Jagged Little Pill at the Academy of Music
You live, you learn. Named for Alanis Morissette’s 1995 smash hit album, this critically acclaimed Broadway musical features decade-defining songs from the Canadian rocker and has been nominated for a whopping 15 Tony Awards. Raw, real and emotional, the show is recommended for audiences 14-plus. At Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, January 3-15, 2023.
Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler’s Village
The competing themes of fire and ice are on display for two winter weekends at Peddler’s Village during this brrr-illiant celebration. Embrace the chilly weather with live ice carving demonstrations and more than 30 impressive ice sculptures on display throughout the village (a selfie in front of the massive Ice Throne is a must.) Or think warm thoughts while sitting fireside and enjoying fire- breathing, spinning and juggling by talented performers from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. Then, shop til you drop during the village-wide January Sales Event, which runs through January 31, 2023. At Peddlers Village, 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, January 6-7 & 13-14, 2023
Matisse in the 1930s at the Museum of Art
By 1930, Henri Matisse — one of the giants of 20th-century art — had achieved significant international renown, yet he found himself in a deep creative slump. The turning point came in the fall of that year with a commission to decorate the main gallery of the Barnes Foundation, then located in Merion, PA. The resulting monumental mural, The Dance (1930–33), turned Matisse’s artistic practice around. Opening first in Philadelphia, the only U.S. venue, Matisse in the 1930s contains 143 renowned and rarely seen paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and illustrated books. Matisse in the 1930s is on view now through January 29, 2023.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Experience a riverfront winter wonderland at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Glide around an enormous ice-skating rink, snap a photo next to the festive holiday tree and warm up with a hot beverage next to a fire pit or inside a cozy cabin. Entry into Winterfest is free. Ice skating, cabins and firepits can be reserved in advance. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Through March 6, 2023.
Deck the Hall Light Show
Do you see what I see? Philadelphia’s majestic City Hall serves as the backdrop for nightly light shows in Center City. The west façade of the historic building is illuminated during a free show every hour at the top of the hour after dark. Stay tuned to the official Center City District website for additional holiday celebrations around City Hall. Presented by Independence Blue Cross at Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Electrical Light Show in Franklin Square
Franklin Square celebrates the winter season with nightly spectacle of light shows inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s legendary kite and key experiment. Free light shows —set to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes— illuminate the square every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. until close. Before or after the show, grab a burger or beverage fireside from the on-site Square Burger, play a round of festive Chilly Philly Mini Golf or hop aboard the classic Parx Liberty Carousel. At Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, through February 26, 2023.
