Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Making Family Traditions

Holiday Tree at Christmas Villlage at Love Park

‘Holiday Spirit in Philadelphia’

December is upon us. Are you getting into the holiday spirit! Well, we have many treats for you, with many things to do during the holidays in Philadelphia. It’s even first Friday’s in the City and in Manayunk. So check out the art fun and mingle with the artists.

Support your local small businesses during these holidays by stopping at the Christmas Village in Love Park,  the Reading Terminal Market, the stores in Manayunk, and so many other places. Start or continue family holiday traditions by going to the Macy’s Holiday Light Show, the Comcast Spectacular Holiday Show, and even the Ice Skating rink at the Blue Cross RiverRink in Penn’s Landing.

The hustle and bustle is here upon us. Take time to enjoy and cherish these holiday activities with the family and create memories and traditions. Happy Holidays.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ November 30 – December 6 ~

  • Christmas Trees in Philly~ Looking for fresh cut Christmas trees. We have listed many locations throughout the city and the neighboring suburbs. ~ Christmas Trees in Philadelphia ~
  • First Friday’s in Old City~ December 7 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
  • First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ December 7 ~ Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~
  • Art After 5 ~ December 7 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Just Breathe: Yoga Night – Get centered before the holidays with meditative exercises, yoga postures, and breathing techniques amid the beauty of the Museum’s collection.  Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • The Nutcracker ~ December 8 – 30 ~ George Balanchine’s  the Nutcraker at the Academy of Music. Come experience a great time with the family, making at family tradition,  ~ The Nutcracker ~
  • Running of the Santas ~ December 8 ~ Starts at 10 am. Tickets still available. ~ Running of the Santas ~
  • Holiday Open House at Chaddsford Winery ~December 8 & 9, 15 & 16 ~ From 12 pm to 6 pm. Enjoy 1/2 off tastings, holiday inspired drinks, and cookies. ~ Holiday Open House at Chaddsford Winery ~
  • Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ December 8 & 9 ~ Free, from 10 am – 8 pm on Saturday & 10 am – 6 pm on Sunday. Come watch the Christmas parade with Santa and many activities for the family & especially the kids. ~ Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ December 8 & 12 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. ~ Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ 
  • A Ghost Story of Christmas ~ December 9 ~ At 4 pm at the Physick House. Stop in for a tale of eerie holiday magic, as actor/writer Josh Hitchens performs his adaptation of Dickens’ classic story of redemption, the Christmas Carol.~ A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles Game 123~ December 9  ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Tampa Buccaneers at1:00 pm in Tampa. If not going to the game, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
  • Baby Loves Disco – Help Restore the Shore ~ December 9 ~ To help raise money for those at the shore, join the family afternoon dance party. $10 will get your kid, arts & crafts, drawing lessons with Young Rembrandts, face painting, free snacks and much more. Held at Shampoo Nightclub. ~ Restore the Shore Event ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of December ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Christmas Village at the Love Park ~ Now until to December 22 ~ Come out to Love Park and get into the holiday spirit. Shopping galore, with lots of food, music, live entertainment, and activities for the kids. Check out the daily calendar. ~ Christmas Village at Love Park ~
  • Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ Now until December 22 ~ This spectacular light show is a wonderful family tradition. Come check it out.~ Macy’s Light Show ~
  • Freud’s Last Session at the Arden Theatre ~ Now until December 23 ~ Sigmund Freud invites a young C.S. Lewis to his London flat. These two formidable thinkers have an intellectual debate about God, love, science and man’s place in the universe. ~ Freud’s Last Session ~ ~ Info on Arden Theatre Company ~
  • Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad ~ Now until December 31 ~ At the Reading Terminal Market, stop in with your kids to see the 500 square foot model railroad display. ~ Reading Terminal Holiday Market ~
  • Comcast Holiday Spectacular Show ~ Now until 4 pm New Years Day 2013 ~ Come out to the Comcast building to watch this fun 15 minute holiday show, with mini holiday stories. ~ Comcast Holiday Spectacular Show
  • Ice Skating at Blue Cross River Rink ~ Now until February 2013 ~ Come on out with the family, significant other, or friends and enjoy ice skating down at Penn’s Landing. ~ Ice Skating at the Blue Cross River Rink ~
  • Walnut Street Theatre presents The Music Man ~ Now until January 6 ~ A musical, with an early 1900′s story of a Professor coming to town, promising to keep the kids out of trouble. There are some memorable tunes in this show. ~ The Music Man ~ ~ Info on Walnut Street Theatre ~
  • The Artifact Lab – Mummy Conversation at Penn Museum ~ Now until (no date set) ~ Here is your chance to get up close and personal. Watch conservators clean, examine, & preserve Egyptian Mummies at Penn Museum. Best of all, there are special times during the week to where you can ask them questions in person. ~ Conserving Mummies at Penn Museum ~
  • Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~  The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
  • Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
  • The Swedish American Line Exhibition ~ Now until February 24 ~ From the early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish cruises, visitors will get a look into the fleet’s history, exquisite style and personal stories and anecdotes from former passengers. Taking place at The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. ~ The Swedish American Line Exhibit ~
  • Titanic Exhibit ~ Now until April 7, 2013 ~ The Titanic exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of 300 + artifacts from after the Titanic was sunk. This is the 100th anniversary of the tragic story of 1,502 people that lost their lives. ~ Titanic Exhibit ~
  • Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide~

Come Back later this afternoon or evening for more things added to the Philly to do list!

Visiting Philadelphia

Are you Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too the many historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

  • The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
  • Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
  • Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell~
  • Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
  • Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall~
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art~
  • Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House~
  • Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
  • National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
  • Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours CompanyPhilly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

  • Winterfest at Sister Cities Park ~ December 15 ~ From 11 am to 2 pm, Holiday Treasure Hunt, Karaoke sing-a-long with Frosty the Snowman, plus seasonal arts and crafts…. and yes, Santa will be there & much more. ~ Winterfest at Sister Cities Park ~ ~ Info on Sister Cities Park ~
  • 15th Annual Reindeer Romp in Fairmount ~ December 20 ~ From 6pm to 2 am. $10 and a small toy  gets you antlers and great drink specials while you ROMP around Fairmount for the Season’s Favorite Bar Crawl to Support Charity Feel The Warmth ~ Reindeer Romp in Fairmount PA ~
  • Shakespeare in the World comes to the Barnes Foundation ~ December 21 ~ From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre partner with the Barnes Foundation with a critical discussion around Shakespeare with guest speakers, live performances and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $30 General Admission & $20 members and can be reserved online or via phone at (866) 849-7056. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
  • The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts ~ December 1, 20-22, 23, & 31. Enjoy from four different holiday concerts.  ~ Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts ~

As always, no matter if you are visiting Philadelphia or live in the City of Philadelphia, we hope our list of things to do in Philadelphia helps you out.

If you have stumbled upon something else that we did not mention, please let us know in a comment or in an e-mail. If you are a business or organization that has an event coming up, please contact us. MyPhillyAlive

If you happened to visit any of the things mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here or on that article describing what you liked about that event or attraction. As always, we would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, MyPhillyAlive

Philadelphia Weekend Weather for the weekend of November 30 – December 2

 

Friday  |  40% Showers |  High 45°  | Low 42°

Saturday  |  30% Few Showers |  High 57° | Low 43°

Sunday  |  40% Showers  |  High 49° |  Low 47°

Disclaimer : This blog post is a weekly update of things to do in Philadelphia. Please check the date above, when such article was posted. If an earlier date appears above, just go to this link for current events and attractions in Philadelphia. ~ Click : Things to do in Philadelphia ~

        

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page

Sign up for MyPhillyAlive’s Newsletter