Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

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

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

This weekend, Philadelphians will be able to head to the Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Cirque Dreams Holidaze comes from a partnership with the KCC and The Shubert Organization, and will be on stage in the City of Brotherly Love until Dec. 31. 

Described as “a brilliant and whimsical holiday spectacular” this particular Cirque show will feature Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts, storybook characters, and holiday music favorites. The production features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. The original music score also includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” 

Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online. In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office as well. 

240 S. Broad St., kimmelculturalcampus.org

Otherworld Philadelphia

The immersive museum exhibit will be open throughout the weekend and the New Year’s Holiday. Otherworld Philly is essentially an imaginative playground packed into a cinematic experience boasting 55 unique rooms and installations, which visitors can explore in a self-guided tour. The concept is the brainchild of 100 artists, modelers, animators, creative technologists, fabricators and more led by founder Jordan Renda. 

Otherworld Philly is for all ages, and Renda notes at the brand’s sister location in Ohio, the daytime tends to see a lot of families, while the evenings shift and the experience can become more of a date night or crowd activity. The venue is open every day except Tuesdays with tickets beginning at $34.99 and is located at 2500 Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. For more information, operating hours, and to purchase tickets, head to the venue’s website. 

2500 Grant Ave., otherworldphila.com

Cocktail Hour: The Show

This week, Philadelphians will be able to witness a unique performance at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center with the production of ‘Cocktail Hour: The Show’ by Ballets with a Twist. The New York-based dance company will be in West Chester on Dec. 29, at 7:30 p.m. with this new production that melds original choreography, music, and costume design in a series of sparkling vignettes.  

‘Hot Toddy’ will take audience members back in time through the Roaring Twenties, while ‘Manhattan’ will use the stylings of a jazz trumpet to set the mood. And finally, ‘White Russian’ will tell the tale of a wintry royal wedding set to the tones of a cinematic piano concerto. Ticket prices range from $35 to $45.

226 N. High St., uptownwestchester.org

Museum of the American Revolution

Philadelphia families can spend their winter break at the Museum of the American Revolution, which will be hosting a variety of events and activations from Dec. 26 to 31. Visitors of all ages can enjoy authentic 18th-century music, watch first-person theatrical performances, make festive crafts to take home, and more while exploring colonial life during the winter months, according to a news release.

Other highlights include an in-gallery talk and a winter garments sewing demo. With the first event, Philadelphians can join a museum educator for a 20-minute talk at two wintery tableau scenes in the core galleries and with the latter, guests can join a museum staff member to learn more about the garments worn during the cold winter months of the American Revolution and watch as they sew a quilted petticoat.

All Winter Break activities are included with regular museum admission. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-253-6731, at the front desk or online. 

101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org

The Cauldron’s Magical Hot Chocolate Experience

The Cauldron Philadelphia offers locals the chance to experience “magical” food and drink elements (plus, potion-making classes) with every visit. But recently, the venue has added a new element to its line-up: The Magical Hot Chocolate Experience. The activation features cast iron cauldrons, flights of mini hot chocolates, and locked wizard chests of toppings that open by tapping on them through a “spell” with your wand.

The Cauldron will also be hosting weekly events, many of which are holiday-themed (they’re also introducing a new red and green “potion” for the occasion) and interested Philadelphians can find a full schedule of events online.

1305 Locust St., thecauldron.io/philly