#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Ripples in Rittenhouse
(Photo by @_mtkrupka)
10 delicious, distinctly Philly sandwiches that aren’t the classic cheesesteak
Philly is the home of the cheesesteak, but there are plenty of mouth-watering sandwiches that local delicatessens, taverns and beyond have created and serve, which are distinct and deserve recognition.
Here are 10 Philly sandwiches Billy Penn loves that are doing their own thing. Continue reading …
Restaurateurs call for expanded sidewalk dining ahead of 2026 tourism surge
City Council met this week to discuss sidewalk dining, a pandemic response that has since been de-prioritized.
Proponents stressed the need to get the rules fixed in time to let restaurants put on their best faces for next year’s events, both for the immediate benefits and to shape the lasting impressions of some 500,000 expected visitors. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• SEPTA admits it won’t meet the federal deadline to complete railcar work by the end of week. [WHYY]
• Enforcement of new restrictions on Kensington mobile health providers is expected to begin this week. [WHYY]
• In win for progressives, the city’s housing program will include more money for the lowest-income households. [WHYY]
• School district enrollment declined, after a year of growth. [Chalkbeat Pa.]
• Gov. Shapiro says depictions in Kamala Harris’ new book were “blatant lies”intended to sell books. [Inq$$]
• Artists unveil sculptures that’ll be part of Philly “firsts” in 2026. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker and other city officials will attend the City of Philadelphia’s Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, produced by Welcome America, Inc., at City Hall. (6:30 p.m.)
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.
Thursday, Dec. 4: Philadelphia Rare Book Fair: Preview Night
Drinks and first access to books coming to the annual Rare Book Fair in the historic Trinity Memorial Church on Spruce Street. 20+ exhibitors from across the country coming to display a broad range of books and ephemera. $40 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Know Your Rights Trivia Night Fundraiser
Test your disability rights knowledge and inclusive employment in Greater Philadelphia. Co-hosted by the Neurodiversity Employment Network. Proceeds help expand access to plain-language rights information for the wider community and sustain mentorship opportunities. At Indy Hall. $50 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Christmas Tree Lighting Party
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration at Evil Genius Beer Co., as they tap Naughty or Nice, their Winter Warmer(Barleywine), and crank up the cheer. The tree lights up at 7:30 p.m., right after “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 5: First Friday: Cocoa for Chemistry
Free hot chocolate and cookies at the Science History Institute while learning about the technology and innovations created to keep us from getting frostbite, from synthetic materials to hand warmers. Plus, make your own hand warmers! (5 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 5: “One Last Dance” with the William Way LGBT Center
Celebrate the center’s legacy and look toward the future as the community space leaves its historic building on Spruce Street on Dec. 18. Free ticket with RSVP. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 5: One-Night Only play reading: “The Jury”
Obie Award-winners Milo Cramer and Morgan Green return to The Wilma with a bold theatrical exploration of the voir dire process that fuses real transcripts, personal stories, and striking media design to probe justice, bias, and civic responsibility in a fragile legal system. $35 ticket. (7 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 6: 7th annual Fishtown Freeze & Shopping Spree
Custom ice sculptures, the Santa 0.5K charity run, a trolley through the shopping district, tree lighting, and food and drink! Free to attend. (All afternoon)
Saturday, Dec. 6: Philly Record Freak Out: Holiday Edition
Philly’s regular vinyl fair returns to PhilaMOCA! with 25,000+ records for sale, plus CDs, tapes and more, from a range of genres. ($10 early bird at 10 a.m.; $5 regular admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 6: December First Saturday Open House: Mineral Mania!
Head to the Wagner Institute to learn all about what makes different minerals special and how humans utilize them in our daily lives. Microscopes, lantern slides, children’s activities, demonstrations, talks and more. $1-20 minerals for sale. Free. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 6: Happy Holidays from Rox 2025
A one-day neighborhood celebration filled with festive fun, local shopping, and community cheer! Highlights include an artisan market, Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, Wishing Tree, ugly holiday sweater contest (1:30 p.m.), Santa on a fire truck (3 p.m.), and tree lighting and carols (5:30 p.m.). At Roxborough Pocket Park. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 6: Slay Bells Ring – PGMC Holiday Concert Series
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is decking the halls with classic carols and sacred stunners to pop anthems and campy comedy. At the Independence Seaport Museum. $0 to $120 tickets. (2 or 8 p.m.)
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7: Holiday Wreath Workshop
Create your own 18-inch wreath featuring festive accents and branches from trees around the Zoo. All materials provided. $55 tickets + Zoo admission. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day)
The post Philly’s best sandwiches; Sidewalk dining in ’26; SEPTA behind schedule | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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