Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

things to do in Philly
The Hot Chocolate Experience at The Cauldron.
The Cauldron

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

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. 

things to do in Philly
The Cauldron’s Optimal Mirth. The Cauldron

1305 Locust St., thecauldron.io/philly

Vintage Apres Ski at The Prime Rib

This new holiday pop-up bar at The Prime Rib will be open until Jan. 2, and it’s designed to resemble a vintage mountain experience through a speakeasy cocktail lounge, complete with a ski lift selfie station. 

The experience will be serving up a few different cocktail options like the Slopeside Sipper (Ciroc Vodka, coconut, lime, a lemon peel and club soda, garnished with coconut and lemon shavings), and the Mogul Magarita (Casamigos Blanco, ruby grapefruit syrup, aperol and lime with a grapefruit garnish, infused with grapefruit smoke), along with a select menu of a la carte options from Chef Justin Nelson’s award-winning menu at The Prime Rib. 

Après Ski happens every Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. The space can also be booked for private holiday parties for 12 or more people by emailing [email protected]

things to do in Philly
The Prime Rib

900 Packer Ave., philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com

‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ at the Arden Theatre Co. 

What the Constitution Means to Me’ is the cultural institution’s second stage show of the season, and it’ll be shown through Dec. 10 to a capped audience of 175 people at a time. 

As a release states, throughout the show, its writer Heidi Schreck reimagines how the living document (that was created in Old City) has affected her past and how it is shaping the next generations of Americans. She debates her way through topics found within the Constitution, including women’s rights, slavery, immigration, and history, while tracing the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their own lives.

The plot culminates in the character of Heidi, who will be debating a 17-year-old local high school student, played by Local Masterman High School Senior Lily Chancey and Central High School Junior Dasha Mamontova, as both actresses will be alternating performances as the student debaters. A full schedule of performances can be found online. 

40 N. 2nd St., ardentheatre.org

Tinseltown

Tinseltown is back in 2023, but this time at FDR Park with some new activations like the ice trail, where guests can glide through a “breathtaking display of lights”, aka, go ice skating through a 13,000-square-foot trail of lit-up winter-themed decorations. The team at Tinseltown has also brought back all the favorite attractions of previous years, like the ice slide, the light-up dance floor, Union Forge Tinsel Lodge, Reading Room with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, Gritty appearances and much more. 

As a release states, as guests stroll the brand-new layout of this illuminated wonderland in the park, they will find larger-than-life sculptures, including a 60-foot light tunnel, glowing baubles, and even Santa’s sleigh. Tinseltown will also showcase some of Philadelphia’s most beloved landmarks and personalities in lights, and along the way you’ll find a massive, walk-through Liberty Bell, illuminations representing Philly sports teams, and a few more holiday-inspired jawns.

FDR Park Tinseltown
Tinseltown

1900 Pattison Ave., tinseltownholiday.com

Crooked Hammock’s Holiday Experiences 

For those who are headed to Delaware this weekend, Crooked Hammock is offering up a holiday activation titled the Let it Snow Campfire experience. The activation (which will be at the brewery until Dec. 30) will happen every Friday through Sunday and with it, families get access to the brewery’s (guaranteed) snowy backyard, seats around the roasting table with s’mores, four hot chocolate tickets, a limited edition ornament, and a caroling book for $35. 

This Sunday also holds a special event for CHB. From 9 to 11 a.m., Philadelphians can dine with Santa, with tickets running $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Families can snap a pic with Kris Kringle and then enjoy a breakfast buffet boasting a baked four-cheese frittata, scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more. Tickets are available online. 

316 Auto Park Dr, Middletown, Delaware, crookedhammockbrewery.com