PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — This week on FYI Philly, we are taking a look back on a memorable 2025 and looking a head to an exciting 2026.
It’s been a year to remember on FYI Philly. Look back with us on some of the interesting characters, new restaurants, amazing cocktails and fun things to do around the city.
America 250 celebrates 52 Weeks of Firsts in 2026
Inside a former factory in North Philadelphia, more than 2 dozen artists from Mural Arts have been hard at work painting 52 number one sculptures, each honoring a Philadelphia first-from the first ice cream soda to the first selfie, to the First Zoo, and the first volunteer fire company.
There’s a number one sculpture celebrating the first authentic Chinese Gate built in America, the first circus performance, the first folk parade, the first stadium, the first university, the first Ronald McDonald house, the first Children’s Hospital, and the first Children’s Hospital.
Amy Needle, President & CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc and Co-Chair of Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee says the project is both to celebrate and learn about the history.
National Constitution Center VP & COO Vince Stango is also a co-chair of the 250th Committee and says the goal is to bring some of the lesser known Philadelphia firsts to light.
Did you know, for example, that the first pencil with the attached eraser was invented in Philadelphia? Or that the first Slinky was made in Clifton Heights, Delaware County and first sold at Gimbel’s Department Store?
The 52 weeks of firsts also includes a celebration of Philadelphia food firsts-the first cheesesteak, water ice, and bubble gum.
The sculptures are destined for 52 locations around the city.
Every Saturday in 2026, there’s a family-friendly First-ival, celebrating a different Philadelphia first. The First-ivals will have giveaways, entertainment and storytellers bringing the history of the firsts to life.
The sculptures will have QR codes where visitors can access the stories themselves.
The members of the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee hope the stories will generate lots of Philly pride.
The inaugural Philly First-ival is Saturday January 3rd at the Anthaneum, honoring America’s very first hydrogen-filled balloon flight, and then it will be the Mummer’s Museum on January 10th celebrating the first folk parade, The Mummer’s parade.
Behind the scenes on FYI Philly can be a lot of fun. We rounded up some of the scraps from the cutting room floor that brought a smile to our face.
Holly jolly holiday bars across the area are serving up the spirit of the season.
Taqueria Amor on Main Street in Manayunk has transformed into Señor Christmas, with a theme described as nostalgic kitschiness.
Nearly every inch of space is a celebration of holiday classics like “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and “A Christmas Story.”
If the decor doesn’t get you into the holiday spirt, the spirits will, with options like The Jack Frost with vodka, yoo-hoo, heavy cream, and kailua.
Taqueria Amor | Facebook | Instagram
4410 Main Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19127
Looking for elevated luxury? The mom and daughter team behind The Wine Garden have created a pop-up experience at Suburban Station they call Diamonds and Pearls.
There’s a wall of gilded mirrors, many of them vintage, evoking the building’s iconic facade along with a selfie moment. The first thing you see when you walk in is you.
There’s a menu of light bites and a holiday bar serving curated wines, wine-based cocktails and spiked hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows.
The Wine Garden | Instagram | Diamonds & Pearls Pop-up Reservations
Located inside Suburban Station (street level at the corner of 16th & JFK)
For a truly classic Christmas, head to McGillin’s Old Ale House.
Philadelphia’s oldest bar has a decidedly traditional vibe with red bows and balls and white lights.
The decorations go up right after Halloween and stay through mid-January and there are festive cocktails like the Partridge in a Pear Tree, the holiday version of a vodka cranberry.
The eggnog martini is a perennial favorite, and there’s a build your own poinsettia punch with champagne and cranberry juice.
Holiday food specials include Santa’s Mussels, the Christmas Cobb, and Chicken Pot Pie, which is an old school favorite at McGillin’s that is rarely on the menu.
McGillin’s Old Ale House | Facebook | Instagram
1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
In Hammonton, NJ, Blue Rascal Distillery crafts spirits from local blueberries, sourced from McCree Brothers farm.
Founded by a husband-and-wife team passionate about distilling, the venture began as a hobby and grew into a business after three years of planning and education.
Their lineup includes blueberry brandy, vodka, gin, and six fruit liqueurs. The tasting room offers seasonal cocktails like the blueberry Old Fashioned and espresso martini flights, showcasing South Jerseys freshest flavors.
Blue Rascal Distillery
8 West End Ave, Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 878-3578
Barley Creek Brewing Company is located in the heart of the Poconos. Just minutes from Camelback, Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari. They produce award-winning beers at the brewery and boast a menu of dishes great for gathering during the holidays.
Barley Creek Brewing Company | Facebook | Instagram
1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville, PA
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