December 14 - 16, 2007
Philly Nutt Crack-Up
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia
After a three-year hiatus ContempraDance Theatre's hilarious holiday spook returns. A rappin' sugar plum fairy leads the audience through a tangle of hip hop, ballet, and jazz. Dec. 14 8:00 p.m., Dec. 15 2:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., Dec. 16 11:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m., Adults $28 Children and students $22
215-925-9914
December 20 - 22, 2007
Glorious Sounds of Christmas
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Kimmel Center
260 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia
Enjoy the seasonal classics with The Philadelphia Orchestra, performed with the eclectic sounds of a choir, organ, and orchestra in Verizon Hall. Rossen Milanov, conductor; The Philadelphia Singers Chorale, David Hayes, music director 7 p.m., $33 - $103
215-893-1999
December 22, 2007
Franklin Square Holiday Caroling
Once Upon a Nation
Franklin Square
The fountain may be hushed for season but sounds of Carols are in the air. Courtney’s Carolers will perform lovely holiday carols strolling through the square. Start practicing - they would love you to join in. Noon - 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
215-629-4026
December 25, 2007
Being Jewish at Christmas
National Museum of American Jewish History
55 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia
The holiday spirit goes beyond Christmas at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which presents its annual Being Jewish at Christmas program, a family event that includes music, refreshments and children's activities.
215-923-3811
December 26 - 30, 2007
Celebrate Kwanzaa
African American Museum
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia
The African American Museum in Philadelphia celebrates the holiday season with a five-day Kwanzaa event. Celebrate Kwanzaa with Mlanjeni Magical Theatre, a children's event that's full of storytelling, face painting and kid-friendly lessons about this seasonal tradition Noon - 3:00 p.m., Adults - $8, Children - $6, Students - $6, Senior Citizens - $6, Physically challenged individuals - $6
215-574-0380
December 31, 2007
New Year's Eve Concert
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Broad and Spruce Streets
Philadelphia
Ring in 2007 with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Vienna is a city famous for its sophisticated culture and time honored traditions. Come celebrate the New Year with the elegant sounds of waltzes, polkas, and other favorites from this great musical city. Rossen Milanov, conductor; Leila Josefowicz, violin $78 - $178
215-893-1999
December 31, 2007
New Year's Eve Party on Ice
Blue Cross RiverRink
Columbus Blvd. and Market St.
Philadelphia
Fireworks at Penn's Landing are a grand New Year's Eve tradition and The New Year's Eve Party on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink is a fun-filled way to celebrate. Tickets to the Party on Ice are only $30 for skaters and $20 for spectators. Advance parking passes are also available for purchase.
215-925-RINK
December 31, 2007
Countdown to Noon
Please Touch Museum
210 N. 21st Street
Philadelphia
Just because the little ones can't keep their eyes open late enough to watch the ball drop doesn't mean they should be deprived of the traditional countdown to the new year. Please Touch Museum is celebrating 2008 a little early with Countdown to Noon on December 31, 2007. The museum will open at 9:00 a.m. and will have "Noon Year" activities going on throughout the day - including a visit by some of Philadelphia's famous Mummers - leading up to the big countdown.
215-963-0667
January 1, 2008
Mummers Parade
Broad Street
Philadelphia
For a Philadelphia experience that's as traditional as cheesesteaks and getting rowdy at a professional sports game, a pilgrimage to the world-renowned Mummer's Parade on New Year's Day is a must. Mummers are a tradition that began with ancient Roman laborers who spent one gift-giving day a year marching festively through the streets wearing masks. The Philadelphia manifestation, dating back to 1901, is a lively and colorful parade of costumed men who practice all year to strut, dance and play music up Broad Street.
The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Broad and Washington Streets and proceeds to City Hall, followed by a ticketed competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Spectators should purchase tickets ahead of time to sit in the judging stand or get there early to find a spot along the parade route. Tickets may be purchased from the Independence Visitors Center located at 6th and Market Streets.
For more information on Visitor Center ticket sales go to www.independencevisitorcenter.com, or call 215-965-7676 or 800-537-7676 outside the Philadelphia region.[/link]. View photos of the 2007 Mummers Parade.