Going to college in Philly, we’re so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
—Catherine Sorrentino, Print Editor
Dec. 3: Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time @ the Wells Fargo Center
What is the holiday season without Mariah Carey? If “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is your monthlong earworm every December, take the BSL to NRG Station on Dec. 3 for an evening of lights, Christmas cheer, and a vocal range for the ages.
Tickets start at $39, 7:30 p.m., 3601 Broad St.
Dec. 3–8: RockyFest @ Various Locations
The iconic movie that calls Philadelphia its home has ingrained itself in the city’s culture. Rocky and his ensuing films have themselves become reason to celebrate, and that they are. This year marks the 48th annual RockyFest. From a bus tour to themed ice skating, this five–day festival offers all things Rocky for all kinds of fans.
Various prices and times, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Dec. 6–8: The Nutcracker @ the Miller Theater
Yes, maybe the last time you saw The Nutcracker was when you were a kid. But don’t we all need a little escapism this holiday (finals) season? Escaping back into the Sugarplum Fairies, Toymakers, and Mouse Kings of days gone by might be the ultimate cure to the monotony and terror of a late–night library session. So book a ticket, and for at least two hours, let that organic chemistry homework float away.
Tickets start at $49, 6:30 p.m. on Friday, 6 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, 250 S. Broad St.
Dec. 6–8: PAX Unplugged @ the Pennsylvania Convention Center
Do you like to gather magic? Do you prefer your wizards by the coast? PAX Unplugged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center has all your gaming needs covered. From Dec. 6–8, roll some die, do some roleplay, and get your nerd on with all the other tabletop gamers in the city. From LARPing workshops to Matt Mercer, every gamer can find something fun.
Tickets start at $43, doors open at 10 a.m. Friday–Sunday, 1101 Arch St.
Dec. 7: Big 5 Classic @ the Wells Fargo Center
Whoever wins, this year’s Big 5 Classic sure to be a slam dunk. This year sees Penn go up against Villanova, Drexel, LaSalle, Saint Joseph’s, and Temple for basketball supremacy, and whatever little school spirit you have left after Homecoming should go towards supporting our Quakers. Why does the Big 5 Classic have six teams? You might just have to go to find out.
Tickets start at $30, 2 p.m., 3601 Broad St.
Dec. 7: Deck the Alley @ Elfreth’s Alley
Celebrate Christmas on the oldest residential street in Philadelphia! See elves peaking through windows, doors, and more as you are surrounded by Christmas lights. Carolers and other performers will provide holiday cheer through holiday music!
Tickets start at $26.50, 2–7 p.m., 124–126 Elfreth’s Alley.
Dec. 10: Suki Waterhouse with Bully @ Franklin Music Hall
Maybe you’re a fan of her nostalgic lyrics or her swooney, old–school vocals. Maybe all you know is that she married Edward from Twilight and once read Lolita to a twice–her–age Bradley Cooper in Central Park. Whatever your entryway into the universe of Suki Waterhouse was, it's time to make the pilgrimage to Franklin Music Hall to hear her dulcet tunes.
Tickets start $38.50, 8 p.m., 421 N. Seventh St.
Dec. 21–22: Messiah @ the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
The Bible—who has time for it? Though reading the Gospel is a struggle, hearing it sung is far, far easier. Handel’s Messiah adapts the King James Bible for the stage, bringing to life all our favorite characters from Isaac to Isaiah. The oratorio is just as relevant as it was 300 years ago—don’t miss your chance to see it just before this Christmas.
Tickets start at $77, 7 p.m., 300 S. Broad St.
Through Dec. 24: Christmas Village in Philadelphia @ LOVE Park and City Hall
Once a year, City Hall transforms into a winter wonderland. Booths decorated like gingerbread houses line the streets, as people bundled up in their sweaters and mittens to traverse the cold to look at homemade trinkets and wares. Escape the stressors of your daily life while sipping hot cocoa and listening to holiday classic tunes.
Free, 12 p.m., 1500 Arch St.
Through Dec. 31: Manayunk Gets Lit @ Main Street
In this light display competition, over 50 businesses are committed to getting Manayunk lit. Take a stroll through the area to see all the creations and even take a chance to vote on who’s done it best.
Free, 5:30 p.m., 4418 Canal St.
Through March 2: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest @ Penn’s Landing
If the Hallmark Christmas fantasy is your vibe, then this pocket of holiday serenity is not to miss. There is nothing like the winter chill and first notes of Mariah Carey’s classic holiday hits to convince you that you can, in fact, gracefully glide along the ice. There are plastic penguins for the balance–challenged skaters among us, hot chocolate to combat the cold, and plenty of garlands and decor to put you in the spirit.
Tickets start $6, 5 p.m., 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
