Philadelphia is a city blessed with many wonderful holiday traditions, many of which charmingly feature once very cool but now very dated technology. The newest attraction though is state of the art. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular utilizes the LED video wall at the Comcast Center, which just so happens to be the world’s largest. Last time I was there, I saw a huge crowd, most of whom didn’t appear to be Center City office workers.

The 15 minute show runs on the hour. Scenes include a condensed version of The Nutcracker, a big-band dance number on the Art Museum steps, a realistic sleigh ride, an ice skating number, and a children’s choir. Of course a portion of it is on YouTube. Modern life being what it is, we watched the YouTube video on my phone while waiting for the real thing to begin.

I recommend stopping by the Comcast Center concourse first for a cannoli from Termini Brothers to enjoy during the show. Give me a cannoli and I’ll stand through quite a few video musical dance numbers. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is a great addition to Center City’s holiday attractions. It is a tradition I expect that will get better every year, especially as they figure out how to make best use of the challenging gap-tooth shaped video screen.

Holiday Lights @ Comcast
Up through New Years Day!
On the hour from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m, with the exception of 5pm on weekdays.

Comcast Center
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA

I think we can say Fante’s invented the specialty gourmet kitchen supply house. The Fante’s have been in business in the Italian Market for over 100 years, and in the Post War era started to specialize in every imaginable utensil, tool, cake pan (and there are LOTS of different cake pans!), bakers gew gaws and jim cracks… you name it. Whatever a dynamic kitchen could wish for. It did wildly well during the era when mail order catalogs ruled, and has always been a required shopping stop for every famous cook on tour promoting their latest book.

Fante’s is that incredible anchor that you shop through The Market to get to, then shop your way back out after stocking up on cool crazy kitchen gadgets.

Do your friends swoon over your omelets? Then buy them an omelet pan for Christmas and they can damn well invite YOU over for breakfast! Choose a giant, colorful pasta platter from not two or three, but from dozens of handsome possibilities. How many shelves of cake, pudding and pate molds can one store have?

The idea of doing any sort of holiday shopping can sometimes put me in an uncharacteristically black cloud funk. A visit to Fante’s, and you suddenly remember how much you love everyone, and how much fun buying things for those you love can be. A step through their door and I was grinning. By the time I got to the back of the place I was roaring with laughter. I bought the coolest apron I’ve ever seen for my wife… it looks like a crazy 50s dress. I bought an awesome cheese grater for my kids that looks like a chef and leaves the shavings on a plate that are the chef’s feet. No more supermarket ’shake cheese’ in our house… ever again!

You can shop Fante’s on line, at least to see their bottle stopper choices, but I recommend you GO there and have a little fun. You deserve it!

Fante’s
1006 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147-4707
(215) 922-5557
www.fantes.com

WEDNESDAY

Klezmas Eve and Cantonese
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, 300 S. 18th
The Temple’s kosher Christmas Eve Chinese buffet stopped taking reservations last week, but there’s still the free Klezmer concert at eight. 8pm, free.

Christmas Village Closing Day
14th and JFK, Dilworth Hall at the west side of City Hall
Last day for Philly’s Christmas village. Check it out at the link above. 11am-5pm, free.

THURSDAY

Khyber Khrystmas Party
The Khyber, 2nd and Walnut
The annual Christmas party for the oldheads. 9pm, free.

FRIDAY

Philebrity Christmas Pageant
Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N Frankford
Really it’s the “2nd Annual Non-Denominational, Completely Secular, Philebrity Christmas Pageant to Benefit the Philly Public Libraries.” Song, dance, guitars and glad rags shooting the moon on behalf of the Friends of the Free Library. Their post is above. 9pm, $10.

McRad, Chewing Pics, The Ray Gradys, Bednarik
The Fire, 3rd and Gerard
Philly lifer skate-or-die team McRad leading a bill that has nothing to do with the holidays. 7pm, $7.

Michael Madonna Prince
Barbary, Frankford and Delaware
DJ Deejay’s crowdpleaser night for the Jem and the Holograms set. 9pm, $8.

SATURDAY

Live Forever 1-Year Anniversary. $5.
Barbary, Frankford and Delaware
JHN RDN and Designer Drugs celebrate a year of successfully living forever. Dance music for the new dust bowl. 9pm, $5.

In the tradition of German Christmas Markets, a village of 50 wooden huts has arisen on the west side of City Hall. While many of the vendors feature items that are German and/or Christmas inspired, there are also many vendors with items from other cultures. Prices range from jaw-droppingly expensive to very affordable. There really is something for everyone.

There are also a good number of food vendors throughout the village. Every few steps you are presented with another food option, just like in Germany. Food options include grilled bratwurst, potato pancakes. fresh crepes, packaged bakery treats, and hot pretzels topped with ham and cheese.

If you travel counterclockwise from City Hall’s west portal, your last stop in the village will be Santa’s House. When I peaked in the window, Santa had his hands and lap full with a gaggle of young Philadelphians. Children of all ages can get their picture taken with Santa. There are variety of photo options including portraits, ornaments and photo magnets.

Located in between Macy’s, with its holiday double dose, and the Comcast Center’s Holiday Spectacular, the Christmas Village gives you another festive thing to do in between. But hurry! Today is the village’s last day.

Philadelphia Christmas Village

Philadelphia’s City Hall
Broad St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-1776

Money certainly doesn’t buy happiness. Just ask Ebenezer Scrooge. I could go on and on, but rather than listen to me tell the story you all know and love, why not watch it unravel before your eyes at Dickens Village?

Located on the 3rd floor of Macys, you can see over 100 animated characters (including Tiny Tim!) recreating the most memorable moments from A Christmas Carol, including the ghostly visits to a Mr. Scrooge and the fabulous turkey dinner enjoyed by Tiny Tim and his family.

Christmas is right around the corner, so go check it out! Going to be out of town? Don’t worry, the village is on display until December 31st.

Dickens Village @ Macy’s
1300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 241-9000

Well… not really. I’m not suggesting you pick up last minute Christmas gifts at the local SEPTA stop. What I am recommending is that you pay a visit to Bus Stop, a cute boutique located on Fabric Row in Queen Village. They are currently in the midst of a three day holiday sale, offering 15% off shoes, boots, and handbags. Plus every purchase gets free gift wrapping. Nice!

It’s also worth mentioning that after Christmas, you’ll be able to save up to 40% on various clothing. You should definitely take the time to stop by this fun shop in QV. Back when I lived on Fabric Row, I’d walk past this shop almost every single day, and there were always people inside scoping out shoes and bags.

Bus Stop will be open today and tomorrow, from 11AM to 6PM, and on Christmas Eve from 10AM to 5PM.

Bus Stop Boutique
750 S. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-2357
www.busstopboutique.com

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

Seems like every place in the Philadelphia, from the lowliest dives to the fanciest lounges, have something going on for New Years Eve. And with that awesome party date quickly approaching, it might be hard to make up your mind. Over the next few days, we’ll be posting a couple hot spots for New Years Eve, starting today with Nineteen (XIX).

Gorgeous views of the city, an incredible drink list, and a beautifully decorated interior… what’s not to like? While their New Year’s Eve dinner specials are certainly a bit pricey, ranging from the Cafe’s $70 a person three course meal to the Restaurant’s $100 a person four-course menu, this shouldn’t turn you off from hitting up this fun hot-spot in Center City. Why? Because of their Rose Garden Dance Party.

Take the elevator on up to the top of the Bellevue to experience this stellar New Years Eve party deal. For $30 a person, you can experience this all out bash, from 9PM until 2AM, complete with a DJ spinning hits from the 80’s to today.

Nineteen (XIX) at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 790-1919,
www.nineteenrestaurant.com

This past Tuesday, the Kimmel Center launched their “Cultural Stimulus Plan” in an attempt to help people enjoy performing arts during the current rough economy. As for me, this is my “Buy Lots of Tickets During Christmas & Make People Think I Spent Way More Then I Actually Did” plan. Cause really, tickets make great gifts, whether they are for a night at the theatre or a rockin’ concert. And the Kimmel has both.

You can purchase tickets for nine upcoming Kimmel Center and Broadway Series shows from now until December 31st. And as an added bonus, if you bring your ticket stub with you to Teuscher Chocolates, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (Mmm!), Estia, or The Prime Rib, you’re looking at some serious benefits. A free appetizer, a free dessert, or even a 10 percent discount. It varies from place to place.

Check out www.kimmelcenter.org/half for more info on the discount and what shows you’ll be able to check out. From Ain’t Misbehavin’ to an acoustic performance by Lyle Lovett, there are some choice shows to choose from.

Kimmel Center’s Half Off Deal
www.kimmelcenter.org/half

Photos by Plaid Pony Vintage

Christmas is almost here, and you’ve got precious little time to get your holiday shopping in. Forget standing in long lines at the local department store. Head on over to Orphelin Vintage Boutique for their Holiday Soiree on Monday, December 22nd.

While you’re shopping, you can nibble on cheese and sip wine while taking full advantage of their wonderful assortment of gift worthy vintage stock. Clothing, shoes, housewares, art… lots of fun stuff to choose from.

Check out their website to see some great photos from inside the shop, and to get an idea on what they have for sale. If you see Tara, tell her Eric sent you. It won’t get you a discount or anything, I’m just hoping it’ll get me one next time I’m there.

Edit: The store is open from 6PM - 10PM this coming Monday.

Orphelin Vintage Boutique
720 South 5th St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 796-5711
www.orphelinvintage.com

 

I have been a fan of Viv Pickle for years. Usually I don’t treat myself to custom-made anythings, but local businesses like Viv Pickle really make it worth your while. With full control over all your options, you can custom design a variety of bags in a variety of shapes and sizes–in a variety of colors, all emblazoned with a little green pickle!

The local Viv Pickle retail store resides comfortably on North 3rd Street just a couple blocks from Market. You can certainly schedule a “Pickle Party” (think Tupperware, but more fun) or wander in to find a bag (with the help of the friendly staff–maybe even the head of the company), but an easy and great way to design your own bag is by visiting their website. I just designed a bag today and was promptly called to confirm my order and add some details (extra pockets and a special strap).

In this season of tight wallets and the usual boring gifts, why don’t you take a look a Viv Pickle’s funky and unique products. You’ll be helping a local business trudge through this recession/ and/ find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones (or yourself). My best friend Natalia might even be the one to send it out to you!

They also have some special holiday bags available on Etsy!

Viv Pickle Custom Handbags
21 N. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-5904
www.vivpickle.com

Christmas. Free. Now those are two words I like to hear in the same sentence! Unfortunately you don’t hear those words paired together all that often these days. Even getting your picture taken with Santa costs money. What’s a frugal person to do in the midst of a city bursting with holiday spirit?

Well, you could head on over to the Kimmel Center. They’ll be hosting their annual Tubachristmas celebration, a free concert holiday concert. Consisting entirely of tuba and euphonium players, Tubachristmas is actually a national tradition, taking place in over 200 cities across the country.

So stop by and enjoy a free concert, with an army of tubas playing your holiday favorites. Just don’t shout out requests. The tuba players don’t know any Slayer. I asked already.

Kimmel Center
300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-5800
www.kimmelcenter.org

Tradition! Tradition! Chef Michale Solomov will be frying up some Chanukah tradition with a twist this holiday season at Zahav in Old City. Solomon will serve his Ocho Kandelikas (Eight Little Candles) Menu during Chanukah (December 22-29, except Christmas Day).

The Ocho Kandelikas Menu includes:
Salatim, eight assorted Israeli salads
Hummus served with house-baked laffa bread
Burmuelos (fried dough) with leek and mint (mmm!)
Potato Latkes with labaneh (Israeli yogurt cheese) and urfa pepper-cured salmon
Veal Tagine with dates, almonds and Moroccan couscous
Sufganiyot, caramel donuts and raisin ice cream

Indulging in the Eight Little Candles menu will run you $36 per person not including tax, drinks or tip.

So merry chrisma-hanuka-quan-imis everyone! Whatever your holiday is, Solomonov’s updated Israeli fare is sure delight. And for all of you who love Solomonov’s regular dishes – don’t fret he’ll be serving up his full regular menu too.

Zahav
237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-8800
www.zahavrestaurant.com

Pearl, an Asian-Infusion restaurant / lounge / night-club / all around hot spot, is absolutely a great place to spend a memorable New Year’s.

The venue is two floors of a modern Miami club atmosphere with sophisticated Asian cuisine. They will be hosting a fun New Years Eve party, entitled Geishas & Glamour, hosting multiple DJ’s including DJ Excel and the Skratch Makaniks. Not only have these fellas been featured all over the country, I am proud to say they call Philly their home.

Naturally there will be Champagne toasts at Midnight, top-shelf open bars featuring the NYEve Absolute signature drinks, gourmet butlered Pan-Asian Hors D’Oeuvres with a variety dining stations. What makes this a must see event, I would have to say is the champagne infused raw bar and human sushi plate. The “cherry on top”, how about Mini Gourmet Pearl Cheese Steaks and Black Truffle French Fries at the close of the evening?

With Pearl’s rising success as one of the top night spots and dining experiences in Philly, its collaboration with NYEve entertainment means tickets are going to start moving fast. Ticket prices start at $165.00 and top off at $250.00 for the VIPs. Plans are already underway for NYEve to add multiple cities/venues to its roster for the next year so you can be assured these plans have been well though out.

Pearl
1904 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 564-9090
www.mypearlphilly.com

A wonderful holiday open house at our beloved Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is set to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17th at the Lincoln Financial Mural Arts Center in Fairmount. Items up for grabs at this open house includes the ‘09 Mural Arts Calendars, limited edition Mural Arts Collectible Tastykake Tins, 25th Anniversary Commemorative Mural Posters, Mural Arts Note Cards, their best-selling coffee-table books, as well as Mural Tour Gift Certificates.

Since ‘84 this arts initiative has positively shaped so many of the streets and neighborhoods through out our lovely city. In fact, The Mural Arts Program originally began as the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, and today is considered one of the largest public arts initiatives in the nation. I think its safe to say that the artwork created by Mural Arts have become somewhat iconic.

Tours are provided year-round, and for similar reasons, their coffee table book Philadelphia Murals & the Stories They Tell, calendars, etc are trul pieces of Philadelphia history in the making to own or give out as gifts. Items cover a variety of price ranges and the organization truly needs our continuing support.

Mural Arts Holiday Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 17th

Lincoln Financial Mural Arts Center
1727-29 Mount Vernon Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
www.muralarts.org

Nothing is more synonymous with Christmas in Philadelphia than the Holiday Light Show at Macy’s. The light show has been leaving visitors awed for over half a century. The magic lies in the simplicity of it all… just blinking multicolored lights and music.

One visit guarantees a lifetime of returns. Just ask the hundreds of parents and children who come year after year to sit in the Grand Court and see a show as wonderful and simple as the snow that falls in the North Pole.

The lights and music play inside the grand court at the top of each hour, from 10AM to 8PM, running through December 31st.

Holiday Light Show @ Macys
1300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 241-9000