If you find yourself caught in the chaos of the holiday season and are looking to slow things down and enjoy a festive weekend, then you’ve come to the right place. With the holidays just around the corner, there’s no better time to be present during this season of giving and, of course, giving.

In this weekend guide, we’re making the season merry by highlighting events like: A Twisted Christmas at the Lincoln Mill Haunted House, the 6th Annual Fishtown Freeze, and the Passyunk Ave Hot Chocolate Crawl. But if you’re looking for something a little less jingley, but just as brilliant, we offer comedy shows featuring Jim Gaffigan and Natasha Leggero, as well as breathtaking theater performances. A CBS News Philadelphia events guide is also not complete without highlighting the latest Philadelphia sports game programming.

Find out all this and more in our latest Philadelphia area weekend guide.

A Twisted Christmas at the Lincoln Mill Haunted House

Celebrate the holidays with a spooky twist at Philadelphia’s first-ever holiday-themed haunted house, A twisted Christmas. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” comes to life at the Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk.

This spooky event takes place Friday and Saturday and brings over 35 scare actors to the Lincoln Mill Haunted House for a dark reimagining of Krampus. The story follows the sinister factory owner, Viktor Kane, who punishes the workers by transforming them into his twisted elves. Tickets start at $35 for general admission for this two-night-only event, if you dare.

3rd Annual Hot Chocolate Crawl on Passyunk Ave.

As always, South Philly brings a unique flavor to the holiday season. Lampposts wrapped in tinsel line the streets, and the porches of rowhouses are overwhelmed with Christmas decorations, many of which are likely to depict Santa Claus in an Eagles outfit.

But one flavor will reign supreme this weekend as Passyunk Ave hosts its 3rd annual Hot Chocolate Crawl. Although tickets are sold out, attendees can expect a warm and festive holiday experience Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More than two dozen restaurants, bars and cafes along East Passyunk Avenue will serve specialty hot chocolates. Traditional hot chocolate will cost $3, the hot chocolate cocktail will cost $6, and $8 for an ice cream-infused creation. Participating spots include B2 Cafe, Garage Passyunk, Juana Tamale, Milk Jawn, P’unk Burger and more. Guests will sip their drinks on Passyunk Memorial Avenue.

Attendees can enjoy live performances that spread holiday cheer with Christmas carols at various locations during this ticketed event.

Click here for the full list of participating companies.

Fishtown Freeze 2024

What’s cooler than being cool? Ice! Come to Fishtown on Saturday, December 14 for the 6th Annual Fishtown Freeze. The trendy Philadelphia neighborhood transforms into a frozen wonderland as it offers plenty of festive drinks, food, and especially ice sculptures.

Dozens of unique ice sculptures will be on display and guests will be able to watch live ice sculptures at The Battery, Mural City Garden and Garage. Visitors can take advantage of the plethora of discounts on holiday shopping at more than 20 participating area retailers.

The Battery also hosts an indoor and outdoor open house with a hot chocolate bar, s’mores station, wine, beer, prepared foods and live music.

At Frankford Hall, they offer free photos with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. Don’t forget to bundle up.

Jim Gaffigan at the Met

Three shows, one venue, all new material. Famous stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan headlines this weekend at the Met Philadelphia.

Gaffigan is known for his witty cameos but also as staple of CBS Sunday Morning.

‘The Hotel Transylvania’ actor is currently Everything is wonderful! Tourwhich includes three shows in Philadelphia. The 7 p.m. show on Friday is sold out, but tickets are still available for the 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows on Saturday. Tickets start at $64.

Natasha Leggero at the Helium Comedy Club

Laugh at yourself this weekend as famous comedian Natasha Leggero visits Philadelphia’s funniest nightlife spot, Helium Comedy Club. Leggero will perform Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:15 p.m.

Known for her roles on the hit CBS series “Broke”, “Brickleberry” and for her appearances on “Modern Family” and “Key & Peele”.

Tickets cost $37 for general admission and $49 for reserved seating, although some sessions have limited availability. Don’t pass up this chance to witness one of the funniest acts in comedy.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Most people don’t need an excuse to sing “Sweet Caroline” at the top of their lungs, but here’s one anyway.

Celebrate the life and career of Neil Diamond at The Forrest Theater in the high-energy musical “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” featuring all of the star’s hits.

Created in collaboration with Diamond himself, the series explores Diamond’s life from a Brooklyn kid to the chart-topping icon we all know and love. The musical is playing at the Forrest Theater until December 22.

Whether you’re a long-time Neil Diamond fan or just love a good musical, this is a must-see event. Tickets start at $58.

Steelers vs. Eagles

After one of the most without incident A few weeks in Philly Sports history, the Philadelphia Eagles are scheduled to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Linc on Sunday.

Winners of nine straight games, the Eagles look to set a franchise record of 10 straight wins on their home field when they take on Keystone State. The 10-3 Steelers are coming off a divisional victory over the Browns and are looking to earn their first win in Philadelphia since 1965.

The last time these teams met, it resulted in a Eagles Victoryironically, thanks to the dynamic passing attack of Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown who combined for three touchdowns.

Tickets for this 4:25 p.m. game, start at $249. This highly anticipated match has everything to be a good match. Just ask Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Pacers vs. 76ers

Speaking of teams remaining in the securitiesThe Philadelphia 76ers host the Indiana Pacers Friday at 7 p.m. As quiet as the Sixers have been, they have won four of their last five games and are just a game and a half out of last place for the NBA Play-in tournament.

The 10-15 Pacers are expected to face a full starting lineup with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.

Tickets at Friday’s game are reminiscent of the days of “The Process,” starting at $9.

Desert Dogs vs. Wings

CBS Philadelphia is a proud partner of the Philadelphia Wings and we are excited to promote their match against the Desert Dogs of Las Vegas. The home opener begins Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets range from $7 to $125.

If you can’t attend the home opener, you can watch the game against the Desert Dogs on our PHILLY 57.