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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
Cooking, traveling and getting last-minute gifts … the days leading up to December 25 are totally hectic. So take a break with Billy Penn’s super-huge post of all things Christmas in Philly to help you not only get through the holiday season, but seriously enjoy it.
The need-to-knows
We’ll start with the most important: The holidays are time of giving. Want to give your time or donations this season? There are hundreds of opportunities in Philly. Check out Billy Penn‘s big list of chances to give, put together in conjunction with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia.
Need an extra gift for that kinda weird family member on your list? The Christmas Village has some, eh, “nuanced” offerings. Swing by and grab a Joseph Stalin nesting doll for the college student cousin who – God bless her heart – majors in philosophy at Williams, or maybe purchase Bacon Jam for the high school nephew who is too lazy to actually cook bacon.
While Billy Penn‘s Hacking Christmas list was set for last Saturday, you can still take part in a bunch of holiday activities (namely, spiking your coffee with Bailey’s — we won’t tell on you.)
All of the lights
We introduced you to the 4200 block of Greeby Street in Tacony — the northeast Philly neighbors who have gone all-out on Christmas decorating for the last 17 years. On Greeby Street, Mark Stabler is the star of the show. Why does he do it every year? “I do it because I’m nuts,” he says.
Then we showed you the five residential areas in Philadelphia that you absolutely HAVE to stop by before they wrap up for the end of the season. From South Philly to the Northeast, don’t miss these captivating and kinda ridiculous Christmas lights.
And OK, so you don’t really need to go anywhere to see this, but: The Macy’s Christmas lights show set to “Turn Down for What.” ‘Nuff said.
If Christmas at Liberty Place can’t get you in the spirit, nothing can.
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While this isn’t really lights, the First Round Capital Holiday Video is completely ridiculous. Check out Philly’s own venture capitalist Josh Kopelman in a leotard.
Holiday traveling
A record number of travelers are expected to hit the road this holiday season, and if you’re making your way out of the city, prepare for the hatred that is sitting on the Schuylkill or I-95 for what feels like days. We pulled together tips and tricks for getting around:
- Hacking SEPTA: 10 tips and tricks for Philly’s mass transit
- Hacking the Philadelphia International Airport: Secrets for traveling through PHL
- Hack the 95 corridor: How to travel from Philly to the Northeast’s major cities
And of course…
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