Still plenty of opportunities to get into the Irish Christmas spirit this week. We can help you find what’s what and what’s where. Here we go.
Friday, December 13
Take in a Christmas Ceili—that’s a night of traditional Irish dance and music—at the Irish Center, 6815 Emlen Street in Mount Airy. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Ceili Group, the fun starts at 7:30 p.m.
Live music will be provided by the McGillians, with John Shields leading the dancing. Tickets are $15 and kids under 16 are free. You’re encouraged to bring a dessert to share.
Also starting at 7:30, it’s Donegal Philadelphia Christmas Bag Bingo. The event takes place at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 1 West Ardmore Avenue in Ardmore. You could win a handbag (or handbags, if you’re lucky) by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Longchamp and many more. It costs $30 to play. BYOB and food.
Saturday, December 14
There’s a Christmas charity event at Paddy Whacks, Roosevelt Boulevard and Welsh Road, in the Great Northeast, starting at 1 p.m., sponsored by Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 87.
The division is collecting donations of cash, toys, gift cards and supermarket cards. They deliver the donations to deserving families.
Give a donation and you’ll get a free drink on the house and Pops McCann’s Irish Whiskey. Gifts for raffle are welcome. There’s also a 50/50 at 3:30 p.m. Music supplied by a DJ and the great duo of Seamus McGroary and C.J. Mills.
Later on, catch the John Byrne Band at Steel City Coffeehouse, 203 Bridge Street in Phoenixville. The show starts at 8 p.m. Lots more details here.
Sunday, December 15
Get set for a superb Celtic Family Christmas concert featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Avenue in Sellersville. The show starts at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30.
MacMaster and Leahy will be accompanied by a world-class array of talented session musicians, along with their entire family. A Celtic Family Christmas will sweep you away to a true Cape Breton Christmas celebration.
Tuesday, December 17
The inimitable Luke Jardel hosts a night of Beatles, Stones and Christmas Carols. It’s an open mic, so bring your party piece. Everything starts at 7 p.m. at The Lost Legion Post 497, 8035 Jenkintown Road in Elkins Park.
Saturday, December 21
A quick heads up. The Keswick Theater, 291 North Keswick Avenue in Glenside, hosts An American Celtic Christmas. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and features Jamison Celtic Rock, John Byrne and the American Celtic Christmas Irish Dance Troupe. Details here.
That’s it for this installment. Check in next week for more thoughtful suggestions on how to be Irish.
