Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
‘Tis the season to spread the L.O.V.E., see the sights and hit the ice. Whether you’re hype about hitting up the shops for fly gifts, warming up with your boo over some hot chocolate or checking out the light shows brightening up the city, Philly’s doin’ it big this holiday season. Need a few suggestions? We’ll hook you up with our top picks:
1310 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Philly-based entrepreneur Keven Parker recently opened this innovative new home store and he’s certainly showing off his incredible sense of style. If you’re looking for some unique finds, you’ll definitely want to hit up this shop. And, when you spend $50 in KDP Lifestyle, you’ll be treated to a slammin’ soul food appetizer at Ms. Tootsie’s for FREE! The offer is good from December 12 through December 31, 2011.
Insider tip: Have you seen Keven’s fabulous new renovations at Ms. Tootsie’s? One word—breathtaking!
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Through Saturday, December 24
Love Park (JFK Plaza)
1500 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Christmas Village returns to Love Park this year with tons of goodies. The shops are open until Saturday, December 24, so make sure you stroll through.
Monday, December 12 - Friday, December 16
Comcast Center
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Looking for some festive stocking stuffers? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (the geniuses behind the Philadelphia Flower Show) will have its very first Pop-Up Shop this year, and it will be full of floral-inspired gifts.
Monday, December 12
1625 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
For those of you who can’t seem to wrap it up right, make sure you stop by the Shops at Liberty Place to have your gifts beautifully wrapped for you. Proceeds will support the Ronald McDonald House.
Macy’s Center City (Grand Court)
1300 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
This annual phenomenon has been brightening up the holidays in Philly for more years than we can count. With a display of more than 100,000 LED lights, and the original sounds of the profound Wanamaker organ, it’s no wonder why this light show is a must-see every year. And, it’s free!
Insider tip: Don’t forget to take the kids to Dickens Village after the show. It’s tradition!
Comcast Center (Lobby)
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is back for its fourth year and it’ll definitely get you in the holiday spirit. In 15 minutes, prepare to be amazed with the incredible sights and sounds of the season, and scenes from The Nutcracker on the Comcast Experience Video Wall. They don’t call it a spectacular for nothin’!
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
With over 400,000 twinkling lights and dazzling fountain shows, Longwood Gardens is always one of the most beautiful highlights of the season. From sparkling trees to starry snowflakes, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
Insider tip: Don’t worry about the weather. Longwood Gardens has 20 heated “rooms” to keep you warm.
Christmas Tree Lighting in Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square
18th and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rittenhouse Square is amazing all year round, but it really comes to life during the holidays. It transforms into the perfect winter wonderland as Philadelphia’s largest Christmas tree brightens up the park with 5,000 brilliant, multi-colored globes and lights.
Insider tip: While you’re in the Square, make sure you hit up the boutiques on Rittenhouse Row.
The Holidays at Franklin Square
6th and Race Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Prepare to be dazzled all-month long as Franklin Square lights up the strip with its Holiday Lighting Ceremony. It definitely sets the mood for the season—and a romantic date night, too.
Jazz with UArts
Saturday, December 10 & Saturday, December 17
12 – 1 p.m.
200 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Jam during your lunch break as students from the University of the Arts take over The Bellevue Food Court. It’s a great way to mellow out after an intense shopping trip.
The Christmas On The Move Tour
Monday, December 12
8 p.m.
1400 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
If you’re in the mood for some inspirational sounds, then you’ll want to check out Christmas On The Move. Get a taste of Philly’s gospel music scene and hear the sweet sounds of up-and-comer Leah Smith.
Shout out: Congrats to Lyn Brown Music Group for putting together another great show!
Saturday, December 17 – Sunday, December 18
3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
The Kurtz Center of the Performing Arts
3000 W. School House Lane
Philadelphia, PA
The Eleone Dance Company tear up the stage this holiday season with their vibrant dance musical, Carols In Color. Based on Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, this brilliant and passionate work will definitely lift your spirits.
The York Street Hustle Holiday Spectacular
Thursday, December 22
9 p.m.
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
When The York Street Hustle hits the stage, they perform a selection of throwbacks that has the crowd groovin’ all night. The Philly-based ensemble is known for adding their own contemporary flavor to classics from artists such as the Temptations and Marvin Gaye. This time they’ll be thowing in some holiday tunes from Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and more!
Woodmere Art Museum Friday Night Jazz
Fridays through December 23
6-8 p.m.
9201 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
The Woodmere Art Museum will host weekly jazz concerts to liven up your Friday nights this holiday season. Make sure you check it out!
DJ Sessions at the RiverRink
Through March 4, 2012 (Fridays & Saturdays)
9 p.m. to midnight
Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing
Chestnut St. & S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Festivities at the RiverRink are better than ever. Not only can you show off your skills on the ice, but you can jam on it, too. This year, glide across the ice while listening to some of your favorite beats by DJ Hollywood.
Insider tip: The Blue Cross RiverRink also provides skating lessons for all, and sled lessons for the disabled.
Horse & Carriage Ride
5th & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
This one’s for the lovers! Plan a day for you and your boo to take a Horse & Carriage ride around the city. Trust us, it’ll be unforgettable.
Cinema Sepia, Kwanzaa Edition: The Black Candle
Wednesday, December 28
3-4:30 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Black Candle, a documentary that brilliantly highlights the African American experience, kicks off the Kwanzaa celebration at AAMP. Narrated by the renowned poet Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante, Jr., this is an extraordinary must-see.
Saturday, December 31
12-3 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia PA 19106
If you’re looking to get your culture fix, AAMP has what you’re looking for. The museum will host a Kwanzaa celebration full festivities to celebrate African American culture. And, it’s free!
For an even bigger list of holiday festivities, make sure you check out our sister site, Visitphilly.com. Happy holidays!
EVENTS
Art Sanctuary Presents The 28th Annual Celebration of Black Writing May 21 - June 2 View festival schedule for location and times. The 28th Annual Celebration of Black Writing brings together noted journalists, writers and performance artists from across the U.S. for 13 days of literary discussions, workshops, film…
Curt Chambers Saturday, May 26 9:30pm Doors Open 10:00pm Show Starts The Legendary Dobbs 304 South Street $10 Entry Grammy-nominated songwriter, musician and artist - Curt Chambers - returns to his hometown to perform songs from his debut album One Way Ticket. He's hitting the stage at The Legendary…
The Fifth Annual Roots Picnic Satuday, June 2 & Sunday, June 3 Festival Pier at Penn's Landing Columbus Blvd & Spring Garden Street Philly, get ready as our favorite summer festival, The Roots Picnic returns for its fifth year - BIGGER and BETTER than ever before! For 2012, the…
Earth, Wind & Fire Friday, June 15 8 p.m. Academy of Music 230 South Broad Street The legendary Earth, Wind & Fire return to Philly to bring us a night of funk and fun! Catch the world-famous band as they hit the Academy of Music stage for a once-in-a-lifetime…