The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Year of Dickens continues with monthly literary salons, to be held the third Thursday of every month in 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Elkins Room of the Rare Book Department at Parkway Central, each featuring a different Dickens novel.

The first book up for discussion, on January 19, is Dickens’s earliest novel, The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.

Check out the rest of the schedule:

• February 16: Oliver Twist
• March 15: The Mystery of Edwin Drood
• April 19: The Old Curiosity Shop
• May 17: David Copperfield
• June 21: Great Expectations
• July 19: A Tale of Two Cities
• August 16: Barnaby Rudge
• September 20: Nicholas Nickleby
• October 18: Bleak House
• November 15: Our Mutual Friend
• December 20: A Christmas Carol

Check out the Year of Dickens event calendar to see what else is in store.

The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Year of Dickens
When: Now through 2012
Where: Throughout the city
Cost: Free
More info: libwww.freelibrary.org

This weekend is your last chance to see Longwood Gardens' annual Christmas display, a dramatic illumination of the entire property. (Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens)

This winter weekend brings the Sixers home opener, First Friday in neighborhoods throughout the city, the closing of several holiday attractions and shows and much more.

Stay warm by keeping busy, which won’t be a challenge given the amount of activity happening.

Check out our top picks for this weekend, below:

Friday, January 6

First Friday in Manayunk, Old City, Doylestown, on Frankford Avenue and Chestnut Hill

Home Opener: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons: 7 p.m.

Art After 5: Tango Night at the Philadelphia Museum Of Art

Body Awareness at the Wilma Theater

“Duett: Matt Giel & Alanna Lawley” at Grizzly Grizzly Gallery — Opening Day!

The Philadelphia Poetry Slam at The Media Bureau

Salsa Caliente at The Painted Bride Art Center

Our Guide To Public Ice Skating In Philadelphia

Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Merriam Theater (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol The IMAX© Experience at the Franklin Institute (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Friday Night Flights at Ristorante Panorama

First Friday at The Wine School: A Speakeasy Education

Saturday, January 7

Public Ice Skating on the Winter Classic Ice Rink at Citizens Bank Park

Inquiring Minds: Rosenbach Researchers Report Back at the Rosenbach Museum & Library (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Our Top Picks For Fireside Dining At Bars And Restaurants In Philadelphia

UCD Christmas Tree and Electronics Recycling

Cabin Fever Wine & Cheese Tastings at Chadds Ford Winery

South Moon Under Winter Sale

Winter Adventure Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs at the Franklin Institute (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”? at the National Constitution Center (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Check out the rest of our weekend picks below…

Sunday, January 8

Our Guide To Hot Drinks In Philadelphia To Help You Keep Warm This Season

Fleming’s Steakhouse Sunday Prime Rib Deal

The Fabulous Shpielkes klezmer duo at The Woman’s Club of Bala Cynwyd

Jersey Boys at the Forrest Theatre (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Arden Theatre’s Charlotte’s Web (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Lantern Theater Company’s Private Lives (Fri, Sat, Sun) — Closing Day!

HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical at the Academy of Music (Fri, Sat, Sun) — Closing Day!

ToyTime and Under the Tree at the Mercer Museum (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Longwood Gardens Christmas (Fri, Sat, Sun) — Closing Day!

A Brandywine Christmas (Fri, Sat, Sun) — Closing Day!

Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America at the National Constitution Center (Fri, Sat, Sun) — Closing Day!

Head to Clark Park this Saturday to keep University City green. (Photo courtesy University City District)

Christmas in Philadelphia is once again eco-friendly this year, with a tree-cycling program running through Saturday, January 14.

Check out all the details on the city-wide program in our previous post.

But if you live in or are close to University City, head there this Saturday, January 7 for a recycling double-whammy: UCD is running a recycling event for both Christmas trees and electronics from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Clark Park.

Turn your tree into woodchips instead of landfill, the mulch from which will be used for neighborhood parks and gardens.

Also bring by any household electronics (anything with a plug!) for proper disposal of potentially environmentally harmful materials.

The event is sponsored by UCD and eForce Compliance, the city’s first R2 certified e-waste recycler.

Also: UCD needs a few volunteers to help out. If you can volunteer for a few hours on January 7, contact UC Green at (215) 573-4684.

UCD Christmas Tree and Electronics Recycling
When: Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Clark Park, 43rd Street & Chester Avenue
Cost: Free
More info: www.universitycity.org

Iron Hill Brewery's brand new Chestnut Hill location debuts tonight, featuring house-brewed beers, classic American food and a cozy neighborhood vibe. (Photo courtesy Iron Hill)

[Evenings 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!]

• Body Awareness at the Wilma Theater Opening Night: Next up at The Wilma is Body Awareness, a smash hit off-Broadway comedy opening tonight. Nominated for the Drama Desk Best New Play award, this touching comedy is one you don’t want to miss.

Where: Broad & Spruce Streets
When: Wednesday, January 4, 7:30 p.m.; show runs through Feberuary 5
Cost: Tickets start at $23

• Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant: Chestnut Hill Opening Night: Iron Hill’s Chestnut Hill location, their ninth outpost and first in Philadelphia, opens to the public tonight at 5 p.m. The restaurant will offer seasonally changing American dishes by Executive Chef Mario Romero. Enjoy six house beers, monthly beer releases and selections from Bottled Reserves, the brewery’s most award-winning beers from over the years.

Where: 8400 Germantown Avenue
When: Wednesday, January 4, doors open to the public at 5 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go

• Longwood Gardens Christmas: You have through Sunday, January 8 to re-channel your Christmas spirit and visit this beloved annual attraction. See Longwood landmarks recreated in gingerbread, and stand beneath towering trees adorned with gingerbread ornaments.

Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
When: Through Sunday, January 8, last arrival time tonight is 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets range from $8-$25; timed tickets required

• HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical at the Academy of Music: Before there was Rent, The Wiz, Jesus Christ Superstar, Spiderman or any other rock musical, there was the one that started it all: HAIR. The show is like a time capsule that continues to entertain with its message of peace, love and understanding. So much so, that a new edition of HAIR scored a 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.

Where: Broad & Locust Streets
When: Wednesday, January 4, 7:30 p.m.; show runs through January 8
Cost: $20-$100

In the spirit of ubiquitous “Best of 2011″ listage, plus our love for awesome photography, we’re presenting our “Best of 2011 in Photos” roundup.

Relive the past year in visual form, below:

In February, CNN Money named Philadelphia the fourth most romantic city in the U.S. Meanwhile, Mayor Nutter officiated a local couple's wedding aboard Mural Arts' Love Letter Train on Valentine's Day. (Photo courtesy Mural Arts)

[CNN Ranks Philadelphia The Fourth Most Romantic City In The Country, Plus Video Of Mayor Nutter Marrying A Local Couple On The Mural Arts Love Train]

In March, the ribbon was cut on the brand new annex of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The one million square foot expansion connects the Convention Center with the Avenue of the Arts and City Hall. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Continue reading, below.

[Photo Of The Day: The New Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion Officially Opens On Broad Street]

The April issue of the national haute cuisine magazine SAVEUR proclaimed Philadelphia the Sandwich City, declaring: 'There’s no better place for lunch on a roll than Philly.' (Photo by J. Varney for GPTMC)

[SAVEUR Crowns Philadelphia The Best Sandwich City In America]

The first-ever Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), a three-and-a-half-week arts festival from April 7–May 1, featured music, dance, fashion, fine arts, poetry, cuisine and more all inspired by Paris, circa 1910-1920. The Kimmel Center was transformed into a Parisian streetscape with a twinkling Eiffel tower, crepe cart and daily live performances. (Photo by R. Kennedy for PIFA)

[Photo Of The Day: The Philadelphia International Festival Of The Arts Officially Kicks Off Tonight]

PIFA's marquee closing event was the all-day, six-block street fair on Saturday, April 30, which took over Broad Street from Chestnut to Lombard for nine and a half hours of food, non-stop music, performances, kids’ activities, pyrotechnics and more. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

[Major Festival Alert: Next Saturday, April 30, PIFA Takes Over The Avenue Of The Arts With A Giant Six-Block Street Fair]

The Phillies kicked off their 2011 season on Friday, April 1 with a win against the Houston Astros. (Photo courtesy Phillies)

[Phillies Countdown: Our Top Picks For Where To Watch Opening Day, This Friday, April 1]

The inaugural Philadelphia Science Festival, April 15-28, brought together more than 55 local institutions in an unprecedented collaboration that builds on Philadelphia’s rich history of innovation. Events ranged from beer hops-tasting, pictured here, to a robot pitching at a Phillies game to Murder Mystery Night at the Mütter Museum. (Photo by J. Fusco for GPTMC)

[The First-Ever Philadelphia Science Festival Arrives April 15-28, Featuring Science Day With The Phillies, Murder Mystery Night At The Mütter Museum, A Giant Carnival On The Parkway And Lots More]

In May, Budget Travel magazine named Philadelphia one of the 25 most photographed places on the planet. The most captured landmark in Philadelphia was Independence Hall, which the article referred to as 'a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.' (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

[Philadelphia Named One Of The 25 Most Photographed Places On Earth]

Stephen Starr's Fishtown beer garden opened in May, and hasn't seen a dead night since. With ridiculously delicious burgers, the spirit of a traditional open-air German biergarten plus the feel of one rooted in Philadelphia’s industrial past, firepits and heat lamps, perfect-for-groups card and table games like Jenga and Uno, Frankford Hall set a new standard for gastropubs in Philly. (Photo courtesy Frankford Hall)

[Now Open: Frankford Hall, Stephen Starr’s New Beer Garden Bringing Brews, Brats, Ping Pong And More To Fishtown]

GPTMC teamed up with our friends at Philly Beer Week and The Four Seasons to launch a brand new pop-up Beer Garden in the hotel's awesome outdoor courtyard for Philly Beer Week in June. All-local beer, delicious freshly grilled food and live music made for the must-attend event of the summer. It was resurrected for a four-day stint in August, back by popular demand. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

[Scenes From Opening Night At The With Love Beer Garden At The Four Seasons Hotel]

In June, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society turned a vacant lot at 20th and Market Streets into a giant temporary garden that grew vegetables, herbs, grains and flowers and hosted special on-site programming open to the public including workshops, tours and family events, through the end of October. (Photos by M. McClellan for GPTMC)

[The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Teams Up With Philly Homegrown To Launch A Brand New, 32,000 Square Foot Pop-Up Garden On Market Street In Center City]

Lincoln Financial Field hosted a first-ever match between the Philadelphia Union and Spanish soccer powerhouse Real Madrid C.F. on Saturday, July 23, with 57,000 fans watching. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union)

[Photo Of The Day: More Than 50,000 Fans Headed To The Linc Tonight To See Philadelphia Union Take On Soccer Powerhouse Real Madrid]

In mid-August, 18th Street closed off to vehicular traffic so people could enjoy an expanded Rittenhouse Square with more outdoor dining, a bigger farmers' market, music, a screening of The Sixth Sense under the stars and more. It was one of the biggest Saturdays of the summer. (Photo by E. Mencher for GPTMC)

[Blockbuster Saturday In Rittenhouse Square This Weekend: A Giant Outdoor Cafe On 18th Street, A Movie Screening In The Park, A Bigger Farmers’ Market, Music And More]

The much-anticipated opening of Penn Park, a brand new 24-acre green space on the eastern edge of Penn’s campus, took place on Thursday, September 15 with a picnic, live entertainment and fireworks. (Photo courtesy University of Pennsylvania)

[Penn Park’s Grand Opening Set For September 15; Beautiful New, 24-Acre Green Space To Debut With Sports Fields, Grass Lawns, 500 Trees And Gorgeous Skyline Views]

The brightest light on the Avenue of the Arts, the dazzling Kimmel Center, celebrated the beginning of its 10th season at the end of September. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

[The Kimmel Center’s Opening Weekend Festivities For Its 10th Anniversary Season Include Performances By K.D. Lang And Audra McDonald]

October 1 saw the grand opening of PAFA’s new 24-hour pedestrian court Lenfest Plaza. It was a 13-hour, festivity-filled celebration complete with an outdoor arts festival, free museum tours, the inaugural lighting of the 51-foot Claes Oldenburg sculpture Paint Torch, with an after-party to follow.(Photo by Linda Johnson courtesy PAFA)

[Reminder: PAFA’s “Party on the Plaza” Grand Opening Celebration For Lenfest Plaza Set For This Saturday, October 1]

The 30th Street Station Plaza, or The Porch,' is a 40-foot wide, block-long pedestrian plaza, a wonderful green addition to a key urban junction connecting Center City and University City. It opened November 2. (Photo courtesy University City District)

[The New Porch At 30th Street Station To Host Free Fall Programming, Including A Farmers Market, Lunchtime Music And A Fall Festival This Saturday]

The annual Christmas Village enriched the holiday season in a new venue this year, Love Park, from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve, featuring more than 50 international vendors selling arts, crafts and seasonal holiday gifts in quaint wooden booths, plus delicious food and drinks. (Photo by M. Fischetti for GPTMC)

[Christmas Village Opens Thanksgiving Day In A New Location, Love Park: 50 Crafts Vendors, Brauhaus Schmitz Fare, Daily Performances And More]

Christmas in Philadelphia is once again eco-friendly this year, with a tree-cycling program running Tuesday, January 3 through Saturday, January 14.

Since trees put out curbside will be collected as trash, you’ll want to be sure you help Philadelphia stay green and drop off your tree for recycling.

The Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Centers located at 3033 South 63rd Street; Domino Lane and Umbria Street; and State Road and Ashburner Street will be collecting trees from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Christmas trees brought to the site should be free of all decorations, untied and without plastic bags or other wrappings.

You can contact the Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560 for further information.

You have a few additional options for treecycling, included below.

2012 Christmas Tree Recycling Program [Phila.gov]

Saturday, January 7

• Greenlimbs will team up on Saturday, January 7 with Whole Foods Market, Queen Village Neighbors Association, South Street Headhouse District, Bella Vista Civic Association and Society Hill Civic Association to chip the neighborhoods trees into mulch. The mulch will then be used in local parks, gardens and recreational centers. For a suggested price of $5, trees may be dropped off to Weccacoe Playground (400 block of Catherine Street) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on January 7 or in front of the Whole Foods Market on South Street (929 South Street) where the chipper will be stationed from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. join NKCDC, Fishtown and ORCA at Palmer Dog Depot (E. Palmer Street on north side of Blair Street)

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. join Passyunk Square, E. Passyunk Crossing, Newbold Neighbors and Lower Moyamensing Neighborhood Association at Columbus Square Park (13th & Reed Streets)

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. join Northern Liberties at Liberty Lands Park (3rd & Poplar Streets)

• 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Bartram’s Garden (54th & Lindbergh Blvd.)

• 1-4 p.m. at Marconi Plaza (Broad & Oregon Streets)

Sunday, January 8

• 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. join the Logan Square Neighbors at the Boy Scouts parking lot (22nd & Winter Streets)

• 1-4 p.m. join the Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary (22nd & Brown Streets)

• 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. join Green in Chestnut Hill at Norwood Fontbonne School on Sunset Ave

• 1-4 p.m. join the East Mt. Airy Neighbors at Gabbie’s Garden on Chew Avenue, just below Mt. Airy Avenue. Suggested $5 donation.

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. join UC Green and the University City District at Clark Park (43rd and Chester Streets)

 
The hallmark (so to speak) of Christmas is presents. That fact is no less true of the adorable animals at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium.

Check out the video above to watch a giant pacific octopus, penguins, hippos, terrapins and a porcupine receive their Christmas gifts from biologists at Adventure Aquarium.

We hope you enjoyed your gifts as much as these guys did!

Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden
www.adventureaquarium.com

New Year's in Philadelphia is huge this year, with an action-packed week starting December 26 through January 2. (Photo credits clockwise from top left: G. Widman for GPTMC, courtesy National Constitution Center, courtesy Center City District, courtesy the NHL)

From the day after Christmas until the day after the New Year, December 26 through January 2, there are plenty of exciting and entertaining events and activities for families, couples, singles, sports fans, culture vultures and everyone in between to do day and night in the Philadelphia region.

Visit Philly is New Year’s central, packed with fireworks-watching tips, great hotel packages, dinner and party ideas and more.

But before you head over there, we have a brief guide to making a week out of New Year’s this year.

Three highlights from major attractions:

• National Constitution Center’s Winter Holiday Celebration: This year the National Constitution Center has got your post-Christmas holiday fun covered, as it hosts a special Winter Holiday Celebration Monday, December 26 through Saturday, December 31. During the week, the Grand Hall Lobby will be home to a bunch of great holiday-themed activities, like holiday games and crafts making, where kids will be able to decorate their own confetti crackers, New Year’s noise makers and hats.

• Franklin Institute New Year’s Week: In honor of the final week of 2011 beginning Monday, December 26, the Franklin Institute is hosting a slew of special programming. The museum is opening its popular Joel N. Bloom Observatory to the public every night during the week of December 26-30. Plus, there will be chemistry shows, dino digs and more.

• Historic Philadelphia New Year’s Week: With something for everyone, Historic Philadelphia fills the holiday week with family-friendly activities and great dates from December 26-31. See a Colonial Chocolate-making Demonstration at the Betsy Ross House, enjoy free make-and-take crafts at Liberty 360 and more.

Keep reading, below, for 8 Days And 22 Ways To Spend Philly New Year’s Week! We’ll be back tomorrow with more fun ideas for spending New Year’s Eve and Day, and other great stuff going on in the coming weeks.

New Year’s Week in Philadelphia [Visit Philly]

Holiday Lights, Camera, Action:

• A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Holiday Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights and finishes with sounds from the Wanamaker Organ. Through December 31.

• It’s year four for Philadelphia’s high-tech holiday show, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, at the 57-story Comcast Center. Onlookers stand in awe of the original holiday imagery set to the music of a 64-piece orchestra and shown on the 2,000-square-foot, 10 million-pixel LED wall in the building’s lobby. The 15-minute show occurs at the top of the hour, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (not 5 p.m.). Through January 2.

• The holidays go red, white and green at Longwood Gardens during A Longwood Gardens Christmas. Hundreds of thousands of lights, strolling carolers, daily concerts, sing-alongs and ice-skating performances brighten the gardens’ vast grounds and conservatory. Through January 8.

Museum Fun:

• Please Touch Museum® presents the Enchanted Colonial Village Supported by The Philadelphia Foundation, with intricately restored Colonial scenes depicting the Bakery, Blacksmith Shop, Toymaker, Tailor Shop, Watchmaker and others. The village first made its home at the Lit Brothers department store from 1962 until 1975. Through January 2.

• A Brandywine Christmas takes over the Brandywine River Museum, home to a large collection of Wyeth family paintings. On view: a display of trees featuring “critters” and all-things natural, a Victorian dollhouse, a model railroad with more than 2,000 feet of track and exquisitely crafted jewelry inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Through January 8.

• The National Constitution Center welcomes visitors to explore two fascinating exhibitions. Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs dramatically illustrates the challenge of protecting the country without violating civil liberties. Through January 8. Also on view, Fighting for Democracy combines a hands-on traveling show and a 25-minute original theater piece to delve into the lives and contributions of seven diverse Americans who fought for justice during the World War II era—and it connects their truly personal stories to today’s issues. Through January 16.

• Art and science converge in the world-premiere Bugs…Outside the Box at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Through giant, anatomically correct insect sculptures by Italian artist Lorenzo Possenti, visitors examine the intricate details of a butterfly wing, the eye of a dragonfly and the appendage of a long-horn beetle—all without a microscope. Through January 16.

• The Academy of Natural Sciences celebrates its most popular attractions with live animal shows, museum specimens, craft-making and storytelling during the four-day All Star Week, featuring days dedicated to butterflies, animals and dinosaurs. December 27-29.

• The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s weekly Art After 5 gets festive, with celebrator cocktails, upbeat music and plenty of art, of course. It’s the way to get in the New Year’s Eve spirit. December 30.

On Stage:

• A Philadelphia tradition perfect for holiday lovers of all ages, the Pennsylvania Ballet dazzles at the Academy of Music during George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. Through December 31.

• The King and I, Roger and Hammerstein’s classic musical about a charming love story amidst starkly different cultures, captures the hearts of a new generation at the Walnut Street Theatre. Through January 8.

• The Grammy®- and Tony Award®-winning Jersey Boys makes musical magic at the Forrest Theatre. Audiences clap, sing and dance along as the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons—a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks that became overnight pop sensations—unfolds onstage. Through January 15.

• Charlotte, Wilbur and the entire barnyard gang take the stage at the Arden Theatre for the family favorite Charlotte’s Web. Through January 29.

Sports Spectaculars:

• As a preview to the NHL Winter Classic, Citizens Bank Park hosts the Flyers/Rangers Alumni Game at 1 p.m. — a perfect way for sports fans to end 2011. Former Flyers and Rangers will step onto the ice and back in this legendary rivalry. December 31.

• After Auld Lang Syne, E-A-G-L-E-S will echo through the streets of Philadelphia. The first big sporting event of the weekend, Philadelphia Eagles take on the Washington Redskins at 1:00 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field for their last regular-season game. January 1.

• Outside in the chilly January air, a historic rivalry heats up in South Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers will hit the ice in Citizens Bank Park for the fifth annual NHL Winter Classic, now a New Year’s tradition that brings hockey back to its roots—outside. Those who can’t make it to the game can catch all the action at sports bars and restaurants around the city. January 2.

New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day:

• This year, partiers along Penn’s Landing ring in 2012 two times, with SugarHouse Casino Presents Twice the Fireworks and Twice the Fun illuminating the night sky at 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. December 31.

• Please Touch Museum® celebrates 2012 early with Countdown to Noon on December 31. The museum opens at 9 a.m. and holds “Noon Year” party activities with music and confetti. Countdowns take place two times this year at noon and 1 p.m.

• Those with early bedtimes can still enjoy an evening New Year’s Eve party at Franklin Square’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown, with festivities and a 6 p.m. “square” drop, topped off with the early fireworks show from Penn’s Landing. December 31.

• Maritime merriment abounds when the Independence Seaport Museum stays open late for the Annual Family Fireworks Viewing Party (4:00-6:30 p.m.) on the museum’s second-floor balcony, complete with a sparkling cider toast and panoramic views of the sparkling sky. The seascape celebrations continue at 8:30 p.m. with the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Gala, featuring dinner, dancing and a brilliant view of the second Penn’s Landing fireworks show. December 31.

• Winter sports enthusiasts celebrate at the Blue Cross RiverRink’s New Year’s Eve Party on Ice, a family-friendly affair that boasts one of the best views of the city’s breathtaking fireworks displays over the Delaware River. Skaters can catch both of the sparkling shows during the early (5:00-7:00 p.m.) and late (11 p.m.-1 a.m.) parties. December 31.

• As synonymous with Philadelphia as the cheesesteak and the hoagie, the Mummers Parade welcomes 2012 with sequins, feathers, music and revelry. Dating back to 1901, the only-in-Philly celebration is a lively and colorful parade of costumed men, women and children who strut, dance and play music up Broad Street. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Broad Street and Snyder Avenue and proceeds to City Hall, followed by a ticketed competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Spectators should purchase tickets ahead of time to sit in the judging stand or get there early to find a spot along the parade route. January 1.

Celebrate the holiday with a trip to the beautifully adorned Love Park Christmas Tree, a wonderful representation of Philadelphia's city-wide holiday cheer. (Photo by M. Fischetti for GPTMC)

A very, very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from uwishunu!

You can reference our Christmas edition of Weekend Picks for ideas about how to celebrate, whether you’re looking for places to dine or holiday attractions to enjoy with friends and family.

Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday to all our readers!

Longwood Gardens has commissioned acclaimed light artist Bruce Munro to transform the entire property into a fantastical illuminated wonderland. (Image courtesy Longwood)

While Longwood Gardens Christmas is going strong, the world-famous Chester County attraction is looking ahead to perhaps its most exciting summer ever.

Longwood Gardens has commissioned renowned UK light artist Bruce Munro to present a garden-wide exhibition, Light Installations by Bruce Munro, in the summer of 2012, and it’s going to be an absolute don’t-miss experience.

This is Munro’s very first garden installation in the U.S. (adding to his long list of credentials, including having done interior light design work for Mick Jagger, Sting and J.K. Rowling) and will showcase never-before-seen absolutely dazzling views of Longwood at night.

We’ve laid out a few highlights of this very, very cool exhibition to prime you for its arrival:

Installation

Bruce Munro will arrive in April to begin installing the exhibition. It will take 60-90 days (!), a measure of the presentation’s breadth.

The Exhibition

Light Installations by Bruce Munro will consist of 11 installations, 7 outside in areas not usually seen by the public, stretching all the way to the property’s farthest reaches, 3 inside the grand four-acre conservatory and a small collection of illuminated sculptures in Longwood’s historic Music Room.

“Forest of Light” invites guests to wander through a serene forest of 20,000 illuminated stems reminiscent of blooming flowers. Longwood’s undulating Meadow will play host to the “Water Towers,” a collection of 69 symmetric towers creating a glowing maze of light that changes hues to music.

In “Waterlilies in Bloom,” Munro will pay homage to Longwood’s iconic waterlily platters and set his shimmering interpretations to float on the Large Lake. Nearby, the 6,000 stem installation “Field of Light” beckons visitors toward its enchanting glow. “Arrow Spring” mixes horticultural splendor and beeswax candles to create a hillside stream.

Inside the Conservatory, the Orangery will be adorned with six grand Snowball Chandeliers, each more than nine feet wide and formed by 127 glass balls, suspended from the towering ceiling. Also inside, “Light Shower” rains more than 1,600 drops of twinkling lights over the flooded Fern Floor.

Bonus: all materials will be low impact and will be repurposed, recycled or composted.

Extras

Bruce may create two or three special pieces for the Longdwood gift shop, so you’ll be able to take home a part of the exhibition.

There will be fun programming almost every night of the summer related to LIGHT!, which will stay open until 11 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays all summer long. Think garden parties, special tours and more. Chester County will have dinner packages to pair with your Longwood experience.

Bonus: the exhibition will close with a fireworks show set to 80′s music!

Light Installations by Bruce Munro is a vehicle for Longwood to convey that it’s so much more than a gorgeous horticultural display. It’s contemporary, accessible and engaging. And we can’t wait to see it let its hair down this summer.

See below for additional images.

Light Installations by Bruce Munro at Longwood Gardens
When: June 9-September 29, 2012
Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Cost: Tickets start at $11
More info: www.longwoodgardens.org

Longwood’s Meadow will play host to the Water Towers, a collection of 69 symmetric towers creating a glowing maze of light that changes hues to music. (Image courtesy Longwood)

Celebrate Christmas with a delicious dinner, holiday lights sight-seeing or a visit to the Christmas Village, closing December 24. (Photo by M. Fischetti for GPTMC)

The most wonderful weekend of the year is upon us (actually, we think every weekend in Philadelphia is wonderful), and there are plenty of ways to celebrate.

We have a highly curated list of the best options for Christmas Eve and Christmas night dinner, what holiday happenings are worth your time this weekend, and what non-Christmas celebrations are going on as well.

Our top picks for this long holiday weekend, Friday night through Monday, below:

Friday, December 23

ComedySportz Philadelphia’s “A Very Special Ladies and Gentlemen Christmas Special” — Closing Day!

Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping — Closing Day!

Woodmere Art Museum Friday Night Jazz: Holiday Edition

Art After 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Escape to Toyland

Fancy Folks: Art And Mummery at City Hall

Roundup: Our Top 10 Picks For Holiday Dates In And Around Philadelphia

Twelve Nights of Christmas Cocktails at Square 1682 — Closing Day!

Lantern Theater Company’s Private Lives

Laughing All the Way at Act II Playhouse (Fri, Sat)

1812 Productions’ This Is The Week That Is (Fri, Mon)

Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Fri, Sat, Mon)

Saturday, December 24

Our Top Picks For Feasts Of The Seven Fishes In Philadelphia

Roundup: Where To Eat Out For Christmas Eve In Philadelphia

The Moo Shu Jew Show at the Gershman Y

Christmas Village in Philadelphia — Closing Day!

Warm up with our guide to hot drinks

Our Top Picks For Holiday Theater In Philadelphia

Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad (Fri, Sat, Mon)

ToyTime and Under the Tree at the Mercer Museum (Fri, Sat, Mon)

Read on, below.

Arden Theatre’s Charlotte’s Web (Fri, Sat)

Theatre Horizons’ Voices Of Christmas (Fri, Sat, Mon)

A Brandywine Christmas (Fri, Sat, Mon)

Santa at Franklin Square

Chanukah Dinner at Zahav

Sunday, December 25: Merry Christmas!

Some festive reading: Uwishunu Asks: “If You Were Santa, What Would You Give Philadelphia This Holiday Season?”

Roundup: Where To Eat Out For Christmas Dinner In Philadelphia

Peddler’s Village’s Gingerbread House Competition and Display

Our Guide To Public Ice Skating In Philadelphia: Blue Cross RiverRink is open!

Comcast Center Holiday Spectacular (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon)

Top Holiday Lights In Philadelphia And The Countryside

Longwood Gardens Christmas (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon)

“Being Jewish At Christmas” at the National Museum of American Jewish History

Gas & Electric Arts’ Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Monday, December 26

Macy’s Holiday Light Show (Fri, Sat, Mon)

Winterfest ’11 Beer Tasting at World Cafe Live

Franklin Institute Nightly Observatory Viewing

Jersey Boys at the Forrest Theatre (Fri, Mon)

Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway Display (Fri, Mon)

Winter Adventure Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary (Fri, Mon)

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs at the Franklin Institute (Fri, Sat, Mon)

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I at the Walnut Street Theatre (Fri, Mon)

Nangellini Gallery on South Street was just one participant in South Street Headhouse District's Window Wonderland display competition. (Photo courtesy Nangellini)

We’re still in the thick of holiday season, and Philadelphia’s shop owners are doing an awesome job of displaying their holiday cheer.

Check out a few shots of some of our favorite festive displays to maximize your holiday spirit on this Christmas Eve Eve!

And you can reference our holiday gift guides for a last-minute shopping S.O.S.

Duross & Langel was one of Center City's first shops to get all decked out for the holidays, and it sparkles for blocks. (Photo by T. Scheid for GPTMC)

More, below.

Sarah Lewis' adorable Adorn Boutique will be open from noon-8 p.m. today, and from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday. Stop in to finish up your holiday shopping! (Photo courtesy Adorn)

Rittenhouse Row's Brooklyn Industries used upcycled materials to craft its 2011 winter window display. (Photo courtesy Brooklyn Industries)