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This Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the Schuykill Center for Environmental Education (SCEE), one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country, will host “Merry Making, A Winter Craft Event,” an arts and crafts fair full of sustainable shopping, kids’ organic craft workshops and refreshments that are both family- and environmentally-friendly.

Local artists and crafters will be on-hand selling unique handmade gifts created from eco-friendly materials. Kids can take advantage of special workshops throughout the day that will teach them how to make their own nature-inspired cards, gifts and decorations.

Art in the Age will be on hand sharing their organic craft spirits and liqueurs, and hot chocolate and snacks will round out the refreshments.

There will also be an opening reception for Flock, SCEE’s latest art exhibit inspired by the center’s bird collection. Of course the bookstore and gift shop will be open, offering holiday shoppers even more options.

This event is free with a suggested donation to the Schuylkill Center. Workshops, however, may have a materials fee.

Merry Making, A Winter Craft Event
When: Sunday, December 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Cost: Free with a suggested donation to SCEE; Workshops may have a materials fee
More info: www.schuylkillcenter.org

The annual Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting, illuminating one of the city's most central public spaces for the rest of the holiday season, is tonight at 5 p.m. (Photo courtesy Friends of Rittenhouse Square)

[Evenings during the holiday season in Philadelphia are always action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we round up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• Rittenhouse Square Tree Lighting: Rescheduled from yesterday due to inclement weather, the annual tree lighting, one of the holiday season’s most special events, will illuminate Philadelphia’s largest Christmas tree with more than 5,000 brilliant lights Pick up a complimentary elf hat and hot chocolate with cookies from TD Bank, where you can also snap a photo with Santa, at 18th and Walnut. Other festivities include children’s ornament-making, and games and holiday entertainment.

Where: near the guardhouse in the center of the square
When: Wednesday, November 30, 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

• Adresse “Wish List” Holiday Shopping Party: While you shop for the gals (girlfriends, sisters, mom) on your list, the staff of Adresse will help you compile your own “wish list” of items that you’d truly like to receive from your beau this year. Cool cocktails and delectable nibbles provided by Supper)will be provided. To top things off, a DJ will spin some holly jolly tunes.

Where: 1706 Locust Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

• The People of Maasai Mara at Art Sanctuary Opening Night: Art Sanctuary’s newest photo exhibit, a stunning collection by Emmy-award winning journalist Arthur Fennell, features 25 images Fennell took while on a trip to East Africa, where the native Maasai tribe is recognized for its distinctive culture, traditions and nomadic lifestyle. At theis evening’s reception Fennell will give a gallery talk about his experiences capturing the images. There will be live music, drinks, snacks and the opportunity to procure signed prints of Fennell’s photos.

Where: 628 S. 16th Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $25

• Macy’s Holiday Light Show: Evening is a great time to catch the light show, one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most treasured holiday traditions. Grab a peppermint mocha latte from the Starbucks inside the store for shopping fuel as you cross folks off your holiday gift list, then head to 10 Arts or another nearby restaurant for dinner.

Where: 1300 Market Street
When: shows begin on the top of each hour, last show starts at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free; pay as you go if you’re shopping

• Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I: Catching a show at the historic Walnut Street Theatre is a focal part of celebrating the holiday season in Philadelphia. This one is a treasured musical perfect for the family or else a group of friends. Head to Jones around the corner after for drinks and dessert (new pumpkin features courtesy of the pastry chef!)

Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
When: Wednesday, November 30, 8 p.m.
Cost: Tickets range from $10-$75

If you’re in Manayunk this Friday for its newly instated First Friday monthly celebration, you are in for visual treat.

Take a walk down Main Street to Lucky’s Last Chance. Lucky’s is hosting a First Friday art show featuring the work of some of Philadelphia’s finest young artists.

The work of Marty Maaskant, Josh Leach and (full disclosure) Meredith Edlow will grace the walls. The artists’ works have appeared in everything from underground comic books to the top of the PECO building.

The evening is hosted by Kate Bodine, another young local artist, just back from a short stint in Las Vegas and whose work was recently written about in the City Paper.

After checking out the art, you may also want to grab a something to eat as Lucky’s features an ecclectic menu of craft beer and burgers.Try their take on the Jucy Lucy burger, stuffed with bacon, American cheese and onion.

And oh, we should mention that the food is locally sourced from Maple Acre Farms in Plymouth Meeting.

Great local art, great local food makes for a great Friday night!

Lucky’s Last Chance Gallery Event for Manayunk’s First Friday
When: Friday, December 2, 6-9 p.m.
Where: 4421 Main Street, Manayunk
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.luckyslastchance.com

Take a look inside Elfreth's Alley homes at Deck the Alley this Saturday. (Photo courtesy Elfreth's Alley)

The residents of Old City’s historic Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously residential street, will once again open their doors for “Deck the Alley,” this Saturday, December 3, 4-7 p.m.

This annual holiday open house is hosted by the friendly, twinkle-eyed Benjamin Franklin, who will regale everyone with stories about his holiday mishaps and hand out treats for the children.

“Deck the Alley” also includes seasonal refreshments and Victorian carolers, but the main attraction is still the rare and special opportunity to see inside many of the area’s historic private homes, all decorated for the holidays.

Another special component of the event is Christmas carriage rides, available at a discounted price for visitors to Deck the Alle. There will also be a holiday raffle.

For advance tickets, call (215) 574-0560 or head online.

Even if you can’t make it this weekend, Elfreth’s Alley is a festive spot to visit all holiday season long.

“Deck the Alley”
When: Saturday, December 3, 4-7 p.m.
Where: between Front and 2nd Streets just north of Arch
Cost: $20 for Adults, $10 for Students, $55 for Families
More info: www.elfrethsalley.org

Nomad pop-up shop is open for the month of December only, an eclectic collection of modern, vintage and mid-century furnishings and accessories.
(Photo courtesy Nomad)

Looking for unique, locally made and collected gift items this holiday season?

Look no further. Nomad, a new home pop-up shop, is now open in Chestnut Hill and features an eclectic mix of modern, vintage and mid-century treasures, alongside a curated collection of original works by local designers and collectors.

Check out a few of Nomad’s featured local designers, collectors and vintage dealers below:

• Stable Tables: Hand-made farm tables and benches made from reclaimed wood from old barns and buildings.
• Philadelphia jewelry designer J. Rudy Lewis is creating new work this season that is catching the eyes and being acquired by top stylists.
• Mockingbird Moon: Kim Grant’s tabletop gardens, collages of found objects and photographs bring the exterior world indoors and feature natural imagery inspired by her rural environs.
• Cotillion: Fantastic treasures, antiques, art, designer accessories, clothes and more.
• Wing & Wood: Custom Furniture and Woodworking with a sustainable future in mind.

Click here for a full list of artists.

Be sure to swing by this Friday, December 2, from 5-8 p.m. for Nomad’s Holiday Party. A portion of sales at Nomad will be donated to the James Turrell project in Chestnut Hill.

Shop hours from now through December 31 are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Nomad Pop-Up Shop in Chestnut Hill
When: Now through December 31
Where: 12 West Willow Grove Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.hellonomad.com

Enjoy delicious day boat scallops as part of Mica's Dickens menu, available all December long. (Photo courtesy Mica)

In case you hadn’t heard, the 200th birthday of beloved author Charles Dickens is eminent, and Philadelphia is celebrating hard-core.

There’s the Free Library’s year-long celebration, plus Narberth’s Dickens Festival.

Now Chef Chip Roman’s Mica in Chestnut Hill is getting into the Dickensian spirit with a special three-course Dickens-inspired dinner menu available Sunday through Thursday for just $38 per person throughout the month of December.

The menu is a great chance to not only toast to one of the literary greats, but also the holidays. The Dickens menu is as much a celebration of the holiday spirit as it is an homage to the writer.

As Roman says, “Goose is a classic holiday dish that was a staple in Bob Cratchit’s home on Christmas Eve in The Christmas Carol, so I look forward to preparing it for our guests and sharing in the excitement of the season.”

The menu includes: Day Boat Scallops with cherry cheek apples, cinnamon gastrique and Marcona almonds; Slow-Roasted Christmas Goose with quince, sugar plum and chestnuts; and “Christmas Pudding” Redone, with Manjari chocolate, gingerbread and caramelized orange.

Following the meal, stroll and shop throughout Chestnut Hill, as the town will transform itself into a festive Dickensian Victorian village, with special holiday performances and readings, extended store hours and Victorian-themed activities. More on that soon.

To make a reservation, call (267) 335-3912.

Mica
8609 Germantown Avenue
www.micarestaurant.com

“Do Your Bidding: The Print Center Annual Auction” returns Saturday, December 3, offering art enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity to buy original artwork at reasonable prices, while getting some holiday shopping done early.

Kicking off with an exclusive champagne preview at 5 p.m. featuring delicious fare and raffles, the auction will include work by many renowned local and international artists who donated their work to the Print Center, one of the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions.

For a full list of artists, click here.

In addition to artworks, auction items will feature goods and service items, as well as gift certificates from local favorites including the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Bartram’s Garden and Arden Theater Company. Proceeds from the Annual Auction support the Print Center’s programming and exhibitions.

For tickets and online bidding, click here.

Print Center Annual Auction
When: Saturday, December 3, beginning at 5 p.m.
Where: 1614 Latimer Street
Cost: $25 General Admission; $100 Exclusive Champagne Preview
More info: www.printcenter.org

The Prohibition Taproom is having a holiday roast. Only they’re not dishing out food, but rather toasting one of their favorite beer men, at the Holiday Roast of Steve Mashington on Tuesday, December 13.

Mashington, operations manager for local Yards Brewing Company, is a fun-loving guy who’s known to many by the nicknames “Mittens” and “Smashington.”

Those monikers are just two indications of how much folks like to jest with Mashington, and there’s plenty more where that came from at the holiday roast, where the guest of honor will sit in a comfy chair as pals poke fun at him Comedy Central-style.

The roasters are a who’s-who of our local micro-brew beer scene, including Casey Hughes (Flying Fish), Andy Farrell (City Tap House), Rich Colli (Varga Bar), Curt Decker (Nodding Head), Casey Parker (Jose Pistola’s) plus several unannounced guests.

Santa Claus will be there — ok, it’s really Tom Kehoe, Yard’s founder and brewmaster dressed up in a big red suit — and you’re welcome to sit on his lap and get your picture taken.

The taps will flow with limited edition drafts, including holiday firkins, which according to Jon Lyons, General Manager of Prohibition Taproom, is “Beer in its purest form; unfiltered, unpasteurized and naturally fermented. It’s a huge beer snob thing.”

Between the roast and the superfine potables this one’s sure to be a rowdy fun night and a beer geek’s delight.

Prohibition Taproom Holiday Roast of Steve Mashington
Where: 501 N. 13th Street
When: December 13, beginning at 7 p.m.
Cost: No cost for the event, pay as you go for the beer you consume
More info: www.prohibitiontaproom.com

The holiday season is not complete without a visit to Macy's to watch the annual Holiday Light Show, a visual and audio spectacular that makes an iconic building even more beautiful. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

The free Holiday Light Show at Macy’s in Center City is an indispensable element of celebrating the holidays in Philadelphia, and has been since 1956.

This year’s show, which began November 25 and runs through December 31, is particularly poignant in that the the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building in which the store is housed celebrates its 100th anniversary this December!

The Macy’s Holiday Light Show illuminates the store with almost 100,000 LED lights, accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ and narration by Julie Andrews. The shows run at the top of each hour starting at 10 a.m.

Get your holiday shopping done at one of Philadelphia’s most popular one-stop-shop stores while enjoying one of the city’s most treasured traditions.

Macy’s Holiday Light Show
When: November 25–December 31, shows begin on the top of each hour, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: 1300 Market Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.visitmacysphiladelphia.com

Restaurants throughout the city have renditions of Thanksgiving dishes on their menus year-round, like Smokin’ Betty’s Tur-duck-en Burger, made famous thanks to Food Network’s Outrageous Foods. (Photo courtesy Smokin' Betty's)

The turkey has been carved, the yams peeled, the cranberries mixed, the wishbone pulled, and all the Thanksgiving leftovers have been packaged in Tupperware inside your fridge, or else inside your stomach.

Still haven’t had your fill of tryptophan?

Plenty of Philadelphia restaurants and cafes offer year-round Thanksgiving-esque specials, from Thanksgiving burgers to turkey-and-the-works platters. Here’s our guide to maximizing the Thanksgiving feast fun throughout the rest of the holiday season:

• Smokin’ Betty’s Tur-duck-en Burger: Three layers of succulent meat (fresh ground turkey, chicken and truffled duck mousse) are topped with Southern style gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, sweet potato ribbons and stuffing all piled on a LeBus bun. The Food Network’s Outrageous Foods spotlighted the burger on its April 15 episode!

• PYT’s Thanksgiving Burger: A sage-spiced turkey patty is topped with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, served alongside (what else?) sweet potato fries.

• Balcony at the Doubletree’s Day After Thanksgiving: Enjoy a large plate of hot roasted turkey served open-faced, with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce on Texas toast. Seriously delicious.

• Jones’ Thanksgiving Dinner: You get delicious roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, Stephen Starr style (a.k.a pretty perfect).

• Kings Oak’s Pressed Thanksgiving Sandwich: Head to the Piazza for a panini version of Thanksgiving dinner, complete with roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce all pressed together, and served with side of gravy.

• The Blind Pig’s Thanksgiving Balls: They’re turkey wrapped in mashed potatoes and stuffing, breaded, fried and served with gravy and cranberry sauce.

• Trestle Inn’s Thanksgiving Pot Pie: It’s full of turkey, gravy, cranberry spread and potatoes all warm and breaded over.

• Birra’s Thanksgiving Pizza: Chef Andrew Fox combines roasted turkey breast, roasted red bliss potatoes, a bleu cheese béchamel, brown gravy, cranberry drizzle, mozzarella and fresh basil for a Thanksgiving-themed pizza feast. It’s only available until early December, so hop to it.

• Hot Diggity’s Pilgrim Harvest: It’s a hot dog topped with roasted vegetables (celery, mushrooms, onions, with thyme), a slaw made of brussels sprouts and green apples with a honey mustard vinaigrette, cranberry-orange mustard, and homemade fried onions all on a toasted sage bun.

• Primo Hoagies’ Pilgrim Hoagie: You’ll get tasty thin-sliced Thurman’s turkey, shop-made stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo all on a sesame seed roll.

• Jake’s Sandwich Board’s Turducken Sandwich: A fresh-baked Carangi roll is smothered in cranberry spread and a layer of apple-sausage stuffing, then stuffed with slow-roasted, Creole-seasoned slices of turkey, duck and chicken. The masterpiece is topped off with savory brown gravy and house-made crispy hash browns.

• Wawa’s Turkey Gobbler: Want Thanksgiving on a roll? The Gobbler has it all, including turkey, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce on a Wawa Shorti roll. Oh, and it’s $2.99.