Top 10 holiday activities in Philly

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Editor
December 5, 2007

With the first week of December comes the realization that Christmas is only three weeks away and the new year is quickly approaching. The city offers various shows, plays, concerts and outdoor activities for people of all ages. Celebrate the season with Philly File’s Top 10 holiday activities.

10. Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up—A spin on The Nutcracker, Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up features a rapping Sugar Plum Fairy, among other comedic takes integrating dance and the Philadelphia area. The ContempraDance Theatre performs the witty original Dec. 14 —16. at the Painted Bride Art Center, located at 230 Vine St. Student admission costs $22. For more information, visit paintedbride.org

9. Elfreth’s Alley—Take a trip to historic Philadelphia and stop by Elfreth’s Alley, one of the oldest working-class neighborhoods in the country. Thirty-two houses form an 18th-century-style district on 2nd Street between Race and Arch streets. In honor of the holiday season, the area hosts an open house Dec. 8, providing guests with hot apple cider and tours of the historic buildings. Adult tickets cost $25 through Dec. 7 and $30 at the gate. For more information about Elfreth’s Alley, visit elfrethsalley.org.

8. Philadelphia Orchestra—Holiday songs and carols play big parts of December celebrations and festivities each year. Listen to your favorite holiday music as performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center, located at Broad and Spruce streets. The Holiday Traditions Around the World concert, featuring winter songs from other cultures, will entertain audiences Dec. 8. Other performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra throughout December include Handel’s Messiah, Holiday Organ and Brass Concert, The Glorious Sound of Christmas and a New Year’s Eve Concert.

7. A Christmas Carol—This holiday season, the Charles Dickens classic comes to the Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut St. Performed by chil- dren through grade eight, the play illustrates the magic of Christmas as Scrooge visits holidays past, present and future. To get into the festive mood for $12 to $14, check out any of the eight performances Dec. 7 through 20.

6. Kwanzaa Celebration—The African American Museum in Philadelphia, located at 701 Arch St., features a Kwanzaa celebration. The event Dec. 15 includes cultural discussions, performances, holiday shopping vendors, candle lighting and storytelling. Kwanzaa is celebrated each year as a way for African Americans to celebrate their heritage and culture. The celebration is free with admission to the museum, which costs $6 for students. For more information about the Kwanzaa Celebration or African American Museum in Philadelphia, visit aampmuseum.org.

5. New Year’s Eve at Penn’s Landing—Ring in the new year with ice skating and fireworks at Penn’s Landing on Columbus Boulevard and Market Street. The Party on Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. offers skaters the perfect view of fireworks over the Delaware River. Advanced ticket sales have already begun; tickets cost $20 for spectators and $30 for skaters. For more information about skating programs at RiverRink and other events at Penn’s Landing, visit pennslandingcorp.com.

4. Mummers Parade—After celebrating the new year at midnight, wake up to the sights and sounds of the Philadelphia Mummers. Join in a decades-old tradition by strutting down Broad Street with the Comics, Fancies, string bands, and Fancy Brigades this Jan. 1. Take the celebration inside to the Philadelphia Convention Center, where competing Fancy Brigades display their colorful costumes, practiced routines and moving floats. After the results of the contest are revealed and winners are determined, continue the festivities on South 2nd Street, where all Mummers organizations celebrate with neighbors, family and friends.

3. Franklin Square—Visit this historic landmark on Race Street between 6th and 7th streets during December to appreciate thousands of sparkling lights and join in Christmas caroling. Santa Claus will make special appearances on select weekend days throughout the month, while carolers perform Dec. 22 at the park. Franklin Square has also joined with Philabundance in collecting non-perishable food items for distribution to those in need. Year-round attractions at Franklin Square include a carousel, mini-golf and playgrounds for some family fun.

2. Reading Terminal Market—Amid the usual stands selling fresh baked goods and various cultural items, Reading Terminal offers a holiday treat for all who enter the historic farmer’s market at 12th and Arch streets. The Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad displays a miniature landscape of country towns and busy cities, all connected by a network of rail lines and cable cars. The 500 square foot display will remain in the market through Dec. 31. Reading Terminal is also sponsoring a holiday gift drive, accepting donations to be distributed to homeless children in Philadelphia.

1. The Nutcracker—Pennsylvania Ballet presents the holiday classic Dec. 14 through 31 at the Academy of Music, located at the corner of Broad and Locust streets. Perfect for family fun or a date night, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara and her dream world of marching toy soldiers, waltzing flowers and a Sugar Plum Fairy. More information about Pennsylvania Ballet, The Nutcracker and ticket prices is available at paballet.org

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu