Attendees represent thousands of young people across the Greater Philadelphia Area who benefit annually from community-based and residential programs offered by
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) will host its 70th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children (ABC) Christmas Party. This year’s theme is “The Nutcracker”.
The ABC Christmas Party will kick off with a live Nativity scene on the front steps of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) featuring student performers from Saint Cecilia School, located in Northeast Philadelphia’s Fox Chase section, and animals traditionally associated with the Nativity. They will be joined by the Children’s Choir of Saint Rose of Lima School located in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
12:30 p.m.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Center
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Following the live Nativity scene, the party will continue at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, which is located directly across the street from the APC. The pre-party festivities will include a dance party with a live DJ.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will greet the children as they arrive and join in the festivities. Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Pastor of Saint Cecilia Parish, will serve as the emcee for the event. Mr. Esau Jones, Director of Music and Performing Arts at Saint Rose of Lima School, will lead the choir. Mr. Steve Volkert will serve as the DJ.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
17th Street between Race and Vine Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Children will enjoy an afternoon filled with performances, sing-a-longs, snacks, and more. They will also be treated to a surprise visit from Santa who will distribute gifts to all in attendance. Student volunteers from Archdiocesan and private Catholic High Schools throughout the five-county region will serve as Santa’s helpers.
Projected Event Timeline:
12:30 p.m. Students from Saint Cecilia School create a live Nativity on the front steps of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center parking lot. Children begin to arrive.
12:30-1:00 p.m. Pre-Party Dance Party at the Sheraton Hotel.
1:45 p.m. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez arrives in the APC lobby.
2:00 p.m. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez arrives at the Sheraton Hotel and greets children.
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Live musical performances take place.
2:45 p.m. Santa arrives to greet the children.
2:50 p.m. Santa’s helpers distribute gifts.
3:00 p.m. Event concludes.
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Editor’s Note: The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children (ABC) is a year-round fundraising effort that provides necessary support to help ensure the vitality of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia youth programs for children and families of all faiths throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. These programs provide help and create hope for thousands of children each year, including children with disabilities, at-risk children, and dependent or court-adjudicated youth. All children in need are served regardless of background and faith. For more information or to make a donation in support of the ABC, please visit https://archbishopsbenefitforchildren.org/.
For more information on Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, please visit https://ccphila.org/.
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Contact:
Katie Rogers
Media and Events Specialist for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
215-587-3747 (office)