Weekend Family Fun- NW Philly and Downtown

    The second weekend in December means Dickens Dominates. Celebrations in the Northwest include music, performances and readings. Holiday celebrations abound throughout the city where you can welcome winter at Smith, visit Santa at the zoo and light the second Hanukkah candle at a music festival. Never a dull moment in Philly!

     

    Northwest Philadelphia – It’s a Dickens Celebration

     

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    A Dickens Weekend! As part of the city-wide celebration of Dickens’ 200th birthday this year, Chestnut Hill is featuring two days (Saturday & Sunday) honoring Dickens with carolers throughout the shopping district, specials at retailers, high tea, storytellers and scenes from Great Expectations performed at Musehouse, 7924 Germantown Avenue on Saturday at 1pm and make Victorian-inspired cards as carolers roam the galleries of the Woodmere Museum on Saturday. 

    Dickens Christmas Party at the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion –Saturday, Dec. 8th from 2-5pm Hear readings, tour the mansion embellished with Victorian Christmas decorations and enjoy readings and performances of A Christmas Carol and a one-man show: Ghost Story. Reservations suggested 

    An Evening with Dickens at Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion –Saturday, Dec 9th 7pm. Immerse yourself in an authentic Victorian setting and enjoy learning about Charles Dickens from Ed Pettit, Philadelphia’s Dickens ambassador followed by Josh Hitchens’ one man show of A Christmas Carol. Hors d’ oeuvres and champagne will be served. Reservations required. Narbeth is also hosting a Dickens Festival

     

    Downtown Philadelphia

     

    Everyone’s Favorite Playground hosts Winter Wonderland – Saturday, Dec. 8th 10-12Noon. Designed for children under 10 to celebrate the holidays indoors and out! Crafts, activities, hot chocolate and lots of playtime! Cost is $10/ child, members are free. 

     

    Zoo Noel: Santas of the World:Saturday/Sunday, Dec 8th & 9th Celebrate the transformation of the Philadelphia Zoo into a winter wonderland complete with Santa Claus who travels across the globe. You and your family will find festive scenes showing life-size replicas as Santa explores this role on the rain forests, the artic or the outback. Children visit with Santa both days at 11a, 12:30pm & 2pm.

    Hanukkah Happening Festival with Israeli Singer Mika Karni, Sunday, Dec. 9th 5:30pm at Rodeph Shalom. Enjoy the sounds of Mika Karni, a hip ground breaking artist in the Israeli music scene. Award-wimming Mika uses biblical poetry from Song of Songs in her lyrics, awakening her audience to a modern perspective of our spiritual nature. This festival of lights includes live music, Israeli dancing, vendors selling Israeli soul food, beverages, great gift ideas and more. Tickets in advance or at the door. 

     

    Northwest Philly Parents is a partnership betweeen Newsworks and Germantown Avenue Parents.  

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