner of the Disco Biscuits, Mike Greenfield of Lotus and Tom Hamilton of American Babies jam out as Electron. Catullus opens.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
This weekend is last call for the open-air holiday market Christmas Village. Photo provided
Christmas Village @ City Hall
This is your very last chance to get to Christmas Village this year. Santa will be posing for photos all afternoon.
The Moo Shu Jew Show @ Ocean Harbor Restaurant
Eat too much Chinese food and laugh along with comedians Josh Gondelman, Julie Goldman and Avi Liberman at this annual Christmas Eve comedy showcase from the Gershman Y.
Skating With Santa @ Tarken Ice Rink
Anyone can take a photo sitting on Santa’s lap, but how often do you get to ice skate with him? It’s free to get in and just $3 for skates.
Christmas Eve With Reverend Chris @ The Twisted Tail
Reverend Chris will be playing New Orleans-style jazz and blues at Twisted Tail on Headhouse Square.
Center City Holiday Tour
Take a walking tour of Center City’s holiday sights and traditions with Philly Tour Hub and Philadelphia Urban Adventures.
Christmas Eve Party @ Varga Bar
Put on your most sparkly reindeer antlers for Varga’s Christmas party, complete with holiday music and drink specials.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
History buffs get into the spirit of the season when they witness Washington Crossing the Delaware River, a re-enactment staged at Washington Crossing Historic Park on Christmas Day. Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment @ Washington Crossing Historic Park
Watch George Washington give a rousing speech before leading his troops across the river, like he did during Christmas in 1776.
Being ___ at Christmas @ National Museum of American Jewish History
The NMAJH is hosting a day of family-friendly activities, including music from Alex & the Kaleidoscope, dancing, games, crafts with the Clay Studio, and kosher food from the Magical Sweet Shop.
Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart @ Wells Fargo Center
Treat the kids to a Disney on Ice show on Christmas, with Cinderella, Ariel, Dory, the Emotions from Inside Out, Olaf, Elsa and the rest of the Frozen crew, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie. The show runs through January 2nd, 2017.
Elf @ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Santa! I know him! Watch Will Ferrell in Elf during the last night of 12 Days of Christmas Movie Nights in the Lodge at Winterfest on the waterfront.
Christmas Miracle Karaoke Party With DJ Lars @ Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar
Do you think they have “O Holy Night” on the karaoke machine?
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