Lifestyle Scoop
The 12 Most Christmassy Things You Can Do in Philly
The 12 Most Christmassy Things You Can Do in Philly
Despite the misconception that Philadelphians hate Christmas due to the whole Santa snowball fiasco, we really enjoy the holidays. The cool events as well as the cheesy things to do are fun. So for those looking to get in the holiday spirt, we put together a list of the 12 most christmassy things you can do in Philly. So break out your Google calendar and start booking your adventures today.
Have Brunch With Santa
The long tradition of visiting Santa at the mall entails a long wait so that your kid has a few seconds to tell Santa what they want. Then it’s off you go. Why not break bread with Santa? Center City District Parks is Offering “Brunch With Santa,” where you can chow down on breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, french toast sticks, muffins, bacon, sausage and much more while discussing the deplorable Eagles season. Maybe you can ask for new receivers while buttering your toast.
Take a Boat Cruise With Santa
The Spirit of Philadelphia is also always in the holiday spirit. They’re offering a chance to take a boat cruise with Santa. This is your chance to grub on their popular buffet and turn up on the dance floor with jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself!
Parade of Lights
The annual Parade of Lights is probably the most unique of all Philadelphia holiday traditions. Each year boats light up with Christmas decor and cruise up and down the Delaware River. This is a great event for the family or enjoy with a significant other. This year the organizers are extending the route to the Winter Festival at Penn’s Landing so you can ice skate and take in the parade.
Take in One of Many Cool Plays
Remember those classic school plays you sat through back in the day. Sure you wanted to make fun of your friend who would flub their lines but overall plays & theatre go hand in hand with the holidays. For the kid’s check out the fan favorite Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. For adults take in the classic performance of The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music or the sounds of the Philly POPS’ “A Philly POPS Christmas.”
The Macy’s Light Show is as Philly as it Gets
Believe it or not that huge display of lights you overlook when you’re shopping for slim fit jeans, attracts hundreds of tourists each year. The Macy’s light show is as Christmassy as it gets in Philly. I would definitely encourage anyone who happens to be in Center City to stop and smell the roses if you will. Take time out to check it out.
Ice Skate at the Christmas Village
Hey while you’re in Center City, the ultimate Christmas destination is of course the Christmas Village. If you’re looking for a cool date spot or even a place to enjoy with the fam, it gets no better. Shop, eat, ice skate and take in the scenery. This place is post card worthy at night, so be sure to take plenty of memorable pics at this Christmas oasis.
Running of the Santas
Obviously this one isn’t a family friendly event but a Christmassy Philly event nonetheless. Running of the Santas is the largest holiday bar crawl in Philly and is actually a national event. This year the Field House (South Pole) & Electric Factory play (North Pole) will be the anchors for the crawl as hundreds of tipsy Santas make their way back in forth for a festive party to say the least.
12 Days of Christmas Movie Countdown
A Photo via Blue Cross RiverRink Facebook
The cabin at the Blue Cross RiverRink will be screening 12 classic Christmas movies to help countdown until the big day. Timeless movies such as the Christmas Story, Elf, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will obviously be shown along with some newer flicks to mix things up. Great for families but also another perfect event to take a date.
Feast of the 7 Fishes
Fishtown restaurants will be living up to the name of their neighborhood on December 21st, when 7 popular restaurants create a bar crawl offering 7 varieties of fish for $7. If you’re a foodie, especially a seafood lover this is a can’t miss event. We highly suggest you bring gum because after eating 7 fishes you’ll definitely need a little freshening up.
Run Like a Deer or in This Case Rudolph
The 3rd Annual Rudolph Run is going down in Manayunk Dec. 10th. This fun 3ish mile run along the Manayunk Canal combines fitness and holiday cheer. Holiday attire is encouraged – lights, reindeer antlers, red noses, sparkles, ugly Christmas sweaters, and whatever else have laying around. So for those looking for a runner’s high this holiday season, this is the event for you.
Compete for the Best Gingerbread House in Philly!
This is a bit of a wildcard but it’s a brand new event we thought was cool and unique. The 1st Annual Gingerbread Architectural Challenge is taking place at the Center / Architecture + Design (1218 Arch) and is an open invitation for anyone willing to put their gingerbread house making skills to the test. Winner takes home $500. So you could be making back most of the Christmas money you spent on gifts. Why not give it a shot?
Franklin Square Will Be Lit’
No literally, Franklin Square will be showcasing a light show of their own. The same place that had the popular lantern show will be displaying cool Christmas lights. This is definitely a family friendly spot but for those looking for adultish activities, there will be a winter beer garden. All-in-all you can’t go wrong with Franklin Square during any holiday.
