The National Museum of American Jewish History is debuting its Jewish New Media Festival, dedicated to platforms that shape our society in the digital age. The weekend features discussions on virtual reality, live podcast episodes, and new media panelists, plus special guest and renowned producer Nancy Spielberg.
Out in the suburbs, holiday traditions take center stage via the annual Coatesville Christmas Parade, or holiday shopping, train rides and breakfast with Kris Kringle in Kutztown. Fleisher’s fifth annual holiday market offers handcrafted gifts from local vendors and artisans, too.
In the spirit of unconventional tidings, check out Dr. Mütter's Merry Emporium at the Mütter Museum or the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market. Both feature one-of-a-kind holiday markets, plus a change of pace for your Christmas cards: Take a pic with Surly Santa or the plague doctor himself.
FESTIVALS & ATTRACTIONS
EVENT: Jewish New Media Festival
DATE: Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall E., Center City
DETAILS: Share, celebrate and explore Jewish storytelling in the digital-global age. The works of established and emerging new media artists, media producers and other content creators will be on display. Check out the full lineup here.
PRICE: Two-day festival passes are $50; single-day tickets also available
EVENT: Coatesville Christmas Parade
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Click here for a map of the parade route
DETAILS: Bundle up for a festive holiday parade in Coatesville. There will be friendly competition among floats, groups, automobiles and more for best appearance.
PRICE: Free to watch
EVENT: Christmas in Kutztown
DATE/TIME: Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.
WHERE: 200 block of West Main Street, Kutztown
DETAILS: There’s something to do for everyone in your family at this holiday event in Kutztown. Start the day with breakfast with Santa or write him a letter; decorate a cookie or make an ornament; get your holiday shopping done; and much more.
PRICE: Free to attend
EVENT: Santa Claus train rides
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Allentown and Auburn Railroad at 232 Railroad St., Kutztown
DETAILS: Santa will be onboard this special train ride. Get your photo taken with Saint Nick and do some holiday shopping in the Allentown and Auburn Gift Shop.
PRICE: $9 for ages 3 to 11; $15 for ages 12 and older; $13 for ages 65 and older
HOLIDAY MARKETS
DATE/TIME: Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., 909 Ray Ave., Croydon
DETAILS: More than 185 vendor tables will pack the Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, offering vintage items, handmade jewelry, comic books, posters, records and more. There will be food trucks and the opportunity to get your photo taken with Surly Santa.
PRICE: $5 to attend
EVENT: Dr. Mütter's Merry Emporium
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Mütter Museum, 19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia
DETAILS: Find Mütter-esque gifts for your loved ones in the historic Mitchell Hall, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland. More than two dozen vendors will have items for sale, including plague doctor cookies.
PRICE: Free to attend; museum admission is not included
EVENT: Handmade
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., Philadelphia
DETAILS: Get your holiday shopping done at this creative holiday market that showcases works from more than 30 artists. In conjunction with the market, there will also be three gift-making workshops.
PRICE: Free to attend
MUSIC
DATE/TIME: Friday, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St., North Philadelphia
PRICE: Tickets start at $60
EVENT: First Friday with Allen Pinkney, Jr.
DATE/TIME: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
PRICE: Tickets are $28 for non-members
EVENT: George Balanchine's ‘The Nutcracker’
DATE/TIME: Dec. 6 to 31; showtimes vary
WHERE: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
PRICE: Tickets start at $45