Get your tree lighting on today and tomorrow!

What would the holiday season be without the annual tree lighting ceremonies taking place all over the city?

Today, November 30th, the Rittenhouse tree lighting ceremony will take place from 5-7. Stop by TD bank (18th and Walnut) for hot chocolate and cookies, an elf hat and a picture with Mr. Santa Claus himself!

Also joining in the fun is Franklin Square with their annual holiday lighting ceremony, which will take place from 5-8 pm today (11/30). None other than Ben Franklin will be the illuminator, with Santa and Mrs. Claus also on hand accepting “Wish Lists” — so come prepared.

If you can't make it today, don't despair! The annual tree lighting ceremony  at City hall takes place tomorrow (12/1) at 5 pm. Mayor Michael Nutter will be on-hand to flick the switch! Shortly after, a tree in Love Park, across the street, will be lit as well. Special holiday musical performances will accompany the ceremonial lighting. Afterwards, take a stroll through the charming Christmas Village for some special holiday shopping and snacks to warm you up.

What: Christmas tree lighting
Where: Rittenhouse Square, Franklin Square, City Hall
When: 5-7 pm, 5-8 pm, 5 pm
Cost: Free!

Spelling Bee comes to the Avenue of the Arts

The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a Tony-Award winning musical, is performing now at the Suzanne Roberts Theater, through the 12th of December. Spelling Bee, a one-act musical, is unique in that four real audience members are invited on stage to compete in the spelling bee alongside the six young characters. Maybe if you go you'll be getting more then you bargained for, better practice your spelling now! A calender of performances, along with how to purchase tickets, can be found here.

Who: The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
What: Tony-Award winning musical
Where: Suzanne Roberts Theater (480 S Broad)
When: Now until December 12th
Cost: $51 to $59, $10 student rush (if available)

Wanda Sykes joins Philly's "Annie" production

Wanda Sykes, comedian and actress, will be appearing as Ms. Hannigan in The Media Theater's production of Annie, beginning Tuesday. Wanda will be appearing in the role from November 23rd to December 12th, then January 12th through the 16th. For more information and to buy tickets, go here.

Who: Wanda Sykes
What: Annie
Where: The Media Theater for the Performing Arts (104 East State Street, Media)
When: November 23rd to December 12th, January 12th to 16th
Cost: $30 to $54

South Pacific comes to Philadelphia

South Pacific, the 2008 Tony-award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, is bringing it's national tour from St. Louis to Philadelphia, opening on Tuesday, November 23rd until Sunday, November 28th. Tickets are on sale now, and are available for purchase here, along with more information about the musical.

Who: South Pacific, Tony-award winning musical
What: National tour performances
Where: Academy of Music (1420 Locust)
When: November 23-28th
Cost: $20 to $105

George Lopez perfoming in Philly Friday

George Lopez, comedian, actor and host of his TBS talk show Lopez Tonight, will be performing his signature routine Friday night at the Academy of Music. As of press time, tickets are still available for purchase, ranging from Family Circle, priced at $39.50 to Parquet and Box seating, priced at $69.50. Tickets can be bought here.

Who: George Lopez
What: Stand-up Comedy
Where: Academy of Music (1420 Locust)
When: Friday, November 19th at 8 p.m.
Cost: $39.50 to $69.50
Note: For Mature Audiences 18+ years old

Baba Booey coming to Center City!

Gary Dell'Abate, better known as Baba Booey, is coming to Philadelphia to sign copies of his new book, They Call Me Baba Booey at the Borders downtown. Baba, known for being the executive producer of The Howard Stern Show, will be at Borders tomorrow (November  18th) at 6 p.m. Unfortunatly, there will be no reading or question and answer segment at the appearance.

Who: Baba Booey (Gary Dell'Abate)
What: Book signing
When: November 18th 6 p.m.
Where: Borders (1 Broad)
Cost: $25.00 (book's list price)

See those Jersey Boys while you can!

Jersey Boys, named 'Best Musical' in 2006 by the Tony Awards, is playing now at the Forrest Theater, until December 12th. Jersey Boys is a musical, telling the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. A calender of performances and available tickets can be seen here.

Who: Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
What: Tony-Award winning musical
Where: Forrest Theater (1114 Walnut)
When: Until December 12th
Cost: $54.00 to $251.50