City Cast Philly
🏙️ Is Center City bouncing back?
December 1, 2025
Happy December, Philly! We’re officially in holiday mode, so there’s one person you better get used to seeing a lot of: Santa Claus. I know Philly gets tired of him being brought up when it comes to Eagles fans’ behavior, but you can pelt him with snowballs for a good cause next week.
If you’re looking for more seasonal activities this month, we have you covered with our suggestions down below.
What's CITY Talking About
Flyers Release New Charity Calendar
Forget the calendar with scenic landscapes or adorable kittens. For 2026, keep track of your appointments with Philly’s favorite agent of chaos, Gritty. The Flyers mascot is featured in prominent Philly locations while dressed to impress. Sales of the calendar will support Flyers Charities. [Axios]
Business Is Booming in Center City
Headlines detailing legacy store closures may stoke worry for Center City’s economic future, but right now things are looking pretty good. Retail occupancy is steady at 84%, and the Open Streets program has been a boost for business. It’s not just foot traffic that’s increasing; Center City’s residential population has also grown in the last five years. [Center City District]
- Related: Retail may be doing well, but office buildings have struggled to bounce back from the pandemic. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
New Park To Honor Woman Who Saved Elfreth’s Alley
A vacant lot located on the country’s oldest residential street is getting a makeover just in time for next year’s semiquincentennial celebrations. The pocket park will pay homage to Dolly Ottey, a former resident and restaurant owner who founded the Elfreth’s Alley Association in 1934 in order to save the historic street from demolition. [🔒 The Inquirer]
From Smuggler to Michelin-Approved
Several Philly restaurants earned stars and recommendations from Michelin in its new guide, attracting a wave of customers and sold-out reservations. But before these chefs made their way to the top, they had jobs like dishwasher and flight attendant. So how did they achieve their success, and what’s next for them? [🎧City Cast Philly, 🔒 Philly Mag]
New South Street Pedestrian Bridge To Be Built in One Night
While pedestrians will have to wait until 2027 to walk across a new bridge from South Street to the Delaware waterfront, PennDOT plans to install the bridge’s arch next year, adding a new feature to Philly’s skyline. To keep commuters happy, crews expect the installation to take just four hours overnight. [Philly Voice]
What To Do
Monday, Dec. 1
- 🎲 Indie RPG Night at BUBS (Norris Square)
- 💎 First Saturday: Mineral Mania at Wagner Free Institute of Science (North Philly)
- 🎤 Songs & Stories with Patti Smith at Kimmel Center (Center City)
- 🏒 Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins at Xfinity Mobile Arena (South Philly)
- 🎞️ Special World AIDS Day Screening at Scribe Video Center (West Powelton)
- 🍞 Intro to Gluten Free Baking at The Bread Room (Center City)
Tuesday, Dec. 2
- 💘 Pitch-a-Friend at Marsha’s South Street (Queen Village)
- ✍️ The Writing Room at Iffy Books (Southwest Center City)
- 🎲 Backgammon Social at Fette Sau (Fishtown)
- 🗣️ Storytelling and Public Speaking Workshop at Paschalville Library (Paschalville)
- 🦪 Oyster Tasting at Picnic (East Kensington)
✈️ If you’re visiting any local museums this month, be sure to stop by the Franklin Institute. The museum is saying goodbye to its Air Show exhibit on Jan. 5 following years of showcasing vintage aircraft like a 1911 Wright Model B.
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