#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Traffic light palette
(Photo by @_mtkrupka)
“Meet me at the Troc”: New mural pays tribute to historic Chinatown theatre
There’s a massive new installation on the facade of the former Trocadero Theatre at 10th and Arch streets in Chinatown that celebrates the building’s rich past, as an opera house, a movie theater for kung fu movies, a music venue that hosted everything from punk acts to Bob Dylan.
Billy Penn spoke to the mural and music creators, as well as folks who remember the Troc’s exhillarating heyday. Continue reading …
“You’re joining a family”: This nonprofit combines racket sport and academics to support students
You probably don’t think about “squash” and “academic success” at the same time. But a Philly nonprofit uses a pairing of these unlikely partners to help students find success in school and life.
Student participants, organizers, and young adults who graduated from the program spoke about to how and why this unique combination works. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• More than 153,000 children in Pennsylvania are uninsured — the highest number in a decade — amid rising costs, policy changes, and expiring federal supports. [Spotlight PA]
• The FBI is focusing on how to keep Philadelphia safe ahead of a busy 2026 schedule, which includes events like the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th birthday and more. [NBC10]
• The SEPTA board has approved three labor contracts, with its city transit and suburban drivers, as well as Regional Rail engineers. [KYW]
• Road salt season is here and polluting the Wissahickon watershed, researchers say. [Chestnut Hill Local]
• Temple plans to hire dozens more officers following staffing & safety assessment. [6ABC]
• WMMR legend Pierre Robert honored at tribute concert: “He was so loved in Philadelphia and the world.” [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will host her second State of the City address, to look at the city that’s ending as well as provide updates on preparations underway for 2026, at Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad St. (11 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Friday, Dec. 19: Parranda en la Cinco
A night filled with traditional Puerto Rican holiday spirit through music, food, and community. At Auto Marz, 4518 N 5th St. A free coat will be given to the first 200 attendees. BYO instruments and your voice to sing traditional Puerto Rican aguinaldos. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Decemberfest
A holiday shopping stroll all along the Germantown Ave. corridor in Mt. Airy. Enjoy live holiday music, a visit from Black Santa, festive food & drink, fire pits, a live ice sculpting demo, and more! Plus: participating local businesses will have festive cheer and gift items. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Winter Solstice celebration
Enjoy crafts, stories and hot chocolate at the Schuylkill Center. Crafts include tree cookie ornaments, naturally dyed candles, fireside snacks, and Chief Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania will share Lenape stories of the importance of wintertime by the fire. Tickets: $30, with 20% off for parties of 4 or more. Ages 3 and under are free with an adult ticket. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Holiday Family Fun Day
Evil Genius Beer Co. hosts this afternoon of shopping, snowman puppets, coloring books, Santa photo-ops, and more, set to a soundtrack of your favorite holiday movies on the TV and songs on the speakers. Plus, holiday-themed drinks! (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Holiday Art Market at Phila. Brewing
The South Philly Handmade Brigade returns, this time heading to Philadelphia Brewing Co. for brews and last-minute gifts. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Soulstice Fest
A day of collective nourishment—hands-on workshops, wellness offerings, and teachings to fortify the community in the New Year. (2 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: JOY: A Christmas Concert
Join The Marian Anderson Museum to ring in the spirit of the holiday season at Settlement Music School (416 Queen Street). Performers include the Marian Anderson Scholar Artists, the MAHS Instrumental Ensemble and the MAHS Choral Ensemble. $35 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 20: Philadelphia Folksong Society Holiday Party
Head to the Mt. Airy Art Garage (7054 Germantown Ave) for a potluck and live music, including a sing-along towards the end fo the evening. Music presented by the PFS Musical Artists Cooperative. Attend and, if able, sign up to bring food. (5:30 to 9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 20-21: Holiday Procrastinator Market
Gifts, festive vibes and free gift wrapping. Plus, collectible mini-prints from Fabiola Lara’s art vending machine for $1 each (4 quarters). At the Independence Visitor Center in Old City. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day)
Sunday, Dec. 21: A Merry Laurel Hill Christmas
What do Christmas and cemeteries have in common? As the secular aspects of the holiday evolved over the decades of the 19th century, those who contributed to that evolution have found their final resting place at Laurel Hill East. This tour will explore those individuals connected to events and incidents that have indelibly arisen from the holiday. $8.50 to $17 tickets. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Celebration
Glen Foerd’s annual celebration of the shortest day of the year. Choose between a guided walk with naturalist Mike Weilbacher, a yin-style yoga class with Melissa Gyuraki, and creative crafts for the whole family brought to you by Lily P.A.D.S educators. Then enjoy hot drinks, light refreshments, and a sunset bonfire by the river! $5-15 pay-what-you-wish. (3 to 5:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Consumable Holiday Market
Attic Brewing hosts this indoor market with cool gifts from foods, beverages, soaps, candles, coffees and more. Plus Santa photos and a bonfire. (2 to 7 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Candlelight Caroling
Caroling at dusk in Clark Park returns, the community tradition resuming at 45th and Regent Streets. Songsheets and mulled cider will be provided! (5 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Fire Jam
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a ceremonial burn to honor the return of light after the darkest day. Meet new folks at Philly Circus Arts and make new rituals. Make sure to dress in (very warm) fire safe clothing and bring your props! $15 tickets. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: Wigilia Dinner at Little Walter’s
A traditional Polish Christmas Even feast, celebrated with Philly’s Polish chefs. $100 tickets. (5 and 8 p.m. seatings)
