HOLIDAY
Historic Holiday Nights Every Thursday now through December 22, more than 45 restaurants, retailers and boutiques in Old City get in on the holiday spirit with a special evening of extended hours, discounts and food specials. Some things to look out for: Art in the Age will host a flash sale and offer guests a free boozy beverage; snag 5 percent off a unique piece of art at The Clay Studio; and Chroma Hair Gallery offers discounts on men’s and women’s haircuts and blowouts. German American Weekend If you own a pair of lederhosen, this weekend would be the time to strap them on for the annual German American festival at Philly’s Christmas Village. If not, you’ll still find plenty to love at the themed weekend as area German American clubs gather on site to treat spectators to schuhplatter dances and German choir songs. Save room for the plethora of Bavarian foods, like bratwurst with housemade sauerkraut, schnitzel with potato salad and a steaming stein of steamy gluhwine. Holiday Parade and Sugar Plum Saturday Chestnut Hill’s annual community parade kicks off bright and early Saturday morning, winding its way down Germantown Avenue with floats, performances and Mr. Claus from 9 to 10 a.m. After that, the festivities roll along at Sugar Plum Saturday, which features more stationary activities, like live holiday music, gift-bearing elves, and gingerbread-making and cookie-decorating workshops. Winter Wonderland Little elves 10 and under are invited to Smith Memorial Playground Saturday for a day of hands-on holiday activities. The Hacktory will be on hand to lead workshops, like an ice-carving demo, gingerbread house building and S’mores making. Moms and dads can enjoy holiday tunes throughout the day and a spread of seasonal treats, like hot chocolate and those aforementioned S’mores A Very Philly Christmas For a taste of Christmas past, venture to Fairmount Park, where six of the park’s historic homes, like Cedar Grove, Laurel Hill Mansion, and Mount Pleasant, will be decked out for the holidays. This weekend, each mansion hosts its own “Flavors of the Season event,” featuring treats from local food and drink purveyors like Philly Pretzel Factory, Yards Brewery and John and Kira’s Chocolates. SHOPPING
Crafty Balboa Holiday A whopping 65-plus local artists and makers fill the Bok School in South Philly Saturday for a massive holiday market rife with handmade and vintage giftables you’d never be able to find on Amazon. Among the vendors taking part are Bee Vintage Redux, Curious Clay and Wise Owl Shop. When you’re not browsing, take some time to make some gems of your own at Art Sphere, Inc.’s Make & Take craft table. MOVIES
“Rocky” (1976) Film Screening To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original “Rocky,” Pat’s Steaks and Philly Mag reporter Victor Fiorillo host a screening of the new 4K digital version of the Oscar-winning, filmed-in-Philly classic. The new version is apparently so clear that director John Avildsen marveled that, “You can see snowflakes that you’ve never seen before.” CHARITY
TOY 2016 Popular holiday soiree TOY returns for its 10th anniversary Saturday, taking place for the first time on the lofty 51st floor of Three Logan Square. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy that will be delivered to kids at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. For their generosity, they’ll be treated to an evening of drinking, eating and dancing at what is truly one of the merriest parties of the local holiday season. THEATER
Golden Gurlz Live Four Gayborhood drag queens reprise two episodes of beloved ’80s sitcom “Golden Girls” like only a gaggle of female impersonators can. The irreverent parody features a holiday episode, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and an interactive retelling of mystery episode “The Case of the Libertine Belle.” These shows sell out fast, so snag a ticket as soon as you can. “All’s Well That Ends Well” For a break from the holiday hoopla, check out Philly Artists’ Collective’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s early-1600s tragi-comedy “All’s Well That Ends Well.” Directed by Dan Hodge, the play follows Helena as she tries without much luck to woo a fellow named Bertram.
Thursdays through December 22, 5-8 p.m.
All over Old City
Pay as you go
December 10-11
Christmas Village
1400 JFK Blvd.
Pay as you go
December 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chestnut Hill
8700 Germantown Ave.
Free
December 10, 4-6 p.m.
Smith Memorial Playground
3500 Reservoir Drive
$10-$75
December 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Historic Houses of Fairmount Park
$8-$100
December 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bok
1901 S. Ninth St.
Pay as you go
December 10, 3 and 8 p.m.
Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
$10
December 10, 7-10 p.m.
Vista at Top of the Tower
1717 Arch St.
$78
December 11, 7-10 p.m.
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar
200 S. 12th St.
$15
Through December 17
Broad Street Ministry
315 S. Broad St.
$25