Goodbye 2021! 2022 has finally arrived, and we’ve set some resolutions to have more fun in the City of Brotherly Love. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the most amazing and fun things to do in Philadelphia this January. Start 2022 on the right foot and check them out!
1. Tumble down the rabbit hole at the Mad Hatter’s (Gin &) Tea Party
The long-anticipated Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party has finally opened at Craft Hall, and it’s everything that we dreamed it to be. The Dormouse, March Hare, and Mad Hatter have prepared a one-of-a-kind, 90-minute cocktail crafting experience that is both whimsical and wildly entertaining. Only a few tickets are left, so act fast and jump down the rabbit hole!
2. Get groovy at the Roller Disco Brunch Party
Calling all roller skaters, disco lovers, and brunch fiends! A totally rad, ‘80s-themed roller disco party is coming to Philly soon, and you’re invited. This indoor roller disco pop-up party comes with cocktails, a live DJ, and plenty of entertainment. With cocktails and skate rentals available for purchase, you’ll have a blast dancing along to your favorite 80s hits. Hop on the waitlist now to reserve your spot!
3-7. Hear breathtaking renditions of iconic songs at a candlelit concert
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in magical venues in Philadelphia. Throughout this winter, the Candlelight Concert series will feature a wide variety of themed concerts, from Queen and Aretha Franklin to Coldplay and much more. Hosted at the ONE North Broad Masonic Temple, the venue will be illuminated with flameless candles, creating an absolutely unforgettable ambiance. Highlights of the concert series this month include:
- A Tribute to Queen and More
- Favorite Anime Themes
- Rock on Strings
- Tribute to Coldplay
- Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and the Divas of Soul
8. Walk inside a masterpiece at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
The Tower Theatre is currently hosting a totally unique entertainment show—a 4D experience that surrounds you with artistic masterpieces of Vincent Van Gogh on all sides. As opposed to gazing at just one painting from afar in a museum, you’ll be able to walk inside Van Gogh’s greatest works at this exhibit. The vibrant colors and masterly brushstrokes swirl around you as you experience these post-impressionist works at a surreal scale. You can get tickets to this unique experience here.
9. Experience the magnificence of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel at an immersive exhibition
You don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to marvel at the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. This immersive exhibit will be true-to-size while still allowing you to get up-close views of the incredible details of these masterpieces. Brought to life using a special printing technique that emulates the look and feel of the original paintings, visitors are given a chance to engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible: seeing every detail, every brushstroke, and every color of the artist’s 34 frescoes. Join the waitlist and get exclusive access before tickets are released to the public!
10-11. Have some action-packed fun at King of Prussia
Take a break from the endless hours of shopping at King of Prussia and have some fun! This January, you can play an epic escape game with three storylines to choose from, or experience what it’s like to skydive indoors. If you’re looking for an unforgettable and unique adventure, you’ve come to the right place.
12. Take an R-rated ghost tour of Downtown Philly
This adult-only night tour covers all the raunchy topics that your normal walking tour of Philadelphia wouldn’t dare to mention. Developed by a local university professor well-versed in the dark side of Philadelphia, this tour covers vampires, sex, ghosts, and more, all while sightseeing the classic Philly historical spots like Alexander Hamilton’s home, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and more.
13. Enjoy new movies on the big screen (at last!)
With theaters being closed for so long, we can’t wait to see the newest movie releases on a screen bigger than a laptop. And this fall, there are plenty of anticipated films, including like Matrix: Resurrections and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Get your tickets to the hottest films in Philly here with an exclusive discount.
14. Save your spot on the Viva Las Vengeance waitlist
You won’t want to miss this immersive VR experience based on the Netflix original film Army of the Dead. This limited-run VR experience lets you fight your way through hordes of zombies in mixed reality with the latest technology that feels shockingly real. Ready to destroy some zombies? Reserve your spot on the waitlist here.
15. Get skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink
Philly’s favorite winter festival and rice skating rink is back this winter, running from now until March 7. Winterfest takes place on an Olympic-size ice skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, and you can rent your own skates while you’re there. On site is a ski chalet-style lodge to cozy up in, a winter garden with a majestically lit holiday tree, an outdoor seating area with fire pits, and plenty more.
16. Take part in Center City’s Restaurant Week
Center City’s first Restaurant Week of the year starts on January 9 and runs until the 21st this year. During this time, nearly 60 eateries will offer multi-course prix fixe lunches for $25 and dinners for $40. Whether you prefer to dine indoors, outdoors, and take an order to-go, you’ll be supporting your favorite local businesses.
17. See Winter Wonder display at Longwood Gardens
No matter the weather, there’s always something marvellous going on at Longwood Gardens. This January, Longwood will be showcasing their Winter Wonder collection inside the Conservatory. This collection of tropical flowers is a breath of fresh air on a harsh winter day! The showcase will run from January 22 until March 27, 2022).
18-20. Cozy up at a local coffee shop
Make your New Year’s resolution to skip the Starbucks and instead buy your cup of Joe from local coffee roasters! You’ll be supporting hometown businesses while getting your caffeine fix at the same time. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite local cafes that have excellent coffee and good vibes. This January, why not try…
[featured image: Unsplash / Kelly Kiernan]