11 Things to Do in Philly Thanksgiving Week
From 6ABC’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
It’s an official holiday kickoff this week as a variety of Philly venues roll out the red carpet to welcome the Christmas season. Plus, don’t forget Thanksgiving: The city’s signature parade will be strutting down the Parkway on Turkey Day, plus two holiday pop-up markets will be open to satiate your seasonal shopping appetites.
Mary Gaitskill and Joe Meno at the Free Library
This duo of acclaimed authors will present readings from their newest works: Gaitskill’s The Mare and Meno’s Marvel and a Wonder. Monday, September 23rd, 7:30 pm, free, Central Branch of the Free Library.
Christmas in Fairmount Park Kick-Off
Join master ice sculptors as they recreate historic Fairmount mansions, and enjoy musical performances as Philadelphia Parks and Recreation rings in the holidays with this afternoon of traditional Christmas fun. Tuesday, November 24th, 11:30 am, free, Rittenhouse Square Park.
“The Book of Mormon” returns to Philly this week for an extended run.
The Book of Mormon at Forrest Theatre
It’s back. After a record-breaking run in 2014, the totally inappropriate and totally fun musical by the creators of South Park opens this week. Can everyone say “Hasa Diga Eebowai?” Tuesday, November 24th through Sunday, December 27th, various times, $67-177, Forrest Theatre.
Matilda: The Musical at the Academy
It’s your last chance to catch the award-winning, deeply dark show about a young girl with extraordinary talents. Read our review here. Now through Sunday, November 29th, various times, $20-110, Academy of Music.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Preview Party
If you were lucky enough to snag tickets to this sold-out affair, strap on your skates and head over to the RiverRink this Tuesday for a chance to skate, drink, and be merry before the hordes rush in over the weekend. Tuesday, November 24th, 8 pm, $10, Blue Cross RiverRink.
Tuesday’s Winterfest preview party is sold out, but maybe one of your friends has an extra ticket. | Photo by Matt Stanley
Jive Turkey Dance Party
The Trestle Inn is throwing a Thanksgiving Eve party that will help you forget about your in-laws for a bit. Drink specials, including a bourbon pumpkin cocktail, will be pouring all night. Wednesday, November 25th, 5 pm, pay as you go, The Trestle Inn.
Jeff Campbell at World Café Live
Singer-songwriter Jeff Campbell is playing a Thanksgiving Eve concert here in Philly. Don’t miss the performer who has shared stages with John Mayer, The Grateful Dead, and even Jimmy Kimmel. Wednesday, November 24th, 8 pm, $15, World Café Live.
Thanksgiving Eve Back in the Day Dance Party
DJ Howie T will be spinning hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s at this pre-turkey mixer, with live performances from Tori Lee and Derrick Chapelli. Wednesday, November 25th, 9 pm, pay as you go, South Philly Bar and Grill.
6ABC Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Philly tradition returns for yet another year, featuring Carli Lloyd, Dionne Warwick, Jerry Blavat, the casts of Pippin and The Sound of Music, plus, of course, Santa. Thursday, November 26th, 8:30 am, free, various locations along the Parkway.
Christmas Village in LOVE Park officially opens Thursday. | Photo by Russ Brown Photography
Christmas Village on Thanksgiving
After teasing us with a two-day preview this weekend, Philly’s Christmas Village will be open for business on Thanksgiving Day. Stop by for booths full of handmade gifts and decorations, and food vendors selling mulled wine, hot cocoa and other European snacks, like waffles and bratwurst. The park will be decorated with lights, and the LOVE Park Christmas tree will be front and center. There will also be a new food and wine garden just behind the Independence Visitor’s Center. For the little ones, Santa’s house will be set up in the fountain, which, of course, will be turned off for the frosty season. Thursday, November 26th, 11 am, free, Love Park.
Made in Philadelphia Market on Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for even more holiday shopping cheer, stop over to the new Dilworth Park pop-up market, envisioned by Christmas Village in LOVE Park creators. Enjoy local merchants like Philly Word Art, soapmaker Mahogany Essentials, and candlemaker Accent Aromaand. Yummy snacks, like donuts, hot chocolate, macaroons and gourmet chocolates, will be provided by T Bake Shoppe, Picket Fence Confections, Philly Pop Kettle Corn and more. Thursday, November 26th, 11 am, free, Dilworth Park.
Keep up to date with Ticket’s local arts, culture and events coverage. Here’s how:
