Going to college in Philly, we're so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
—Walden Green, Print Editor
All Month: Cinderella @ Walnut Street Theater
For people that need a little more magic in their lives (Penn students), the musical production of Cinderella is coming to the Walnut Street Theatre! If you’re looking for an enchanting and whimsical show to watch ’til the end of the year, check out this new Broadway adaptation of the classic love story. Tickets from $52, various times, Walnut Street Theater, 825 Walnut St.
Dec. 1–10: Winter Dance Series @ University of the Arts
Starting early December, the School of Dance at UArts is welcoming viewers to its Winter Dance Series. Created and staged by an impressive roster of faculty and guest artists, the program series invites audiences to consider the endless possibilities of the human body in motion. Free, various times, Zellerbach Theater/Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
Dec. 1–26: Christmas Village @ Love Park and City Hall
Bells are jingling, spirits are bright, and the city’s officially in the holiday season. Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, this outside holiday market event is the perfect place to buy your Christmas gifts and warm yourself up with yummy European drinks and sweets. Free, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., City Hall, 1500 Arch St.
Dec. 3–4: Trans Art Market @ Bok Building
The Trans Art Market is back and better than ever with over 100 vendors in their 2–day winter market event. The Market highlights the work of trans, non–binary, and gender expansive artists and makers across the larger Philadelphia area. Drop by the Bok Building to shop for amazing goods and to raise funds for Housing Reparations in Philly and Cars for Philly. $5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bok Building, 821 Dudley St.
Dec. 3 + 8 through Jan: Opera on the Big Screen @ Opera Philadelphia
This winter, Opera Philadelphia gives viewers the chance to see a classic art form on the silver screen. The program, running until January, includes the James Darrah’s 2021 adaptation of Poulenc’s La voix humaine this month, as well as the Twin–Peaks inspired Black Lodge in January. With screenings at five different regional theaters, this is opera like you’ve never seen it before. $10 for students, 1 p.m. on the 3rd, various locations and times.
Dec. 7: Greeting Committee @ The Foundry
Greeting Committee isn’t your average hometown band. Straight out of the Kansas City suburbs, this indie pop group has two full albums, three EPs, and a couple of singles under their belt that will bring the vibes to your autumnal–turned–winter walks. If you only have time to memorize the lyrics to one of their tracks ahead of their upcoming show at The Foundry, Staff writer Caroline Clarke dubs their most–streamed song on Spotify, “Hands Down,” a must–listen. $20, 8 p.m. The Foundry, 29 E. Allen St.
Dec. 9: Nicki Night @ Brooklyn Bowl
If you’re looking to pound the alarm with your super freaky girl gang, Brooklyn Bowl’s Nicki Night is the place for you. Celebrate Nicki Minaj’s birthday with her most classic hits, and leave your pinkprint on the dance floor. 21+, tickets from $15, doors at 9:30 p.m., party at 10, Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St.
Dec. 9–11: Jay Pharoah @ Punch Line Philly
I just know you’re all dying to see Saturday Night Live’s 55th greatest cast member—as ranked by Rolling Stone in 2015. The legend himself, Jay Pharoah, will be performing at Punch Line Philly in mid–December, so book your Saturday night activity ASAP. You’re welcome. $30, 7:30 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel St.
Dec. 9–28: The Nutcracker @ Academy of Music
It’s time to kick seasonal depression to the curb and step into a world of sugarplum fairies and dancing snowflakes. Join the Philadelphia Ballet to ring in the holiday season with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Tickets from $25, 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. shows, Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St.
Dec. 10: Ween @ The Met
There are some bands that are long overdue for a Gen Z revival, and Ween is at the top of that list. These '90s stalwarts were known in their heyday for deviously catchy pop songs that skirted the lines of parody and novelty hits. Heck, it's not hard to imagine "Ocean Man" or "Baby Bitch" blowing up into a TikTok audio one of these days, and you can say you were there first. Tickets from $50, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8, The Met Philadelphia, 858 N Broad St.
Dec. 10 + 17: Big Wig Holiday Brunch @ Punch Line Philly
Move over, RuPaul, because Big Wig Holiday Brunch is bringing the “ultimate drag experience” to town this month. Embrace the two drink minimum and ring in the holiday season the best way possible—with ultimate diva cocktails. 21+, $40, 12 p.m., Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel St.
Dec. 10 + 25: The Crossing Reenactment @ Washington Crossing Historical Park
Craving some colonial–inspired fun this holiday season? Look no further than the annual re–enactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. This isn’t your average LARP in Clark Park, either. During the event, several hundred actors don Continental military garb to row across the Delaware in replica Durham boats. $8 for adults, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Intersection of Routes 532 and 32 (River Road), Washington Crossing, PA.
Dec. 14: Peach Pit @ The Fillmore
Preemptively planning a finals study break? Head on over to the Fillmore with your friends for a Peach Pit concert to remember. The Vancouver–based indie pop band’s fame is skyrocketing, so jump on this opportunity before the TikTok gatekeepers find them. $32.50, 8 p.m., The Fillmore, 29 East Allen St.
Dec. 15: Lingua Ignota @ Union Transfer
There are those who, by the middle of the month, will be looking for a respite from finals season. There are also those who'll be on the hunt for an experience so harrowing it makes finals season seem tame by comparison. Kristen Hayter first adopted the Lingua Ignota moniker as a graduate student (her dissertation: Burn Everything Trust No One Kill Yourself), and she'll be retiring the project soon, so be sure to experience these cathartic and terrifying songs in the wild while you still can. $27.50, doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.
Dec. 31: '80s NYE Party @ Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Bust out your neon leg warmers and spandex to celebrate New Year's eighties–style. Join Spazmatics '80s Tribute Band at Rivers Casino for an all you can eat dinner, three hours of open bar, and throwback tunes until the ball drops. 21+, tickets from $119, doors at 10 p.m., party at 11, 21+, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N Delaware Ave.
