A Jacko musical and the Auto Show roll into town, and Philadelphia’s own Mummers strut their stuff

The annual Mummers Parade returns on Jan. 1! Reserve your spot in the stands or line up on South Broad Street for the longest-running continuous folk parade in the United States. (Jan. 1, City Hall south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., phlvisitorcenter.com/mummers-ticket)

Once the Fancy Brigades finish the parade route, they head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the Fancy Brigade Finale Shows. Ticket holders are treated to Broadway-style performances as the brigades compete for first place. (Jan. 1, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.,  Philadelphia, Pa., phlvisitorcenter.com/mummers-ticket)

Turn your dream wedding into a reality. Find the perfect gown, DJ, photographer, reception venue, band, honeymoon destination, and more at the Pennsylvania & South Jersey Bridal & Wedding Expo. (Jan. 4-5, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall F, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., bridalshowspa-pc.com)

Ensemble Arts Philly’s Broadway Series presents the four-time Tony-award-winning hit, “MJ The Musical.” Centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, it offers a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. (Jan. 8-19, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa., ensembleartsphilly.org)

Enjoy a night of music, dancing, great food, and the world’s finest automobiles at Philly’s best philanthropic preview party, the Black Tie Tailgate. This special preview of the 2025 Philadelphia Auto Show benefits Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (Jan. 10, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 127 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa., phillyautoshow.com/bttg)

The Philadelphia Auto Show returns to the Pennsylvania Convention with vehicle debuts, concepts, exotics, tuners, and antique automobiles. (Jan. 11-20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., phillyautoshow.com)

“Jazz Age Illustration” is the first major exhibition to survey the art of popular illustration in the United States between 1919 and 1942. This ambitious project draws from DelArt’s expansive illustration collection, with selective loans, to explore the mass visual culture that emerged at the end of the First World War. The exhibition includes more than 100 works of art and dozens of publications by prominent artists. There’s a Gallery Talk on Jan. 16 and when you’re

in the museum’s neighborhood, keep your eyes open for Jazz Around Town, striking murals highlighting works from “Jazz Age Illustration.” (Through Jan. 26, Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del., delart.org/series/year-of-the-illustrator)

See the glitz, glam, and breathtaking performances of America’s favorite dance show at Dancing with the Stars: Live! This all-new show stars favorite pros and season 33 favorites. Stephen Nedoroscik will co-host on all dates, and special guests on select dates include Mirrorball winner Joey Graziadei,
Chandler Kinney, Ilona Maher, plus Jenna Johnson. Experience the excitement, athleticism, and the artistry of the ballroom, live, up-close, and personal. (Jan. 18, Borgata Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J., borgata.mgmresorts.com)

You’ll delight in wines from all over the majestic Alpine hill, but the focus will be on the famous Piedmontese vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco during the Italian Wine Series event, Barolo & Beyond. The Wine School of Philadelphia will feature wines from the director’s wine cellar, so expect some collectible and rare bottles to be opened for this class. (Jan. 23, Wine School of Philadelphia, 109 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, Pa., vinology.com/class/
barolo-beyond)

The Academy of Vocal Arts proudly presents the 25th annual Jubilate! A Concert of Sacred Music. This beloved musical tradition will be a highlight of AVA’s 90th anniversary season, bringing together the profound beauty of sacred music and the exceptional talent of AVA’s resident artists. Under the direction of vocal coach David Antony Lofton, and accompanied by the world-class AVA orchestra, the resident artists will deliver awe-inspiring performances that promise to uplift the soul. (Jan. 25, Church of the Redeemer; 230 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr, Pa., Jan. 26, Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa., avaopera.org)

Breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries, and letting nothing and no one stand in her way, “The Cher Show” is the Tony Award-winning musical of her story. Packed with 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and a gorgeous array of Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns, this musical will have you dancing in the aisles! (Jan. 31, The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Hotel du Pont, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del., thegrandwilmington.org)