SHOP PENN Playlist for December

The holidays are here and University City is hopping with things to do. Whether your love is history, art, music or sports, there is something for you at this festive time of year! The “Shop Penn Playlist” is a snapshot of the top events being offered by institutions, organizations, and venues throughout the district this month.

Rocky Date Night – Penn Ice Rink
December 6

Rocky may be most at home in a ring, but he fell in love at a rink. Recreate Rocky and Adrian’s iconic first date. Penn Ice Rink is helping fans recreate Rocky and Adrian’s iconic first date during RockyFest 2024. Like Rocky, the Penn Ice Rink is a Philly staple that premiered in the ‘70s. There will be a Rocky & Adrian lookalike contest, photo ops from the film, a speed (Skating) dating hour for those looking for love, and much more. 

Tinder Live! With Lane Moore: 10th Anniversary Show – World Café Live
December 11

Tinder Live! With Lane Mooreis the critically acclaimed comedy show where Moore projects her dating app onto a screen, swipes through profiles live on stage, and the audience votes whether she swipes right or left, to cathartic, hilarious, and surprisingly kind results. Tinder Live has become a much-beloved comedy show, selling out shows across the U.S. and Canada, including festivals like SF Sketchfest, and has a long-running monthly residency in New York City.

Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker – Penn Live Arts
December 13

Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet on an unforgettable journey into a world of dreams, magic and triumph over evil. In this enchanting tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to a magical kingdom filled with dancing sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers and other whimsical characters. Through their adventures, she learns that love, imagination and kindness can overcome adversity and create wonder in our lives.

Le Patin Libre: Murmuration – Penn Live Arts
December 13-14

Le Patin Libre is the world’s only contemporary ice-skating company. Hailing from seven different countries and coming to Philadelphia for the very first time, these former championship figure skaters use speed, precision and intricate moves to reinvent what’s possible on the ice. Inspired by the mysterious aerial ballet of bird flocks, Murmuration reimagines these complex scientific algorithms into mesmerizing choreography, taking an abstract journey of harmonious, exhilarating and sometimes dangerous togetherness.

York Street Hustle Holiday Spectacular – World Café Live
December 14

York Street Hustle is back by popular demand and bringing their 12th annual Holiday Spectacular to World Cafe Live! Stomp your feet, shake your hips, and catch the spirit of the season with a special mix of Motown & Stax holiday classics, 60s soul hits, and B-sides by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Otis Redding, Nina Simone, Al Green, Gladys Knight, the Jackson Five, and many more.

West Craft Fest – The Rotunda
December 14-15

Shop 60+ local makers on Saturday, then a different lineup on Sunday! Find handmade holiday gifts like artisan jewelry, warm hand knits, functional ceramics, home wares, art, prints, ornaments, cards, stationery, candles, soaps, calendars, and so many more unique treasures by Philly's most creative makers.

Philly Fiber Flock Holiday Party and Supply Swap – The Rotunda
December 16

Join the Philly Fiber Flock for an evening of fiber crafting and swapping! All you need to bring is a knitting, embroidery, crochet, or other fiber craft project to work on in a community gathering, Yarn or supplies to swap (not required - and you are welcome to still take from the swap if you do not have items to donate, and a snack or drink to share (also not required, but appreciated).

The Voices Of Motown Christmas – World Café Live
December 19

The Voices Of Motown Christmas is an all-star musical holiday tribute concert to the greatest hits of Motown including The Temptations, Four Tops, Dells, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Commodores & More. A magical night in music celebrating the greatest musical icons of Motown with your favorite songs and dancing the night away. "THE VOICES "of Motown Christmas is composed of multi-talented seasoned professional musicians and world class entertainers that will knock your socks off!

Potted Potter – Penn Live Arts
December 26-January 5

Called “gloriously irreverent" by Time Out London, the Olivier Award-nominated Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into seventy hilarious minutes. Even if you don’t know the difference between a horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. Created by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, Potted Potter is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).

Winter Break – Penn Museum
December 26-28

Make the most of your family time by exploring, creating, and learning together at the Penn Museum during Winter Break. Stop by the Asia Gallery to make your own mythical animal puppet and create a story about its origin. Head to the Sphinx Gallery and challenge yourself to a friendly game of Mancala. Get up close with artifact reproductions at Cartifacts stations. Ignite your curiosity and create cherished memories together as you journey around the globe in a single day.

Skeletor Karaoke Holiday Spectacular – World Café Live
December 27

The one-and-only Philly cult favorite Karaoke Gung Show is back! Step up to the mic and sing your favorite songs for Skeletor’s enjoyment or displeasure. But be warned – Skeletor may gong you before you're through.

Diamond of the Season Ball – World Café Live
December 28

You are cordially invited to the event of the season. I am honored to inform you that Riot Nerd is once again returning to present the Diamond of the Season Ball: A Bridgerton-Inspired Dance Party on the 28th of December at the exquisite World Cafe Live, where you can dance to the original, non-orchestral, versions of the pop hits from the show and similar contemporary artists. We do hope you’ll dress for the occasion if you can because Riot Nerd will be hosting a Bridgerton-inspired costume/look contest at the ball with prizes, including a crown for the lucky winning Lord or Lady.

Now That’s What I Call New Years Eve: A Y2K NYE Dance Party – World Café Live
December 31

Ring in the new year with us late 90ʼs – early 00ʼs style with the best pop and club hits all night! Plus: themed drink specials! The event will be hosted by Riot Nerd, a Philly-based event production and promotion entity known for mixing pop culture themes into their events and creating a unique, all-encompassing experience.