Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Christmas Village At LOVE Park, Winterfest At Blue Cross RiverRink, Holiday Light Shows, South Street Headhouse District Wonderland and Tree Lighting and More!

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

‘Holidays In Philadelphia!’

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The weekend kicks off with Christmas Village at LOVE Park, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center, Macy’s Christmas Light Show, First Friday, Mean Girls production, ice skating at Dilworth Park, A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck, Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village and more. 

During the weekend enjoy Mean Girls production, A Philly Pops Uptown Christmas at The Met Philadelphia, South Street Headhouse District Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting, Christmas Village at LOVE Park, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center, Macy’s Christmas Light Show, ice skating at Dilworth Park, A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck, Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy Quizzo at Plough and the Stars, Christmas Village at LOVE Park, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center, Macy’s Christmas Light Show, Deck the Hall Light Show at City Hall, ice skating at Dilworth Park, Pay-What-You-Wish, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink, 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites, Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday, First Sunday and much more.

What event or activity this, weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below. Are you a fan of our Facebook fan page. Follow us here for exciting daily updates! MyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share fun and exciting events and attractions with you. Check out what’s happening for you this weekend in Philly and for the upcoming week and put these events on your calendar.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of: 

FYI – There are many events & attractions listed below that have been open prior today which are listed as “Now”. Also, check back daily for updates!

Informational Posts For Things To Do Year Round or Seasonal

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelpha Museums ~   
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Our Guide To Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philadelphia ~ November 29 – December 7 ~ Enjoy our guide to many tree lighting celebrations throughout Philadelphia! Have a favorite? Please tell us in the comments. Thx  ~ Our Guide To Tree Lighting Celebrations In Philadelphia ~
• Mean Girls at the Academy of Music ~ November 29 – December 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street.  Enjoy this hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey. After years abroad, a home-schooled teenage girl experiences a wicked and funny immersion in high school cliques and rivalries. ~ Mean Girls at the Academy of Music ~ 
• Christmas Village at LOVE Park ~ November 29 – December 24 ~ FREE – pay-as-you-go. Held at LOVE Park at 15th & Arch streets. Shop until you drop, while supporting local businesses. The German-style Christmas Village returns to LOVE Park for the 12th year, with 80 different vendors selling Käthe Wohlfahrt trimmings, wintry apparel, handmade toys and all manner of edible and drinkable treats. This year, the attraction expands to the north apron of City Hall, where visitors can find more shopping, a 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel and a holiday train for kids.  ~ Christmas Village at LOVE Park ~
• A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck ~ November 29 – December 30 (Fridays through Sundays at selected times) ~ Held at One Liberty Observation Deck at 1650 Market Street, 57th floor. Guided holiday tours of the attraction take place Fridays through Sundays at select times and are included with general admission. ~ Get Tix ~ ~ A Very Philly Holiday at One Liberty Observation Deck ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 29 – December 31 ~ FREE to attend – Pay-As-You-Go. This attraction features a 10-foot-tall kite made of lights that sparkle and spread down a custom 250-foot kite string and hundreds of feet of holiday garlands, which will cover the Square. These lights are set to dazzle you eight times daily, every 30 minutes, between 4:30 to 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 9:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays. You can experience two different seven-minute shows that will alternate throughout each evening. Throughout the season, enjoy many events such as FranklinSquareFridays, The Grinch, Thankful Friday, the arrival of Santa Claus, Star Wars, The Nutcracker, Frozen, Hanukkah/Kwanzas Celebration, Santa Saturdays, Seasonal Sounds on Sundays, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa PAWS, Lightning Bolt Holiday Express train rides around the Square, and the traditional family-friendly Kid’s New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ 
• Macy’s Christmas Light Show ~ November 29 – December 31 ~ FREE – Held at Macy’s at 1300 Market Street. Visitors will enjoy images of snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes and more that dance across the atrium inside of the historic Wanamaker building (now Macy’s Center City). This all takes place to a seasonal soundtrack that is narrated by Julie Andrews which runs every two hours during store hours. Make sure you head to the second floor to where you can explore the vintage Dickens Village, where more than 100 intricate animated dolls and sets retell A Christmas Carol. Each free walkthrough ends in a chance to meet and get photos with Santa. ~ Macy’s Christmas Light Show ~ 
• The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center ~ November 29 – January 1 ~ FREE – Held at Comcast Center at 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Enjoy this Philly holiday tradition as the super high-res LED holiday show combines the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a magical sleigh ride over the city (with a bird’s-eye view of the new Comcast Technology Center) and a sing-along in 15 minutes of free fun. The show runs daily from 10 am to 8 pm (every hour on the hour except 5 pm on weekdays). ~ The Comcast Holiday Spectacular at the Comcast Center ~ 
• Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park ~ November 29 – January 1 ~ Held at Dilworth Park at 1 S. 15th Street. This market features more than 45 local artisans, crafters, designers and food vendors selling their wares in festive tents topped with Herrnhut Stars. Shoppers can find a great selection of gifts, specialty foods and more at the open-air market.  ~ Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park ~ 
• Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village ~ November 29 – January 4, 2020 ~ Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA. Guests enter their entries in several categories: Traditional, Authentic Reproduction, 3-D, Movie or TV Set, Firehouse at Christmas, Student, Kids Only and more. The Gingerbread entries will be on exhibit in the Village Gazebo during shopping hours from November 15 through January 4, 2020. ~  Gingerbread House Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village ~
• LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ November 29 – January 5 (select dates) ~ Held at Philadelphia Zoo at 3400 W. Girard Avenue. This immersive display transforms the zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia light and music spectacle. Dancing lights and sounds throughout furnish illusions of animals (and trees!) coming to life. A flock of plastic flamingos forms a 25-foot-tall tree, an enormous polar bear display broadcasts the magnificence of our planet and all four seasons host their very own party. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to spark the holiday spirit. ~ LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo ~
• A Longwood Christmas at a Longwood Gardens ~ November 29 – January 5 ~ Held at Longwood Gardens at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Visitors will enjoy thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform the heated four-acre Conservatory, where guests can enjoy holiday performances and sing-alongs. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music.  ~ A Longwood Christmas at a Longwood Gardens ~
• Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 29 – February 23 ~ Enjoy ice skating, food, drinks, special events and more! ~ Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ 
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ November 29 – March 8 ~ Held at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Enjoy ice skating, food, beverages, a heated log cabin with a fireplace, games and more! ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~
• City Winery Philadelphia ~ Now Open ~ Thanks to Founder & CEO Michael Dorf and his team, they have brought you a venue that offers excellent tasting wine, food and music, all in one place. For those music lovers, you’ll enjoy great shows in either their loft, that holds approximately 150 people or their main room, which holds approximately 350 people, to listen to some of the best performers around the country! The shows will begin September 27. Tickets for many shows are going quickly, so get them now! Get Tickets! ~ City Winery Philadelphia ~
• CandyTopia ~ Now Open ~ Located at 901 Market Street. Candytopia is an outrageously interactive candy wonderland that transports guests to an imaginative confectionery world with a one-of-a-kind full sensory experiences—you can expect larger-than-life installations inspired by pure, sugary bliss throughout Candytopia’s dozen unique rooms, along with candy samples and lots of fun surprises. ~ CandyTopia ~ 

Date Specific Events & Activities: 

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Our Guide To Tree Lighting Celebrations in Philadelphia ~ November 29 – December 7 ~ Enjoy our guide to many tree lighting celebrations throughout Philadelphia! Have a favorite? Please tell us in the comments. Thx  ~ Our Guide To Tree Lighting Celebrations In Philadelphia ~
• Friday Nights Art ~ November 29 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~ 
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ November 30 ~ From 9 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 23rd and Pine Streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~
• Liberty Lands Market ~ November 30 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh org8nic produce to hand crafted wears and lotions. Hand made soaps, Ice Creams, sauces, organic teas and coffees and more. Part of the market, you will find animal rescues with adoptables & pet products. ~ Liberty Lands Market ~ 
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ November 30 ~ From 9 am to 3 pm from 18th & Walnut Streets, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, fresh seafood, fresh bread and much more! ~ Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ November 30 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 43rd St and Baltimore Ave. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Miracle on 13th Street Lighting ~ November 30 ~ Starts when it gets dark. The residents of Miracle on South 13th Street have outfitted their homes in spirited holiday décor that attracts tourists nationwide for more than a dozen years. The homes will be using Samsung SmartThings – smart home device that will help them power their lights and automate daily routines with just their smartphone. The event is free and open to the public, and will include festival games, food and more. This will take place at 1600 South 13th Street with the lighting happening promptly at 5:30 pm! ~ Miracle on 13th Street ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ November 30 – December 1 ~ FREE – Saturday & Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm at Yards Brewery, enjoy a wonderful tour of the brewery! All tour-goers must be 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bus tours, private tours and guided tastings are offered by appointment only. Please contact events@yardsbrewing.com for booking information. ~ Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ 
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ November 30 & December 4 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 115-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 for December 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ December 1 ~ Established in 2007, this market is located in the historic Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Featuring more than 40 vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• A Philly Pops Uptown Christmas at The Met Philadelphia ~ December 1 ~ 3 pm & 7:30 pm at The Met Philadelphia at 858 N. Broad Street. Guests can enjoy Uptown Christmas — with performances by actor and musician Tituss Burgess (from Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez. ~ A Philly Pops Uptown Christmas at The Met Philadelphia ~
• South Street Headhouse District Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting ~ December 1 ~ FREE – 4 pm – 6 pm at Headhouse Square at 2nd & Lombard streets. This event kicks-off with Santa arriving on a firetruck, photos with Santa, free horse-drawn carriage rides and much more. The tree lighting will begin at 5 pm. Don’t forget to visit the shops and restaurants afterwards. ~ South Street Headhouse District Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting ~
• Irish Sessions ~ December 1 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Irish music while enjoying drinks and or your dinner.  
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ December 2 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy Quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~   
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ December 4 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every Wednesday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~ 
• The Rail Park Opening ~ Now Open ~ This awesome new public space is FREE to the public.  This space allows visitors to enjoy seating, public art, greenery and elevated city views! The area stretches from Broad and Noble streets, jumps up to the Reading Viaduct overhead and ends above the 1100 block of Callowhill Street. ~ The Rail Park Opening ~
• Franklin Square ~ Open Now 2019 ~ Enjoy mini-golf, a carousel, food and drink options and an outdoor space for kids or to simply hang out at Franklin Square. ~ Franklin Square ~
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
• Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy this 2,000 foot new extension bridging the South Street Bridge & the Locust Street bike trail. ~ Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~
• “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ Now Open ~ A permanent exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Travel through a two-story tall neural network climbing structure with dynamic lighting and sound effects that are triggered by your footsteps. Kids can act as a Doctor by scanning the brain with an MRI machine, explore your brain, challenge your brain & much more.   ~ “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ 
• Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~ Now Open ~ Stop over at Penn Museum in University City and learn about contemporary issues in Native America. Uncover the rich history and identity of the Native American people through 200 plus objects on display & much more. ~ Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~
• 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 ~

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 ~
• Museum of the American Revolution – The Museum of the American Revolution tells the full story of the American Revolution and explores its ongoing legacy, showcasing a vast collection. There are over 3,000 artifacts that have been collected to include General George Washington’s marquee and much more. The museum anchors the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
• 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.

Those visiting who need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more, please ask us in the comments below, Tweet us at @MyPhillyAlive or ask us on our Facebook Page. ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia:

• Friday Nights Art ~ December 6 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~ 
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ December 6 – December 31 ~ FREE to attend – Pay-As-You-Go. Throughout the season, enjoy many events such as FranklinSquareFridays, The Grinch, Thankful Friday, the arrival of Santa Claus, Star Wars, The Nutcracker, Frozen, Hanukkah/Kwanzas Celebration, Santa Saturdays, Seasonal Sounds on Sundays, Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa PAWS, Lightning Bolt Holiday Express train rides around the Square, and the traditional family-friendly Kid’s New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
• First Friday in Old City~ December 6 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 in Manayunk ~ December 6 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 ~ 
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ December 8 ~ FREE – On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes Foundation will enjoy free admission, family entertainment and informative seminars from 10 am to 6 pm. Free tickets can be obtained at the Barnes Foundation beginning at 9 am. Advance reservations are not available for Free First Sundays. ~ First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ December 8 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every 1st Sunday of the month from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~ 
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ December 9 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~
• 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ December 13 ~ From noon to 4 pm every 2nd Saturday until October. Held at various locations including Johnson House Historic Site at 6306 Germantown Avenue. Visitors can explore 18 total Historic Germantown sites and pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy special activities, refreshments and extended hours at sites like Awbury Arboretum and Johnson House. ~ 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~
• Dinos After Dark ~ December 27 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this fall, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ December 27 ~ Starting at 5 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, Experience the creativity and energy of the fabulous Fourth Street and South Street business communities with an evening of extended hours, art, music, food and shopping along Historic Fabric Row (and beyond). ~ 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ 

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 Weather for the weekend of November 29 – December 1

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 47°  |  Low 24°
Saturday  |  Mostly Cloudy  |  High 43°  |  Low 31° 
Sunday |  100% Rain  | High 48° | Low 35°

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 ~

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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