I knew Christmastime had arrived when the pizza place next to my office strung some lights from the awning over its front window.
It was a few days after Thanksgiving, which is perfect in my book. Every holiday deserves its own time in the sun, thank you very much. Christmas decorations should not go up around Halloween, unless you’re making a Tim Burton movie.
So now that the season is here, make sure you make time for the great attractions in Center City. The Christmas Village in Love Park runs daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) through Dec. 24. The Holiday Show in the lobby of the Comcast Center starts at the top of the hour from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through New Year’s Day. Last but not least, the granddaddy of all Philadelphia holiday traditions, the Wanamaker light show at Macy’s, starts at the top of the hour during store hours through New Year’s Eve.
I don’t know about you, but these are a few of my favorite things about Philly during the holidays! Beer and Cupcakes
Don’t miss the third annual Beer & Cupcakes from 7 p.m.-midnight Dec. 7 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. If you’ve never been to a bake sale in a leather bar before, then you don’t know what you’re missing.
Mazzoni Center case managers will sell home-baked goodies, draft beer, Jell-O shots and raffle tickets for great prizes. All proceeds go to their winter coat and holiday toy drive for children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.
PGMC Home for the Holidays Concert Enjoy the sounds of the season with the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus from 8-10 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St. The program will include both traditional and modern selections in a variety of crowd-pleasing styles. Tickets range from $30-$55. Enter the venue from 2110 Chestnut St.
Whisker Wonderland
Looking for a new furry friend to add to your family but Jason Kelce from the Eagles won’t return your phone calls? Same here! Then visit Whisker Wonderland from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The great folks from findingshelter.org will be there with dozens of animals looking for foster and forever homes. They’ll also have vets on hand to answer your questions, light refreshments, raffle prizes and even the opportunity to have pet pictures taken with Santa.
Philadelphians MC Holiday Party
Celebrate the holidays with the men of Philadelphians MC at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 in The Pit Stop at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. They’ll have Jell-O shots, great music and, if you’ve been naughty, then maybe that furry red Santa bear of theirs will let you sit on his lap and tell him what you’ve been wishing for.
Philadelphia Freedom Roundup
The local LGBT AA community brings the Philadelphia Freedom Roundup back to town Dec. 16-18.
The Roundup is the annual gathering of the LGBT community that celebrates recovery and those interested in what recovery has to offer. Attendees come from across the Delaware Valley and around the country for meetings and workshops where speakers share their personal experiences and tips for sober living.
But the weekend isn’t just about sharing: It also includes entertainment on Friday night and a dance on Saturday night.
All Roundup events will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel, which has discounted rooms available for $109 a night. Registration is only $55, or get yourself a ticket to just the Saturday-night dance for only $10.
For complete details, including a workshop schedule, links to Roundup registration and discounted hotel reservations, visit www.philadelphiaroundup.org.
Pulse Ugly Sweater Party
Whip it out, slap it on and show it off from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 15 at Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St. Whip what out?Your ugly holiday sweater, of course!
Cover is only $5, which gets you some great drink specials and amazing music by DJ Kash, who will be spinning some holiday tunes into her amazing set. Because you need a little Christmas. Right this very minute. And you know you want it!
Questions? Comments? Favorite holiday song you want me to drop into my next article? Contact Jim at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and bitchin’ old pop-music videos!
