The Philadelphia Insectarium is shining a light on the museum’s beloved butterflies, with a painting workshop, jewelry-making class and light show.
But, of course, the real light show begins Sunday on the first night of Hanukkah. Across the city, museums, organizations and communities will be celebrating the holiday over the subsequent eight days. Kick of the evening with your pick of neighborhood menorah lightings.
The celebrations pick up next weekend with even more fun, parties and doughnuts.
And it wouldn’t be the holiday season without a secular alternative to commercialism. A Northeast Philly pub is hosting a Festivus-themed day, complete with feats of strength, an unadorned aluminum pole and the airing of grievances.
HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS
A post shared by Jewish Exponent (@jewishexponent) on Dec 27, 2016 at 2:54pm PST
EVENT: Rittenhouse Menorah Lighting
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Rittenhouse Square, Center City
DETAILS: Join B'nai Abraham Chabad in a community menorah lighting at Rittenhouse Square.
PRICE: Free to attend
EVENT: Old City Menorah Lighting
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Betsy Ross House, 238 Arch St., Old City
DETAILS: Observe the first night of Hanukkah with the second annual community menorah lighting in the Betsy Ross House’s courtyard. There will be a free buffet with latkes and jelly donuts.
PRICE: Free to attend
EVENT: Sensory-Friendly Hanukkah Celebration
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.
WHERE: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East, Center City
DETAILS: Experience a sensory-friendly tour of the museum's exhibits, including “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” Three therapy dogs and an ASL interpreter will be in attendance.
PRICE: Free with admission to RBG exhibit
ATTRACTIONS
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Ave., Holmesburg
DETAILS: Join in on a jam-packed day of activities and exploration. There will be a painting with light workshop, butterfly light show, a jewelry-making class, an artist meet-and-greet, and more.
PRICE: General admission is $19
EVENT: Holiday Punk Rock Flea Market
DATE/TIME: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St., Philadelphia
DETAILS: Get your last-minute shopping done during the holiday edition of the Punk Rock Flea Market. Shop for unique gifts you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
PRICE: Entry is $5; kids under 12 are free
EVENT: Clash of the Carols
DATE/TIME: Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sun Inn Courtyard, 556 Main St., Bethlehem
DETAILS: Who will come out on top in this a cappella choral competition? Groups have been competing for the past three Saturdays and this will be the final holiday showdown.
PRICE: Free to attend
EVENT: Festivus
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: The Grey Lodge Pub, 6235 Frankford Ave., Northeast Philadelphia
DETAILS: This traditional Festivus celebration features feats of strength, an unadorned aluminum pole, a meatloaf dinner, and the airing of grievances.
PRICE: Pay as you go
MUSIC
DATE/TIME: Friday and Saturday, multiple times
WHERE: Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., Center City
PRICE: Tickets start at $33
EVENT: Gospel on the Plaza
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., Center City
DETAILS: The St. Thomas Gospel Choir from The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas will put on a free performance at the Kimmel Center’s Plaza Stage.
PRICE: Free to attend