Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

Philly Goat Project, things to do in Philly
Jessica Kourkounis

Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Philly Goat Project Christmas Tree-Cycle 

The Project’s annual Christmas Tree-Cycle is returning for its sixth year with three dates in 2024. The first will be this Saturday, Jan. 6 (rain date is Jan. 7) at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum from noon to 3 p.m.

And what exactly happens while here? According to a release, donated Christmas trees will become snacks for the goats and/or turned into wood chips used to cover trails in city parks and community gardens throughout Philadelphia, thanks to a partnership with the Philadelphia Streets Department. There is a $20 donation requested per Christmas tree, which goes to support the Philly Goat Project’s free year-round programming.

Beyond the Christmas tree drop, activities during the farm festival will include a large fire pit with free s’mores, free hot cocoa, farm Olympics games for kids (only at Awbury’s festivals), and a petting area with the goats. So, you don’t need a tree to come out and enjoy your time with your whole family. More information including drop-off points can be found online. 

Philly Goat Project, things to do in Philly
Jessica Kourkounis

6336 Ardleigh St., phillygoatproject.org

Sensible Sips Happy Hour at Panorama 

Dry January doers and those just looking for some spirited picks in the non-alcoholic realm can join a Sensible Sips Happy Hour at one of the city’s premier vino spots, Panorama. The activation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with tickets ($65) including assorted chef-selected hors d’oeuvres, n/a wines and a selection of zero proof Aperol Spritzs.

This new happy hour comes from a partnership with the New Jersey-based Gem Life + Bar, a booze-free bottle shop and wellness pop-up owned by Drew Davis. While there, visitors will also be able to chat with Davis and William Eccleston to ask questions and learn more about sensible sipping.

Panorama, things to do in Philly
Panorama Wine Bar

14 N Front St., pennsviewhotel.com

Alpine Heights at Assembly Rooftop Lounge 

Located in The Logan Hotel, this rooftop hotspot is offering Philadelphians a fire-side escape from the cold weather with their annual Alpine Heights activation. The modern ski lodge-inspired pop-up features hot cocktails, comfort food, themed décor, cozy blankets, blazing fire pits and heaters, and will be open until Feb. 29. 

While at Alpine Heights, Philadelphians can indulge in boozy hot chocolate, fondue, short rib rosti, a Bavarian smash burger, gruyere & onion dip, and a variety of other cocktails. 

As a release states, for those looking to get extra cozy, the cocktail menu will also feature hot libations, including the firepit staple Liquid Love ($18), made with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, ganache hot chocolate and Chantilly cream; Alpine Floral Toddy ($16), with Evan Williams Bourbon and fall spiced mulled apple cider; and Spiced Mulled Wassail ($16), built with Cruzan Aged Dark Rum, Maggie’s Farm Falernum, lemon, hibiscus tea and simple syrup. Assembly’s Alpine Heights will also feature a happy hour between 4 and 5 p.m. for discounted cocktails and bites.

1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, assemblyrooftop.com

Winter Activities at Franklin Square 

The popular destination transforms annually at this time of year into a seasonal wonderland of sorts, with the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO acting as its centerpiece. The show will be accompanied by some returning fan favorites, plus some new activations for this year.

New this go-around is the addition of Franklin Square Street Curling. The game is played on an elevated platform where two teams take turns sliding “stones” (rocks) across the curling surface toward the target (The House). At Franklin Square, people can book a 30-minute session for up to 8 players at each of two rinks for $40 per session. 

Other returning activities include Philly Chilly Mini Golf, a variety of hand-crafted cocktails and food being offered by vendors, the carousel, and some stand-out events including Ice Princess Night (Jan. 27), a Chinese New Year Celebration (Feb. 10), and more. 

Franklin Square, things to do in Philly
Franklin Square lights up for the 2023 winter season.Jeff Fusco

 200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org

The Boozy Mutt 

This new venue opened last month in the city as a bar, restaurant and also, off-leash dog park. The 7,500 square-foot property includes a 3,120 square-foot artificial grass yard and a two-story brick building complete with a restaurant, private event space, retail merchandise area, and a dog wash room. The new 140-seat restaurant and bar also offers menus for both humans and dogs.

For dogs specifically, The Boozy Mutt will be serving up different snacks and main courses including coconut chicken “nuggies”; a pumpkin and egg white quiche; and a “housemade biscuits” platter spanning peanut butter, carrot-ginger, coconut rice, and pumpkin options. For humans, visitors can find bites like “Fairmount Fries,” falafel encrusted salmon, a Mexican street corn and  shaved Brussel caesar salad, and more.

The Boozy Mutt, things to do in Philly
The Boozy Mutt owners Sam and Allison Mattiola are pictured.Courtesy of The Boozy Mutt

2639 Poplar St., theboozymutt.com