11 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Manayunk’s Winter Solstice, Festival of Lights at PMA and Kimmel, Franklin Flea Holiday Market and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Manayunk's Winter Solstice
This Sunday, December 21st marks the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year–also known as the winter solstice. Bundle up and head to Manayunk for a celebration of the solstice tonight. The special evening festival will ring in the new season with live dance performances, a birds of prey show, holiday storytelling, free hot cocoa, and a wishing stick ceremony– all topped off by a roaring bonfire and seasonal music. For more information, click here. Friday, December 19th, 5 p.m., Canal View Park, 4430 Main Street.
PFS Presents: Home for the Holidays
Get your dose of holiday cheer this weekend at the PFS Theater at the Roxy. A special lineup of festive films will play this Friday through Sunday, including classic favorites like Miracle on 34th Street and The Apartment. For a full schedule of showtimes, click here. Tickets are available for purchase online. Friday, December 19th-Sunday, December 21st, various times, $5-$8, PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street.
Art After 5: Festival of Lights
The Philadelphia Museum of Art continues to celebrate the holiday season with tonight's Art After 5: Festival of Lights. Enjoy live music by New York-based band DeLeon in the Great Stair Hall, along with cocktails and eats courtesy of Starr Events. If you're not too busy dancing, you're welcome to peruse the exhibits at your leisure, to take a guided gallery tour. Admission is available for purchase online. To check out more holiday programming at the museum throughout this weekend, click here. Friday, December 19th, 5 p.m.-8:45 p.m., $17.50-$23.50, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Friday Night at The Barnes
Head to the Barnes Foundation tonight for an evening of art, music, and mingling. Enjoy live jazz throughout the night as you explore the galleries, as well as a special performance from the Orpheus Club, a men’s singing group. The William Glackens' exhibition will open as well–featuring over 90 paintings and works on paper– accompanied by a short talk about the artist. For more information, click here. Tickets are available for purchase online. Friday, December 19th, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., $25 or free for members, Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Nutcracker 1776
See the stars of tomorrow - students of The Rock School for Dance Education - perform an artistically challenging and beautiful holiday showpiece. Friday, December 19th and Saturday, December 20th, $23-43, The Merriam Theater, 250 South Broad Street. —Aubrey Nagle
Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite
For the kids: Preschoolers love Nick Jr.'s Max & Ruby and they'll love seeing them celebrating the season live, too. Friday, December 19th, 6 p.m., $25-30, Tower Theater, 19 South 69th Street.—Aubrey Nagle
Holiday Movies On Saturday
Catch three popular holiday films playing on big screens in the Philly burbs: The Polar Express (2004) on Saturday, December 20th, at Ambler Theater (108 E. Butler Ave.); Babes in Toyland plays at Bryn Mawr Film Institute (824 W. Lancaster Ave.) on Saturday, December 20th at 11 a.m.; and Hiway Theater (212 Old York Road) screens Elf on Saturday, December 20th, at 10 a.m. More holiday movies in the theaters here.
Franklin Flea Holiday Market
Finish the last of your holiday shopping at the final weekend of Franklin Flea's Holiday Market. With over 60 vendors offering vintage clothing, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, art, and handmade goods, there's something for everyone you have yet to cross off your list. For more holiday shopping opportunities this weekend, check out Byer's Choice Christmas Market, the Holiday Market at the National Liberty Museum, and the Art Star Popup at Winterfest. Saturday, December 20th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Historic Strawbridge's, 801 Market Street.
The Kalob Griffin Band
The Kalob Griffin Band is a Philadelphia-based rock group known for their entertaining improv and community driven fan base. By merging influences of americana, country, and improvisational rock n' roll, the band grants "lyrical tribute to folk lovin’, whiskey fueled,outlaw stories that capture our imagination and get our feet moving." Catch them at Union Transfer this Saturday evening. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Fire and Time." For more live music this weekend, check out our weekly guide to Philly shows. Saturday, December 20th, 8 p.m., $15-$18, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.
The Best of Miss Rose's Sexploitation Follies
The Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (PhilaMOCA) will host a wild evening of "filmlesque"–film meets burlesque–this Saturday night. The Best of Miss Rose's Sexploitation Follies is a sultry compilation of the most popular installments from producer Liberty Rose's celebrated burlesque show. The show will feature over the top group numbers, duets, and solos from 11 different performers, all hosted by inimitable burlesque queen, Iris Explosion. Tickets are available for purchase online. Saturday, December 20th, 9 p.m., $15-$25, PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th Street.
Festival of Lights at the Kimmel Center
Head to the Kimmel Center this Sunday for a free celebration of Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights will include festive songs, story times, arts and crafts, a game of dreidel, and much more. Plus, each guest will receive half-price admission to the National Museum of American Jewish History and their new exploration of holiday music, 'Twas the Night Before Hanukkah. Sunday, December 21st, 1 p.m., The Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
