Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Philadelphia Rare Book Fair
Taking place this weekend (Dec. 7, 8 and 9) at the Trinity Memorial Church in downtown Philly, the Philadelphia Rare Book Fair will feature over 25 exhibitors from around the country. As a release states, the event will feature “exciting, historic, and rare books,” including a first edition of ‘Harry Potter’ by J.K. Rowling, first edition of Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’, a signed limited edition copy of Virginia Wolf’s ‘On Being Will’, and a first British edition of ‘The Great Gatsby’ in a rare dust jacket.
The Fair will also feature some speakers: University of Pennsylvania law professor Kermit Roosevelt will be presenting a talk on book banning, and local author Steven Ujifusa will be presenting on his new book ‘The Last Ships from Hamburg’ to name a few opportunities. Exhibitors include Old Editions Bookshop, Jeffrey Bergman Books, Christopher’s Rare Books, Bluemango Rare Books and Manuscripts, Captain Ahab’s Rare Books, Kevin Sell, The Rare Book Sleuth and many more (a full list is available online.)
2212 Spruce St., finefairs.com
Fishtown Freeze
Fishtown Freeze kicks off this weekend, and in 2023, the ice sculpting event will be expanded into a two-day family-friendly extravaganza full of food and drinks specials, shopping opportunities and holiday fun.
The highlights of the annual activation come from the internationally renowned ice sculpture artists at Ice Sculpture Philly, and Philadelphians will be able to catch live carving demonstrations and fully formed ice sculptures around the neighborhood. Fishtown Freeze in 2023 will also feature Pop-Up Makers Markets throughout the day on Dec. 9, plus holiday shopping deals at the area’s independent boutiques, or, locals can also partake in the event’s Shopping Spree (Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10, from noon to 6 p.m.)
Other stand-outs throughout the event span The International Bar’s Outdoor Holiday Makers Market with warm butter-washed rum in hot cider, holiday ham and raclette cheese, plus a market from Mural City Garden with Myrtle & Magnolia featuring wreath-making, a winter floral sale, festive beverages and arts and crafts for kids.
Roxborough Tree Lighting Ceremony and Happy Holidays from Rox Kick-Off
Roxborough’s Tree Lighting expanded this year to a 3-day holiday event with a new indoor pop-up market beginning Friday, Dec. 8, at Pocket Park. There, over 20 unique crafters, artists, treats, and beverages will fill the space next to the park (previously the Royal Bargain Dollar Store), a release states.
The tree lighting ceremony will kick off the weekend at 5:30 p.m. with five Douglas Fir’s, and two of these trees will serve as “wishing trees”, inviting children to decorate wooden ornaments and inscribe their heartfelt wishes, the release also states. Live music will also be on site.
6170 and 6174 Ridge Ave., roxboroughpa.com
‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Walnut Street Theatre
‘Beauty and the Beast’ will come alive onstage at the popular venue now through Dec. 31, and tickets are currently on sale for the classic production. The Walnut’s production will feature a company of 25 performers and a live orchestra performing some of the tunes the show has become known for, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Belle.’
Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be on stage at the theatre through Dec. 31, and includes holiday performances.
825 Walnut St., walnutstreettheatre.org
Vintage Apres Ski at The Prime Rib
This new holiday pop-up bar at The Prime Rib will be open until Jan. 2, and it’s designed to resemble a vintage mountain experience through a speakeasy cocktail lounge, complete with a ski lift selfie station.
The experience will be serving up a few different cocktail options like the Slopeside Sipper (Ciroc Vodka, coconut, lime, a lemon peel and club soda, garnished with coconut and lemon shavings), and the Mogul Magarita (Casamigos Blanco, ruby grapefruit syrup, aperol and lime with a grapefruit garnish, infused with grapefruit smoke), along with a select menu of a la carte options from Chef Justin Nelson’s award-winning menu at The Prime Rib.
Après Ski happens every Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. The space can also be booked for private holiday parties for 12 or more people by emailing events@primeribphilly.com.
900 Packer Ave., philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com
