Jawnts: Philly, merry and bright

You know it's the holiday season when family and friends gather around some large form of poultry and give thanks for all they have, only to run each other over in the Macy's parking lot eight hours later.

That's right, Philadelphia! We're starting the countdown to Christmas, and you have less than a month to take in all the activities. To help, here are the things you must see:

First and foremost, the Christmas Light Show at Macy's Center City. Located in the Wanamaker building, the LCD light show features snowmen, reindeer, and other holiday iconography. There's also a huge, gorgeous Christmas tree and the ability to kill two birds with one stone - Christmas activity followed by Christmas shopping. Not only is it a classic Philly trident, it's a win-win.

From Macy's, head over to City Hall, where you can do more shopping at the Christmas Village in Dilworth Park and skate at the Rothman Ice Rink. The Village, modeled after traditional European Christmas markets, features more than 100 vendors. There is even a holiday-themed carousel. And with the ice rink right there, this is the perfect holiday date. You're welcome.

If you're too broke to shop or rent skates, take some time to wander around the city and admire the host of dazzling light displays. There is Jewelers Row, between Eighth and Seventh on Sansom; Rittenhouse Square; Boathouse Row; and the 2700 block of Smedley, which goes Christmas crazy in a way that only South Philly can.

If all that isn't enough, visit the Franklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show. You can enjoy 50,000 twinkling lights and a holiday soundtrack, which includes music from the Philly Pops, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday). There are two alternating shows and a 12-foot-tall kite in honor of favorite son Ben Franklin. There are sweets available for the kids and a beer garden for adults.

Whatever you do this holiday season, do it the Philly way. Go out and see some lights.

Have an event for Jawnts? marymjarvis@gmail.com@mary_jarvis