Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Walnut Street Theatre 825 Walnut St. Dec. 1 – 22 (Ticket price varies)
We all know Ebenezer Scrooge’s tale of transition from perpetual old–man grumpiness to holiday cheerfulness, with ghosts leading Scrooge through his past, present and future showing him the way to happiness. This production will be sure to bring you into the holiday spirit.
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Plays & Players Theatre 1714 Delancey St. Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. $20
If you’ve seen "A Christmas Carol" one too many times and want a little more holiday variety, 1812 Productions’ "Evening of Holiday Shorts." While the setlist is not revealed to the audience until arrival, past shorts have included David Sedaris’ Christmas stories and a selection of themed works by Steve Martin. Laughs are guaranteed.
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George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The Academy of Music 240 South Broad St. (Between Locust & Spruce St.) Dec. 8 – 30 (Ticket price varies)
The Pennsylvania Ballet’s annual production of "The Nutcracker" is sure to impress all your cultured friends, as the company celebrates its 25th year performing this holiday classic. Spectacular sets and glittering costumes, all set in a magical land of candy — what’s not to love?
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Elfreth’s Alley Dec. 1, 4 – 7 p.m. $20 (adults), $10 (seniors/students)
Ever wonder how hard Benjamin Franklin celebrated Christmas? Historic Elfreth’s Alley will be sponsoring a "Colonial Christmas" with caroling and holiday treats made with recipes from the 1770s. The Alley gift shop will be stocked with cool gifts for favorite uncles and aunts.
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Philadelphia Orchestra Holiday Spectacular
Kimmel Center: Verizon Hall 260 S. Broad St. Dec. 1, 11:30 a.m. (Ticket Price Varies)
A classical music pregame is the way to go before the official season begins. Deck the halls and practice your caroling with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Verizon Hall. Celebrate with your favorite songs from the holiday season and a narration of “Twas’ the Night Before Christmas.”
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Model Railroad at Reading Terminal Market
Piano Court in the Market Nov. 23 — Dec. 31 Open daily at 10 a.m.
While you stack up on fudge, almond butter, cookies and all the types of chocolate–covered pretzels you could wish for, look out for the model railroad display. The miniature train will be venturing through models of Center City, a Christmas village and snow–covered countryside. All abroad the Polar Express!
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Penn’s Landing Nov. 23 – March 3 Monday – Thursday: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday: 1.30 p.m – 1 a.m. Saturday: 12:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Nothing says “holidays” more than gliding gracefully across the ice (or consistently falling on your ass). Go with a love interest for some mushy movie moments or go with friends and laugh at all of them wiping out — either way you win.
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Love Park (JFK Plaza) Nov. 24 – Dec. 24 Sunday –Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For the perfect Reading Days study break, wander up and down the rows of vendors selling Christmas ornaments, jewelry, arts and crafts and — best of all — mulled wine. This little village in the middle of the city is sure to put you in the mood for the holidays. Be sure to go on December 8th or 9th to check out the German choirs and dances while eating bratwurst and gingerbread.
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401 S. Broad St. Dec. 9, 2 – 4 p.m.
This Hanukkah, why settle for just one type of latke? Philly’s top restaurants will be whipping up their own imaginative take on the latke, from sweet potato to spinach and feta. Let’s face it—you can never have too many latkes. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, last year’s event sold out!
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Caroling Through the Galleries
Philadelphia Museum of Art Dec. 1, starts at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
View all the amazing pieces of art on display at the PMA while listening to the Pennsylvania Girl choir sing all of your Christmas favorites. If you’re not convinced by the caroling, the lights and decorations in the museum are incentive enough to go—there are so many trees that the whole place smells like Christmas.
