Possibly more than any other time of year, I absolutely love the holidays in Philadelphia. Living in Center City, I can feel the energy building each time I head outside. With family trips, vacation days and New Year’s celebrations a couple of weeks away, there’s a lot to be excited about. In addition to traditional get-togethers with family, friends and colleagues, Philadelphians are fortunate that several special events are coming to the city. As you go on your “merry way” this holiday season, take in some of the exciting events — and make this a December to remember.
Though Peter Nero and the Holiday POPS! is an annual tradition in Philadelphia, this year’s show takes it to a new level. I caught the debut at the Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., last Saturday, and I was floored by several impressive performances. The POPS holiday spectacular features over 250 musicians, including the Philly POPS, the POPS festival chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, organist Peter Conte and Broadway diva Rachel York. The show runs through Dec. 22. To check availability and show times, visit www.kimmelcenter.org.
My second recommendation doesn’t necessarily have a holiday theme, but it’s no less extraordinary. The Blue Man Group returns to Philadelphia for a run from Dec. 22-30 at the Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St. If you’ve seen one of their performances, you know it’s challenging to articulate exactly why they’re so captivating. The Blue Man Group combines genre-bending music, wild displays of color and a palpable and uplifting energy. This show is equally entertaining for adults and children, making it a perfect option to entertain nieces, nephews or your own little ones. Visit www.merriam-theatre.com for tickets.
One of the only live shows to rival Blue Man Group’s uniqueness and innovation is Cirque du Soleil, and Philadelphians can experience both this holiday season. Cirque is bringing its exceptional show “Dralion” to Temple University’s Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St., from Dec. 21-Jan. 2. “Dralion” is one of Cirque’s most popular touring shows, fusing the traditions of ancient Chinese circus performers with a progressive, artistic style. The show explores the intersection of man and nature, with acrobatic movement inspired by two animals for which the show is named: the dragon and the lion. For more information, go to www.liacourascenter.com.
For many, the holidays are a time to give back to the less fortunate. If you’re still looking for an opportunity to spread a little holiday cheer, look no further than Babes in Toyland GayBINGO. On Dec. 11 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., the Bingo Verifying Divas will be in full holiday effect with their trademark humor and outrageous outfits. The December GayBINGO is one of the most popular, so check ticket availability at www.aidsfundphilly.org/gaybingo.
And don’t forget about the first-ever Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 18 at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River. Sponsored by the Independent Seaport Museum and featuring a variety of boats decked out in holiday lights, the parade will head north on the river, turn around at the Ben Franklin Bridge, then return to Penn’s Landing. The Jupiter, an early 1900s tugboat, will lead the parade. The Seaport Museum will host a viewing party with free hot chocolate on its second-floor balcony overlooking the Delaware. To learn more, check out www.phillyseaport.org.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. If you have questions about any events featured here, e-mail [email protected]. Until next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!