* Engineering the holidays.
For children, the holidays' greatest promise is toys and more toys. The Philadelphia Center for Architecture uses that association to get kids thinking about engineering and architecture. Their annual exhibit "Constructing Play" includes everything from Lincoln logs to K'NEX. One of the highlights of the exhibit are famous landmarks of Philadelphia constructed out of toys.
Through Jan. 24. K'NEX Day, Dec. 15. Free. Philadelphia Center for Architecture. 1218 Arch St., 215-569-3188, philadelphiacfa.org/.
- Mary Sydnor
* Handmade Philly's holiday workshops at Port Richmond's Resource Exchange.
Eco-gift givers should visit Handmade Philly's holiday workshops at Port Richmond's Resource Exchange, famous for keeping treasures out of landfills. Learn how to turn discarded wood from film sets, old slides, fabric, and other salvaged materials into gift wrap, ornaments, homemade journals, and lanterns. Adults can toast the season with free beer courtesy of Philadelphia Brewing Co. Open to all ages.
Resource Exchange, 2829 Cedar St., noon-5 p.m. Dec. 9, free, 267-997-0060, theresourceexchange.org.
- Bonnie MacAllister
* Art Dash.
Little Berlin's fourth annual Art Dash lets you grab your must-have item from among 100 donated paintings, prints, sculptures and craft items made by local artists for this gallery fund-raiser. "Each piece is worth at least $25, but most are worth much more," said Angela McQuillan, gallery member. Free hot toddies and snacks will be available. BYO bag to carry your work home.
Art Dash, Little Berlin, 2430 Coral St., noon-5 p.m. Dec. 15, littleberlin.org.
- Roberta Fallon
* Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge.
Whether it's Charles Dickens' original novella or the Muppets' musical rendition, everyone knows "A Christmas Carol" - the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Playwright Christopher Durang's "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge" asks the question: "What if Mrs. Cratchit, Tiny Tim's mother, wasn't so kind?"
Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom St., 8 p.m. Dec. 15, $12-$13, 215-568-8077, interacttheatre.org.
- Amanda V. Wagner
* Moo Shu Jew Show.
Gershman Y's Christmas Eve event, "Moo Shu Jew Show," is back. Created by Jewish comedian Cory Kahaney, the event plays on the tradition that most Jewish families go out for Chinese food and a movie on Christmas Eve. It features stand-up comedy by Ross Bennet, Lenny Marcus, and Joel Chasnoff, during a four-course banquet at Chinatown's Ocean Harbor.
Ocean Harbor Restaurant, 1023 Race St., 6 p.m. Dec. 24, $69-$80, 215-545-4400, gershmany.org.
-Amanda V. Wagner
* Yannick's New Years Eve.
New Philadelphia Orchestra music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the orchestra in Haydn's "Farewell" symphony, Strauss, Curtis graduate Leonard Bernstein, and Manuel de Falla. Dancers from the Philadelphia Dance Affiliates will accompany the orchestra on stage.
Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall, 1500 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31, 215-790-5800, philorch.org.
- Mary Sydnor
* InLiquid At William Way: A Midtown Village Holiday.
InLiquid Art, a nonprofit that supports Philadelphia artists, has a traditional summer pop-up fine arts sale dedicated to raising money for the poor. To draw larger crowds during the holidays and raise more money for their cause, the art on sale is discounted.
InLiquid Art, 1315 Spruce St., 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, 215-235-3405, inliquid.org.
- Mary Sydnor
* Christmas with the fishes.
The Adventure Aquarium is transforming itself into a winter wonderland, dressing all of the exhibits in holiday decorations and hosting holiday dance parties for kids. Also visiting the aquarium beginning Saturday, SCUBA Santa.
The Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2013, $17.95-$23.95, 856-365-3300, adventureaquarium.com.
- Kailey Kluge
* An Irish Christmas.
The Kimmel Center honors Irish Christmas traditions in Verizon Hall on Dec. 2, with performances of classical Christmas songs with Irish undertones by the renowned Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra, ensembles from Eastern University, and the Church of the Saviour Festival Chorus. There will also be traditional Irish dance and narrative about Irish Christmas customs and preparations.
Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall, Broad and Spruce streets, 3 p.m. Dec. 2, $44-$104, 215- 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org.
- Kailey Kluge
* Holiday activities.
The National Museum of American Jewish History is open all day on Dec. 25, offering a cavalcade of family-friendly festivities. The museum will be featuring galleries about the personal experiences of Jewish-American immigrants and Jewish heritage, dance parties hosted by Baby Loves Disco, children-friendly comedian The Great Holtzie, prizes, giveaways, and more.
The National Museum of American Jewish History, 5th and Market streets, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 25, $5-$12, 215-923-3811, nmajh.org.
- Kailey Kluge
* Lucia Fest and Christmas Market.
In Sweden, the Festival of Saint Lucia marks the start of Christmas Season. Participate in your own special take on the celebration and watch children perform traditional Swedish Christmas songs. At 1 and 3 p.m. catch the procession of Lucia in her white robe and crown of candles. Shop for Swedish delicacies, locally made crafts and holiday decorations at the Christmas Market.
American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave., 11:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8, $4-$10, 215-389-1776, americanswedish.org.
- Shelby Vittek
* 10th Annual Latkepalooza.
Take a break from those crowds of holiday shoppers and reward yourself with nourishment and entertainment at Latkepalooza, a city Hanukkah food traditio. Sample latkes made with creative twists from top restaurants such as Bar Ferdinand, Sabrina's Café and Talula's Garden. Complemented by live music from the West Philly Orchestra.
Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 9, $5-$18, 215-545-4400, gershmany.org.
- Shelby Vittek
