START CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS! – The fun begins Dec. 7 with Philly’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony on the west side of City Hall. There will be special guests, holiday songs, festivities and much more. Information: www.philachristmas.com.
Ongoing Holiday Events – Nov. 24-Dec. 24, come see the Christmas Village in Philadelphia – an outdoor holiday market event at Love Park on JFK Plaza (1500 Arch Street). Vendors in a wooden medieval village will sell European food and drinks as well as international seasonal holiday gifts, ornaments, arts and crafts. Information: (215) 391-3017 or www.philachristmas.com.
The legendary Holiday Light Show enjoyed for years at Wanamakers continues at Macy’s, and runs hourly from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. Enjoy a magnificent symphony of color and sound in a synchronized blend of 80,000 colored lights and sounds from the historic pipe organ. Macy’s is also the home of “A Christmas Carol,” on display during the holidays in the historic Egyptian Room. Imagine 1840s London and stroll through animated scenes that tell Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Information: www.wanamakerorgan.com.
A perfect complement to the Macy's Holiday Light Show is the Comcast Holiday Spectacular in the breathtaking lobby of the Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Blvd., where you can watch a magical holiday show on one of the largest HDTVs in the world.
Nov. 25-Dec. 31, be sure to visit the sprawling Model Railroad Display at Reading Terminal Market featuring a dozen working train lines running through a wonderland of scenes. Information: www.readingterminalmarket.org.
Dec. 24-31, the African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts Kwanzaa Celebration activities. Information: (215) 574-0380. Check out the National Museum of American Jewish History for holiday events. Information: (215) 923-3811 or www.nmajh.org.
THE NUTCRACKER – Dec. 10-31, at the Academy of Music. Be enchanted by the Philadelphia region’s most beloved holiday tradition – the simple story of a girl, a gift, and a fanciful dream. George Balanchine’s Nutcracker is made magical by opulent sets, costumes and the impassioned artistry of Pennsylvania Ballet dancers. Information: (215) 551-7000 or www.paballet.org.
RING IN THE NEW YEAR – Twice the fireworks and twice the fun! This year two New Year’s Eve firework shows (with choreographed and synchronized soundtracks) will be launched from barges in the middle of the Delaware River at 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Watch the display from Penn’s Landing or at Wiggins Park, next to Adventure Aquarium. Hop aboard PATCO and avoid the traffic.
Stick around Jan. 1, for the nation’s oldest folk parade as the Mummers march down Broad Street (from Snyder to City Hall) with the usual festive following of comics, clowns and strolling musicians. Information: (215) 965-7676 or www.gophila.com.
