Unsurprisingly, the December Philadelphia events calendar is holiday-heavy, featuring lots of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's things to do. But the holidays don't have a complete monopoly on the month: December also includes a kids' museum sleepover, an evening full of chocolate tastings for charity and much more.
December theatre listings from the Greater Philadelphia Theatre Alliance
World AIDS Day
When: December 1, 2009
Where: Broad Street Ministry
Join AIDS Fund Philly in recognizing World AIDS Day at this event that features food, live entertainment and free HIV testing.
First Friday
When: December 4, 2009
Where: Old City; other locations city-wide
Wander around as shops and galleries open their doors offering free appetizers, wine and entertainment.
40 Winks with the Sphinx
When: December 4, 2009
Where: The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Children ages 6–12 and their chaperones stay overnight in the museum, learning about ancient history.
PAFA Holiday Student Print Sale
When: December 4, 2009
Where: The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
PAFA students sell their art prints for $100 or less.
Christmas Festival
When: December 5 & 6, 2009
Where: Peddler's Village
Hot cider, Victorian decorations and a Christmas parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus are highlights of this free festival.
Festival of Lights
When: December 5 & 6, 2009
Where: City Park, Bridgeton, NJ
From 5–8 p.m. on Friday and 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, view decorated trees, enjoy holiday music and more.
Peace Around the World
When: December 6, 2009
Where: Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
During this free, family friendly event, visitors learn about holiday traditions from all around the world.
Independence Starts Here – Harold and the Purple Crayon
When: December 9, 2009
Where: Prince Music Theater
This holiday show by art-accessibility organization Art Reach promises "audio description and Braille and large-print programs for those who are blind or low-vision, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and open captioning for audiences who are deaf or hard of hearing."
Chocolate Walk
When: December 12, 2009
Where: Mill Race Village, Mount Holly, NJ
Walk around Mill Race Village and sample chocolates at every shop. Tickets are available on Mill Race's Web site, and proceeds will go to the South Jersey Food Bank.
Dickens Festival
When: December 12, 2009
Where: Narberth, PA
Enjoy musicians, performers, a scavenger hunt, hot toddies for adults and more during this Dickensian festival.
Fonthill Holiday Lights Meander & Mercer Museum Silhouette Sittings
When: December 12, 2009
Where: Dolyestown, PA
Spend an afternoon exploring these two castles. Wander through the Fontill Museum, then sit for a silhouette cutting at the Mercer Museum. Reservations are required for silhouette cuttings.
Latkepalooza
When: December 13, 2009
Where: Gershman Y
Enjoy gourmet latkes from several area restaurants.
Sharing the Heritage Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
When: December 17, 2009
Where: The African American Museum of Philadelphia
Enjoy refreshments, a candle-lighting ceremony, education and more at this pre-Kwanzaa event.
Punk Rock Flea Market
When: December 19 & 20
Where: The Starlight Ballroom
This bi-annual event features 100+ vendors selling everything from used CDs to hand-crafted ceramics. There is a $3 fee to enter, and proceeds go to funding R5 Productions shows.
Moo Shu Jew Show
When: December 24 & 25
Where: Joy Tsin Lau, Chinatown
Enjoy stand-up comedy and a family style Chinese meal during this show sponsored by the Gershman Y.
First Night Haddonfield
When: January 31
Where: Haddonfield, NJ
This New Year's Eve celebration brings together musicians, magicians, gymnasts and more to help you usher in 2010. Kid-friendly.
Deep Sea Splash
When: December 31
Where: Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ
Here's a cool way to spend New Year's Eve: sipping from an open bar while surrounded by sharks. Okay, you won't exactly be surrounded by sharks, but it's hard to deny that the aquarium is a neat place to celebrate the new year.
