Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Open Streets: West Walnut Holiday Edition
The popular activation is back with some festive updates for its holiday edition set for this weekend. With support from Rittenhouse Row and the City of Philadelphia, Open Streets transforms and expands the area — specifically, 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut, and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th — by temporarily closing streets to traffic. During the event, locals are invited to stroll nearly seven blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining and activities for all ages.
The Holiday edition of this Center City initiative will feature acoustic musicians and holiday carolers, plus, families can find activities like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games, toys, and a story time event with Santa Claus. Additionally, “cozy” seating pods playing holiday movies will also line parts of 18th Street. Open Streets will be in full swing on Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
White Elephant
White Elephant strives to be the “chicest” holiday pop-up bar in Philadelphia. As a release notes, the space takes a feminine approach to Christmas decorations with various disco ball displays, a pink, white and gold color palate, hot pink trees, fur-lined furniture, neon lights, and sequins stockings adorning every inch of the restaurant and bar.
Drinks-wise, locals can sip on a Peppermint Bark Martini, Eggnog Old Fashioned, Gingerbread Martini and more while here, plus an assortment of flavored espresso martinis (what the establishment is known for) including a Thin Mint, Banana Cream Pie, Chocolate Raspberry and other options.
Hours of operation at White Elephant are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight with happy hour offered daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
1500 Locust St., @theelephantphl
Winter Glow at the Rittenhouse Hotel
The Rittenhouse Spa & Club and Natura Bissé are teaming up to host a beauty-driven event this Thursday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a release notes, The Winter Glow event will feature Natura Bissé’s anti-aging facial, performed inside a luxurious Pure Air Bubble (aka Natura’s traveling spa). Following the treatment, guests can enjoy healthy light bites and champagne as they experience the “transformative effects” of this 30-minute facial in a 99.99% pure air environment.
Reservations are required and can be made online, and a $140 reservation fee will be applied as a retail credit at the event.
210 W Rittenhouse Square, rittenhousehotel.com/spa-club
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Luminature is back this winter at the Philadelphia Zoo. This dazzling showcase features over a million holiday lights throughout the venue, with different themed activations, food and drink options, plus new additions taking over the line-up for 2024.
As a release notes, highlights this year include “LumiNature 360”, where you can experience a 360-degree celebration of wildlife on the Zoo’s Impala Plaza; “Beary Sweet”, where you can walk through a world of gummy bears and candy; and “Polar Play”, where you’ll choose your own adventure.
LumiNature will be on-site at the venue through Jan. 4, 2025. Advance tickets for adults ages 12+ are $22 to $29, children ages 2-11 are $18 to $24, and children under 2 years old are no charge for Philadelphia Zoo members. Timed entrance tickets are available every half hour from 5 to 8 p.m. with the experience closing at 9 or 10 p.m. depending on the visit date.
3400 W Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
Old City Holiday Sip & Stroll
This Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. Philadelphians can head to Old City to check out a special holiday shopping event. As a release notes, this district-wide activation boasts exclusive discounts and specials at various businesses in addition to seasonal cocktails, hot chocolate, and more from neighboring bars and restaurants. Third Street from Market to Arch Streets will be temporarily closed off to vehicular traffic allowing strollers and shoppers free reign to enjoy shopping, sipping, eating, live entertainment, and so on.
A full list of offerings and happenings can be found online.
