Originally posted by the Philadelphia Inquirer
Indoor holiday traditions may be back (both The Nutcracker and The Tapcracker return this week), but last year’s uptick in outdoor activities expands this winter, too. Delco welcomes its very own pop-up ice skating rink. The Free Library hosts al fresco story times. And Santa will use his magic to appear in public spaces in Roxborough, Passyunk Square, and, chances are, an outdoor shopping center or park near you.
Delco Veterans Memorial Rink ⛸️
(Seasonal / in-person / multiday) An outdoor ice rink debuts in Delco, along with the requisite lounge, heated tent, and warm drinks. Skaters sign up for 90-minute sessions. Ages 4+. ($12 admission, $10 skate rental, Dec. 3-31, times vary, 4599 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, flightonice.com)
Photos with Santa, East Passyunk ????
(Seasonal / in-person / multiday / free) Old Saint Nick stops by the avenue a few times this month to pose for DIY photos with humans and pets alike. Kids can drop Christmas wish lists into a mailbox at the Singing Fountain, which has a direct line from South Philly to the North Pole. All ages. (Free, Dec. 8, 5-7 p.m., Dec. 18, 3-5 p.m., Dec. 19, noon-2 p.m., Tasker St. and E. Passyunk Ave., visiteastpassyunk.com)
Family Storytime, Christmas Village ????
(Seasonal / in-person / multiday / free) There is a lot to explore (although less to touch) among the dozens of pop-up vendors west of City Hall at the annual Christmas Village. On Wednesdays, the Free Library adds holiday-inspired singing and storytime to LOVE Park. Ages 3-5. (Free, Dec. 8, 15, 22, 11 a.m., 1600 JFK Blvd.,facebook.com)
The Plum Pudding Predicament ????
(Seasonal / virtual / free) The historic Fairmount Park mansion Cedar Grove livestreams a kids’ colonial cooking show with a side of history, including explaining what plum pudding is to gen alphas. Registration ends Dec. 9 at noon. Ages 6-12. (Pay-what-you-wish, Dec. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m., philamuseum.org)
Cookie Decorating, Philadelphia Museum of Art ????
(Food / in-person) Buy a gingerbread house or sugar cookie house kit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art cafe, and you’ll get admission for two to learn to build it ($50-$55 per kit), along with cocoa and warm apple cider. Museum admission not included. Ages 5+. ($25 ages 19+, $23 ages 65+, $14 students with i.d., free ages 18 & under Dec. 10, 5-7 p.m., 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., philamuseum.org)
» READ MORE: Find more to do with our weekly events calendar
The Nutcracker, Academy of Music ????
(Dance / in-person / multiday) Same tradition, different protocol. All who visit the Balanchine-by-way-of-Philadelphia-Ballet tradition will be required to show proof of full vaccination (guests 12 and older) or a negative COVID lab test (guests 11 and under). Opening night sold out. Ages 4+. ($25-$220, Dec. 10-31, 240 S. Broad St., philadelphiaballet.org)
Happy Holidays from Roxborough ????
(Seasonal / in-person / free) Every neighborhood should have a holiday kickoff party as fun as Ridge Avenue’s festive event. The afternoon brings visits from Santa and snow queen Elsa, live dance performances, Rudolph ornament-making, wish list mailing, and lots of sweets. Ages 2+.(Free, Dec. 11, 2-6 p.m., 6170 Ridge Ave., roxboroughpa.com)
The Tapcracker, Suzanne Roberts Theatre ????
(Dance / in-person / multiday) The Lady Hoofers reprise their lively, tap shoe rendition of The Nutcracker, set in Paris and with a score inclusive of Tchaikovsky and Ellington. Proof of COVID vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours of entry required. Ages 4+. (Dec. 11, 3-4:30 p.m., 7-8:30 p.m. & Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 480 S. Broad St., ladyhoofers.org)
