Do This: Recommendations for the weekend
Friday-Sunday Free ice skating Following the complete renovation of the Laura Sims Skate House, the Scanlon Ice Rink and the Simons Rink, each public rink will now be open seven days a week. Each will provide recreational and educational skating opportuni
Friday-Sunday
Free ice skating
Following the complete renovation of the Laura Sims Skate House, the Scanlon Ice Rink and the Simons Rink, each public rink will now be open seven days a week. Each will provide recreational and educational skating opportunities for the public at no cost, including free skating and ice hockey lessons and league play. These programs are targeted to help children and residents use their recreation time productively. The rinks will be open from 3:30 to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. The Scanlon Ice Rink is at 1099 E. Venango St.; the Simons Rink is near Walnut Lane and Woolston Avenue; and the Laura Sims Skate House is near 63d and Walnut Streets. Information: 215-952-5271; www.esyhf.org
Friday
Exotic animals
Witness a diver hand-feed the stingrays and sharks inside a 25,000-gallon tank, and watch the world's largest scorpion, along with the softest-furred mammal, premiere at the Atlantic City Aquarium's Exotic Animal Show. Aquarium handlers will discuss the biological characteristics of these creatures, including their native habitats, predatory instincts, and defenses. The show starts at 2 p.m. at the Atlantic City Aquarium, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City. Admission is $8, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Information: 609-348-2880; www.acaquarium.com.
Friday-Sunday
Shop, stroll by candlelight
Stroll through the holiday streets of downtown Haddonfield this weekend and check out some of the 200 shops, restaurants, and boutiques in the area. On Friday nights, the streets will glow with Christmas lanterns, while horse-drawn carriages will roam the streets to pick up weary shoppers. Local choirs, bands, and musicians will play, and Santa Claus will make an appearance from 6 to 9 Friday nights. Carriage rides will be offered noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18 - in addition to Friday nights, from 6 to 9. Downtown Haddonfield is 15 minutes by car or train from Center City. Information: 856-216-7253; www.shophaddonfieldnj.com.
Saturday-Sunday
Tibetan culture
The Tibetan Arts and Crafts Bazaar will feature silverwork, textiles, handicrafts, silk brocades, books, music, and religious items made by tradesmen and craftsmen. Traditional food will be served throughout the event. Tibetan photographer Sonam Zoksang will also present his work with award-winning sand mandala artist Losang Samten, who specializes in the art form of sand painting. Proceeds will go to the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia to support educational initiatives and also to help the displaced Tibetan communities in India and Nepal. The bazaar is free from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at the Ethical Society Building, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. Information: 215-701-7018; www.tibetanbuddhist.org.
Saturday-Sunday
Sacred journeys through dance
Hailed for its extensive repertoire of Afro-Cuban and West African sacred dance, the Kulu Mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble will perform four new and revised dances that celebrate faith and the human spirit. The three Yoruba Nigerian dances - Elegba, Palo and Babalu-Aye - each communicate the possibility of life, the struggle between good and evil, and the triumph of faith over adversity, while the Bao dance from Guinea evokes a young girl's initiation into adulthood. The energetic beating of the sacred drum will accompany the dancers. Shows are scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Painted Bride, 230 Vine St. Admission is $20 in advance, $25 at the door; $12 for children 12 and younger in advance, $15 at the door. Information: www.kulumele.org; 215-844-3409.