Stubborn Stitch; Winter holiday activities; SEPTA shuttle options | Morning Roundup

#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY

Art imitating life
(Photo by @bookczuk)

Federal bill would restore funding for Chinatown Stitch, and other transportation projects

Congressman Brendan Boyle is co-sponsoring federal legislation to reverse part of President Donald Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” and restore billions of dollars for Philadelphia’s Chinatown Stitch and other defunded transportation projects around the country. Continue reading …

From left, City Councilmember Mark Squilla, Congressman Brendan Boyle and state Sen. Nikil Saval discussed the Chinatown Stitch project at the Crane Community Center. Dec. 15, 2025. (Courtesy photo)

‘Tis the season! 61 ways to celebrate winter holidays around Philly

Philly does holidays and events big – and the winter holidays are no exception. With so many activities floating around, it can feel overwhelming choosing the right ones to participate in this winter. 

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas cocktail, a themed play or a tree-lighting festival, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list.

City Hall’s holiday tree (seen here in 2022) sits amidst the hub of festive fun at Philly’s Christmas Village each year. (File photo/Billy Penn)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

Gov. Shapiro pushes back as tech giants attempt to dismiss case about how data centers connect to the grid. [PhillyVoice]

• A documentary reveals faults in how Pa. protects elders from abuse and neglect. [Spotlight PA]

• SEPTA is offering shuttle alternatives to make up for closure of Center City trolley tunnel. [NBC10]

• “Let’s get the bell ringing to chase the demons out”: Philly church expected to return bell to service after two decades of silence. [CBS3]

• Street sign artists help answer age-old question: Where’s the bus? [Inq$$]

• A health-focused cafe will open to reawaken on the site of the former Good Karma corner. [Fitler Focus]

MAYOR WATCH

The mayor has no public events scheduled for Tuesday.

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.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: The Ultimate Holiday Game Night Extravaganza
Meet at Gather Food Hall at Schuylkill Yards for an evening of relaxing and casually competitive board games, trivia, a mini-holiday market, raffles and more. Holiday attire encouraged. Plus: bring a new toy to donate to the toy drive! Free. (7 to 10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Opera on Tap Philly Presents: The Longest Night
Opera on Tap’s annual winter solstice concert, this year at A Novel Idea bookstore in South Philly. No carols here — they will be singing about all things night, darkness, and winter with this solstice celebration. Space is limited to 16 seats! Tickets are $17.85 standing; $35 sitting. (7 to 9 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 18: Pet photos with Santa
Join Heart and Paw Northern Liberties for Photos with Santa! Bring your pet in for a festive holiday portrait with Santa. All donations will benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue. Free RSVP. (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 18: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: What Awaits the Naughty
An adult’s guide to supernatural beings around the world who keep kids in line and Christmas weird, with Linda Lee, lecturer in folklore and fairy tales at UPenn. Featuring: Europe’s goat-like, devilish Krampus to Iceland’s Yule trolls and monstrous Yule Cat, Jólakötturinn, plus the Italian witch La Befana and the Pennsylvania-famous Belsnickel, a sketchy-looking import from southwest Germany. $14.77 advance tickets; $17 at the door. (6:30 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 18: Lady Laughs Philly and Rebekah Rickards Present… What That Mouth Do?
“Who’s naughty? Who’s nice? Who has the jingle balls to stuff your stocking right? Only ONE will leave with the crown. You decide!” Lady Laughs Philly and Rebekah Rickards join forces to bring you an all woman and queer lineup of comedians. $17.85 tickets. (6 p.m. happy hour; 7 p.m. show)

Saturday, Dec. 20: Winter Solstice celebration
Enjoy crafts, stories and hot chocolate at the Schuylkill Center to mark the start of winter! Crafts include tree cookie ornaments, naturally dyed candles, fire-side snacks, and more. Chief Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania will also share Lenape stories of the importance of wintertime by the fire. Tickets: $30, with 20% off for parties of 4 or more.  Ages three and under are free with an adult ticket. (12 to 2 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-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)

The post Stubborn Stitch; Winter holiday activities; SEPTA shuttle options | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.

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