This week in Philly: Nov. 16-Nov. 22

A few ways to spend your week in (and out of) Philly.

Monday, Nov. 16

All this week, stop by the Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St.) to check out their annual gingerbread house display, which tasked local chefs to create a delicious, gingerbread-y version of historic Philadelphia buildings like the Betsy Ross House, and Woodford Mansion. Take a peek at the replicas created by bakeries including Parc Restaurant and Bradenbeck's Bakery in the rotunda 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday.

Feeling up for a night of pork and beer? Local butchers will demo hog butchering at the Free Library of Philadelphia (1901 Vine St.) at a 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. session where you'll see where your favorite pork products come from. You'll even sample some cuts over a few Yards beers.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

"The Daily Show" writer and co-executive producer Adam Lowitt comes to Drexel's Bossone Research Center's Mitchell Auditorium (31st and Market Streets) at 6:30 p.m. for a standup comedy set and a conversation outlining his career at "The Daily Show," beginning as a senior writer with Jon Stewart to now executive producing with new host Trevor Noah.

You know the story: A girl named Matilda — bookworm, telekinetic — overcomes some sticky school and familial situations in the stage adaptation of "Matilda," based on Roald Dahl's novel of the same name. The touring production opens at the Academy of Music (240 S. Broad St.) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and continues until Nov. 29.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Political correspondent for The Nation, Ari Berman comes to the Constitution Center (525 Arch St.) to discuss voting rights at a noon panel.

A series of six cabarets are set to hit the SkyBox at the Adrienne (2030 Sansom St.) stage for Quince Productions' "Full House: A Series of Cabarets." Beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (and 7 p.m. on Sunday), don't miss these cabarets telling stories of dysfunctional Thanksgiving dinners through song and a comedic recounting of friendship through improv and game shows.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Join Philadelphia Media Network in a pre-show wine reception at the Media Theater (104 E. State St.) before their production of "Billy Elliot" starting at 1 p.m. Following the show, stay for a panel discussion with the cast and the Daily News' Chuck Darrow.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (1300 Locust St.) throws a Young Friends event that highlights the creepiest artifacts in city history. Party amongst the scary items from the 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. bash, featuring cocktails from Rittenhouse Spirits Distillery, beers from Yards and light bites.

Friday, Nov. 20

Every Friday, starting this week through Dec. 18, Franklin Square (6th and Race Streets) brings out food trucks and family activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. during their Holiday Festival and Electrical Spectacle light show. To kick things off, dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet's The Nutcracker will perform in the park.

If you like your Japanese punk fast, upbeat and dressed in comic-like costumes, get to MilkBoy (1100 Chestnut St.) for Peelander-Z gets your weekend started on the right note with an 8:30 p.m. show.

Saturday, Nov. 21

Six Flags Great Adventure (1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, N.J.) transforms into a winter wonderland for Holiday In The Park. Decorated in holiday lights and ornaments, a handful of the park's amusements will be open for rides in addition to special holiday attractions and food options. Six Flags will be open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

A night of cinematic history comes to the Maas Building (1325 N. Randolph St.) when Secret Cinema bring their Stag Movie Night to show archival adult films from the '20s, '30s and'40s. The first Stag Movie Night since 2007 kicks off at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22

Taste locally and homemade made chili (or bring your own for judging!) at the 2nd annual Chili Competition at Tap Room on 19th (2400 S. 19th St.) starting at 5 p.m. If you think you have the chops to win, bring your chili at 4:30 p.m. 

Taking party game Cards Against Humanity and mashing it up with the Price Is Right for Uncalled Four at PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) where local comedians will answer questions written by the audience using only a deck of cards with pre-written fill-in-the-blank answers. Winning answers are based on audience reaction, so the more spirited you are, the better. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.