Old City Holiday Music CHOCTACULAR Dec 20 & 27

Oh, calm my beating heart!

A new event debuts tomorrow in Philadelphia's Old City, both this Saturday AND next ~ the first-ever Old City Holiday Music Choctacular hits the cobblestones of one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods.   

Throughout the afternoon, live holiday music and JAZZ will thrum  around three street corners - 2nd &  Market, 2nd & Arch, 3rd & Arch.    

Add eight Old City coffee shops handing out free hot chocolate during the afternoon event & you've got a passle of blissed out folks of all ages.

Participating coffee shops include: Ben & Betsy’s Coffee & Gifts, Cafe Square One, Capofitto, Happily Ever After, Menagerie Coffee, Old City Coffee, and United By Blue.  The special is good for one small hot chocolate at any of these participating locations.

How sweet it is!

Old City Holiday Music Choctacular
When: Saturdays, December 20 and 27, 1-5 p.m.
2nd &  Market, 2nd & Arch, 3rd & Arch

A very BE WELL BAKERY & CAFE Christmas!

 

At Squirrel Haven, our Christmas Day will be filled with delectables from Be Well Bakery & Cafe! Beginning with their fabulous granola (over yogurt, with sliced banana), then onto the mini scones (my favorite is the apricot ginger, while John favors blueberry), ending up with...  well, we can't decide on that.  Too many temptations to choose from!  

Can't think of a better, more scrumptious way to celebrate!

Christmas Tableaux Sunday Dec 14

Confession  - I resisted going to the Bryn Athyn Church tableaux when they were first held at the cathedral.  Part of me remained forever loyal & true to when they were presented at the Assembly Hall  & part of me resisted a non-traditional church service at the cathedral.  

Oh, those wasted couple of years!  Because the tableaux are as perfect a fit with the cathedral as any Sunday service, wedding or baptism! 

If you can possibly make it to any of the many presentations, GO.  

Yes, the tableaux are bigger & more dramatically presented than when I first experienced them in an unusually hushed Assembly Hall, the Bryn Athyn Choir massed to the right & back of the huge room.  Now, a massive "Shepherd's Choir" of practically every age sings from the cathedral chancel.  The size & range is changed, but the simple, loving faith still rings out.  Still gives me goose bumps that the first time I ever heard Mary, Do You Know? was at one of our tableaux!

"Live animals?!" I thought, back in those first years.  Yes, live animals.  And shepherds with a camel gathered around a fire on the cathedral lawns.  It can sound over the top, but it feels...  right.  Children can gently pet the camel, sheep & donkey - this is possibly my husband's favorite moment of the tableaux, it seems to make it all so much more real to him. 

 

It's such a blessing that the tableaux have become widely loved among so many from surrounding communities, with many people of many faiths not only attending, but also becoming part of them.  For many individuals & families, participating each year is a treasured holiday tradition.  Many scenes are inspired by illustrations from Maud & Miska Petersham's, The Christ Child.

Free and open to the public, the events will held at the 90-year-old gothic-style cathedral, 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, known for its stained glass and unique architecture.
 

 

A “Christmas Tableaux” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Some 50 actors in costume, joined by live sheep, goats and a camel, tell the Christmas Story. 

Another special tradition is the wonderful Children's Tableaux, at Heilman Hall, also this Sunday but with only one presentation - 4:00 p.m.  Heilman Hall is at 600 Tomlinson Road (the building to the far left of the Bryn Athyn Elementary School & pastor's office). 

Crafty Balboa - tomorrow, East Passyunk!

Crafty Balboa, a juried craft show, is the heart of East Passyunk's Holiday Second Saturday.  So much happening, in such interesting corners of our metro neighborhood!  Heads up - parking at meter spots will be free after 11 a.m., courtesy of the elves at the Philadelphia Parking Authority!

**PHOTOS WITH SANTA + PET SITTING**
It's our annual pet sitting with Santa! Alphabet Garden, 1631 EPA. Pets are welcome from 1-2pm, bring your little one from 2-4pm. Bring your camera for free or purchase a package printed on site.

**JOE KING TRIO**
Enjoy strolling holiday music along the Avenue. 1-3pm

**CRAFTY BALBOA HOLIDAY**
Shop from handmade crafts, artwork and more at Neumann-Goretti HS, 1736 South 10th Street. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/648909605222751/
11am-5pm

**OPEN HOUSE FOR EAST PASSYUNK PHOTO EXHIBIT**
Enjoy our new photo exhibit featuring East Passyunk families and businesses at the History of Italian Immigration Museum at 1834 EPA. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. 1-4pm

**NICE THINGS HANDMADE ORNAMENT SHOW**
This has become one of our favorite holiday traditions! Part art show/part shopping event, the shop will be filled with completely handmade ornaments, yours for the taking. 6-9pm


**ART OPENINGS + SHOPPING EVENTS ALONG THE AVENUE**
* Black & Brew - Put $20 on a gift card get $5 free all month + Lindsay Browning art show from 3-4pm 

* Era Atomica - Stocked with vintage holiday items, open til 9pm

* Fringe Salon - The Minature Spectacular featuring artwork by Dae Rebeck Sanchez with wine, snax, live music and belly dancers! 6-10pm For more info: http://www.fringesalononline.com/art 

* FUEL - $30 gift cards for only $20. 11am-10pm

* King's Music - Lots of stocking stuffers + all guitars in store 25% off, all speakers 20% off, electric guitar strings 2 for $10, Cleartone acoustic strings 20% off, Drumsticks NY Pro 2 for $10, vintage guitars 15% off, microphones 25% off, Deering Tenor Banjo $800. 10am-8pm

* Nicole Rae Styer Boutique - Holiday Sale! Sip on some wine while you shop one of a kind items and vintage, all 20% off! 12-9pm

* Occasionette - Open 10am-8pm. Sip & Shop with mulled wine, and free note card stamping 4pm - 8pm. 

* Pooka's Hookah BYOB Lounge & Gift Shop - Hookah for two with complimentary glass of wine, $15 7-8pm

* Sermania Jewelry - Last weekend for special orders, 15% off handmade jewelry, 20% off Sterling Silver and holiday jewelry. Refreshments will be served. 10am-6pm

* Volta Market - Shine your light: one day sale on Volta Home candles! 10am-9pm + stop by between 7-9pm for mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and yuletide cheer! 

* Wake Up Yoga - Holiday Open House & Craft Bazaar with diverse artists + flash sale on monthly unlimited class cards: $75 (with cash or check) or $90 (with credit). Limit 3 per student (1 for personal use and up to 2 as gift purchases) + door raffle for 3 month unlimited card. 6-9pm

The comfort & joy of Pinterest!

How the Philly "lady" nerd

True confession - am still clueless about how to make my own Pinterest collection.  But I sure know how to use other folks' treasure troves!  My personal favorite - so for - for spotlighting where what how to stock up on Philadelphia-made crafts, clothes, food and more, much more is from the elves at Visit Philly!

 

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Nutcracker Market - Dec 11-14 ~ ~ Kimmel Center

Ooooooooooo....  A weekend of hand-made American crafts & gifts galore in the heart of Philadelphia, at the Kimmel Center.  Small wonder, since the Nutcracker Market is presented by Pennsylvania Ballet.  This is its 2nd year, so it's a true Philadelphia tradition in the making!  

Its soft opening was yesterday, with worthies attending a ticketed preview party.  Today kicked off the fun for EVERYONE!  Between now & its final minutes this Sunday, throngs of folks will revel in the shopping extravaganza, taking up three (3!) floors of The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts.  

 

A fundraiser for Pennsylvania Ballet and The School of Pennsylvania Ballet, the Nutcracker Market features over 75 select exhibitors offering a variety of gifts and hand-crafted works such as ornaments, jewelry, photography & (naturally) dance-inspired pieces. 

 

Free daily activities include a "Behind the Scenes of the Nutcracker" display, origami lessons, raffles, visits from the characters of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, arts & crafts, plus a community stage featuring local dance performances and The Philly POPS.  That's not all - look for the Land of Sweets candy shop, an astonishing range of specialty food  & drink options, and more,much more.  

 

Exhibitor booths will line the street level (Commonwealth Plaza) and balcony levels (Tiers One and Two).  

HOURS

Wednesday, December 10, Preview Party
Thursday, December 11 (11am-8pm)
Friday, December 12 (11am-8pm)
Saturday, December 13 (11am-8pm)
Sunday, December 14 (11am-5pm)

Cairnwood by Candlelight Dec 11 - TONIGHT!

 

In the interest of time (I have to scoot in a few minutes), just copying out the website - 

You are cordially invited to start a new holiday tradition this year with an evening of candlelight and music at the 119-year-old mansion. Cairnwood, swathed in holiday lighting and resplendent with luscious greens and festive décor, will host “Cairnwood by Candlelight,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see all three floors of the mansion, the servant’s quarters, and the tower. Taking center stage in the mansion’s Great Hall is a two-story Christmas tree adorned with more than 3,000 lights and 300 pieces of sugared fruit.

The evening will feature self-guided tours, music by live jazz trio, a display of Victorian gowns and an array of yuletide desserts. The mansion will be glowing with light and sparking with holiday décor.
Once per year Cairnwood will bring the Victorian gowns, which were once worn by Gertrude Pitcairn, when her husband, industrialist John Pitcairn, and their family called Cairnwood home, out of our archives. Don’t miss this chance to view the artistry of these breath-taking fashions.

Admission is $20; Limited tickets available. First come first serve; For additional information, call Cairnwood at 215-947-2004, or visit www.cairnwood.org.

Short notice! PAFA Student Print Sale TONIGHT

Sorry for the super short notice - tonight is the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 21st Annual Student Print Sale!  An incredible opportunity to nab much appreciated gifts that can actually appreciate in value over the years.  Tonight, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the sixth floor of PAFA’s Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building (128 N. Broad Street).  

The space will be filled with a colorful assortment of etchings, screen prints, lithographs, woodcuts, stamp prints and more – all made by the talented cadre of PAFA printmaking students, and all priced under $150.  If you have a few dollars left over, enter a raffle to win a print by the PAFA Printmaking Department Faculty.

PAFA members get the jump on the rest of us, with entry at 4:30 p.m. to the admission-free event.  Purchases are pay-as-you-go.  Couldn't find any info about taking credit cards, so would go armed with cash and/or check book.

In a nutshell...
PAFA’s 21st Annual Student Print Sale
When: Friday, December 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (members-only preview from 4:30-5:30 p.m.)

Where: PAFA’s Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad Street, 6th floor
 
Admission - free. Purchases ~ pay-as-you-go

Drop jaw gorgeous! Philadelphia Museum of Art

And did I mention FUN?

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a wonderful place to bring family and friends throughout the holiday season. Enjoy an array of festive programs while experiencing the beauty of art. There is something for everyone: caroling through the galleries, a holiday card-making station, and Art After 5 musical performances, including a Nutcracker-inspired winter program. 

Nutcracker Holiday Party

Friday, December 5, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Journey through Toyland in our Nutcracker-themed winter program, featuring classical holiday compositions, chamber music, and beloved old carols performed by The Divine Hand, led by renowned concert thereminist Mano Divina.

Friday Night Dinner Series

Reservations required
Pricing will vary, call 215-684-7990 for specific details
Visit Open Table to make your reservations today.

Join Stephen STARR Events in Granite Hill a designated Friday evening each month for specialty themed dinners celebrating the season or paying tribute to featured artists and exhibitions on view in the Museum. Every month presents a new and interesting reason to visit the Museum and indulge in a culinary adventure at Granite Hill.

• Feast of the Fishes
  • Friday, December 5, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
    Celebrate the holiday season with a twist on the traditional feast of the fishes .
    $39 per person
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Members Tour - Walking Through a Winter Wonderland

Tours meet in Lenfest Hall (West Entrance)

Membership Required
Reservations required
Free members event.

See how the Museum’s collection captures the beauty and excitement of winter; including the landscapes, the holiday season and festive entertaining.

• Saturday, December 6, 2014, Starts at 10:15 a.m.
• Friday, December 12, 2014, Starts at 10:15 a.m.
• Sunday, December 21, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
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Gallery Tour: Christmas Story in Art

Location: Meets in Lenfest Hall

Free after admission

Take a guided tour and look at works of art that tell the story of Christmas.

• Saturday, December 6, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 7, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 20, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 21, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 26, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 29, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
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Caroling through the Galleries

Location: Meet in the Great Stair Hall; various Museum galleries

Free after admission

Experience some holiday cheer as the Pennsylvania Girlchoir (led by Music Director Vincent Metallo) sings European and American carols through the Museum’s galleries of medieval and Renaissance art. Each performance is approximately thirty minutes. Join us for a few songs or stay for the entire journey.

• Saturday, December 6, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
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All That Sparkles

Sunday, December 7, 2014
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Balcony Studio
11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. Pop-Up Mini Tours
11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Bandana Splits

Free after admission

It may be dark outside, but the Museum will be all a-glow this holiday season. Discover bright lights and shining stars throughout the collection, and create your own twinkly artwork in the Balcony Studio. Pop into the galleries with a Museum Educator and take a quick, fun peek at art as a family during one of our Pop-Up Mini Tours. Kick off the holiday season with a performance by the Bandana Splits that is sure to sparkle.

Members Tour - A Christmas Story in Art

Tours meet in Lenfest Hall (West Entrance)

Membership Required
Reservations required
Free members event.

Join us, as we celebrate the story of Christmas as told through art.

• Tuesday, December 9, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11, 2014, Starts at 10:15 a.m.
• Tuesday, December 16, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
• Thursday, December 18, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
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Make Stuff - Holiday Card Making

Free after admission

Create your own masterful holiday card for a loved one this season. Art making supplies will be provided.

• Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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A Festive Tradition

Paid tickets required
$38 ($30 members)

Enjoy the tradition of touring through the Fairmount Park historic houses at holiday time, when each takes a unique approach to yuletide adornments.

• Friday, December 12, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
• Sunday, December 14, 2014, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
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A New Exciting Experience! A Fairmount Christmas Carol

Friday, December 12, 2014
Starts every 30 minutes beginning at 4:00 p.m.; last tour begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014
Starts every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m.; last tour begins at 2:00 p.m.

Paid tickets required
$42 public; $34 members; Free Sponsor members and above ($750+)

Board the bus from the Museum with saucy characters from Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol as your guide and experience a playful version of Christmas Past, Present, and Future at three of the historic houses in Fairmount Park.

Philadelphia Holiday Groove

Friday, December 12, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Can you dig it? Art After 5 takes audiences back to the golden age of disco, soul, and Motown with a special holiday program featuring The Elements, from Élan Artists.

Music in the Galleries with The Curtis Institute of Music

Free after admission

Join us for these informal concerts in the galleries by the gifted young musicians of the Curtis Institute of Music. Prior to each concert, we look at a work of art and interpret it within the context of the performance. For all ages – music and art lovers alike!
Music in the Galleries is generously supported by Cooke & Bieler, LP.

• Winter Winds
  • Saturday, December 13, 2014, Starts at 1:30 p.m., and 2:15 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Knight Foundation Gallery 204
    Curtis Institute of Music musicians return to the museum's medieval cloister gallery in this seasonally inspired program for wind quintet.
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Stephen Starr Events Interactive Chef Demonstration Series

Location: The Cafeteria

Paid tickets required
$45 ($40 for Members) includes General Admission

The intimate, 90-minute classes will offer participants first-hand tutorials on global cuisine. Executive Chef Gerald Drummond, accompanied by guest chefs from the Stephen Starr restaurant group, will lead the demonstrations for each class and assistant chefs will be on hand to offer extra attention and to help with techniques. Each participant will sample the food created during the class and will received recipes for all dishes, as well as a special parting gift.

• Holiday Sweets
  • Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Nothing says the Holidays like the perfect sweet treat. Learn how to bake with Chef Gerald Drummond.
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Festival of Lights

Friday, December 19, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Get your festive groove on with DeLeon, a New York-based band that transforms Sephardic folk music into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old.
Co-presented in partnership with Temple University’s Feinstein Center for American Jewish History and the “Sounds Jewish” series. Promotional support provided by Tribe 12.

Winter Family Studio (all ages)

Free after admission

Shake off the cabin fever and bring the family to the Museum during winter break. Create art together in the Winter Family Studio.

• Friday, December 26, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 29, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Family Gallery Tour (all ages)

Tour Meets at Winter Family Studio on the Second Floor Balcony.

Free after admission

Shake off the cabin fever and bring the family to the Museum during winter break. Explore the collection on a Holiday Family Gallery Tour.

• Friday, December 26, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 29, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.

A Long Weekend of Holiday Concerts

Location: Great Stair Hall

Free after admission

Enjoy holiday-inspired performances by local choirs and music groups.

• Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia
  • Friday, December 26, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir
  • Saturday, December 27, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Singing City
  • Sunday, December 28, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus
  • Monday, December 29, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Barbara Montgomery Holiday Jazz

Friday, December 26, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Barbara Montgomery sings a program of holiday songs, many that she recorded with master jazz pianist Tom Lawton, with a reflection on giving, sharing, and for being there when our loved ones need us. Her soulful interpretations will leave you with humble tidings that enhance the holiday spirit.

Just Breathe: Yoga White Party

Wednesday, December 31, 2014
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Free after admission

Get centered before midnight at the museum. Learn about the time-honored practice of yoga through meditative exercises, yoga postures, and breathing techniques among the beauty of the Museum’s collection. After a peaceful stretch, participate in a hands-on art making activity to set an intention for the new year. Henna tattoos, themed tours, and specialty healthy menu items will be available throughout the night. Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat and wear white.

New Years Day Brunch

Thursday, January 1, 2015
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Granite Hill

Reservations required
$45 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Members receive a 10% discount.

Toast 2015 at Granite Hill’s New Year’s Day Brunch on Thursday, January 1st. Indulge in classic omelet, waffle and carving stations while celebrating the year ahead.
To make reservations, please call (215) 684-7990 or visit Open Table.