Philly’s Holiday Events
Week of December 26, 2022 FunTimes Fun Events: Culture, Education & Entertainment!When you’re young, it’s the winter holidays that fly by, but later in life, it’s the decades that escape into yesteryears. But no need to wax philosophical. It’s time to close the curtain on another year. So, let’s make it entertaining and eventful! This week’s activities kiss good-bye to 2022 while embracing the promise of a new year. They favor low or no-cost kid-friendly family fun – a much-needed holiday “gift” after the recent pinch on your wallet. But before venturing out to these in-person activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event- attending instructions with the organizers. As a general rule: If you feel unwell, please do not attend in person.
Black Music City creates opportunity for creatives
Through January 10, 2023. Black Music City is back for the third year availing financial and promotional support to local Black creatives. WRTI, REC Philly and XPN Radio are part of the Black Music City initiative inspiring Black artists in Greater Philadelphia to showcase their talent. The invitation goes out to all creatives such as podcasters, poets, artists and photographers. A total of $125,000 in grants will be doled out. Here’s how to apply for grants creating new works in the stellar tradition and legacy of music and musicians who have called Philadelphia their home, 1-800-565-9976; application form is now open or visit xpn.org.
Putty Dance Project: Lauren Putty White and Brent White
Sidewalk jazz improv grooves on Avenue of Arts
December 29, 2022. The Avenue of the Arts South springs to life with The Putty Dance Project — comprised of Lauren Putty White and Brent White perform a union (in marriage and music) of live jazz music mixed with dance improvisation. It’s all part of an eclectic series of free sidewalk entertainment in front of arts and theater venues on the Kimmel Cultural Campus on South Broad in Center City. Free, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 300 S. Broad St., Perelman Theater, 215-893-1999, phillyfunguide.com.
Go on the TIMBUKTU-THE HUMAN JOURNEY
December 28-30 2022. Timbuktu is known for its famed Djinguereber Mosque and its Sankore University from the 1300s in the Mali Empire in Western Africa. But locally, there is a Timbuktu that is drawing attention musically. To experience a true rhythmic journey, check out TIMBUKTU-THE HUMAN JOURNEY by the Children of Adam Band “celebrating musical diversity of humanity.” The band’s self-described focus is PMB: Positive Message Bearing Music. We can all use positive vibes! Featured guest artists will be Brett Jolly and Michael. Free, December 28 and 29 shows will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; December 30, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mt. Airy Art Garage, 7054 Germantown Ave., https://www.childrenofadamband.com, 215-848-3651 or 267-235-7310. Limited seating. Masking and registration required: eventbrite.com.
A deep dive into the world
December 27-30, 2022. Kids will get another break during their winter school recess courtesy of the Penn Museum. Free admission during, well, “Winter Break.” Go on a family adventure exploring history and interesting world cultures. See the Amazing Artifacts tour and dig deeper into each object; create paper mosaics at a “Creation Station” in the museum’s Asia Galleries. Learn about Kwanzaa through uplifting stories with Paul D. Best, “Our Sun Paul,” from Keepers of the Culture, Inc., Philadelphia’s Afrocentric storytelling group. Join the “Daily Dig,” a 15-minute deep dive into an ancient artifact on display. Examine life in Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Mexico and Central America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia covering 10,000 years of human history. Check out an interactive, multi-sensory Eastern Mediterranean Gallery: Crossroads of Cultures featuring Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories. Explore the U-2 Spy Planes and Aerial Archaeology exhibition focusing on artifacts and 15 large-scale images with 70,000-foot-high views of ancient lands. Free with museum admission, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn Museum, 3260 South St., 215-898-4000 or www.penn.museum.
Looking for Young Matisse’s
December 27-31, 2022. It’s a good time to be a kid at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Artists of all ages are invited to make art in the Art Kids program. See paintings of interior scenes from the Matisse in the 1930s exhibit. Get lost in the museum’s immersive spaces exploring furniture or decorative art objects that you would select for your ideal “dream room.” Free with museum admission, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (South Vaulted Walkway, Main Building), 215-763-8100 or philamuseum.org.
Craft your own holiday gnome
December 29, 2022. Let’s create a pine cone gnome. That’s what the Pennypack Environmental Center and the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation’s have in mind this holiday season! Kids will love making their own fun holiday gnomes from materials straight from nature. Free, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration encouraged; walk-ins, before 2:15 p.m., are welcome. Parking available outside center. Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 A Verree Rds., pec@phila.gov or 215-685-0470 or eventbrite.com.
The energy is electric in Franklin Square
December 31, 2022. For a great family outing, head over to Franklin Square, which always has an impressive holiday show. The kids can get immersed in arts and crafts, and then witness the New Year’s Square Drop (Times Square-style) from atop SquareBurger. As a bonus, hang out in the park, and get dazzled by the sparkling sights and sounds of the nearby New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront show. Free, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Franklin Square, 6th and Races streets, 215-629-4026 or
https://historicphiladelphia.org.
Put New Year’s Eve on ice
December 31, 2022. Usher in 2023 in fine style at New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice in the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest series. Food, fireworks, fire pits, Ferris wheels and fun all in one night to say goodbye to 2022. There are two great sessions, both featuring the star of the show — the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, one of the area’s grandest fireworks displays. Tickets Include ice skating admission and skate rental (skating ticket only), interactive live entertainment and activities, Food from Chickie’s & Pete’s, Black Iron BBQ and Skelly’s Pizza, soft drinks, water, a Ferris wheel ride and access to the arcade and fire pits. It’s a hot ticket, so act soon. $50: ”Spectator” tickets, which excludes ice skating; $60 ice skating package, Party sessions are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. BlueCross RiverRink, 101 S. Columbus Blvd., 215-925-7465, RiverRink.com.
