Center City is the epicenter of arts and culture entertainment in Philadelphia. Along the Avenue of the Arts, decades-old theaters host an impressive lineup of performances, including shows from resident artists and traveling companies. Vibrant greenspaces, like Rittenhouse Square, offer a reprieve from the bustle of city excitement, and at Dilworth Park, visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy free events, seasonal amenities and a stunning view of historic City Hall. One-of-a-kind museums, nightlife and luxury hotels are just some of the many other highlights to explore.
Explore Center CityCCD, with support from Rittenhouse Row, will transform one of Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining destinations by temporarily closing streets to vehicular traffic. Stroll nearly seven blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining and activities for all ages.
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., 215.278.7000
Beat The Bomb
Ongoing | Choose from 1-hour Bomb Missions, where teams of 4 to 6 suit up in hazmat gear, dodge lasers and crack codes.
1218 Chestnut St.
Chris’s Jazz Café: Holiday Highlights
Benny Benack III Quintet featuring special guest saxophonist/vocalist Michael Stephenson | December 20 | 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Anaïs Reno with trio | December 21 | 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Visit the website for the entire holiday schedule.
1421 Sansom Street, 215.568.3131
An Eric Roberson Christmas: Holiday Tour with Jack Freeman and Susan Carol | December 5 | 7:30 p.m. |Enjoy the Holiday season with the King of Independent Soul/R&B
990 Filbert Street, 267.479.7373
Declaration House: "The Descendants of Monticello"
Now-December 1 | Declaration House is a public art and history exhibition by artist Sonya Clark, produced by Monument Lab. This exhibition brings the historic Declaration House to life through a monumental montage featuring the blinking eyes of Robert Hemmings’ descendants and others who are related to the over 400 people enslaved at Monticello. This exhibition can be viewed 24 hours a day.
Declaration House, Independence National Historical Park, 700 Market Street
Philadanco! Our Voices, Our Choices... This is Us | December 6-8 | 7 p.m. | Philadelphia's favorite dance company, PHILADANCO!, returns with a presentation highlighting women's perspectives and expressions and featuring voices of African American women.
A Beautiful Noise | December 10-22 | A Beautiful Noise tells the untold true story of how America's greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.
Queer Eye: Fab Five Live | December 18 | For the first time ever, the Fab 5 are bringing the magic of Queer Eye to live audiences. Join Karamo, Tan, Antoni, Jonathan, and the newest member Jeremiah to celebrate the forthcoming season of Queer Eye with an evening of laughter, self-love, and transformation.
Various locations, 215.893.1900
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted both to the creation and presentation of innovative works of art. Below are some of their offerings.
1214 Arch Street, 215.561.8888
Fashion District Philadelphia: Wonderspaces
Ongoing | Wonderspaces presents an evolving lineup of 15 extraordinary art installations and signature cocktails to experience with friends and family. This year-round, ever changing immersive art installation is located inside Fashion District Philadelphia. Annual memberships are available.
901 Market Street, 267.534.7705
James Oliver Gallery: Luck Out, Group Exhibition
Through January 25 | Featuring work by Lindsay Deifik, Ryan Evans, Alexa Simpson, and Soso Capaldi, each artist invites viewers into their worlds utilizing characters- surreal and effervescent: recognizable cultural icons, imagined creatures, projections of self and otherwise.
723 Chestnut Street, 267.918.7432
Kimpton Hotel Palomar: Kelly Green Dream Package
Coming to town to create lasting memories with a few thousand fans? Whether you’re watching in person, at a local sports bar or from the comfort of one of our guest rooms, football enthusiasts are invited to join us at Kimpton Palomar Philadelphia for the next big game. Package includes overnight accommodations, two local beers and assorted candy plus, 1 p.m. early check-in.
117 S. 17th Street, 215.563.5006
Lucky Strike: Night Strike Unlimited Bowling
Sunday - Wednesday | Enjoy our $23.99 unlimited bowling Night Strike special. Sunday starting at 6 p.m. and Monday to Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. Shoe rental is included.
1336 Chestnut Street, 215.545.2471
Opera Philadelphia: Pick Your Price $11 Tickets
All seats for the 2024–2025 Season are available for $11, or a higher price of your choosing, as part of a new ticket program called Pick Your Price.
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, 215.732.8400
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Alexi Kenney, violin with Amy Yang, forte piano | November 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Named “a talent to watch” by the New York Times, Alexi Kenney returns to PCMS with Amy Yang for a period-style program of late works by Robert and Clara Schumann.
Barbara Hannigan, soprano with Bertrand Chamayou, piano | December 10 | 7:30 p.m. | World-renowned soprano Barbara Hannigan returns with pianist Bertrand Chamayou for an adventurous program featuring John Zorn’s Jumalattaret and Messiaen’s Chants de terre et de ciel, exploring marriage and parenthood's spiritual dimension.
1528 Walnut St., Suite 301, Philadelphia, PA. 19102
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100
825 Walnut Street, 215.574.3550
The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia | Becoming a subscriber gives you exclusive benefits and flexibility with subscriptions starting as low as $87. This season features music from some of your favorites like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.
Curtis Institute of Music | Step into the heart of their centennial celebration as Curtis Institute of Music unveils a season brimming with passion, energy, and greatness. Choose your own shows or treat yourself and enjoy the benefits of a full season pass. Subscriptions start as low as $36.
Ensemble Arts Philly, Create Your Own Broadway Package
| Flexible packages with 4 or more shows now avaiable. Tailor your package by choosing the shows you want from a great selection, including performances of Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise, MJ the Musical, & Juliet, Some Like It Hot, The Wiz, Life of Pi and more. On average suscribers save 15% on single ticket prices. For additional Ensemble Arts Philly series and subscriptions, visit ensembleartsphilly.org
Lantern Theater Company | Pay one low price and get the best seats for the Lantern's 2024/25 season, including The Wanderers, American Moor, Much Ado About Nothing, and The 39 Steps.
Opera Philadelphia | This season, Opera Philadelphia continues to bring beloved classics to the Academy of Music. Build your custom package and save 20% on two or more performances, or join for the entire season with the Academy Series subscription.
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society's (PCMS) new season has much to offer, including exciting artistic discoveries, fresh interpretations of masterworks and rarely-heard gems. PCMS offers traditional subscription packages, build your own, and full season passes. Choose a package today to enjoy priority seating, flexible exchanges, and savings of up to 25%.
Suzanne Roberts Theatre | Join PTC as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This year they are offering plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia, including La Egoista, Night Side Songs, and Small Ball. Pick your own subscription packages are starting as low as $51.
Suzanne Roberts Theatre | Join PTC as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This year they are offering plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia, including La Egoista, Night Side Songs, and Small Ball. Pick your own subscription packages are starting as low as $51.
A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical - Photo by Julieta Cervantes
Walnut Street Theatre | With titles like Jersey Boys, DreamGirls and ELF The Broadway Musical, the historic Walnut Street Theatre has a show for everyone. Their 5 show subscription starts as low as $26 per ticket.