Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The Hot Cococa Chalet at Aqimero
From Thursday, Dec. 19, to Saturday, Dec. 21, Philadelphians can head to Aqimero’s Hot Cococa Chalet. Each ticket gets you a 2-hour open bar, handcrafted holiday-themed cocktails and light bites, all in a festive atmosphere with a DJ. Located in Aqimero’s private dining room, the space will be transformed for a (limited) 40 guests per day, with plenty of holiday photo ops. Guests are encouraged to dress in their holiday best, and tickets ($85) can be found online through Aqimero’s site or through OpenTable.
10 Avenue of the Arts, aqimero.com
‘Dipped in Chocolate’
The all-Black ‘Nutcracker: Dipped in Chocolate’ from the Chocolate Ballerina Company is in its fourth year, and will play at Drexel University’s Mandell Theatre for one weekend, (Dec. 21-22). Show times are 1:30 and 7 p.m. on both days.
Founded in 2017 by Chanel Holland-Pierre, Chocolate Ballerina Company engages underserved communities through dance, to inspire and instill a sense of hope, discipline, and confidence through training and through professional development. The company offers free dance classes, outreach programs, pop-up performances, masterclasses, and more, both digitally and in-person.
As a release notes, ‘Dipped in Chocolate’ specifically celebrates diversity in ballet, offering a vibrant and inclusive reinterpretation of the classic ‘Nutcracker’, infused with Black culture through music, movement, and storytelling. Tickets (various prices) are available online via Eventbrite.
3220 Chestnut St., chocolateballerinacompany.com
Holiday Happy Hour for Rail Park at The Trestle Inn
Philadelphians can head to The Trestle Inn this Thursday, Dec. 19, for a special holiday happy hour and fundraising event for Rail Park. The activation will feature a $9 “Ryed the Rails” cocktail special with Traveller Whiskey, a 50/50 holiday raffle, 60s and 70s holiday classic tunes, and other specials being served up from 6 to 9 p.m. (happy hour runs until 8 p.m.) More information and ways to RSVP can be found online.
339 N 11th St., thetrestleinn.com
Feast of the 7 Moles at Cantina la Martina
For the third year in a row, the Feast of the 7 Moles will be in full swing at Cantina la Martina this weekend. Taking place Friday, Dec. 20, the activation will feature chefs from 7 different restaurants all serving up their own mole course. Guests attending will be served a complimentary ponche (a hot cocktail made with guava, apples, sugar cane, and tequila) upon arrival and everyone will go home with a special gift from Chef/Owner Dionicio Jimenez and Co-owner Mariangeli Alicea Saez.
Dinner kicks off at 7 p.m. and tickets ($150) are available (note that tax, gratuity, and beverages are additional) and can be found online. This event is reservation only, and no regular dinner service will be taking place that evening.
2800 D St., cantinalamartinapa.com
Vox Ama Deus
As a release notes, Vox Ama Deus has presented annual performances of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ to the Philadelphia region for more than three decades. Remaining performances for the 2024 season include Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, and Dec. 22, at St. Katharine of Siena Church in Wayne, at 4 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
Craftsman Row Saloon
Those looking for holiday pop-up bars in Philadelphia are in for a treat with Craftsman Row Saloon. Known for its over-the-top decorations—featuring thousands of lights, ornaments and more—and extravagant milkshake options (like the “All I Want for Christmas” featuring vanilla ice cream, egg nog, crushed gingerbread cookies, a holiday decorated cookie, lollipop, and a green/red sour strip), the venue is also donning an updated food and drink menu.
Festive options span the Christmas Dinner Burger, Candy Cane Caprese, Holiday Pasta and sips like the Fireside Chat (skrewball whiskey, chocolate bitters, cream, toasted marshmallow and a cinnamon rim), Elf Help Book Sangria (pinot grigio, white cranberry, rosemary, orange and apple cider) Garland Punch (gin, midori, lemon and a Christmas wreath) and much more.
112 S 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com
