Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Described as "a brilliant and whimsical holiday spectacular," this particular Cirque show features a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts, storybook characters, and holiday music favorites. Philadelphians can nab tickets for performances this weekend (Dec. 26-28), all of which will take place at the Miller Theater.
The plot of the show takes audience members on a journey with Clara, who arrives home on Christmas Eve to find out that a snowstorm might prevent the rest of her family from joining her. Soon after, two whimsical singers appear and whisk her away into ‘Holidaze’ — a “fantastical world full of color, wonder, and breathtaking circus acts.”
Those circus acts take on the form of aerial performers, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, eye-popping acrobatics, and much more.
250 S. Broad St., ensembleartsphilly.org
‘A Longwood Christmas’ is one of the venue’s fan favorite traditions (on site through Jan. 11), with roots dating back to Pierre S. du Pont’s love of holiday tradition and spectacle.
For one, the conservatories are completely transformed into “gemstone-inspired wonderlands.” What visitors will find wandering through the halls (and take note, the indoor spaces are quite massive) is a barrage of Christmas trees floating over water, an organist belting out festive tunes, light displays sprinkled throughout the flowers, and perhaps, a group of carolers on site to tie your experience up with a bow.
Outdoors, the venue is equally as decorated with more than half a million lights illuminating the gardens throughout different displays (like the Meadow Tunnel of Lights and Open Air Theatre’s Fountain Show.) One of the more unique aspects of the venue is its Garden Railway, made up of miniature trains. This time of year, it's dressed to the nines with twinkling fixtures to add to its allure.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org
Known for its elaborate decor (featuring thousands of lights, ornaments and more), Craftsman Row Saloon has pulled out all the stops for the holidays once again with this year’s theme dubbed ‘Miracle on 8th Street.’ Specialty cocktails include the Peppermint-Ini (vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint, cream and a candy cane), the Fireside Chat (Screwball, marshmallow simple, cream and cinnamon sugar), the Gingerbread Man Whiskey Sour (whiskey, amaretto and gingerbread syrup in a keepsake gingerbread cup) and many more spirited options.
Food-wise, locals can find bites like the White Christmas Pizza-Calzone Mashup, Candy Cane Caprese, Buffalo Chicken Seasonal Wreath, Christmas Dinner Burger, Shepard's Sleigh Pie, a selection of over-the-top milkshakes and more.
112 S. 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com
Running Dec. 26 through Jan. 2 (sans New Year’s Day), kiddos can head to the Mt. Airy campus for workshops to learn circus skills like aerial sling, static trapeze, wire walking, juggling, plate spinning, rolling globe, tumbling, clowning and more. No experience or PSCA enrollment is required for these fun and creative classes, and camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on those select days.
Classes are $95 per day, and as a release notes, for parents hosting family or managing holiday errands and work, flexible care options make the day even easier when enrolled with After Care (3 to 6 p.m.) for $35 a day and Extended Care (6 to 7 p.m.) for $15 a day. Registration is available online, and this particular set of workshops is said to work for kindergarteners through 7th grade.
6452 Greene St., phillycircus.com
Perhaps the most well-known of 'The Nutcracker' performances in the city, the Philadelphia Ballet's rendition of the classic show is playing at the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts through Dec. 31. The Ballet’s production features more than 170 dancers and students, brought together by the talent of the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score, George Balanchine’s 'The Nutcracker’ tickets start around $29. More information can be found online.
240 S Broad St., philadelphiaballet.org
