This Christmas will be a very special one for you and your family in Philadelphia. Bustling with nothing but holiday spirit and live performances. Whether you’re in the mood for a rock opera, timeless classics or the thrill of Philadelphia sports, this week’s guide has everything you need for a festive weekend.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Christmas season has arrived. And every playlist and radio station has Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Nat King Cole on repeat – you know, the usual suspects. But now you have the chance to see one of Christmas’ most renowned groups live. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings their electrifying Christmas rock opera to South Philly on Sunday, December 22
The orchestra will perform two visually dazzling shows at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will be treated to an all-new version of “The Lost Christmas Eve – the final chapter of TSO’s Christmas trilogy,” according to their website. Tickets for the performers of “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” are going fast, but for both shows they start at $91.
South Philly Book Crawl
If you’re looking for some last-minute holiday shopping, book lovers can pick up gifts for the readers in their lives (or for themselves) this weekend in South Philadelphia. The South Philly Book Crawl, put together by Pier Players, returns on Saturday and Sunday.
The book crawl will also serve as a history tour. It will visit several bookstores on South Street, including Mostly Books Philly, Garland of Letters Bookstore, Head House Books and Atomic City Comics.
Julianne Kastner of Pier Players will lead the tours, which begin each day at noon.
The South Philly Book Crawl also serves as a fundraiser for Pier Players, with proceeds going to the theater company. Tickets cost 15 euros, but are now sold out.
Sixers vs. Hornets at Wells Fargo Center
After a few days off, the Sixers are back in action on Friday night when they host the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center. The Broken Sixers recovered Joel Embiid (sinus fracture). Friday evening.
Tickets for Friday’s home game are cheap: SeatGeek has tickets for just $7, StubHub for $12, and Ticketmaster Resale for $13.
Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’
No one can say nonsense about the Christmas magic of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Perhaps one of the most famous Christmas stories ever is live at the Walnut Street Theater.
This hour-long musical adaptation is perfect for the whole family and only has one show left at 11am on Saturday 21st December. Tickets for the old Ebenezer are sold out.
ELF The Broadway Musical
Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf: The Broadway Musical lights up the stage of the Walnut Street Theater. Thirteen shows over eight days, this family-friendly production runs until Sunday, December 29.
Tickets are selling fast, with limited availability for the remaining performances.
Prices start at $137. Don’t miss the chance to see Buddy the Elf spread the Christmas cheer live on stage.
Blue jackets versus flyers
If you’re in the mood for some hockey, Saturday night is your last chance to catch a Flyers game in South Philadelphia until next year. After Saturday, the Flyers will not play at the Wells Fargo Center until January 7, 2025.
Saturday night is also the Flyers’ annual “Holiday Spectacular,” which means Gritty Claus will be bringing Gritmas cheer to everyone before the puck drops — and probably during the puck drop, too.
Philadelphia is on a three-game losing streak, but Columbus is 2-6-2 in their last ten games.
Tickets are still on sale starting at $42.
Taken at the Philadelphia Holiday Market in Dilworth Park
At the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market in Dilworth Park, local vendors sell gifts for everyone on your list. This year the holiday market offers new white huts, extra twinkling lights and illuminated stars to give you a holiday feeling all season long. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is in town now through January 1.
The market is open every day except Christmas. Opening hours vary depending on the day you choose to visit.
- Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 – 20:00
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 – 21:00
- Thanksgiving Day: 9am – 5pm
- Christmas Eve: 12:00 – 17:00
Rose Tree Festival of Light
Do you want to light up the night during the holidays? Then you’ll want to visit Rose Tree Park’s Festival of Lights in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Pack your belongings and stroll as you witness the magic of the Christmas season in this special winter wonderland. Admission is free and visitors are allowed to bring their dog, provided it is on a leash! The Festival of Lights is open every evening until January 4 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The Nutcracker at the Music Academy
The Philadelphia Ballet’s magical production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker returns to the Academy of Music on Friday and runs through Sunday, December 29. This holiday classic brings dazzling choreography and one of the most recognizable scores to life at Broad Street’s Academy of Music.
Ideal for families and anyone who wants to embrace the holiday atmosphere. Experience the wonder of sugar plum fairies, sword-wielding mice and everything the company has to offer. Tickets are available online, but availability and price depend on the night you attend.
Christmas underwater at Adventure Aquarium
“Step Into Christmas” this season at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium with none other than Scuba Santa. That’s right, Santa Claus is a great diver and swimmer when he’s not flying around the world with his magical reindeer. Take a photo of Scuba Santa during one of his daily dives and see the world’s largest underwater Christmas tree measuring 5.5 meters high! The festivities continue with the Snowtunda, a shower of magical indoor snow flurries and Christmas lights.
Adventure Aquarium’s holiday season runs through December 24.
Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink
Nothing says Hallmark like a fun skating adventure around the holidays. Luckily for us, the Rothman Orthopedic Ice Rink in Dilworth Park is open all winter long.
Skaters are encouraged to pre-book their 90-minute sessions online. Ticket sales per person are limited. You can also BYOIS (bring your own skates) and then you only pay entrance fee.
The opening hours of the Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink can be found below.
- Monday-Thursday: 12:00 – 21:00
- Friday: 12 noon – 11 pm
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
From the Instagram-worthy butterfly tree to the 40-foot penguin that glows with 40,000 lights, you’re sure to find something in this enchanting Philadelphia Zoo experience to put you in the holiday spirit. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets start at $29 for ages 12 and older and $24 for ages 2-11. Babies under 2 years old can enter for free. Witness the magical holiday wonder LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo through January 4, 2025.
Winter fun at Franklin Square
Stop by Franklin Square for several holiday activities, including the Electrical Spectacle, a 30-minute light show with Christmas music and thousands of colorful lights. This year’s show features a new song – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by The Philly Specials (Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata and the recently retired Jason Kelce). Franklin Square also offers Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling and of course what holiday party is complete without a seasonal sweet treat and cocktail!
