Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit? With several Christmas-y events on tap, this is your week.
Here’s what’s on:
Saturday, November 30
Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones return to The MacSwiney Club, 510 Greenwood Avenue in Jenkintown.
Due to popular demand, that’s for everyone who couldn’t get tickets to the Friday night show in this cozy space. The show starts at 8 p.m.
(If you’d like more insights into Derek and his long musical history, check out our podcast.)
Sunday, December 1
Break out the mistletoe. The holiday kicks off with a Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House at the Commodore John Barry Arts & Cultural Center (the Irish Center), 6815 Emlen Street in Mount Airy. You really have to put this one on your calendar. If you’ve not visited the Irish Center, here’s a chance to see the place at its absolute family-friendly best, with music, dancing, vendors and sooooooo much more (including a visit from you know who). It all starts at noon and goes on ‘til 6 p.m. (Full story here.)
Also, they’re not exactly Irish, but Celtic enough for us … Enter the Haggis appears at the Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Avenue in Sellersville. Join the rest of the Haggis Heads in the audience for bagpipe-infused rock. We’ve heard them. They’re a kick.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8.
Monday, December 2
It’s Christmas with the Celts, also at Sellersville Theater.
You might have seen the PBS special. Now see the live concert with an international cast of musicians and dancers. It’s one massive holiday celebration. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8.
Wednesday, December 4
Take in a Celtic Christmas Concert at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 136 Saxer Avenue in Springfield, Delco. The show starts at 7 p.m. It’s a benefit for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We’re fans of the Vinnies. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the parish rectory, or at the door. Sounds like a good deal.
Thursday, December 5
Lúnasa, one of the absolute best Irish supergroups, appears at Longwood Gardens, starting at 8 p.m. in The Ballroom. A great band in a stunning venue. Details here.
Saturday, December 7
Just a quick heads up on two additional holiday events:
The Jingle Bell 5K Run 1K Walk steps off from St. George Elementary School, 2700 East Venango Street in Philadelphia, starting at 9 a.m. It’s a benefit for AOH/LAOH Division 87 charities. Text your email or home address to Jim Carr (215) 620-6547 for a registration/ sponsorship form. Registration $25, $15 kids 10 and under. There’s also the Annual LAOH Children’s Christmas Party.
And if you’re looking for a spectacular show, check out Celtic Christmas in Bensalem at the Bensalem Performing Arts Center, 4319 Hulmeville Road in Bensalem. It starts at 5 p.m. Visit www.CelticChristmasinBensalem.com to see the band and dancer lineup and to purchase tickets.
Sounds like plenty for this week. Stay tuned for more next week. Hope your Thanksgiving was a great one.
