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.
Watch the Twinkling Lights
The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly December 4th through Jan. 1st in Rose Tree Park, Route 252, in Upper Providence. Free admission. For information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-891-4455
November 2oth - January 10th
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.
November 25th- January 2nd
Take a ride in the comfort of your car and drive through the beautiful light displays on the Herr's property.
West Chester Griswolds
November 26 - January 3rd
The lights will start on Thanksgiving night (November 26). We will run through at least January 3, 2021. 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 (There may be some minor changes due to COVID).
Winter in Franklin Square
November 19th- December 31st
November 19th- December 31st
Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO brings sparkling lights and winter magic.
Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the magic of the holidays with health and safety protocols, expanded seating, and plenty of fresh air to enjoy new and old traditions.
November 20 - December 30
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.
November 27 - January 3
Feel the glow of holidays past and present as you step into an illuminated escape with your friends, family, and loved ones. Sprung just steps from Wells Fargo Center, Winter on Broad Street: A Holiday Light Spectacular! Presented by Dietz & Watson welcomes you to find the magic of the season as you meander through 193 larger-than-life light sculptures and displays. Indulge in yuletide confections and fill your senses with your favorite holiday traditions.
With seasonal surprises along the path, every inch of this twinkling wonderland comes to life for winter lovers of all ages.
Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 21through Jan. 10
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 19th - January 10th
This year, Peddler’s Village will celebrate the holiday season with a million lights on display in the Village, holiday shopping, food, and beverage specials. Also at Peddler’s this year: The Gingerbread Competition & Display returns with more than 70 creative entries (November 19, 2020 – January 9, 2021), and families can participate in Elf on the Stealth, an outdoor walking tour where visitors join Mrs. Clause in search of a missing elf (November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021, weekends only).
Rockwood Park Display
December 4-6, 6-9 p.m.
Festive drive-through holiday light displays at Rockwood Park
Featuring colorful twinkling lights, holiday decorations, Santa sightings, and delightful surprises all from the comfort of your car on selected nights! All ages. FREE
Lights will remain on for drive-throughs following opening weekend for continued enjoyment.
This 1.5-mile journey through Old Mill Stream Campground is the perfect way to experience the magic of the season! Take in whimsical scenes, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, and special surprises, all from the comfort of your car.
Want to extend your visit? After you exit Old Mill Stream Campground, stop by the Dutch Wonderland castle for some holiday shopping, a cup of hot cocoa, and a socially-distanced photo with Santa! Plus, included with your admission, take a ride aboard Dutch Wonderland's famous Wonderland Special train!
The holiday season comes to life as you drive your car through the Winter in Wilmington Light Show on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Thousands of lights make up this dazzling show. Dash through this electric trail in your one-horse open sleigh as there is so much to see! Your family will love the animated installations, interactive music, and holiday cheer. Create a new family tradition this year with The Grand’s Winter in Wilmington Light Show! Pay by the carload at $25 per vehicle*.
Go Ice Skating
Opens November 27th- March 7th
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 26th season on November 27th. The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. Call 215-925-RINK for current rink and weather conditions
November 6th – February 28
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.
Ride some Rides
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Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas
November 21st - January 3rd
Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas
November 21st - January 3rd
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!
November 13th - January 3rd
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!
Explore Something New
November 21–January 3
This year, one of the Brandywine Valley’s most spectacular holiday showcases will dazzle you indoors and outdoors. Warm yourself by the fire pit and enjoy some s’mores; watch our 3D light show* displayed on the outside of the house (December 1–12); hop on our Kids' tram and take in the festive outdoor decorations; and explore the Conservatory and entertaining rooms on the fifth floor of the house with a self-guided tour, where you can revel in the breathtaking trees and dazzling room displays.
And that’s just the beginning! There will be many exciting programs and events throughout the season to make this an exceptional holiday. Winterthur will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Purchase tickets online using the Reserve Now buttons under the events below or call 800.448.3883.
December 4 through January 3
Visit Hagley this holiday season and see the property decked out for the holidays and enjoy various activities. Including Hagley's annual Gingerbread House Competition, Santa visits, and much more
Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a quarter-mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under), and bustling model trains, all set in the lovely winter garden of the Morris Arboretum. The display and buildings are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds, and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with small streams. Each building, while an exact replica of the original, is unique in its design. Philadelphia-area landmarks such as a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pine cone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials, and twigs as downspouts.
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 hope you will.
COVID-19 DISCLAIMER
All the contents on this website and all social media platforms are provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to offer guidance regarding venues and businesses that are reopening. The ultimate judgment regarding any specific activity is yours. We do not take any responsibility for any decision you make with the information provided on this website and on our social media platforms. We are not medical doctors or professionals, nor do we have any medical or scientific training, education, or experience. You should follow government guidelines for safe practices for yourself and your family members before making any decisions relating to any activities that are outside your home.
