Happy weekend! The Philadelphia Marathon is going down (so be careful of Parkway traffic), and holiday happenings are just getting started! Here we go!

 

Click here for ongoing events that run through the weekend, like all the museum exhibits.

All Weekend

Osmo at Philadelphia Mills

November 15—18

1455 Franklin Mills Cir.

 

Kids can learn more about Osmo, play with the entire range of Osmo’s games for free, and take photos of their Osmonaut with the wall of characters. This will coincide with a very special 90th birthday celebration for Mickey Mouse on Sunday, and include a party, giveaways, and more (more details in Sunday’s section, below).

Preview Weekend of Christmas Village

November 17—18

Love Park, 1500 Arch Street

 

Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, this annual market features over 80 vendors in wooden booths selling authentic European food, ornaments, crafts, clothing, and more from all over the world. They also have great food, from waffles to mulled wine. Our favorite Christmas market officially opens on Thanksgiving, but they’re giving you a sneak peek this weekend.

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink, Wintergarden, and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

November 17—January 1, 2019 (Rink through February)

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

 

Right outside City Hall, more than 40 local artisans, designers, crafters, and confectionaries will offer unique selections for gifts and special holiday foods. This market was designed to complement Christmas Village across the street—but only focuses on locally made gifts. Stop by after skating on the Rothman Rink and running through Wintergarden Maze!

Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar

November 17–18

SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.

 

Get a head start on holiday shopping with dozens of unique local artists in one place. Want a smiley avocado toast magnet? No problem! Plus, there are raffles, make-and-takes, and food on site.

‘Matilda’

November 6–January 6

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

 

Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, Matilda The Musical will delight with high-energy dance and catchy songs.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

November 6–18

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has songs from the original film as well as a new score from the songwriters of Hairspray.

Oliver!

November 14–December 23

Quintessence Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave.

 

With familiar songs like “Consider Yourself” and “Food, Glorious Food,” this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is a crowd pleaser for all ages.

Cookie Decorating Classes at Ella Vanilla (Ages 13 and up)

November 17—18, 2—4:30 pm

7922 Germantown Avenue

 

Learn how to up your cookie decorating and create fancy seasonal cookies with Noelle DeSantis, owner of Ella Vanilla. You’ll leave with at least six extra-large sugar cookies fully decorated, a cookie recipe, and instructions to take home for future reference. Register by emailing Noelle@EllaVanilla.com, by calling (215) 909-9392, or by stopping by the store.

Saturday

Friendsgiving at Please Touch Museum

November 17, 9 am—5 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Get ready for Thanksgiving with a hands-on kid-friendly chef demo, placemat weaving craft, a performance by Thunderbirds American Indian Dance, friendship-themed storytime, and more.

Little Chefs Pizza Class at Pizzeria Vetri

November 17, 10 am

1939 Callowhill St.

 

Let your little chef get hands-on at Pizzeria Vetri, guided by their head chefs. Kids will create their own mini pizzas and watch them bake while also enjoying “make your own pizza” coloring pages. A mini dough ball will be given to take home so they can bring their new skills into your home kitchen.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

November 17, 10:30—11:30 am

Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

 

Gather in the Discovery Center for a short introduction and craft before hitting the trails for guided exploration and discovery. Each week explores a different theme. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Free PNC Grow Up Great Kids’ Concert

November 17, 11 am

300 S. Broad St.

 

During this monthly interactive kids’ concert in Commonwealth Plaza, kids learn the basics of jazz, musical theater, and more. Dancing is highly encouraged, and every performance ends with a little parade around the Kimmel Center’s lobby to “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Mickey Mouse’s 90^th Birthday Party

November 17, 11 am

6945 Germantown Avenue

 

Everybody’s favorite mouse is turning 90, so Lovett Library is throwing a fun party for kids 2 and up.

Santa’s Arrival at Philadelphia Mills

November 17, 11 am—12:30 pm

1455 Franklin Mills Cir.

 

The mall will welcome Santa with holiday arts and crafts, face painting, and giveaways.

Macy’s Holiday Window Unveiling Celebration

November 17, 1:30 pm

1300 Market Street

 

Macy’s will kick off the holiday season with the unveiling of their windows, and performances by Keri Hilson, Jaye Valentine, Sam Tsui, and carolers. There will also be face painting, balloon art, and crafts on the Third Floor (kids’ section). Plus, visit with Santa and preview the spectacular Christmas Light Show!

Author Eric Bell at Big Blue Marble Bookstore

November 17, 2—3:30 pm

551 Carpenter Lane

 

Eric Bell, author of middle grade novels, presents his new book Alan Cole Doesn’t Dance, a story about coming of age and coming out.

Chestnut Hill Circle of Trees

November 17, 5:30—7:30 pm

Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue

 

Family and friends come together to meet Santa and celebrate the beginning of Chestnut Hill’s holiday season with tree lighting, live music, hot chocolate, cookies, and the opening of Woodmere’s holiday exhibit, The Night Before Christmas. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a charity for underprivileged children.

Sunday

Family Balcony Studio and Art Explorers: Outside the Lines

November 18, 10:30 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Look closely at lines of all kinds and discover artists who bent the rules, and make your own art. At 11 am, there will be a family-friendly art tour.

Flyers Wives Carnival

November 18, 11 am—3 pm

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

 

Fans of all ages have the chance to meet their favorite Flyers players, coaches, and alumni while getting autographs and photos, playing games on-and-off the ice, and enjoying carnival-themed attractions throughout the day. And yes, Gritty will be available throughout the day at a variety of different locations throughout the Carnival! Tickets available online.

Osmo Celebrates Mickey Mouse’s 90^th Birthday

November 18, 11 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Mills, 1455 Franklin Mills Cir.

 

Osmo is popping up at the mall all weekend, and this special party on Sunday will include demos and 100 giveaways of the newest game Super Studio with an Osmo base set, special guests, fun activities, and a photo op at Mickey’s birthday lounge. Kids can also meet the Osmonauts behind the magic, and learn to become their own animator and bring favorite Disney characters to life using Super Studio.

PAFA Family Arts Academy

November 18, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad Street

 

In this free family arts workshop, explore a variety of techniques used to depict space, and participate in a science experiment that will test your depth perception.

Thanksgiving Storytime

November 18, 2 pm

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Avenue

 

Northeast Library will hold a special Thanksgiving-themed storytime for young children with their families.

 

Photograph by Christina Kalff,