Things To Do In Philadelphia – The Holiday Spirit

‘Happy Holidays from MyPhillyAlive to You & Your Familys’

Today is the official day of winter. Hope you all have gotten your holiday shopping done. If you haven’t finished, there are many holiday attractions in Philadelphia and places to shop, supporting your local small businesses, so we wanted to highlight them for you below.

Here are a few places to stop at: The Christmas Village in Love Park,  the Reading Terminal Market, the stores in Manayunk, East Passyunk, 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.

Did you know : Philadelphia was just name 1 of the top 10 US travel destinations for 2013. Also named for 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  ~ December 21 – 27 ~

• Maya 2012 Final Countdown Party ~ December 21 ~ From 9 pm – 1 am. Once-in-a-lifetime party experience including live entertainment, music, light refreshments, and Maya-themed drink specials. See if the apocalyptic predictions are true as the clock strikes midnight and if the world doesn’t end, party on! ~ The Final Countdown ~
• 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 ~
• Art After 5 ~ December 21 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. The Jingle Bell Jive –  Boogie to the rhythms of The Tickled Pinks, a New York–based swing vocal trio that brings a fresh, modern sound to authentic 1940s arrangements. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
• The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts ~ December 21-23. Enjoy from four different holiday concerts.  ~ Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ December 22 & 26 ~ 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 ~
• 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 24 ~ 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
• 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 ~
• The Nutcracker ~ Now until December 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~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ Now until December 31 ~ This spectacular light show is a wonderful family tradition. Come check it out.~ Macy’s Light Show ~
• 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 Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Winter Stroll & Holiday House Tour ~ December 29 ~ From 5 to 8 pm, starting at 4603 Cedar Ave, through the University City District. Visit festive homes in your neighborhood while enjoying music, theater, refreshments, and more. ~ Winter Stroll & Holiday House Tour ~
• The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts ~ December 31. Enjoy from four different holiday concerts.  ~ Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts ~
• Fireworks on New Year’s Eve ~ December 31 ~ Come enjoy two different fireworks shows at the Penn’s Landing area. ~ Fireworks in Philadelphia ~
• Mummers Parade ~ January 1 ~  Come and join a Philly tradition with family and friends and watch the Mummers march up Broad Street.  ~ Mummers Parade ~

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 December 21 – 25

 

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy & Wind |  High 50°  | Low 34°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy & Wind |  High 41° | Low 29°

Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 44° |  Low 29°

Christmas Eve  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 40°  |  Low 33°

Christmas Day  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 42°  |  Low 29°

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 ~

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