Ease Into The Holiday Season With These Things to Do in PA: Nov. 20-22

There are things to do inside or outside. If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Weekends in Pennsylvania have no shortage of things to do. While events might look different during the coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of ways to have fun on your own, or with the family or friends in your quarantine bubble.

Here’s a roundup of activities to participate in the weekend of Nov. 20-22.

If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Philadelphia 

I Love R&B Day Party: Have fun at Philadelphia’s longest-running R&B Day party—plus a chicken and waffles brunch. From noon until 8 p.m., you can enjoy good music and drink specials at Golf and Social, 1080 N. Delaware Ave.

Due to COVID-19 seating guidelines, you must reserve in parties of two, four, or six. For more information and ticket reservations, visit Evenbrite. 

A Longwood Christmas Kick-Off: Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees, and fragrant seasonal flowers transform the indoor gardens, where concerts take place daily. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees and the fountains dance to seasonal music until January. 

For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.

Southeastern PA

A Very Furry Christmas: See all your favorite furry friends at Sesame Place in Langhorne as the Christmas parades, holiday plays, and a kid-centric marketplace are open for the holiday season. Events feature Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. 

Call (215) 752-ELMO or visit sesameplace.com for more information.

Stream “The Nutcracker”: Upper Darby Performing Arts Center presents “The Nutcracker” performed by the PA Academy of Ballet Society from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31.

The virtual performance is 90 minutes long, and tickets are $20 per streaming link. Visit udpac.org for more information.

Northeastern PA

Wally Wine Fest: The 4th annual Wally Wine Fest will take place Nov. 20-22 at Silver Birches Resort in Hawley. The seated wine tasting will feature small plates and an array of domestic and international brands from wine regions around the world. Listen to live music and shop around for your favorite flavor to take home.

There will be three available sessions on Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.

Reservations are required for tables from 2-10 people. Purchase tickets online.

South Central PA

Take Private Online Drawing Lessons: York County-based artists Kate Rush, Annelise Vuono, and Cait Deane offer private online lessons in sketching, figure drawing, and portrait drawing.

Lessons are available for students ages 8 and up, and cost $40 per session. Learn more at Creative York’s website.

North Central PA

Winter in the Woods at Dunkled Acres: The annual Winter in the Woods show begins this weekend, featuring work of all kinds from more than 40 artisans. It’s a great place for unique, original holiday shopping and delicious food.

The six-day, two-weekend event lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Soap-Making Workshop for Children: The Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society is hosting a kid-friendly workshop focusing on the colonial craft of soap-making. The event takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Because soap-making involves the use of lye, kids who attend won’t actually make bars of soap but will get a lesson on the process. Each child will receive a bar of soap to take home at the end of the workshop. 

The class is recommended for kids ages 8-12. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. All participants must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. To register or get more information, contact the museum at (570) 326-3326.

Southwestern PA

The Rink at PPG Plaza Celebrates 20 years: The Rink at PPG Place will begin its holiday season on Nov. 20. This year, the famous Pittsburgh ice rink will celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary season and will operate daily and holidays through Feb. 28, 2021.

Skate around the beautiful, 65-foot PPG Christmas tree and take in the surrounding skyscrapers and holiday sights.

Admission will be limited and visitors must follow all CDC coronavirus guidelines related to wearing masks and social distancing. Order tickets online here.

Queer Hike Meet-Up: Join in an invigorating outdoor adventure at Frick Park on Nov. 21. This hike meet-up is specifically for queer and trans adults in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Explore trails, identify local greenery, and enjoy the company of everyone on the hike while practicing social distancing.

A mask is required. RSVP at Eventbrite.

Northwestern PA 

Socially-Distanced Comedy at the Campground: Voodoo Brewery in Meadville will host a “Socially Distanced Comedy at the Compound” event where they bring some of the best comics from around the area.

Reservations are required. There is a $20 reservation fee per group to guarantee seating, which can be reserved for groups of 2-10 people.

Reservations are first come first served. Send an email to [email protected] or call (814) 333-9123 to reserve your spot.

For a list of this year’s comedians, visit the Erie Reader.

20 Days of Downtown D’Lights: The Erie Downtown Partnership will highlight the small businesses of downtown Erie in a campaign featuring a series of videos sharing specials, safety measures, and holiday decorations at each business. 

Check the Erie Downtown page every day until Dec. 4 to see content from each featured business, organization, and institution to visit during the holiday season.