Things to do in Philadelphia this weekend – Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ELF The Broadway Musical, Flyers, Sixers
This Christmas will be a very special Christmas for you and your family in Philadelphia. Buzzing with nothing but holiday cheer and live performances. Whether you're in the mood for a rock opera, timeless classics or the thrill of Philly sports, this week's guide has all you need for a festive weekend.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Christmastime is here. And every playlist and radio station will have Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Nat King Cole on repeat— you know, the usual suspects. But now you have a chance to see one of Christmas' most renowned groups live. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is bringing their electrifying Christmas rock opera to South Philly on Sunday, Dec. 22
The Orchestra is putting on two visually dazzling shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 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 to see the "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" artists are going fast but for both shows start at $91.
South Philly Book Crawl
If you're looking for last-minute holiday shopping, book lovers can pick up gifts for the readers in their lives — or themselves — this weekend in South Philadelphia. The South Philly Book Crawl, curated by Pier Players, returns on Saturday and Sunday.
The book crawl will also double 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 at noon each day.
The South Philly Book Crawl also doubles as a fundraiser for Pier Players, with proceeds going to its theater company. Tickets were $15 but are now sold out.
Sixers vs. Hornets at Wells Fargo Center
After having a few days off, the Sixers are back in action Friday night when they host the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center. The banged-up Sixers got Joel Embiid (sinus fracture) back Friday night.
Tickets for Friday's home game are cheap — SeatGeek has tickets for as cheap as $7, StubHub $12 and Ticketmaster resale $13.
Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol"
No one can say humbug to the holiday magic of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." Arguably one of the most famous Christmas stories ever is live at the Walnut Street Theatre.
Perfect for the family, this hour-long musical adaptation has only one show left at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. Tickets to see old Ebenezer are sold out.
ELF The Broadway Musical
Based on the beloved holiday movie, Elf: The Broadway Musical is lighting up the Walnut Street Theatre stage. Thirteen shows over eight days, this family-friendly production runs through Sunday, Dec. 29.
Tickets are selling quickly, with limited availability for remaining performances.
Prices start at $137. Don't miss the chance to see Buddy the Elf spread Christmas cheer live on stage.
Blue Jackets vs. Flyers
If you're itching for some hockey, Saturday night will be 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 Jan. 7, 2025.
Saturday night is also the Flyers' annual "Holiday Spectacular," meaning Gritty Claus will deliver Gritmas cheer to all before puck drop — and probably during it too.
Philadelphia is riding a three-game losing streak, but Columbus is 2-6-2 in its last 10 games.
Tickets are still on sale starting at $42.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park features local vendors selling gifts for everyone on your list. This year, the holiday market features new white huts, extra twinkling lights and illuminated stars to give you that holiday spirit all season long. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is in town now through Jan. 1.
The market is open every day except Christmas. Hours differ depending on the day you choose to visit.
- Sunday - Thursday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Friday - Saturday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Christmas Eve: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Rose Tree Festival of Lights
Are you looking to light up the night this holiday season? Then, you'll want to check out Rose Tree Park's Festival of Lights in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Bundle up and stroll while witnessing the magic of the Christmas season in this special winter wonderland. Admission is free, and visitors can bring their dogs if they're on leashes! The Festival of Lights is open every night until Jan. 4 from 5-10 p.m.
The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music
The Philadelphia Ballet's magical production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker returns to the Academy of Music Friday and runs through Sunday, Dec. 29. This holiday classic brings dazzling choreography and one of the most recognizable scores to life at Broad Street's Academy of Music.
Perfect for families and anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit. Experience the wonder of sugar plum fairies, sword-wielding mice and all that 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 sea-son at Camden's Adventure Aquarium with none other than Scuba Santa. That's right, Santa is a big scuba diver and swimmer when he's not flying around the world with his magical reindeer. Snap a photo of Scuba Santa during one of his daily dives and see the world's largest underwater Christmas tree standing 18 feet tall! The festivities continue with the Snowtunda, a shower of magical indoor snow-like flurries and Christmas lights.
Adventure Aquarium's holiday sea-son runs through Dec. 24.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Nothing says Hallmark quite like an ice skating adventure around the holidays. Lucky for us, the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is all winter-long.
Skaters are encouraged to book their sessions online in advance, which are 90 minutes long. Ticket sales are limited in person. You can also BYOIS (bring your own ice skates) and just pay an admission charge.
The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink's hours are listed below.
- Monday-Thurdays: 12 -9 p.m.
- Friday: 12 -11 p.m.
- Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo
From the Instagram-worthy butterfly tree to the 40-foot-tall penguin glowing with 40,000 lights, you'll surely find something at this enchanting Philadelphia Zoo experience that gets you in the holiday spirit. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets start at $29 for kids ages 12 and up and $24 for kids ages 2-11. Infants under 2 can visit free of charge. Witness the magical holiday wonder of LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo through Jan. 4, 2025.
Winter fun in Franklin Square
Stop by Franklin Square for several holiday activities, including the Electrical Spectacle, a 30-minute light show featuring holiday music and thousands of colorful lights. This year, the show includes a new song — "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by The Philly Specials (Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata and recently retired Jason Kelce). Franklin Square is also offering Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling and, of course, what holiday festivity is complete without a seasonal sweet treat and cocktail!