WHAT TO DO IN PHILADELPHIA IN DECEMBER DURING THE HOLIDAYS – Update

Capriccio Café and Espresso Bar, is thrilled to announce their first annual holiday open house this Wednesday, December 17th from 11:30am to 12:30pm at Capriccio on the Parkway (16th and the Ben Franklin Parkway).

The open house will feature a live singing performance by the world famous von Trapp Children.

One of my favorite things to do during this holiday season is to visit Old First Reformed Church at 4th and Race in Philadelphia. Which has a live-animal creche where they have cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, and sometimes even a camel. On Christmas Eve at 6:30pm, real people replace the mannequins for a Christmas Eve service held at the crèche. Free. Old First Reformed United Church of Christ, Phila., Dec. 8-25, open 24/7. 215-922-4566,CHRISTMAS AT LONGWOOD GARDENS
Longwood’s annual holiday festival features festive flowers, thousands of colorful lights and live entertainment such as organ sing-alongs, strolling performers and ice skating performances. Kennett Square, PA, through Jan. 7. 610-388-1000,

FRANKLIN SQUARE HOLIDAY CAROLING Franklin Square visitors are invited to sing along with their favorite holiday songs and enjoy a day of activities. 5th and Vine Streets
215-629-4026, http://historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/events.php

Then there’s shopping, and Philadelphia knows that money is tight so the folks at GPTMC have created this handy shopping calendar http://www.gophila.com/holidays/shopping-calendar/
In addition to giving you a link to events under $25 and a gift guide, all under $25. They have a microsite at www.gophila.com/holidays, with:· 25 Under $25 Gift Guide: The gophila.com/holidays gift guide includes 25 great gift ideas under $25 in five categories: fashion, food, home design, kids and beauty. · Gift Contest: One lucky person will win all 25 gifts and a two-night trip to Philadelphia. · Discounts: gophila.com/holidays features one valuable offer per day for one of 25 stores highlighted in the online gift guide. · 25 Fun Experiences Under $25: A couple Philadelphia favorites in “25 Fun Experiences Under $25” include daintily sipping tea at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and twirling on the ice against the backdrop of the city at the Blue Cross RiverRink. · Philly Overnight Hotel Package is the perfect hotel option this holiday season. The two-night package is available at more than 30 hotels throughout the Philadelphia region, and the free hotel parking (valued up to $75), the Philly’s More Fun™ teddy bear and the Macy’s Savings Pass, round out this unbeatable deal. The package is bookable online at gophila.com/holidays.