214 Things to Do in Philly This Week and Weekend

Hadestown is at the Forrest Theatre December 2nd through 7th. / Photograph by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

THIS WEEK’S TOP 5 PICKS

#1 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker — Philadelphia Ballet performs the classic holiday showdown between the Mouse King and the Sugarplum Fairy. December 5th-31st, Academy of Music.

#2 Hadestown Anaïs Mitchell’s Grammy- and Tony-winning musical reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice’s journey into the underworld. December 2nd-7th, Forrest Theatre.

#3 The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show Aimee and Ted’s annual tour offers a night of comedy, music and good cheer despite the times, with help from comedians Paul F. Tompkins and Josh Gondelman, and singer-songwriter Nellie McKay. December 3rd, City Winery.

#4 Meek Mill & Friends A big ol’ hometown show for the South Philly rap star. December 5th, Xfinity Mobile Arena.

#5 Open Streets: West Walnut Shop and stroll on car-free streets on Sunday. Also: ice sculptures, carolers, “strolling bubble magic,” games and Santa Claus. December 7th, 118th Street from Locust to Chestnut streets, and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th streets.

FESTIVALS, FOOD, OTHER FUN STUFF

SHOPPING/WINTER
Christmas Village
The “authentic German Christmas market” — featuring food, crafts, trees, etc. — returns to LOVE Park and the City Hall courtyard for outdoor shopping, sparkling selfie-taking and festive loitering.
Pay as you go, through December 24th, LOVE Park and the City Hall Courtyard, in the neighborhood of 15th and JFK.

BOOKS
Philadelphia Rare Book Fair
This three-day conference promises dozens of dealers — including Bauman’s Rare Books, Harriett’s Bookshop, and Bluemango Books & Manuscripts — displaying and selling books, prints, historic documents and more. Also: talks, appraisals, etc.
Preview Night, $40, December 4th; Book Fair, $10-$15, December 5th & 6th; Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce Street

WINTER/SHOPPING
Oaks Christmas Market
Buy gifts, meet Anna and Elsa, get your picture taken with Santa (BYO camera), bring a non-perishable food item for Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS).
Free, December 6th & 7th, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks.

DOGS
Winter Blast Dog Shows
We checked and this has nothing to do with blasting dogs with something or out of something. Seems like it’s just a four-day Valley Forge Kennel Club event with demonstrations of obedience and showmanship, vendors and other dog-based activities. Please do not blast the dogs.
$10, December 4th-7th, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks.

HOLIDAY/LIGHTS
Rose Tree Festival of Lights
Media gets festive with Delco Fare & Flair Nights featuring food trucks, vendors, music and more. Rose Tree Park remains lit up through January 3rd.
Free, December 4th, 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th, 5-8:30 p.m., Rose Tree Park, 1671 North Providence Road, Media.

SHOPPING
Conshohocken Winter Market
Hotel West & Main in Conshy hosts two weekends of vendors, cocktails and live music in a heated tent.
Pay as you go, December 5th-7th & 12th-14th, Plaza at Hotel West & Main, 46 Fayette Street, Conshohocken.

HOLIDAYS
Holly Jolly Weekend
New Hope’s always festive little shopping maze lights up this weekend with family activities, live music and parades led by elusive ice apparition Santa Claus.
Pay as you go, December 6th & 7th, Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope.

See Also: The Best Places to See Holiday Lights Around Philadelphia

HOLIDAYS/TOURS
Holly Nights
Pennsbury Manor hosts two nights of candlelit tours, carolers, bonfires and focused non-terminal repeating phantasm Santa Claus.
$14, December 4th and 5th, 6-9 p.m., Pennsbury Manor, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville. 

HOLIDAYS/LIGHTS
Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village
Everybody loves the Light Show, with its seven stories of LED bulbs, swaying water fountains and a deranged story of Santa, snowmen and dancing toys, but let us sing a carol of praise for the Dickens Village. The artfully arranged maze of shuddering, ruddy-faced animatronics perform a surprisingly moving and terrifying approximation of A Christmas Carol and permits visitors to imaging a world in which the super rich suffer their overdue comeuppances.
Free, through December 24th, Wanamaker’s, 1300 Market Street.

LIGHTS/HOLIDAYS
LumiNature
Stroll from one fanciful light display to another, dodging neon circus performers and frostbite in this lovely nighttime attraction at the zoo. My favorite part of LumiNature is the spooky, blissful and slightly deranged voiceover espousing a nondenominational mythology about slumbering animals and ambiguous wintry wonders. Also there’s a new Ferris wheel.
$22-$32, continues through January 3rd, Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.

HOLIDAYS/SHOPPING
Holidays on the Hill
The handsome Chestnut Hill neighborhood is once again hosting all kinds of holiday activities and attractions including carolers, late night shopping and appearances by benevolent cryptid Santa Claus. And then there’s the special events: including Arts & Eats (December 5th, 5-8 p.m.), Stag & Doe Nights (Wednesday nights), and more.
Free unless you buy something, through December 25th, 8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue.

LIGHTS/HOLIDAYS
Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
Every winter a real live working farm in Yardley sets up a two-mile stretch of illuminated holiday attractions. Drive yourself through or hop in the back of an open air wagon. Then pull over for cocoa, s’mores, some fudge puppies and a feeling that these may just be the best moments of your life.
$15-$45, 5-9 p.m., through January 4th, Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley.

LIGHTS/HOLIDAYS
Electrical Spectacle Light Show
Franklin Square’s annual winter attraction is back, with twinkling lights, fire pits, and a fun excuse to stroll around drinking hot chocolate. There’s also fire pits, a heated tent, cocktails of various temperatures, “seasonal food,” and more. (P.S. Nearby, you’ll find Chilly Philly mini golf and street curling.)
Free to enter, through January 4th, 5-9 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 North Sixth Street.

WINTER/ICE SKATING
Winterfest
The family-friendly Winterfest — along the Delaware River, just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge — returns for more ice skating, hot chocolate sipping, food munching, game playing, etc. You can even rent a little warming cabin.
Free till you skate or buy or do something else that costs money, through March 1st, Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.

HOLIDAYS
Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester
Events include the Christmas Parade and tree lighting on December 5th; toy drive and breakfast December 10th; a concert and photos with Santa December 13th; plus carolers, Christkindlmarkt and more.
Free till you spend money, through January 4th, multiple locations in downtown West Chester.

HOLIDAYS
Carnival of Lights
Downtown Pottstown gets into the spirit of the season with lights, games amusement rides, spaghetti dinners, and more
Pay as you go, through January 1st, Pottstown.

HOLIDAYS
Comcast Holiday Festivities

• Comcast Holiday Spectacular — This 15-minute show features “holiday singalongs, performances by the Philadelphia Ballet, and an enchanted sleigh ride around the world” on the Comcast Center’s all powerful video wall/data collection device. Free, every hour, through January 1st, Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard.
• DreamWorks Shrek’s Festive Flight — Comcast’s Universal Sphere revives its seasonal “cinematic experience” featuring Shrek, Donkey, Gingy, and friends “on a magical journey from Philadelphia to the North Pole.” Free, shows every 15 minutes, through January 3rd, Comcast Technology Center, 1800 Arch Street.

HOLIDAYS/TOURS
Winter Tours Around Town

• BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley — Take a three-hour tour around town in a “vintage trolley,” sipping your own hooch and checking out the lights and sights, and making stops at Christmas Village, Miracle on South 13th Street, Electrical Spectacle, etc. $91.10, through December 21st, stars at Urban Village Brewing, 1001 North 2nd Street.
• City Sightseeing: Holiday Lights Tour — Enjoy a 90-minute hop on/off tour around town in a “Victorian style trolley,” with lights, music and live narration. BYOB. $46.95, through January 5th, meet at the Bourse, 21 South 5th Street.
• Holiday Lights Tour — Philadelphia Trolley Works leads this one. You know the drill,: lights and sights, BYOB, good cheer. $47.95, through January 4th, meet across from Maggiano’s, 12th and Filbert streets.

HOLIDAYS
Holidays in Manayunk
As always, the hills of Manayunk will be busy throughout the holidays season. There’s the storefront decoration competition through December 31st, free Jolly Trolley rides Thursday to Sunday December 4th-20th, the Rudolph Run on December 13th, Hanukkah giveaways December 14th-22nd, and more.
Free, through December 31st, multiple locations in Manayunk.

WINTER/KIDS
A Very Furry Christmas @ Sesame Place
The Langhorne theme park’s annual Xmas attractions include the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Light Show, Elmo’s Christmas Wish, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, A Very Merry Sesame Street Sing-Along and more.
$39.99-$46.99, through January 4th, Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne.

WINTER
Wild Lights @ Elmwood Park Zoo
Norristown’s not-so-little zoo gets into the spirit every year with live entertainment, music, “unique animal encounters” and North Pole sovereign citizen Santa Claus.
$27, through December 30th, 5-9 p.m., Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown.

WINTER/LITTLE TRAINS
Holiday Garden Railway @ Morris Arboretum
Miniature trains wind their way through a quarter-mile of tracks in Morris Arboretum’s large outdoor display, encouraging onlookers to consider a life scaled down so we might ride these rails through the tiny winter wonderland. Alas, our problems would surely follow us, and thus would two worlds be poisoned.
$22,, Thursdays-Sundays, through December 30th, Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Avenue.

HOLIDAYS
Festival of Trees
All the rooms in the Pearl S. Buck House, a picturesque stone farmhouse in Bucks County, will be decked out with decorations, trees and vignettes. Candlelight tours are available in the evenings. (P.S. If you’re there December 7th, check out the Juried Craft Show, which doubles as a shopping op.)
$18, through January 4th, Pearl S. Buck House, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie.

HOLIDAYS
Holidays at Fonthill Castle
The massive 110-year-old estate in Doylestown will be decked out in holiday finery and open to the public for lots of different tours, including the self-guided Holiday Lights Meander tours on Saturdays and Sundays.
$20, through December 31st, Fonthill Castle, East Court Street & Route 313, Doylestown.

WINTER/HOLIDAYS
Yuletide at Winterthur
Every year this stately old Delaware estate becomes a “storybook setting, where holiday magic, rich history, and beloved literature come to life.” Also: Lots of finely decorated Christmas trees. Fridays and Saturdays call for candlelit tours, music, fire pits, cocktails, and such.
$21, through January 4th, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur.

LIGHTS/HOLIDAYS
Astra Lumina
This display of secular cheer and electric lights is billed as a “An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars.” Based on the photos, it looks like a pretty/spooky place to stroll through snapping photos and being like maybe the whole world doesn’t suck.
$29.61, through December 31st, Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown.

FLOWERS/WINTER
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens glows up for the season with gorgeous outdoor and indoor light displays inspired by nature. There’s also live holiday music, open-air fountain shows, and the Garden Railway. Timed tickets are required, and weekends in particular sell out. One of the few attractions open on Christmas Day.
$16-$30 (free for kids ages four and under), through January 11th, Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.

FOOD/SHOPPING
Owlidays Bake Shop
Red Owl Tavern in Old City is selling croissants, pastries, quiches, pies and other handmade baked goods to benefit Philabundance.
Pay as you go, through December 24th, Red Owl Tavern, 433 Chestnut Street.

WINTER/ICE SKATING
Rothman Rink
The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin returns to Dilworth Plaza, along the western face of City Hall. In addition to the skating, there’s hot chocolate, food, cute little penguins for kids to hold onto while they’re going around the rink, and more festiveness. (See below.)
$10 for skate rental, $10 for 90-minute skate sessions, through February 22nd, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.

WINTER
Wintergarden
Decked out with little trees and twinkling lights, this “whimsical outdoor sanctuary” is a chill place to hang out in the winter.
Free, continues through March 26th, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.

SHOPPING/HOLIDAYS
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Local artists and vendors sell their handmade goods in a festive outdoor setting.
Free till you buy something, continues through January 1st, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.

WINTER/SHOPPING
Gingerbread Competition & Display
New Hope’s festive shopping village has become menagerie of twinkling lights, empty cookie houses and soulless cookie humanoids. Do not eat these things.
No cover, through January 17th, Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope. 

TRAINS/WINTER
North Pole Express Train / Santa’s Steam Train Ride
New Hope Railroad has a bunch of festive, family-friendly train rides to Lahaska and back. Includes hot chocolate, cookies, live music, appearances by winter wraith Santa Claus and more. (Psst. There are also adult excursions with wine and tapas and such.)
$19 for kids, $94-$153 for adults, through December 30th, New Hope Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope.

ON STAGE

MUSIC
Peter Evans’ Being and Becoming
Says here trumpeter Peter Evans is a master of the “extended technique,” and what the hell is that? Read this piece about it in the Times by my old pal Nate Chinen. (“Standing on the concrete floor in semidarkness, he played one long, unbroken improvisation that defied the conventional limitations of the instrument, if not the laws of physics.”) Then come back and explain to me.
$43.26, December 6th & 7th, 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street.

DANCE/HOLIDAYS
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Philadelphia Ballet performs the classic holiday showdown between the Mouse King and the Sugarplum Fairy, featuring that time-honored Tchaikovsky score.
$28-$297.92, December 5th-31st, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street.

COMEDY
Dylan Carlino
The Portland Oregon-born comedian was named “Funniest Person in Austin” in 2023. He’s doing five shows at Helium this weekend.
$28-$40, December 4th-6th, Helium, 2031 Sansom Street.

THEATER
Hadestown
Anaïs Mitchell’s Grammy- and Tony-winning musical reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice’s journey into the underworld. Directed by Rachel Chavkin.
$59-$187, December 2nd-7th, Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street.

THEATER
A Wrinkle in Time
The Arden Theatre presents John Glore’s stage adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved fantasy novel about a young girl’s “thrilling journey across time and space.” Directed by Rebecca Wright.
$40-$51, December 3rd-January 25th, Arden Theatre, 40 North 2nd Street.

DANCE
PHILADANCO!
The long-running Philly-based contemporary dance troupe revisits classic ballets by Donald Byrd and Tommie-Waheed Evans while premiering two newly commissioned pieces by Ronald K. Brown and Juel D. Lane.
$40-$63, December 5th-7th, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.

THEATER
Shrek The Musical
Delaware Theatre Company presents the timeless story of an ogre forced to help a bunch of refugees from famous fairy tales. Also a donkey, a princess, Lord Farquad, etc. Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Music by Jeanine Tesori.
$34-$72, December 3rd-21st, Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington.

COMEDY
Brent Morin
The Connecticut-born comedian and actor is known for Chelsea Lately, Undateable, and Merry Happy Whatever.
$17-$46, December 5th & 6th, 7 & 9:15 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.

MUSIC/HOLIDAYS
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus
PGMC’s “Slay Bells Ring” includes a night of music, dance and comedy with carols, pop songs and “sacred stunners.” Led by Michael Semancik.
$35-$65, December 4th at 8 p.m. and December 6th at 2 & 8 p.m., Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.

THEATER/MOVIES
Frankenstein and Fleabag
This week InterAct Theatre Company hosts a screenings of stage plays recorded live by the National Theatre in London, but rarely seen. Frankenstein (Danny Boyle, 2011) Nick Dear’s adaptation of the Mary Shelley gothic novel stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. December 4th. Fleabag (Vicky Jones, 2019) Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. December 5th.
$18, 7 p.m., InterAct Theatre Company, The Drake, 302 South Hicks Street.

VARIETY
The Essence: A Yiddish Theatre Dim Sum
The Weitzman hosts this variety show full of “multilingual, madcap, and unexpectedly relevant” sketches, music and satire by Allen Lewis Rickman, Yelena Shmulenson, and Steve Sterner.
$45, December 6th at 6 p.m. and December 7th at 1 p.m., Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East.

MUSIC
The Beths
Indie pop will never stop.
$95, 7 p.m., December 6th & 7th, with Phoebe Rings, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.

DANCE
The Enchanted Nutcracker
The Rock School presents the family-friendly holiday favorite.
$10-$91, December 4th-7th, 6 p.m., Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street.

MUSIC
Grayscale
The Philly rock band kicked off 2025 with the release of their fourth record The Hart, and ends the year with three hometown shows. The one at Johnny Brenda’s is already sold out, but you can still pick up tickets for Friday and Saturday at the TLA.
Sold out, December 4th, 9 p.m., Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 North Frankford Avenue; $42-$72, December 5th & 6th, 8 p.m., TLA, 334 South Street.

COMEDY
George Lopez
The veteran actor, comedian and talk show host plays four shows at City Winery this weekend.
$50-$75, December 5th & 6th, 6 & 9:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street. 

THEATER/HOLIDAYS
A Sherlock Carol
This holiday mystery masterfully weaves two classics, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and a famous Arthur Conan Doyle story featuring all the favorite characters of Scrooge, Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Tiny Tim and more. by Mark Shanahan directed by Catherine Pappas
$26, through December 14th, Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Avenue.

THEATER
This Is the Week That Is
1812 Productions’ annual current-events satire shifts with the headlines, and includes musical parodies and improv comedy. This is This Is the Week That Is’s 20th, year and no two shows are the same.
$44-$47, through December 31st, Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place.

THEATER/HOLIDAYS
A Christmas Carol
People’s Light stages Zak Berkman’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens ghost story, “infused with original music and traditional English carols.” Stars Ian Merrill Peakes as Scrooge. Directed by Molly Rosa Houlahan.
$50-$74, through January 4th, People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern.

THEATER
Little Women
Hedgerow Theatre presents Kate Hamill’s adaption of the Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about regular-size girls coming of age during the Civil War. Directed by Abby Weissman.
$35, through December 28th, Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley.

THEATER/HOLIDAYS
A Christmas Story the Musical
The classic Jean Shepherd story turned classic movie — about a kid who wants a gun and a dad who wins a lamp — has more recently become a big, Broadway musical. Book by Joseph Robinette, music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford.
$25, through January 4th, Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street.

THEATER
The Pirates of Penzance
Quintessence Theatre Group presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedic opera about a young man whose potential romance is thwarted by his sworn service to pirates. Directed by Alex Burns.
$65, through January 4th, Sedgwick Theatre, 7137 Germantown Avenue.

THEATER
Elf the Musical
Bucks County Playhouse presents the family-friendly story of the boy who became a man but thought he was an elf, but on stage and with music. Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Directed by John Tartaglia.
$32-$72, through January 4th, Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope.

THEATER
Over the River and Through the Woods
Montgomery Theater presents Joe DiPietro’s comedy about four grandparents who scheme to keep their grandson from moving across the country.
$37, through December 7th, Montgomery Theater, 124 North Main Street, Souderton.

THEATER
The Mountaintop
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall’s drama reimagines Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night, centered around a chance encounter with a housekeeper just after his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Directed by Brett Ashley Robinson. Stars Akeem Davis and Kishia Nixon.
$50-$60, through December 14th, Arden Theatre, 40 North 2nd Street.

THEATER
Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Lantern Theater Company stages the Bard’s classic tragedy full of blood, witches, prophecy, and political ambition. Directed by Charles McMahon.
$25-$48, through December 7th, St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow Street.

MOVIES

Hong Kong Classics

• The Killer (John Woo, 1989) Says IMDB: “A disillusioned assassin accepts one last hit in hopes of using his earnings to restore the vision of a singer he accidentally blinded.” Stars Chow Yun-Fat, Danny Lee, Sally Yeh. Tagline: “This film will blow you away.” December 4th at 7:30 p.m.
• A Chinese Ghost Story (Siu-Tung Ching, 1987) “Director Siu-Tung Ching and producer Tsui Hark add a supernatural flair to this action-packed wuxia classic about a traveling tax collector finding love in the most unlikely place: a haunted temple guarded by a hideous tree spirit with an absurdly long tongue.” December 3rd, 6th, 7th and 11th.
• Bullet in the Head (John Woo, 1990) “John Woo directs the hell out of this action-packed war film about three Hong Kong gangsters on the lam in Vietnam who witness the madness and depravity of war in the midst of a bloody conflict.” December 6th, 10th, 13th, & 18th.

$15.50, Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street.

This Week @ Lightbox Film Center

• The Razor’s Edge — A new restoration of the 1985 drama by Lebanese war correspondent-turned-filmmaker Jocelyne Saab. December 3rd, 7-9 p.m.
• Virgin Machine — “Part German Expressionist satire, part sapphic travelogue, Monika Treut’s Virgin Machine [1988] is a seminal—and fiercely controversial—work of lesbian cinema.” December 7th, 5-7 p.m.

$15.28, Lightbox Film Center at the Living Room at Bok, 800 Mifflin Street.

It’s a Wonderful Life
’Tis the season for watching Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas classic about an aspiring angel who uses his access to the multiverse to convince a banker he makes people’s lives better. Tagline: “The most loved Christmas film of all time!” Here’s where to find It’s a Wonderful Life this week.

• December 3rd, 7 p.m., $13.50, Ambler Theater, 108 East Butler Avenue, Ambler.
• December 4th, 7:15 p.m., $16, Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr.

The Fellowship of the Ring
The Philadelphia Orchestra performs live along with the first of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies. Led by conductor Ludwig Wicki and featuring vocalist Kaitlyn Lusk with Singing City Choir and the Philadelphia Boys Choir .
$55-$251, December 5th-7th, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.

Deeper in Dreams: A David Lynch Retrospective
A series of films made by and inspired by the beloved director, artist and iconoclast.

• The Straight Story (David Lynch, 1999) December 12th & 19th. Film Society Center.
• Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (David Lynch, 1992) December 6th, 7th, & 12th. Film Society East.
• Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (David Lynch, 2014) December 6th, 7th, & 12th, Film Society East.
• Mulholland Drive (David Lynch, 2001) December 13th, 14th, & 17th, Film Society East.
• Inland Empire (David Lynch, 2006) December 20th. Film Society Center.
• More Things That Happened (David Lynch, 2007) December 20th, Film Society Center.

$15.50; Film Society East, 125 South 2nd Street; Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street.

Winter Wonderland
The Film Society finishes the year with this curated collection of “overplayed winter classics and overly debated alt-choices.”

• The Long Kiss Goodnight (Renny Harlin, 1996) December 3rd, 12th, 14th, & 27th, Film Society Center.
• Carol (Todd Haynes, 2015) December 5th, 6th, & 11th, Film Society East.
• Misery (Rob Reiner, 1990) December 5th & 7th, Film Society Center.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol (Brian Henson, 1992) December 6th, 20th, 27th, & 28th. Film Society Center.
• Home Alone (Chris Columbus, 1990) December 6th, 18th, 20th, 26th, & 27th, Film Society Center.
• Dial Code Santa Claus (René Manzor, 1989) December 6th, 14th, 20th, & 26th, Film Society Center.
• The Shop Around the Corner (Ernst Lubitsch, 1940). December 10th, 12th, 21th, & 28th, Film Society Center.
• Fanny and Alexander: Television Version (Ingmar Bergman, 1983). December 13th & 20th, Film Society Center.
• Black Christmas (Bob Clark, 1974). December 19th, 20th, 21st, & 27th, Film Society Center.
• Gremlins (Joe Dante, 1984). December 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, & 28, Film Society Center.
• Gremlins 2: The New Batch (Joe Dante, 1984). December 26th, 27th, & 28th, Film Society Center.

$15.50; Film Society East, 125 South 2nd Street; Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street. 

ART, GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Under $100, Under $1,000
This group exhibition and sale includes works by Philadelphia artists who were inspired by Isaiah Zagar and his Magic Gardens. Continues through January 11th.
$15 admission, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street.

Now Showing @ the Art Museum

• Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100, PhAM is the last stop on this world-touring exhibition featuring works by Miró, Max Ernst, Magritte, Dalí, and lots more. Through February 16th.
• Julie Mehretu: In Focus “Her painted and printed surfaces are typically covered in swarms of calligraphic lines, architectural grids, geometrical patterns, and expressive, meandering notations that cohere into fantastical topographies.” Through May 10th.
• Krishna Reddy: The Movement of Life A major exhibition of works by the India-born printmaker and sculptor Krishna Reddy (1925-2018) of the influential printmaking studio Atelier 17 in Paris. Runs through December 8th.
• A Pleasant Madness: Surrealism at the Julien Levy Gallery — exhibition of works created by artists in the orbit of the influential NYC gallery owner, including Max Ernst, Dorothea Tanning and Arshile Gorky. Ongoing.
• Framed! European Picture Frames from the Johnson Collection. Through April 20th.
• Head to Toe: African and Asian Wearables, includes jewelry, headdresses, and textiles from the Ira and Myrna Brind Collection. Through January 19th.
• Mythical, Divine, Demonic: Animal Imagery in South Asian Art. Through February 9th.
• Zoe Leonard: Strange Fruit, “empty fruit skins that have been sutured together and sprawled across the gallery floor by the artist.” Ongoing.
• Expanded Painting in the 1960s and 1970s — radical innovations in painting by Alma Thomas, Sam Gilliam and more. Ongoing.

$14-$23 admission, Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Juried Art Exhibition
William Way LGBT Community Center’s annual art exhibition returns, showcasing the works “46 emerging and established LGBTQ+ artists,” as selected by Stamatina Gregory of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art. See examples of the art here.
Free, through December 11th, William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street.

Punish, Perform, Possess
An exhibition of sculpture, sound, video, and text by dancer/choreographer Anh Vo. “The unstable nature of the exhibition emphasizes the contradictions inherent in language, a fixed form that continually fails to convey the fluidity of memory and feeling, which are often untranslatable.” Includes Untitled performance and book talk with Summer Kim Lee, author of Spoiled: Asian American Hostility and the Damage of Repair, December 5th, 6 p.m., pay what you wish.
Through December 6th, Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street.

Sam Maitin
Two Penn institutions are hosting exhibitions celebrating the Philadelphia painter-sculptor-printmaker (1928-2004). We the People: Sam Maitin is at the Annenberg Center, through February 21st. Meanwhile, Maitin in Philadelphia: Mayor of the Arts is at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center through December 19th.
Free; Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street; and Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 3420 Walnut Street.

Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets
This new major exhibition at the Barnes collects works from “two most important Rousseau collections in the world,” their own and the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris. Through January 11th.
$30 museum admission, Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Jane Austen Christmas at 250
Jane Austen would be 250 years young if she hadn’t died, and while the concept is fearsome and unnatural, the Historic Odessa Foundation in Delaware is celebrating with this long-term Christmas installation in the which every room the Wilson-Warner House houses a vignette inspired by the author’s novels. Through December 31st.
$15, Historic Odessa Foundation, 201 Main Street, Odessa.

Here, There & Delaware: Travel Poster Prints & Illustrations of Erick Sahler
Inspired by the WPA.
Museum admission is $15, through December 31st, Historic Odessa Foundation, 201 Main Street, Odessa.

Bespoke Matter
Artists Sophie Glenn, Leslie A. Grossman, Elizabeth Hamilton, Leah Kaplan, and Lisa Marie Patzer “explore traditional decorative arts through untraditional lenses.”
Free, through January 20th, Park Towne Place, 2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
An exhibition celebrating the two-time Oscar-winning costume designer, who worked on Sinners, the Black Panther movies, Dolemite Is My Name, and lots more. Includes sketches, costumes, insight into the design process and more.
Included in museum admission of $20, ongoing, African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street. 

The Declaration’s Journey
This major exhibition at the Museum of the American Revolution features more that 120 objects, documents and works of art to explore “the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today.
$27, through January 3rd, 2027, Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street.

Clay as Care
This exhibition at the Clay Studio explores the intersection of ceramic and wellbeing with works by artists “whose practices address healing, rest, and resilience,” including Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Ehren Tool, and Maia Chao. Through December 31st.
Free, Clay Studio, 1425 North American Street.

The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
This major exhibition at the Mercer Museum explores the history of the Doan Gang, a group of Revolutionary War British loyalists who “plotted, schemed, and plundered their way through a divided world in the earliest days of a budding American nation.”
$20 admission, through December 31st, Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown.

In the Eye of the Beholder
An exhibition of works recently donated by a pair of collectors (painter Bill Scott and activist Bob Schoenberg) which “reveal aspects of goodness and/or beauty that the artists have found in the human body, the city, the natural world, and in abstract forms.” Through December 28th.
Free, Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.

Now Showing at the Michener

• Anila Quayyum Agha: Interwoven — Two decades of sculpture, embroidery, painting and drawing by the Pakistani-American visual artist. Through January 11th.
• Tanis — Daniel Garber’s masterwork lives at the Art Museum, but returns to the Michener every three years, as required by law. The painted depicts Garber’s daughter in a lush green Bucks County setting. Runs through February 15th.

$15 museum admission, Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown.

Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo
This group exhibition at PAFA “reveals a broader picture of the American experience through the artworks and life stories of three trailblazing Japanese American women in dialogue with each other for the first time.” Includes 70 paintings and drawings. Through January 4th.
$9, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 North Broad Street.

Now Showing @ Fabric Workshop and Museum

• The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry — Longterm retrospective exhibition of “colorful textiles, costumes, and posters to ceramics, video, and sound” by “boundary‑breaking Swedish artist Moki Cherry (1943–2009).” Runs through April 12th.
• Lisa Alvarado: Talismans for a Theater of Resilience — An exhibition of painting, textiles, and other “multi-sensory works rich with visual and sonic resonance” by the Texas-born artist. Through April 12th.

Free, Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street.

Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade
A solo exhibition of “dynamic, large-scale figurative paintings explore facets of Black life, including family, friends, and community” by the Baltimore artist. Through March 1st.
$20 admission, Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford.

Now Showing @ ICA

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1st

MUSIC
Greg Mendez Residency
The Philly the indie-folk artist plays three straight Mondays at the Church’s side chapel.
$25.81, 8 p.m., December 1st, 8th & 15th, First Unitarian Church Side Chapel, 2125 Chestnut Street.

MUSIC/BOOKS
Songs & Stories with Patti Smith
Fresh off her performance at the Met the previous evening, legendary singer-songwriter and author Patti Smith moves to the Kimmel to play some music and celebrate the release of her new memoir Bread of Angels, which includes growing up in post-war Philadelphia. Smith will be joined by her kids, Jessie and Jackson.
$63-$83, 7 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.

OPERA/ARTS/PARTY
A Classically Black Arts Salon: Beauty Found in the Cracks
Classically Black and Opera Philadelphia team up for this night full of art, music and “Afro-diasporic cultural reclamation.” Includes vocal performances by Michelle Johnson and Brian Major, along with artist/author Lavett Ballard, folk artist Susan Ragland, and food by Honeysuckle’s chefs Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude‑Tate.
$100, 6:30 p.m., Honeysuckle, 631 North Broad Street

More Monday Stuff

• MOVIES: Tokyo Godfathers Satoshi Kon and Shôgo Furuya’s 2003 anime favorite about three homeless people who find a baby on Christmas Eve and try to find it’s parents. Tagline: “Meet the ultimate dysfunctional family.” $14.52, 7:30 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.
• MUSIC/TRIBUTE: Voices of MoTown Christmas, performing the music of the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more. $25-$45, 7:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.
• MOVIES: Philadelphia Psychotronic Film Society, “cult/weirdo/trash films.” $5, 7:30 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.
• MUSIC: Young Culture, with Wakelee and Bike Routes. $21.63, 7:30 p.m., Ukie Club, 847 North Franklin Street.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2nd

COMEDY
Charlene Kaye
The Honolulu-born/NYC-based comedian — and frontwoman for the band San Fermin — performs her one-woman show Tiger Daughter: Or, How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame.
$33-$43, 7:30 p.m., Helium, 2031 Sansom Street.

BOOKS/PODCASTS
Reckon True Stories
Podcasters (and authors) Kiese Laymon and Deesha Philyaw come to the library to host an episode of their Reckon True Stories podcast. Their guest is Tre Johnson, the Philadelphia-based author of Black Genius — Essays on an American Legacy.
Free, 7 p.m., Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.

OPERA/HOLIDAYS
Opera Philadelphia
OP wraps up its Pipe Up series with one last event a Wanamaker’s. This one’s called Home for the Holidays, and includes performances by the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, soprano Leah Hawkins and Peter Richard Conte on the organ.
Sold out (maybe try your luck in the standby line?) 7 p.m., The Wanamaker Building, 1300 Market Street.

MUSIC
Lydia Lunch & Joseph Keckler
The spoken word warrior and the avant-garde trickster team up for a double-header of artful stochasticity. It’ll be weird and lovely.
$18.15, 8 p.m., Mercedes Esparza aka ME, PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.

HOLIDAYS/MUSIC/COMEDY
Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas Live in Concert
The actress, comedian and TV personality — Glee, Party Down, The Weakest Link, etc. — hosts a night of music and comedy also featuring Kate Flannery from The Office, singer Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet.
$53-$266, 8 p.m., Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.

MUSIC
Jonathan Coulton
With an ear for catchy melodies and a skill for funny-poignant lyrics, Coulton has been one of the most interesting and versatile singer-songwriters in folk-pop for 20 years now. The Whiffenpoof alum hasn’t released a record yet this decade, but was so prolific in his early going that he probably still has an impressive songs-per-day rate going.
$35-$55, 7:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.

More Tuesday Stuff

• BOOKS/TALK: The Write Stuff: Small Press Night, with reps from New Door Books, Frayed Edge Press, Lanternfish Press, Thirty West Publishing, Bluestoop
  Free, 6 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 1708 Chestnut Street.
• MUSIC: Victor Vieira-Branco Trio. No cover, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., 48 Record Bar, 48 South 2nd Street.
• MOVIES: Searching for Bobby Fischer (Steven Zaillian, 1993) A chess prodigy learns the ropes. Tagline: “Every journey begins with a single move.” Presented by the Chestnut Hill Film Group. Donations suggested, 7 p.m., Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
• MUSIC: Foxy Shazam. $35-$81, 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl Philly, 1009 Canal Street.
• MUSIC: Nick Mulvey, with Frances Whitney. $25-$40, 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
• HOLIDAYS: Northern Liberties Tree Lighting. Free, 5:30 p.m., 1033 North 2nd Street.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3rd

MUSIC
Steve Gunn
Music fans of a certain seriousness recognize the elegance of Steve Gunn’s guitarwork; it’s intimate and acoustic and beautifully commanding. And music fans of a certain vintage will appreciate “Morning on K Road” — from Gunn’s most recent record, Daylight Daylight — apparently recounting a chance meeting with his old friend Hamish Kilgour of The Clean on the streets of Auckland; Kilgour passed away soon after.
$30.65, 8 p.m., with Chris Forsyth’s What Is Now, Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 North Frankford Avenue.

MUSIC/HOLIDAYS/CABARET
The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show
She’s the ’Til Tuesday/ solo artist known for “Voices Carry,” “Wise Up,” etc. He’s Teddy Punk Star, one of the most righteous voices in indie rock. (Disclosure: I pretended to be one of them on Twitter once; I’ll never say which!) Every year, Aimee and Ted team up for a night of comedy, music and good cheer despite the time, with help from comedians Paul F. Tompkins and Josh Gondelman, and singer-songwriter Nellie McKay. I caught a show on this tour last year, and it was lovely and hilarious.
$85-$145, 7:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.

MUSIC
Raekwon
With Wu Tang fully in the rearview (again), Raekwon released The Emperor’s New Clothes this summer, his first solo record in eight years.
$53-$159, 8 p.m., with Mobb Deep, Fillmore Philly, 29 East Allen Street.

MUSIC
Earl Sweatshirt
So many keywords from the Earl Sweatshirt origin story feel artifacts from another timeline: MySpace, Odd Future, Loiter Squad … But Earl’s still here, making music; his most recent release being August’s Live Laugh Love, which earned an 8.5 from Pitchfork.
$58.26-$50, 7 p.m., with Liv.e, ZelooperZ, Niontay and Cletus Strap, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.

More Wednesday Stuff

• FOOD/BOOKS: An Evening with Chef Marc Vetri, celebrating the release of The Pasta Book. Sold out, 7 p.m., Upper Dublin Public Library, 520 Virginia Drive Fort Washington.
• HOLIDAYS: Old City Holiday Tree Lighting. Free, 6 p.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street.
• COMEDY: Dan Donohue. $33-$43, 7:30 p.m., Helium, 2031 Sansom Street.
• COMEDY: Uly Morazan. $32, 7 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.
• MUSIC: Friends & Neighbors. $30.90, 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street.
• MUSIC: Karl Blau, Snow Caps, J Fresh and Sandcastle. Donations for Juntos welcome, 7 p.m., The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th

COMEDY
Josh Fadem
The comedian and actor has made notable appearances on 30 Rock, Better Call Saul, Loki, and more.
$24.20, 8 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.

COMEDY/TRIBUTE
Glory, Glory Allan Sherman: A Celebrity Music and Comedy Salute
An insanely excellent collection of entertainers will gather at the Weitzman on Thursday night to pay tribute to Allan Sherman, the legendary comedian and musician. The list includes Robert Smigel, Marshall Allen, Rodney Anonymous, Eric Bazilian, Adam Weiner, Wesley Stace and many many more.
Sold out, 7 p.m., Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East.

COMEDY
Chris Aileo & Josh Martier
Two Philly comedians now based in NYC come home for a co-headlining gig at Next In Line. You may remember Aileo hilariously going off on the PPA back in the day.
$19.60, 7:30 p.m., Next In Line Comedy, 1025 Hamilton Street.

MUSIC
Isza Wu
The in-demand organist earned her masters from Curtis and serves as the Grand Court assistant organist at the Wanamaker Organ. For this concert she’ll perform a program titled Sounds of the Season on Glen Foerd’s 1902 Haskell pipe organ.
$25, 7-9 p.m., Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Avenue.

FUNDRAISER
Flyers Casino Night
Play casino-style games with your favorite Flyers players and personalities to support Flyers Charities, the nonprofit that makes hockey accessible to all. Tickets also include an open bar, bites, and starting chips for the table games.
$300, 7 p.m., Vie, 1412 Mt. Vernon Street.

BOOKS
Jonathan Karl
The chief Washington correspondent for ABC News will discuss his new nonfiction book Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America with Tamala Edwards of Action News.
$5, 7-8 p.m., Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.

More Thursday Stuff

• MUSIC: It’s the Sure Shot, DJ Cash Money hosts an “evening of hip-hop excellence” featuring Sweet Tee and Tuff Crew. $35-$55, 8:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.
• MUSIC: Jimmy Vivino. $35-$65, 8 p.m., Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville.
• MUSIC: Brandon Lopez Trio, and Erica Dicker/Aaron Pond duo. $10-$20, 8 p.m., Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Avenue.
• MOVIES: Little Women (Gillian Armstrong, 1994). $15, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville.
• COMEDY: Rachel Fogletto. $14-$36, 7:30 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.
• MUSIC: The Local Honeys, with Abby Hamilton. $21.06, 8 p.m., MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut Street.

• MUSIC: Matt Mitchell / Sara Serpa. $37.08, 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street.
• MUSIC: Ghost-Note (Snarky Puppy adjacent), with True Loves. $33, 8 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue.
• MUSIC: Portugal. The Man, with La Luz. $58.26, 7 p.m., Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.
• MUSIC: Chris Botti. $53-$176, 8 p.m., Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.
• MUSIC: Maui The Writer & Friends. $37.65-$58.65, 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
• MUSIC: Sorry, with Avice Caro. $23.75, 7:30 p.m., Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 North Front Street.
• DANCE PARTY: Final Girl, “sexy slasher party will feature sickening performances by Vudu The Dahl, Rocceaux, and Lamia The Cursed Queen.” $13.05, 10 p.m., Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 North Front Street.
• MUSIC: Highly Suspect, with Flight Attendant. $45-$157, 8:30 p.m., Fillmore Philly, 29 East Allen Street.
• MUSIC: Jagged Edge, with Lloyd and Eric Bellinger. $64-$512, 7:30 p.m., The Met, 858 North Broad Street. 
• MUSIC: Urban Shaman Attack, with Powerhouse of the Cell and Chaka Benson. $9-$19, 8 p.m., The Queen, 500 North Market Street, Wilmington.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5th

MUSIC
Meek Mill & Friends
A big ol’ hometown show for the South Philly rap star. This will be a party.
$122-$492, 8 p.m., Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 South Broad Street.

HOLIDAYS/PARTY
Krampusnacht Festival
Ye olde Fort Mifflin celebrates this folkloric holiday with beer from local breweries, atypical holiday music, vendors, fire pits and hourly appearances by listkeeper Santa Claus and his unholy sin avenger pal Krampus.
$38.80, 6 p.m., Fort Mifflin, 1 Fort Mifflin Road.

MUSIC
Saccata Quartet
Wilco fans with a sense of adventure should check out this free jazz/experimental supergroup featuring guitarist Nels Cline, percussionist Glenn Kotche, drummer Chris Corsano and bassist Darin Gray.
$43.26, 7 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street.

ART/DANCE/BOOKS
Anh Vo: Untitled
The Hanoi-born dancer, choreographer, and writer presents her last performance in conjunction with her Anh Vo: Punish, Perform, Possess exhibition at Asian Arts Initiative. Followed by a conversation with Summer Kim Lee, author of Spoiled
Asian American Hostility and the Damage of Repair.
Pay what you wish, performance 6 p.m., p.m., Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street.

POETRY
The Late(ish) Poetry Show
This poetry series at PhilaMOCA features an open mic, music, games and “the livest audience in the city.” Presented by the Philly Pigeon.
$15-$25, 8:30 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.

ART
Mini Print Trading Night
Philly artist Fabiola Lara celebrates the release of her new Philadelphia Postcard Coloring Book with a night of coloring, print trading and more. Her prints are excellent.
Pay as you go, 5-8 p.m., My House Vintage Shop & Community Space, 760 South 4th Street.

MUSIC
The Budos Band
Groovy, gnarly, funky and soulful psychedelic instrumental rock. Somebody wake up Kojak, this is car chase music.
$58.26, 7 p.m., with Sha La Das, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.

ART/COCKTAIL PARTY
First Friday at the Barnes
This edition of the Barnes Foundation’s monthly cocktail parties features live music by jazz vocalist, plus drinks, light fare and access to all that art.
$35, 6-9 p.m., Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

ART/SHOPPING
Artist and Artisans Market
Cherry Street Pier throws open its enormous doors on the first Friday of every month for its popular makers markets. Enjoy refreshments while checking out handmade art, jewelry, clothing and more made by your neighbors.
Free, Friday, 4-9 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard.

SCIENCE/SOCIAL
Science After Hours: Celestial Sips
The Franklin Institute remembers Repeal Day (the end of prohibition) with an evening full of stargazing on the roof, shows in the plane’arium, hands-on science demonstrations, music and more.
$40, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.

MUSIC
Ezra Ray Hart
This pop/rock supergroup — featuring Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, and Emerson Hart of Tonic — presents a night of “’90s hits and Xmas riffs.” We’re talking “Good,” Open Up Your Eyes,” “When It’s Over,” etc. Why didn’t I mention “Fly”? Because it has overstayed its welcome. And because I never bought that refrain. Mark McGrath has never wanted to fly.
$55.57-$109.57, 8 p.m., Rivers Casino, 1001 North Delaware Avenue.

More Friday Stuff

• MUSIC: Mike Quinn, with Toby Leaman Trio and Pat Finnerty. $11.20, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah Street.
• MOVIES: Metropolis (Fritz Lang, 1927) New Flesh presents a screening of the silent film with a very special secret guest. 25 cents, 8 p.m., The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street.
• DANCE PARTY: A Black Celebration — Philly’s Favorite Depeche Mode Dance Party, with DJ Baby Berlin, Stalagmike, Blue Jean (Depeche Mode-themed burlesque), Dave Gahan look-alike contest and more. $14.90, 9 p.m., Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 North Frankford Avenue.
• MUSIC/HOLIDAYS: Jessica Lynn’s A Very Merry Classic Christmas. $37.50, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville.
• MUSIC: Teethe, with vilagerrr and Aunt Katrina. $19.13, 8 p.m., Warehouse on Watts, 923 North Watts Street.
• MUSIC: Sova. $15-$25, 8 p.m., University Lutheran, 3637 Chestnut Street.
• MUSIC: Carbon Leaf. $42.65-$42.65, 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
• MUSIC: The Ocean Blue, with Riverside USA & Brian Tighe. $40, 8 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue.

• MUSIC/TRIBUTE: Beatles vs. Stones, featuring Abbey Road & Satisfaction. $63-$81, 8 p.m., Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.
• MUSIC: Whiskey Myers, with Bones Owens and Rob Leines. $41-$213, 7 p.m., The Met, 858 North Broad Street.
• SCIENCE: First Friday: Cocoa for Chemistry, cookies and hot chocolate included. Free, 5-7 p.m., Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street.
• MOVIES: The Serpent and the Rainbow (Wes Craven, 1988) stars Bill Pullman, Cathy Tyson, Zakes Mokae, Paul Winfield. Says IMDB: “An anthropologist goes to Haiti to research a drug that makes someone appear dead by suspending all vital signs.” Tagline: “Don’t bury me… I’m not dead!” $15.50, 9:30 p.m., Film Society East, 125 South 2nd Street.
• MUSIC: Pink Mountaintops, with White Hills. $23.75, 7:30 p.m., Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 North Front Street.
• MUSIC: Dead Wrong, with Modern Culture, Midfield and Common Crime. $15-$20, 8 p.m., MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut Street.
• HOLIDAYS/DRAG: Krampusnacht Burlesque, with art, vendors, tattoos and lots more. Free vendor fair family-friendly festivities, 5-9 p.m.; then $15.71 burlesque show; Prism Arts Philadelphia, 1021 Hamilton Street.
• BURLESQUE: Hellmouth Cabaret — A Buffy Burlesque Tribute. Waiting list, 9-11:30 p.m., Velvet Whip Arts & Social Club, 319 North 11th Street.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6th

COMEDY
Ken Jeong
The comedian-actor-host-doctor plays Parx. You probably recognize Ken Jeong from Community, the Hangover movies, The Masked Singer, Dr. Ken and, of course, KPop Demon Hunters.
$61-$106, 8 p.m., Xcite Center at Parx Casino, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem.

MUSIC/HOLIDAYS
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is on her Greatest Hits Christmas Tour, which you probably knew because you know everything about her. Or do you? It’s time for Two Truths And Then, Blam, A Lie!

• LeAnn Rimes appeared on Star Search when she was 8.
• LeAnn Rimes has appeared on six episodes of 9-11 Nashville.
• LeAnn Rimes is a touring member of GWAR.

$48-$261, 8 p.m., Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.

COMEDY/PODCAST
Digital Bazooka
This “live prank call show” hosted by James Moss and Dru Montana always has to the potential to go really wrong.
$20.99-$28.99, 4 p.m., Helium, 2031 Sansom Street.

MOVIES
Hundreds of Beavers
PhilaMOCA presents another encore screening of this word-of-mouth sensation — a stylish, silly and enthralling indie comedy about a fur trapper doing battle with the titular beasts. More info here.
$14.52, 7:30 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.

MUSIC
Claire Rousay
The prolific and Winnipeg-born experimental musician released two records on Thrill Jockey this year: No Floor (a collaboration with More Eaze) in March and A Little Death in October. Rousay plays two sit-down shows in the Church’s pretty little side chapel on Saturday.
$30.96, December 6th, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m., with Ami Dang, First Unitarian Church Side Chapel, 2125 Chestnut Street.

More Saturday Stuff

• HOLIDAYS/SHOPPING: Fishtown Freeze, featuring ice sculptures, pop-up market, a free trolley, and appearance by festive babadook Santa Claus. Free, noon-10 p.m., multiple locations in Fishtown.
• SHOPPING: Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll in Old City, with events like Deck the Alley in Elfreth’s Alley and the Holiday Market at Christ Church. Pay as you go, noon-4 p.m., multiple locations in Old City.
• HOLIDAYS: Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade. Free, 9 a.m., kicks off at Rex and Germantown avenues.
• FOOD/SHOPPING: Brewerytown Night Market, food, live music, shopping. Pay as you go, 4-8 p.m., 2600 block of Thompson Street, between LeCount and 27th Street.
• HOLIDAYS: Santa Stroll, featuring ice sculpting, music, vendors, s’mores and a summoning of the Santa Claus demigod. Free, noon-5 p.m., Chestnut Walk on Ludlow Street.
• KIDS/MUSEUMS: Winter Kick-Off at the Please Touch Museum. $2-$24, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
• SHOPPING: Haddon Township Winterfest Market, with beer garden, music and appearance by ice demon Santa Claus. Pay as you go, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Haddon Square, 51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township.
• HOLIDAYS/SHOPPING: Happy Holidays From Rox, holiday market, tree lighting and materialization of extra-dimensional phantasm Santa Claus. Free, noon-7 p.m., Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Avenue.
• MUSIC: Blackbox Ensemble, performing contemporary chamber music. $15-$25, 8 p.m., University Lutheran, 3637 Chestnut Street.
• SHOPPING: The Black Market, art, baked goods, plants, more. Pay as you go, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Malcolm X Memorial Park, 5100 Pine Street.
• SHOPPING/MUSIC: Pop-Up Vinyl Market. Pay as you go, noon-4:30 p.m., 48 Record Bar, 48 South 2nd Street.
• FOOD: Community Nut Crack, crack black walnuts in machines built for the task. Free, noon-3 p.m., Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard.
• MOVIES: Rankin/Bass Holiday Specials, including The Year Without a Santa Claus, Frosty’s Winter Wonderland, and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. $6, 11 a.m. Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr.

• MOVIES: The Polar Express (Robert Zemeckis, 2004) Tagline: “Journey Beyond Your Imagination.” $5, 10 a.m., Hiway Theater, 212 Old York Road, Jenkintown.
• SCIENCE: Science & Activism Tour, “explores the vital impacts made by engaged communities on scientific discovery, environmental justice, and public health.” Free, 2 p.m., Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street.
• MUSIC: Octave Cat (members of Lotus and Dopapod), with Neighbor. $30, 8 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue.
• MUSIC: Pure Prairie League. $46.56-$67.65, 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
• DANCE PARTY: & Friends End of Year Celebration, with DJs, vendors, panel discussions, more. $20, 8 p.m., Underground Arts, 200 Callowhill Street.
• MUSIC: Don McCloskey & the Band‘s Holiday Office Party. $31-$81, 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl Philly, 1009 Canal Street.
• BRUNCH: Pure Soul Presents: Jazz and Soul Holiday Brunch. $20-$30, noon, City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.
• DRAG/BRUNCH: All I Want For Christmas Is You Brunch: The Ultimate Drag Experience. $14-$26, noon, Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.
• MOVIES: St. Peter’s and the Papal Basilicas of Rome (Luca Viotto, 2016). $21.75, 12:30 p.m., Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr.
• KIDS/HOLIDAYS: Winter on the Waterfront. Included with museum admission, 1o a.m.-5 p.m., Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th

MUSIC
Cursive
When the Omaha band burst onto the scene 30 years ago (is that possible?) they were an island of swagger in an ocean of stand-and-deliver indie bands. Not a lot bands were being sexy and making people move, maybe even dance. Cursive just dropped their third record, Devourer, and they’re as excitable as ever, making jangly, charismatic post-punk right songs to rattle the room. Get there early for a duo iteration of Phoenix indie mainstays AJJ.
$25, 8 p.m., Underground Arts, 200 Callowhill Street.

MOVIES/MUSIC
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Watch the 2001 comedy musical, followed by a Q&A and live performance by star John Cameron Mitchell. Tagline: “An anatomically incorrect rock odyssey.”
Sold out, 3 & 7:30 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.

FOOD
Philly Cookie Fest
“Bring three dozen of your favorite homemade cookies to exchange with fellow bakers and you will have three dozen assorted cookies to take home with you.” Also there’s a DJ, a cookie eating contest and more. Benefits the Philadelphia Juvenile Law Center.
$12.51 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bok Building, 9th & Mifflin streets.

MUSIC/HOLIDAYS
Dianne Reeves
The Grammy-winning Detroit jazz vocalist and her band present Christmas Time is Here — named after her chart-topping 2004 record full of holiday classics like “Carol of the Bells,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Let It Snow.”
$84-$105, 7 p.m., Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street.

SHOPPING/OUTDOORS
Open Streets: West Walnut
Several blocks in the neighborhood of 18th and Walnut streets will be car-free one last time in 2025. Also: ice sculptures, carolers, “strolling bubble magic,” games and a visit by transdimensional demogorgon Santa Claus.
Free till you spend money, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut streets, and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th streets.

More Sunday Stuff

• MOVIES: Christmas in Connecticut (Peter Godfrey, 1946) A Martha-Stewart type rushes to make her idealized housewife life a reality. Tagline: “It’s the fun show that’s the one show to see!” $13.50, 11 a.m., Hiway Theater, 212 Old York Road, Jenkintown.
• KIDS/ART: Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes, with music by the Philadelphia Youth Concert Band, and art activities. Free, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
• KIDS/ART: Family Festival: Sweet Dreams. Pay what you wish, 1o a.m.-3 p.m., Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
• COMEDY: Aaron Weber. $34-$44, 7 p.m., Helium, 2031 Sansom Street.
• FOOD/TEA: Holiday Tea @ Carpenters’ Hall, hosted by Dolley Madison. $85, 3:30-5 p.m., Carpenters’ Hall, 320 Chestnut Street.
• COMEDY: Becky Robinson. $52-$76, 7 p.m., Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.
• MUSIC: Modern Alibi, with The Band Light. $19.15, 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
• COMEDY: Ambler Wallin. $30-$45, 7:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.
• COMEDY/VARIETY SHOW: Homo for the Holigays. $25-$36, 7 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.
• MUSIC: Sir Chloe, with Suzy Clue. $35-$81, 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl Philly, 1009 Canal Street.

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