If you find yourself caught up in the chaos of the holidays and want to take it easy and enjoy a weekend of celebration, you’ve come to the right place. With the holidays just around the corner, there’s no better time to be present during this season of giving and, well, gift giving.
In this weekend guide, we’ll make the season bright by highlighting events such as: A Twisted Christmas at Lincoln Mill Haunted House, the 6th Annual Fishtown Freeze, and the Passyunk Ave. Hot Chocolate Crawl. But if you’re looking for something a little less jingley but just as sparkling, we’ve got comedy shows headlined by Jim Gaffigan and Natasha Leggero, plus breathtaking theater performances. A CBS News Philadelphia event guide wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the latest slate of Philly sports games.
Find out all that and more in our latest weekend guide to the Philadelphia area.
A Twisted Christmas at the Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Celebrate the holidays with a spooky twist at Philadelphia’s first-ever Christmas-themed haunted house, A Twisted Christmas. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” comes to life at the Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk.
This chilling event takes place on Friday and Saturday and brings more than 35 horror actors to the Lincoln Mill Haunted House for a dark remake of Krampus. The story follows the sinister mill owner, Viktor Kane, who punishes workers by turning them into his deranged elves. Tickets start at $35 for general admission for this two-night only event, if you dare.
3rd Annual Passyunk Ave. Hot Chocolate Crawl
As always, South Philly brings a unique flavor to the holidays. Street lamps wrapped in streamers adorn the streets and the porches of townhomes are awash with Christmas decorations, many of which likely feature Santa Claus in Eagles gear.
But one flavor will dominate this weekend when Passyunk Ave hosts its third annual Hot Chocolate Crawl. Although tickets are sold out, visitors can look forward to a fun and festive holiday experience Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More than two dozen restaurants, bars and cafes along East Passyunk Avenue will serve specialty hot chocolate. Traditional hot chocolate costs $3, the Hot Chocolate Cocktail costs $6 and $8 for ice cream creations. Participating spots include B2 Cafe, Garage Passyunk, Juana Tamale, Milk Jawn, P’unk Burger and many more. Guests can enjoy their drinks at the Passyunk Ave memorial.
During this pay-as-you-go event, visitors can enjoy live performances spreading Christmas cheer with Christmas carols at various locations.
Click here for the full list of participating companies.
Fishtown Freeze 2024
What’s cooler than being cool? Ice cold! Head to Fishtown on Saturday, December 14 for the 6th annual Fishtown Freeze. The trendy Philadelphia neighborhood turns into an icy wonderland as it offers plenty of festive drinks, food, and especially ice sculptures.
There will be dozens of unique ice sculptures on display and guests can view live ice sculptures at The Battery, Mural City Garden and Garage. Visitors can enjoy the abundance of discounts on holiday shopping at more than 20 participating retailers in the region.
The Battery will also host an indoor/outdoor open house with a hot chocolate bar, s’mores station, wine, beer, catered food and live music.
At Frankford Hall they are offering free photos with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. Don’t forget to pack your things.
Jim Gaffigan of the Met
Three shows, one location, all new material. Renowned stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan will headline The Met Philadelphia this weekend.
Gaffigan is known for his witty cameos, as well as being a staple of CBS Sunday Morning.
The “The Hotel Transylvania” actor can currently be seen in his Everything is Wonderful! Tour, which includes three shows in Philly. Friday’s show at 7:00 PM is sold out, but tickets are still available for Saturday’s shows at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Tickets start at $64.
Natasha Leggero at Helium Comedy Club
Laugh yourself silly this weekend when renowned comedy actress Natasha Leggero comes to Philly’s funniest nightspot, Helium Comedy Club. Leggero will perform on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM
Known for her roles in the CBS hit show ‘Broke’, ‘Brickleberry’ and for her appearances in ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Key & Peele’.
Tickets cost $37 for general admission and $49 for reserved seating, although some showtimes have limited availability. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of comedy’s funniest acts.
A beautiful sound: the Neil Diamond Musical
Most people don’t need an excuse to sing along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the top of their lungs, but here’s one.
Celebrate the life and career of Neil Diamond at The Forrest Theater in the energetic musical ‘A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical’, featuring all of the star’s hits.
Created in collaboration with Diamond himself, the show explores Diamond’s life from Brooklyn boy to the top icon we all know and love. The musical plays at The Forrest Theater until December 22.
Whether you’re a lifelong Neil Diamond fan or just enjoy a good musical, this is a must-see event. Tickets start at $58.
Steelers vs. Eagles
After one of the most boring weeks in Philly Sports history, the Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at the Linc.
The Eagles, winners of nine straight games, look to set a franchise record of 10 straight wins on their home court in a showdown at Keystone State. The 10-3 Steelers are coming off a division win against the Browns and are looking to earn their first victory in Philadelphia since 1965.
The last time these teams met resulted in a Eagles winIronically, thanks to the dynamic passing attack of Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown who combined for three touchdowns.
Tickets for this 4:25 PM match start at $249. This highly anticipated matchup has all the makings of a good game. Just ask Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Pacers vs. 76ers
Talking about teams that stay at the top headlinesthe Philadelphia 76ers host the Indiana Pacers on Friday at 7 p.m. As quiet as things remain, the Sixers have won four of their last five games and are just a game and a half out of the last spot for the NBA Play-in Tournament.
The 10-15 Pacers will face a full starting lineup of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
Tickets for Friday’s game are reminiscent of the days of “The Process,” starting at $9.
Desert dogs vs. wings
CBS Philadelphia is a proud partner of the Philadelphia Wings and we are excited to promote their game against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. The home opener starts Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets range from $7 to $125.
If you can’t make it to the home opener, you can watch the game against the Desert Dogs on our PHILLY 57.
