A “Snow Bunny” vanilla cake for the holidays at Paris Baguette in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, 320 calories, if you’re counting. Apparently, this particular bunny is no vegetarian.
Photo by Tu Huynh
FunTimes Magazine: ‘Culture & Entertainment’ column, week of December 8, 2025.
“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
— Author Marthe Troly-Curtin
December has been credited with inspiring “the promise of joy, the magic of traditions, and the melody of laughter in the air.” Seize the promise of the season with these magical events (free or low-cost), from imaginative musicals to nights featuring board and casino games, comedy, and the joy of jazz. Don’t forget: When event-going, consider taking precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other infectious health concerns.
Cinema & Comedy At Their Best
Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Check out a fun and engaging evening of independent film screenings and comedy presented by Sounds & Cinema. The event was created by Aaron “Gobbana”, Mikaela, Mike, and Lavonne Nichols Pleasant. Break the mid-week doldrums by screening two short films and a comedy by Nichole Spain. The film New Day tells the story of a family pushed to its breaking point by life’s harshest trials. The force of love ultimately pulls them back to one another. The second film, We Are All Messengers, chronicles the emotional journey of a struggling single mother and offers a raw, relatable look at resilience. Individual tickets: $17.85; 6 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST. Reel Cinema Theater, 1755 N. 13th St. https://www.eventbrite.com
Party Caribbean Style
Thursday, December 11, 2025. Hold the date on your calendar for the YCPN Holiday Party 2025! Hosted by the Young Caribbean Professional Network, go all in for a night of Caribbean cheer, culture, food, including Blane’s legendary rum cake, and DJ Young Genna’s soca, dancehall, afrobeats, and holiday music. Join young professionals, alumni, and friends for a festive occasion with professionals who are shaping the future of the Caribbean diaspora. The Young Caribbean Professional Network is a local nonprofit dedicated to creating access to education and economic opportunities for students and young professionals. Individual tickets: $20 to $25; 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Building,1315 Walnut St. https://www.eventbrite.com
Casino Night With A Classic Harlem Theme
Friday, December 12, 2025. Deck the Halls & Deal the Cards: A Philly Holiday Soiree will bring together Black organizations in Philadelphia for a casino night of connection, culture, and celebration. Recreate the Harlem Renaissance and the glitz of The Great Gatsby, with music by The Smooth Show, and Diamond Kutz, cocktails, and casino-style entertainment. Get drink specials and food during the main event. Ticket and raffle prize proceeds will support community initiatives including youth programs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ scholarships. The event will be hosted by Blake Saunders and presented by NBMBAA Philadelphia, NSN Philadelphia, NExT Philadelphia, and Tribaja. Individual tickets starting at $53.86; (Buy an additional ticket for half price); 8 p.m. EST to midnight. EST. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia!, 900 Packer Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com
Introducing Youth & Adults Of Color To Tech
Saturday, December 13. 2025. The growing science and tech fields could use a few (or many) good professionals. The Hidden Genius Project and Brothers Code 2025 (Philadelphia) are doing something about that. They have created Introducing Youth and Young Adults to Tech, an event designed to attract students in middle and high schools, and adults interested in learning more about how to support youth development in science and tech. The goal is to fill a science void in exposure and interest in communities of color. Kids, with support from adults, will be introduced to tech skills and careers, as part of National Computer Science Education Week in the U.S., December 8-14. Participants will practice coding and programming skills; explore career opportunities in the tech world; investigate ways to leverage technology to strengthen communities, and learn how to network with professionals. The event will also include adult sessions to teach student advocates how to support young people in the pursuit of their technology careers. Volunteers are needed to help with event activities and set-up, including registration. If interested, sign up HERE. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Free but preregister before December 13. Registration and breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. EST; programming: 9 a.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. New Foundations Charter High School, 4850 Rhawn St.https://www.eventbrite.com
Photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios
A Play With A Wrinkle
Saturday. December 13, 2025. Check out the premiere of Madeline L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” The production runs through Sunday, January 25, 2026. Get lost in this fantastical musical adaptation of Madeline L’Engle’s book, A Wrinkle in Time. Adapted by John Glore, the book has inspired a movie and now a stage production by the Arden Children’s Theatre and Philadelphia director Rebecca Wright. The show will feature Meg Murray (Mersha Wambua), who encounters a mysterious visitor who takes her, her brother Charles Wallace (Jayson Brown), and their friend Calvin (Daniel Burgess) on an adventure through time and space. The journey is guided by three celestial beings — Mrs. Whatsit (Doug Hara), Mrs. Who (Julianna Zinkel), and Mrs. Which (Steven Anthony Wright) – who confront dark obstacles to rescue the lead character Meg’s missing father, and save the universe. The play is suitable for audiences ages six and older. $51 (adults); $46 (seniors & educators) & $37 (military); 7 p.m. for opening night on December 13th. Single tickets for other dates vary by performance. In person at the Arden Theatre Company Box Office / F. Otto Haas Stage, 40 N. 2nd St.,or 215-922-1122 or ardentheatre.org
A Flavor Of Community
Sunday, December 14, 2025. Scurry on down to Al-Bustan’s 2nd Annual Souk. Shop for holiday gifts from local artists and makers at a traditional North African and Middle Eastern bazaar. Souks are lively markets of vendors hawking colorful textiles, spices, jewelry, handcrafted goods, food, and other items. They are cultural and social meccas in the community. Free admission; noon to 4 p.m. EST. Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, 310 Master St. https://www.eventbrite.com
Bring Your Boo & Play Taboo
Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Are you game? WURD Radio’s Holiday Game Night! Just might be the ticket. Ease into the holiday season with fun and classic games. Hosted by Tiffany Bacon, meet the WURD Radio family and embrace the joy of the season with laughter. Food, cash bar, and free non-alcoholic drinks. Pre-registration required. Individual tickets: $23.18; 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. South Bowl, 19 E. Oregon Ave. in South Philadelphia. https://www.eventbrite.com
