What To Do During A Holiday Staycation In Philadelphia
Philadelphia may not have a sunny year-round climate or pristine white sand beaches, but the City of Brotherly Love does boast a vast array of equally exciting attractions of its own, especially around the holidays. Whether you want to get reacquainted with your hometown or simply save some money, Philly offers plenty of things to do for those who prefer a staycation. From exploring the city's cobblestone streets in the footsteps of Ben Franklin to dancing the night away at lively lounges and clubs, Philadelphia has it all. So check out these top holiday attractions when the best place to travel to is home.
Chocolate Spa in Hershey
The Hotel Hershey
100 Hotel Road
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 520-5888
www.chocolatespa.com
For a real sweet treat, enjoy one of three holiday-themed spa treatments at the Chocolate Spa in Hershey. The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Immersion will send tingles down your spine with a Peppermint Scrub exfoliation and Chocolate Fondue Wrap moisturizing treatment. Get a mani and pedi with peppermint and mocha aromas, or spring for the deluxe Holiday Season Sampler, an 80-minute session of pure bliss. Flaunt your newfound beauty at Hershey's flagship restaurant, The Circular, for a spectacular Christmas Eve brunch.
'The Nutcracker'
Academy of Music
1420 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(855) 705-7420
www.philadelphia-theater.com
Date: Dec. 6-31, 2014
Don't just envision sugar plums dancing in your head this Christmas. See the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy for yourself during the Pennsylvania Ballet's performance of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." You'll be mesmerized by Tchaikovsky's score as the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra bring life to this festive holiday production. Matinee and evening performance run from December 6 to 31.
Paramour
139 E. Lancaster Ave.
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 977-0600
www.paramourwayne.com
Take a vacation from slaving over a hot stove this Christmas by making reservations at Paramour at The Wayne Hotel. Your holiday will truly be merry as you partake of a special four-course prix fixe Christmas dinner for $65 per person. First course features a choice of sunchoke soup, mushrooms or figgy pudding, second course is salad and third course is a choice of Christmas goose, butter poached lobster or burgundy braised beef short rib. Be sure to leave room for dessert, as you have your pick of chocolate gingerbread cake, mango pineapple trifle or coffee cardamon creme caramel. Yummy!
Lit Ultrabar
460 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 600-3601
www.litultrabar.com
Skip the light fandango and turn cartwheels on the floor at LIT Ultrabar, thought by those in the know to be Philly's number one nightclub. It's certainly the place to be for New Year's Eve this year. Party people can look forward to a five-hour premium open bar, LED light show and live DJ. When the clock strikes midnight, kiss your partner, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and then get back to pumping and grinding the night away. Tickets are on sale now.
Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
