What are you in the mood for this weekend?
MUSIC
An Evening with the Vienna Boys Choir
Thursday, 8 p.m.
Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
From $32,www.kimmelcenter.org
The famed Vienna Boys Choir presents arrangements of well-loved holiday songs, classical compositions and Austrian waltzes. The not-for-profit choir, comprising some of the best young voices in Europe, donates the evening’s profits to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Yannick Conducts “Messiah”
Friday through Dec. 12, 8 p.m.
Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
From $40,www.kimmelcenter.org
Music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads a rousing performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Collaborator James Alexander, a Scottish stage director, gives this venerated moment of the holiday season a celebratory and theatrical touch, enhancing the lively movements and robust vocals. RELATED:Questlove stops home for a final spin at The Foundry BALLET
“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”
Friday through Dec. 31
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad St.
From $35,www.paballet.com
It’s not Christmastime without the Pennsylvania Ballet bringing us choreographer George Balanchine’s classic “Nutcracker,” featuring richly decorated sets and costumes that transport you to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Land of Sweets. The Philadelphia Boys Choir and the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky’s whimsical and mischievous score. SHOPPING
Punk RockFlea Market
Friday through Dec. 13
The Punk Rock Flea Market-Dome
461 N. Ninth St.
One of the best places to find a holiday gift for the creative, the grumpy or the hard-to-buy-for, the Punk Rock Flea Market features three days of over 700 rotating vendors offering records, clothes, bikes and self-proclaimed “junk” that will thrill both the dreamers and the cynics on your list. Admission is free on Friday, and $3 gets you in for Saturday and Sunday combined. Go West! Craft Fest
Sunday, 10 a.m.
The Rotunda
4914 Walnut St.
Free,www.gowestcraftfest.blogspot.org
This thrice-yearly craft market features some of the sweetest handmade items Philly artists have to offer, such as baby toys, jewelry and herbal salves and balms. This year’s venue, The Rotunda, offers more space for vendors’ booths and shoppers’ bags. HOLIDAY
Holiday Tours at the Historic Homes of Fairmount Park
Thursday through Dec. 20
From $5,www.parkcharms.com
Six historic mansions in Fairmount Park, the “Park Charms,” are decorated for the season in the theme of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Around the time of the American Revolution, these elegant homes housed Philadelphia’s elite on their summer vacations. They’re now maintained as museums. Philly Phlash rides are available between houses. Running ofthe Santas
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Electric Factory
421 N. Seventh St.
$15,www.runningofthesantas.com
For the 17th year in a row, Philly hosts the original Santa Run, a three-block sprint for the Santa-costumed that began in 1998 as a bar crawl. A day-long roster of live music is hosted by the Electric Factory, ending with two sets of a reunion show of beloved cover band, Mr. Greengenes, their first since disbanding in 2013. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation; Santas run at 5 p.m. Seaport Paradeof Lights
Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
There’s nothing cozier than the sight of twinkling lights on a cold night. The annual Parade of Lights features tugboats and working ships bedecked in their holiday best to chug down the Delaware River. Beforehand, visit the Pennsport Museum for gingerbread boat-making, pictures with Santa and a warm viewing spot with the price of admission.
Running of the Santas and others things to do in Philadelphia
Steve Weinik
