BEN Around Philly airs every Saturday morning at 7am on 95.7 BEN-FM and is sponsored by The Fillmore Philadelphia.

On this week’s episode, Kristen Herrmann and Kory Aversa talk New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day options for in or near Philadelphia, then Historic Holiday Nights – Thursday evenings December 1-22 in Old City.

Kory Aversa of Aversa PR returns to the BEN-FM studio to chat with Kristen about his picks for ushering in the new year. The two go over a number of different options, and somehow don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the many spots to celebrate the new year in Philly. Kory’s top pick for a gussied up New Year’s Eve party is the Eyes Wide Shut NYE masquerade party at U-Bahn. His top pick for a casual, but happening night out NYE is Valley Forge Casino Resort’s NYE show with Sublime w/ Rome. Keep an eye on Aversa PR’s website for Kory’s full list of NYE/NYD picks. Visit Philadelphia also put together a great list HERE.

Kristen’s top picks for New Year’s Day in Philly?  The Philadelphia Mummers Fancy Brigade Fest and Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center NYD at both 11:30am and 5pm. Buy tickets HERE . Her top pick for food, drinks, entertainment AND a great (INDOOR) view of the parade? The Kimmel Center’s (FREE) New Year’s Day Open House and especially their Garces Events Broad Street Bash. Have a question about one of the events we mentioned? Feel free to e-mail Kristen at Kristen@957BENFM.com.

Then, Job Itzkowitz, Executive Director of Old City District in Philadelphia joins Kristen in studio to talk about the debut of Historic Holiday Nights, a new program happening in Old City every Thursday from December 1st -22nd from 5pm-8pm, presented by Old City District and Visit Philadelphia. Shop Old City every Thursday in December, and enjoy extended shopping hours, sales and special menus at over 45 participating boutiques, shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and cafes! The shopping specials alone are worth coming out for, plus plenty of $5 holiday inspired drinks and special menu items to keep you warm as you shop! Kristen visited this week and fell in love with a clothing and accessories shop called Smak Parlour. Find the full list of participating businesses HERE.