Delaware<\/p>\n
Kwanzaa Soko<\/p>\n
- \n
- Where:<\/strong> Police Athletic League Wilmington, 3707 N. Market St., <\/a>Wilmington, Del.<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Saturday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. \u2013 6 p.m.<\/li>\n
- How much:<\/strong> Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wilmington\u2019s largest celebration<\/a> honoring the African American holiday brings people together for an all-ages cultural experience. The event blends live performances with food, games and hands-on activities, including jewelry making and custom tote crafts. With more than 250 people participating last year, the Soko continues to grow as a cornerstone event celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which include self-determination and cooperative economics.\n <\/p>\n
New Jersey<\/p>\n
Magical Mystery Doors<\/p>\n
While these three iconic rock and roll bands never appeared onstage together in real life, in the tribute world, anything can happen. The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in 1960 with John, Paul, George and Ringo; Led Zeppelin, another British powerhouse formed in 1968 by guitarist Jimmy Page along with Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham; and The Doors, formed in Los Angeles in 1965 with Jim Morrison as frontman, along with Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore. Tribute band Magical Mystery Doors stops in South Jersey,<\/a> combining the best of all three for a show that will take you back in time, in the very best way.\n<\/p>\n
Special Events<\/p>\n
Being _____Together at Christmas<\/p>\n
A family-friendly celebration<\/a> turns a day when many places are closed into an opportunity for community, creativity and fun. This annual event invites visitors of all backgrounds to \u201cfill in the blank\u201d with whatever word describes their holiday experience, then enjoy a lineup of hands-on activities, live performances, interactive workshops and make-and-take crafts that span all ages and interests. Face painting, scavenger hunts, sensory-friendly play zones, movie screenings, including an Eagles highlight reel, and full access to the museum are part of an event intended to make the holiday feel inclusive for everyone.\n<\/p>\n
73rd Annual Christmas Day Reenactment<\/p>\n
- \n
- Where:<\/strong> Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road,<\/a> Washington Crossing, Pa.<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Thursday, Dec. 25, noon \u2013 3 p.m.<\/li>\n
- How much:<\/strong> Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Then-General George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River on Christmas Day in 1776, setting off the Battle of Trenton and putting the America we know into motion. Period-clad reenactors, replica Durham boats and evocative speeches commemorate this pivotal crossing<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
Kwanzaa Roundup<\/p>\n
- \n
- Where:<\/strong> Multiple venues<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Friday, Dec. 26<\/li>\n
- How much:<\/strong> Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Founded by then Black Power activist Maulana Karenga<\/a>, the African-American holiday was established in 1966 to emphasize principles of unity and self-empowerment. It starts the day after Christmas, lasting for seven days. Celebrations take place at some of the city\u2019s top cultural institutions, including Friday\u2019s kickoff at the African American Museum in Philadelphia,<\/a> which hosts an event on each day. At the Free Library, there are two days of activities,<\/a> starting on Friday, that include musicians, dancers, storytellers and a complimentary takeaway meal. On Sunday, the Penn Museum<\/a> and the Please Touch Museum <\/a>are open to the public for hands-on workshops.\n<\/p>\n
Arts & Culture<\/p>\n
Cirque Dreams Holidaze<\/p>\n
This beloved annual tradition<\/a> combines imaginative storytelling and the contemporary circus arts with aerial acts, acrobatics, sleight-of-hand juggling and performances set to an original musical score and fresh takes on seasonal favorites. A multicultural cast of singers and dancers, playing toy soldiers, reindeer and storybook characters, brings a fantasy winter world to life, inviting audiences of all ages to temporarily enter a different realm. Cirque de Soleil\u2019s reputation precedes it, with its unique take on traditional holiday spectaculars.\n<\/p>\n
This Is The Week That Is<\/p>\n
Reflect on the highlights and lowlights of the week with the signature political satire show<\/a> from 1812 Productions, the only professional theatre company in the country devoted entirely to comedy. And given the news cycle lately, they\u2019re providing an underrated public service, no matter where you stand. The long-running variety show celebrates its 20th anniversary with sharp social and political commentary combined with over-the-top musical numbers and sketches that have made it popular for this long, while keeping people from the ledge in crazy and crazier times.\n<\/p>\n
Hansel and Gretel: A Make and Partake<\/p>\n
Founded with a mission to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds in imaginative storytelling, Curio\u2019s family-friendly take on \u201cHansel and Gretel\u201d<\/a> brings the audience into the performance. They participate in setting up props, creating sound effects, and, organizers say, \u201ccontrolling the weather.\u201d We\u2019ll have to assume for the play! This follows a well-received run of \u201cJack and the Beanstalk\u201d that offered the same experience.\n<\/p>\n
Marty Supreme & Christmas Day Movie Releases<\/p>\n
Christmas Day movies are part of the family tradition in many households, and a good one is heading to theaters today. \u201cMarty Supreme,\u201d<\/a> the latest from the ever-ascending Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet<\/a>, puts him in the 1950s as a hustling table tennis player. Inspired by the real-life story of Marty Reisman<\/a>, the film has already generated great reviews, including a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Gwyneth Paltrow and Fran Drescher also star in the film. Other Christmas Day movie openings: \u201cThe Housemaid\u201d <\/a>with Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, James Cameron\u2019s \u201cAvatar: Fire and Ash\u201d<\/a> available in IMAX and other immersive formats, and \u201cThe SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.\u201d\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n
Kids<\/p>\n
Disney on Ice: Jump In!<\/p>\n
The latest chapter of Disney On Ice is Jump In!,<\/a> a brand-new show that invites families to take a journey through Disney and Pixar faves brought to life through figure skating, aerial acrobatics and music. With Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy at the controls of the Mouse Pad, audiences will revisit characters from \u201cZootopia,\u201d \u201cFrozen,\u201d \u201cMoana\u201d and \u201cInside Out.\u201d Overall, there will be more than 50 favorite characters, interactive moments, and choreography that should please any Disney fan.\n<\/p>\n
Food & Drink<\/p>\n
Open for Christmas Dinner and Christmas Bars Roundup<\/p>\n
- \n
- Where:<\/strong> Multiple venues<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Thursday, Dec. 25<\/li>\n
- How much:<\/strong> Various prices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you want to enjoy a festive Christmas night or weekend with your family \u2014 or if you need a break away from the kids \u2014 there are several on-theme Christmas pop-up bars where you can enjoy specialty drinks and food for the season. And if you need a last-minute place for Christmas dinner, there are options, though, as you\u2019d expect, they are limited.\n<\/p>\n
Dinner:<\/p>\n
Adoro<\/a> \u2013 Highly rated Queen Village Italian BYOB\n<\/p>\n
Amina<\/a> \u2013 Contemporary soul food\n<\/p>\n
Black Hen<\/a> \u2013 Soul food, bistro style.\n<\/p>\n
Capri<\/a> \u2013 Waterfront views, Mediterranean food\n<\/p>\n
Jasmine rice<\/a> \u2013 Japanese restaurant that has vegan and gluten-free options\n<\/p>\n
Otto by Polpo<\/a> \u2013\u00a0 Suburban Italian BYOB\n<\/p>\n
TingTing\u2019s<\/a> \u2013 Chinatown casual dining known for its noodle dishes and chicken wings.\n<\/p>\n
Urban Farmer<\/a> \u2013 Upscale steakhouse on the Parkway\n<\/p>\n
Sang Kee<\/a> Peking Duck House \u2013 A Chinatown favorite open on Christmas Day.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n
Bars:<\/p>\n
Craftsman Row Saloon<\/a> \u2013 Dubbed the top Christmas bar by The Infatuation<\/a>, reservations are recommended.\n<\/p>\n
McGillin\u2019s Olde Ale House<\/a> \u2013 A perennial Christmastime fave; Philly\u2019s oldest bar.\n<\/p>\n
North Pole at Newsroom<\/a> \u2013 A celebratory take on the holidays with a live deejay and aerial performer, along with themed drinks and food.\n<\/p>\n
Tinsel<\/a> \u2013 Intimate Center City holiday-themed bar hosts a Christmas Day party.\n<\/p>\n
The Prime Rib: Holiday Rewind at Live! Casino<\/a> \u2013 Speakeasy inside the South Philly casino pays homage to holiday movie classics.\n<\/p>\n
Wine Garden Holiday Pop-Up: Diamonds & Pearls<\/a> \u2013 Mother-daughter duo known for its West Philly and Center City \u2018Black Girl Magic\u2019 wine bars host a holiday-themed one in the bowels of Suburban Station.\n<\/p>\n
Walnut Garden<\/a> and Uptown Beer Garden<\/a>\u2013 If you\u2019re willing to brave the elements, these are the bars for you, as they are both outdoors. Eat, drink and be merry with signature cocktails, including boozy cocoa. There are heated tents at both spots, but if you\u2019re not winter-hardy, check the weather first. Walnut Garden is all ages and dog-friendly; Uptown Beer Garden tends to be more adult-oriented.\n<\/p>\n
Music<\/p>\n
Wayne Newton
\n![\"wayne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wayne-newton-TPTTD-122425-1024x683.jpg\")
Wayne Newton performs during Bourbon and Beyond Music Festival on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. (Photo by Amy Harris\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\nThe legendary entertainer known as Mr. Las Vegas brings his classic hits, storytelling and showmanship to the stage for two shows <\/a>at the Center City supper club. With a career spanning more than six decades, Newton is one of the most enduring figures in popular entertainment, recording a reported 165 albums, performing for tens of millions of fans and earning global accolades for his signature songs \u201cDanke Schoen,\u201d \u201cDaddy, Don\u2019t You Walk So Fast\u201d and \u201cRed Roses for a Blue Lady.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Emo Night: Karaoke<\/p>\n
While the holidays are a joyous time for many, they can be supremely sad for others. Instead of wallowing in emo sounds by your favorite depressed artists, head to a karaoke party<\/a> to belt them out. But not just any karaoke party. This is one where your vocals are accompanied by a live band. Choose your favorite sad song from over a hundred classic emo and pop-punk songs <\/a>and perform it with concert-level visuals, multiple screens scrolling lyrics, and band members as your backup vocalists. There\u2019s a cure for those holiday blues\u2026. literally, as The Cure is on the playlist.\n<\/p>\n
Splintered Sunlight: Grateful Dead Tribute<\/p>\n
For Deadheads, the Grateful Dead\u2019s loyal fanbase, the holiday season is particularly special as the band gained a reputation back in the \u201960s and \u201970s for its Christmas and New Year\u2019s Eve concerts. From the famed rock venue Winterland in San Francisco, The Dead would bring in the new year with music, special guests and features in a celebratory, festival-like atmosphere. Now, Splintered Sunlight<\/a> takes on the task of ensuring Deadheads enjoy the holidays with the music they love. The longtime locally-based tribute band checks into Ardmore Music Hall for a Saturday night, post-Christmas show.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n
HeartsAfire: An Earth, Wind & Fire Experience with Tribute to Rick James, Sly and The Family Stone and Kool & The Gang<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not an easy job to step into the shoes of one of the most prolific bands of all time, but HeartsAfire is up to the task, delivering an Earth, Wind & Fire experience coming to World Cafe Live<\/a> that honors one of the most influential bands in music history. Their blend of R&B, jazz, funk and pop helped define the sound of the 1970s and beyond, earning them six Grammys, millions of albums sold and their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Alongside that tribute, HeartsAfire also channels funk icons Rick James, Sly & The Family Stone and Kool & The Gang, bringing back the grooves, moves and music that influenced the next generation of musicians to come.\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
- When:<\/strong> Thursday, Dec. 25<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Friday, Dec. 26<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Thursday, Dec. 25, noon \u2013 3 p.m.<\/li>\n
- When:<\/strong> Saturday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. \u2013 6 p.m.<\/li>\n