Loews is nice. The bar/restaurant in the lobby is way overpriced, no idea if it's any good. Brand new Iron Hill Brewery is in the next block on Market Street - their other locations are great so I assume this one is decent too.
The trendy food and drink right near there would be 13th Street, just 2-3 blocks from your hotel. El Vez, Barbuzzo, Sampan, Vedge, Charlie Was A Sinner are all in that region. We like a dive-ish place called Franky Bradley's that is just off 13th near Locust. In the past I've recommended McGillin's, also just off 13th near Chestnut and very close to Loews. It is a neat spot but kinda overtaken by young money douches the last couple years.
For lunch and/or dinner a little cheaper but still good, look at Walnut Street on the block between 11th-12th. Moriarty's has great wings and is a fun spot. Destination Dogs has way too elaborate hot dogs but you can customize them down, or get something else. Oloroso is a little pricier but terrific tapas in that same block. Bareburger has great burgers including two meatless options. It will probably be cold, so all of the above is within 5-10 minute walk.
For history, the sweet spot is walking to the 5th & Market area. Independence Hall tours (15-20 mins) are free and lines probably won't be long in December. I think the Liberty Bell is overrated but it's there, you can see it from the outside to save time. Constitution Center is really well done, take your time if you do that one. There's a new Museum of the American Revolution, haven't been but seen mixed reviews so far.
Feel free to ask more...as you can tell I'm pretty familiar with this area