Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Fishtown Freeze
Fishtown Freeze is back to bring another day packed with food, drinks, fun and plenty of ice sculptures. Now in its 6th year, the event will be in full swing on Saturday, Dec. 14 (rain date is set for Dec. 15) from noon to 8 p.m.
While there, locals can watch massive ice sculptures made by renowned artists at Ice Sculpture Philly, nab a complimentary photo with Santa at Frankford Hall (noon to 4 p.m.), check out different food and drink specials (like a hot cocoa bar and s’more station at The Battery or melted raclette and bierstacheln at The International Bar,) and indulge in different shopping specials at neighborhood businesses (this “shopping spree” will also continue into Sunday.)
A full list of times, venues and more can be found online.
One-Man Nutcracker
If you’re looking for a unique way to check out ‘The Nutcracker’ in Philly, award-winning actor and writer Chris Davis has the show for you. His one-man Nutcracker is open now and runs until Dec. 29 at the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake. Davis takes on the role of—well, every character—plus MK Tuomanen is stepping in as director and Campbell Tosney as choreographer.
The show is coming to Philly after a sold-out run in Germany in the 2024 Thespis Festival, and tickets ($15-$35 via Eventbrite) are now on sale. The show description also notes that this performance is suitable for ages 10 and over.
302 S. Hicks St., realchrisdavis.com
Do215 Rock n’ Roll Holiday Market
The inaugural Do215 Rock n’ Roll Holiday Market will be in full swing this weekend on Dec. 14. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., a full day of live music from local acts will be paired with an “eclectic mix” of DIY handmade and vintage vendors, food, drinks and other activities. The fun will take place at Star|Bolt, and more information can be found online.
1936 N. Front St., do215.com
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
‘A Twisted Christmas’ at Lincoln Mill Haunted House
It’s the holiday season and you know what means… time for a good scare. Lincoln Mill Haunted House is once again presenting ‘A Twisted Christmas’ for one weekend only this Friday (Dec. 13) and Saturday (Dec. 14) from 7 to 9:15 p.m. each night.
This holiday edition follows the continuous story of Viktor Kane, a sinister figure who owns the Mill. With this go-around, the tale continues with inspiration from the German story of Krampus, where the figure “punishes naughty children by whipping them or dragging them to the underworld.” Instead of Krampus, Kane is the center of this Twisted Christmas, which features over 35 scare actors.
The space will be decked out with Christmas lights, tinsel, ornaments, trees, stockings and the story will contain the same cast of characters—just all of them will have their own “Christmas essence.” There will also be some new figures added into the mix, like Jack Frost, a gingerbread man, Befana, the Christmas Witch and many others. Tickets ($35-$50) are available online.
4100 Main St., lincolnmillhaunt.com
