Fun Things To Do In Chester County This Weekend For Families And Kids January 9th, 10th & 11th

A list of the best things to do in Chester County 

   this  weekend

January 9th, 10th & 11th


What to do this weekend with your family? There is a wealth of activities available for families and kids. We invite you to explore our events calendar, featuring a range of family-friendly activities and events to enjoy throughout the week, including weekendsWe continually update our events calendar, so there's always something new and exciting to do! 



Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe–a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. Alas, Pinkalicious needs a way out of her pink predicament, and joined by her family, they find unity and appreciation in the quirks that define us all.



Greenberg's Train & Toy Show is designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. All scales are welcome as are books, videos, and railroad Iana.



A tidal wave of color is now washing over Adventure Aquarium! This completely new exhibit offers an immersive, colorful experience designed to engage and inspire, inviting guests to dive deeper into the colors and wonders of ocean life.


This holiday season, experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas as you never have before—made even more spectacular with the opening of Longwood Reimagined. Brand new spaces—from our sprawling new West Conservatory to imaginative new outdoor landscapes—decked out for the holidays give way to wondrous new ways to experience the season … and incredible new memories to make. Revel in hundreds of thousands of lights … marvel at astonishing feats of horticulture, ingenuity, and creativity … and delight in beauty at every turn, all as we welcome you to our biggest—and most magical—A Longwood Christmas yet.



The Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village is a feast for the eyes with more than 100 creative and whimsical entries crafted by the public in different categories. The gingerbread entries will be on exhibit during shopping hours from November 14 through January 17 in the Visitor & Event Center. Admission is free.

A fanciful blend of horticulture, engineering, and fun, our Garden Railway is turning 25 this year! Each fall, our Horticulture, Facilities, and Guest Services teams join together to achieve the not-so-small feat of creating this multi-level world in miniature, complete with a seasonally changing plant palette. The Garden Railway also features a collection of models that represent and recreate many of Longwood’s most beloved features, in miniature—including a new-this-year Chimes Tower and Waterfall model.




Imagination Street a new play space that kids and parents can enjoy together. For kids (ages 0–9), it is a meaningful, hands-on play experience in nine, interactive, themed playhouses that form a “city” to explore. For parents, there’s a cafe-style lounge to gather, drink coffee, or get some work done. Because the space is an open concept, parents are in close proximity of their children the entire time. They offer open play sessions, private parties, events, and more.




Burn off some energy while having some fun while skating with the family.





Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park have adventures behind every corner. They are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family, and you’ll see why we’re more than just a trampoline park.

DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription: Wassailing Caroling Hayride


You may also enjoy: 


Fun Things to Do With Kids In Chester County is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we 

New Year's Eve Family Events in the Philadelphia Area







Celebration Countdown to Fun: Library New Year Dance Party!!!!
Do you love to dance?  Join Miss Jenne upstairs in the KING MEETING ROOM for a fun thematic book and New Year celebration.  We will enjoy fun favors like glow sticks, hats, necklaces, a bubble machine, and more! 
Registration Required

This is the must attend of the year! Celebrate the New Year with a Twiggy Drop at 12Noon. Park is open from 10AM-1PM with special activities. This is a limited available pass - Advanced ticket purchase is required.







Children 10 years and under are invited to bring their grownup and celebrate the New Year! Party at the Library with stories, activities, a photo booth, and dancing! Balloon drop just before 12 noon.
Registration required. 




Count Down 2 Noon at The Please Touch Museum

December 31st, 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.

To create a festive and fun New Year’s Eve for everyone, we are offering two timed sessions with limited capacity and will livestream the New Year’s Eve ball drop on the Museum’s lower level for those who want a quieter countdown experience. Choose the option that works best for your family; both the morning and afternoon sessions will end with our traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop and livestream option!






We're having a Noon Year's Eve story time at the Parkesburg Free Library! Join us for stories, a celebration-themed craft, and a fun countdown to Noon. Wear a fancy party outfit, if you'd like!



We’ll have a celebratory atmosphere with a group countdown to Noon. Program takes place outside in the zoo so dress for the weather! Hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the snack bar. Some animals may not be out because of the cold weather. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY!







A Countdown to 2026 for Kids! Children 10 years and under are invited with their grownup to celebrate the New Year with a Party at the Henrietta Hankin Library! Join us for activities, a photo booth, story time, and dancing! Then help us count down to 2026 at 12 noon!
Space is limited. Registration is required.






Ring in 2026 in style with Parties on Ice with New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, the biggest and brightest fireworks show in the area.





New Year's Eve in Kennett Square


The Mushroom Festival and Kennett Area Restaurant & Merchant Association are again hosting the Annual Mushroom Drop being held at State & Union Streets this year.

Weather permitting (no wind), the lighted Mushroom will be raised at 8:55 PM - bring the kids for the opening celebrations.



New Year's Eve at Cherry Street Pier

Enjoy activities with a balloon drops from the sky to conclude the party, music and games with DJ Frost, special appearances and interactive play with Spiderman, Black Panther, and Captain America, PopUpPlay superhero training camp, where kids can create their own superhero identity, cape, and shield, a build-your-own superhero robot station, dress-up fun with Unless Kids, including the chance to become a villain. 





New Year's Eve Family Jam at Ardmore Music Hall

New Year's Eve (Day) Family Jam w/ Alex & the Kaleidoscope.

Countdown and Ball Drop at Noon + Arts & Crafts + Brunch!






New Year's Eve Fireworks at Sesame Place

The night sky sparkles at Sesame Place, with our spectacular fireworks show, set to Sesame Street music, making the festivities on New Year's Eve truly memorable. Fireworks will begin immediately following their Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade on December 31st.





Celebrate NOON Year's Eve with the help of your royal pals and the DutchWonderBand! Enjoy the festivities and the confetti in Market Square, plus 20+ rides, magic shows, storytime, and more!


What to do with the Kids Over Winter Break in Chester County and Surrounding Area



The presents have been opened, and toys have been played with, and every parent fears the words "I'm bored" over Christmas break. Don't fret; Fun Things has you covered with events to keep your family busy over break.

Catch a Show

Peoples Light Presents A Christmas Carol

November 19- January 4th 

With inventive, joyful staging by Director Molly Rosa Houlahan, this music-filled adaptation of A Christmas Carol offers a surprising, whimsical reimagining of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. Seen through the eyes of a child, we follow Ebenezer Scrooge and a gathering of ghosts on a journey through time that celebrates the redemptive power of kindness, hope, and love. Featuring original music by People’s Light Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman, woven with traditional English carols, and starring Ian Merrill Peakes as Scrooge, A Christmas Carol is a must-see for the whole family this holiday season.
November 18th - January 4th

A Christmas Story The Musical is Broadway’s musical comedy gift! A boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, the dogs stealing the turkey, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Based on the classic movie, this musical captures holiday wonder with funny and heartfelt songs, show-stopping dancing, a pair of mischievous dogs, delicious wit and a heart of gold!


December 13th -December 29th

THE LITTLE ORPHAN WHO COULD. Annie is taken from her orphanage and the clutches of evil Miss Hannigan to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion for the holidays. When Annie wins the hearts of Warbucks and his staff, they set out on an epic mission to find Annie’s parents. Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan, in partnership with her brother, Rooster, and his girlfriend, Lily, attempts to make some money from this unique situation.






December 26th - January 3rd

"Disney on Ice Jump In!" is a new ice show featuring characters from Moana, Inside Out, and other Disney stories, including Zootopia, Frozen, Toy Story, and Encanto. The show is on a North American tour for the 2025-2026 season. It can be an interactive experience, taking families on a journey through the various stories, with optional pre-show character experiences available for an additional cost. 



What would the holidays be without George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®? Whether it’s your first or thirty-first time seeing Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of the classic, watching the timeless story brought to life is always a delight. From a festive family party to the exciting battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and the delectable journey through the Land of Sweets, Marie’s magical story is thrilling for the young – and young at heart.


Watch the Twinkling Lights



December 4th - December 31st
Monday-Thursday 6PM - 9PM
Friday-Sunday 6PM - 10PM

 This is a synchronized Christmas light display in the Marchwood neighborhood of Exton, PA, drive up, tune your radio to 90.3 FM, and enjoy!





Enjoy a unique display of tens of thousands of lights and animated displays from the comfort of your own vehicle.  Load up the car with family and friends and traverse the 60 acre/1.1 mile route through the Christmas Tree farm lit up and synchronized with Holiday songs to celebrate the season! NEW THIS YEAR: No need to selct a date or time for your reservation. Simply purchase a ticket and show up during the Light Show! The show will not operate if there is inclement weather. Please check social media for the latest information.




Christmas at Longwood Gardens
November 21st - January 11th


Half a million outdoor lights and holiday magic await you during Longwood's incomparable Christmas display. Enjoy dazzling trees and seasonal concerts. The Music Room hosts a special, themed holiday display. Kids of all ages will delight in a miniature Garden Railway decked out for the holidays. Thousands of poinsettias accented with amaryllis, artemisia, begonias, cyclamen, hybrid lilies, kalanchoes, paperwhites, red-berried plants, etc other flowers flourish inside acres of heated glass conservatories. Living wreaths, swags, and live floral trees adorn rooms throughout the Conservatory. Included in Gardens admission.




Herr's Christmas Lights

November 27th- January 5th

Come enjoy our FREE Holiday Lights Display from dusk to dawn (5pm-7am). Drive through our corporate campus and over 600,000 dazzling lights. We ask that all visitors stay in their cars for everyone’s safety.




West Chester Griswolds
November  27th- December 28th

 The lights will start on Thanksgiving night (November 23).    We will run through at least January 1, 2024.  We look forward to seeing everyone and have some exciting new stuff planned for this year.  We will also accept letters to Santa again this year.


December 5th - January 1st

We invite you to walk around and view our display. We, please, ask that you pull over and park next to our home. Please respect our neighbor's properties. Please do not park in front of our neighbor's homes, and please do not turn around in their driveways. There is a mailbox located at the front of the house for your letters to Santa. Don't forget to tune your radio to 87.9, so you can hear all the Christmas music and movie clips on the big screen. 



Winter in Franklin Square
November 21st- February 23rd

Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland starting November 21! Enjoy dazzling Electrical Spectacle Light Shows presented by PECO, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, and seasonal sweet treats and cocktails!



LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
November 21st - January 2nd

LumiNature, a fantastical new winter light experience set to transform the Zoo, will take guests on a magical journey of illuminations, music, sound and surprises.





November 22nd - December 30th

Elmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, Wild Lights, returns this holiday season! With new lights and decorative attractions and more animals on exhibit, this year’s Wild Lights is sure to be brighter than ever! Take a stroll through “Oh” Christmas Tree, and be surrounded by a glistening forest, or visit with our big cats in Trail of the Jumping Jaguar. Each night of Wild Lights features live entertainment, unique animal encounters, performances, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa himself.





Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 22nd through Jan. 4
5 pm to 10 pm

Experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show! Encounter whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters.
Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show in a private open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).



November 17th - December 30th

Stroll an enchanted Village and sip tasty beverages. Find perfect gifts in 65 specialty shops and boutiques. Enjoy fine dining or casual fare in your choice of restaurants. Ride a 1920s carousel and play in the arcade. See a magnificent display of gingerbread houses. Spend the night in our elegant country inn. And enjoy the company of the people you love.




November 27 - January 1
shows every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The annual Comcast Holiday Spectacular returns with super high-res digital holiday shows displayed on one of the world’s largest LED video walls.

A must-see holiday tradition, this free 15-minute video show takes visitors on a festive, musical journey featuring classic holiday songs, performances, and a sleigh ride around the world.




Go Ice Skating


We’re very excited to return to Edgmont, PA, opening November 29th and running through February 2025. Conveniently located on Route 3,  just minutes from the Blue Route, West Chester, Newtown Square, and a short drive from Philadelphia or The Main Line. You can expect a winter wonderland filled with fun for the whole family, including convenient on-site parking, festive music, lighting, video & decor, delicious food & beverages, and heated hospitality tents perfect for private parties.



Blue Cross River Rink Winter Fest
Opens November 28th- February 1st

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is proud to continue to present a wintertime tradition in Philadelphia, as the Blue Cross River Rink will re-open for the 28th season on November 26th. The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.





Winter at Dilworth Park
November  14th – March 14th

Come to ice skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, relax with a warm seasonal beverage at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, stroll through the seasonal plant arrangements in the Wintergarden, view the dazzling Deck the Hall Holiday Light Show, and shop for gifts at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.


Ice Line  Skate indoors at Ice Line in West Chester








Ice Works - Skate indoors at Ice Works in Aston. 








Ride some Rides



Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas


November 15th - January 4th

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place® is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends. The park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around.
At the center of our 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show is a 30-foot fully-illuminated pixel-based tree that will project festive animated images. At the same time, guests can dance along to a festive holiday soundtrack – all making for the ultimate light show experience!
Sing along at two special Christmas shows and take a train ride tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory on the Sesame Place Furry Express!



Hershey Park Christmas Candyland

November 14th - January 4th


The magic of the holidays comes to life at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. With two million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, festive decorations, and Hershey's
 Product Characters decked out in their holiday best, there is something for all to enjoy! 


Dutch Winter Wonderland

November 15th - December 31st


Dutch Winter Wonderland offers themed rides, games, and holiday entertainment under thousands of twinkling lights! Indoor activities include cookie decorating, voting for your favorite gingerbread house, and sharing holiday wishes with Santa. 

Explore Someplace New


November 22nd–January 4th

Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity in the historic mansion, and woodland whimsy awaits outdoors. There is so much to see and do throughout the season– delight in beautifully decorated trees and marvel at a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Enjoy enchanting decorations and outdoor lighting inspired by the woodlands of Winterthur. Advance reservations strongly recommended.




 November 28 through January  1

Holidays at Hagley returns with the theme, “Treasures and Traditions," and will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the sixth-annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more. 



Brandywine Railroad at Brandywine River Museum
November 15th- January 4th

A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater, and even a carnival.

A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are also incorporated into the display to allow for further engagement.




November 22nd - December 30th

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.




November 29th - January 4th

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia during our Holiday Bricktacular. Enjoy seasonal LEGO build activities, holiday theming throughout the Center, and
 much more