Happy Holidays from Fun Things.
On-Going Holiday Events
November 19–January 8
Celebrate the Yuletide season with a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Tour rooms in Henry Francis du Pont’s former home decorated in full holiday splendor. This year’s tour includes several trees inspired by Christmas trees seen at the White House, in conjunction with the exhibition Jacqueline Kennedy and H. F. du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House. Many displays are inspired by the traditions and festivities of the season as enjoyed by du Pont and his family.
New this year is a toy train display featuring Standard Gauge toy trains. The display is presented by the Standard Gauge Module Association, whose members will construct the display at Winterthur. The display is open from 10:00 am–4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and Wednesday evenings in December, 5:00–8:00 pm.
Don’t miss the large-scale gingerbread version of the Winterthur mansion. The gingerbread house will be made by Bredenbeck’s Bakery of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania.
November 25 through January 1
Holidays at Hagley returns with the theme, “All Creatures Great and Small,” celebrating stories of pets, wildlife, and other animals who made their habitat at Hagley over the last 200 years, both in the historic home and outdoors. “Holidays at Hagley: All Creatures Great and Small” will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the fifth-annual Gingerbread House Competition, Santa Days, evening Twilight Tours, and more.
November 19- January 8
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.
December 1st -December 23rd
We transform the Garden Center into a Winter Wonderland featuring Santa and his Elves, handmade wreaths, greens and holly, and a sea of poinsettias. Shop an enormous selection of timeless holiday decorations, children’s toys, and collectibles you won't find anywhere else!
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.
November 10th -December 31st
We invite you to celebrate the season as the Choo Choo Barn transforms Traintown USA® to bring the magic of Christmas to its gigantic model train display. For the 10th year, the homes and businesses along the tracks have decked their halls to share with the public from November 10 to December 31, 2022.
November 19 - December 24
Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an outside Holiday market event in Center City of Philadelphia, which is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany.
Vendors in more than 60 wooden booths will sell traditional European food, sweets, and drinks. They will also offer a great shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and high-quality arts and crafts.
The unique atmosphere with thousands of lights and the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst, and mulled wine will bring you and your family into the perfect Christmas spirit.
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia during our Holiday Bricktacular, November 25 - January 1.
Enjoy seasonal LEGO build activities, holiday theming throughout the Center, and
much more
This holiday season, dive into Christmas Underwater to discover an incredible world of seasonal underwater fun! Splash into the spirit of the season as Scuba Santa returns to dive with sharks, sea turtles and rays, sharing Christmas cheer with all who come to visit. Discover holiday surprises on both land and sea, including the World's Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree and magical snow-like flurries in the Snowtunda, back by popular demand and better than ever! Don't miss out on the wonder of the season among 15,000 incredible animals.
Santa Events and Parades
December 3rd
The Coatesville Christmas Parade will march down Lincoln Highway in Coatesville on Saturday, December 3rd at 10 AM.
December 10th
The Christmas Committee is working hard to bring you the best Christmas celebration ever. Come join us on Saturday, December 10th when Lancaster Avenue comes alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas! The Christmas Parade will begin at 3:00 pm traveling from west to east along Lancaster Avenue.
December 2nd
Saturday, it is the Radnor Memorial Library Elves for Shelves Fun Run and 5 k at 8 am and the Santa Parade with Santa Pictures at 10 am.
Sunday, November 27th, 5pm
The Media Parade Committee is thrilled Santa's Parade, Block Party, Fun Run & Walk, and costume contest are returning this year Sunday, Nov. 27th! Block PartyFun Run/Walk begins at 2:30, and the parade starts at 5.
December 3rd and 4th
On Saturday, December 3rd, come and see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Suburban Square in a Lower Merion Fire Department fire truck at 9:30 am. Then, get your selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of their sleek and fun airstream located on the lawn between 10AM and noon and between 1:00PM – 4:30PM. You can also grab a free polaroid from our helpful Reindeer. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season Suburban Square’s favorite magician Bill Kerwood and live holiday music throughout the day.
Then on Sunday, December 4th, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an encore appearance at the Square. Join them for selfies on the lawn in front of their fun and sleek airstream between 9:30AM and 10:45AM. They will be then be making their rounds around Suburban Square throughout the day including cookie decorating at The Farmer’s Market between 11:30AM and 12:30PM and between 3:30PM and 4:30PM. Don’t miss their surprise visit and storytelling with Silly Joe for Family Sundays on the Lawn between 1PM and 3PM.
Choose from thousands of beautiful fresh cut and cut your own Christmas trees, including Fraser fir, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, and Blue spruce. Delivery and setup are available. We also have a great selection of wreaths and roping.
On the weekends, get your picture with the Big Guy Himself.
We also have fresh Apple Cider Donuts, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Smores Kits available.
Friday, Nov. 25th at 6:15pm
Kennett Square’s Holiday Light Parade on State Street kicks off the holiday season this year on Friday, November 25th at 6:15pm. Enjoy dancers, a DJ playing holiday tunes, floats festooned with lights, and the traditional Christmas tree lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
November 26th from 5:00PM- 8:00PM
‘Tis the season! Glen Eagle Square welcomes the community to join us for our Candyland Holiday, 13th Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 26th from 5:00PM- 8:00PM. Get there early to see Santa’s arrival and light the tree. Enjoy live music, and trolley rides along with complimentary treats and activities when you bring an unwrapped toy for a local child.
December 10th, 10 am – 3 pm
Santa lets the reindeer rest for the upcoming big day and instead arrives via helicopter! He flies in at 11 a.m. ready to hear children's wish lists in our colorful Santa’s Workshop. Bring your cameras to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, too.
We’ll also have our friends from Paws for PeopleTM therapy dogs, music by Keyboard Companions, a holiday-themed craft, holiday movies in our theater, and more.
Special Holiday Events
December 2nd
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, December 2nd, Time 6:30 Tree Lighting, 7:00pm Parade: The West Chester Christmas Parade! The reimagining of our beloved Christmas Parade! Parade-goers can also expect a focus on all things local, from award-winning floats with local flare by some of Chester County’s most creative designers to sparkling performances by hometown favorites, including nationally recognized marching bands that are exclusively local. Santa has agreed to make his much-anticipated appearance. Adam Joseph of 6abc Action News is returning to be our parade emcee!
Sunday, December 4th Noon – 4 pm
Sat, December 10th
A festival of arts and culture celebrating our town of Phoenixville through the mythology of the Phoenix.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
December 2nd at 5:00 pm
Start the Holiday Season off with a bang and enjoy WCStudio at Uptown’s annual Holiday Cheer Concert! Hear your old Holiday favorites as well as songs made famous by R&B and Pop Artists. Who will be entertaining you during this Highly Acclaimed Annual Event you ask? None-other than the Future Stars of Broadway: Our Area Youth! The Holiday Cheer Concert will include students studying in our Uptown Singers, The Singing Artists, The Singing Academy and, last but certainly not least, our Broadway Kiddos.
December 2nd - 18th
White Christmas is the heartwarming musical adaptation based on the beloved, timeless film. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling cast featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of a holiday family outing to SALT.
November 20- January 2nd
We venture down the rabbit hole in a brand-new holiday panto! On her first day of skiddle mool—oops, we mean middle school!—Alice Liddle stumbles upon a strange book in the library and ends up in a mysterious, magical place. Cheer the heroes, boo the bad guys, and help Alice find her way home in this panto-tastic take on Lewis Carroll's madcap classic. Recommended for ages 5 to 105!
The panto has been a People’s Light signature for almost two decades. With origins dating back to commedia dell’arte, the "pantomime" takes a well-known children's story and turns it on its ear. Audiences of all ages gather in droves to partake in the songs, dances, topical jokes, and jovial camaraderie of this longstanding tradition.
November 22nd - December 31st
Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
December 25 - January 2nd
Step inside the magical adventures of Disney's Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice! Dazzling ice skating transports you to Arendelle to be a part of Anna's adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Olaf, Kristoff and Sven take you along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer. Then, enter the fantastical Madrigal family's Casita amidst the beautiful mountains of Colombia. Join Mirabel on her journey to save her enchanted family home alongside her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, invite your family and friends to sing along to your favorite songs and celebrate the power of love and courage at Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto - the show everyone will be talking about!
December 10th -11th In Person and Virtual
The Philadelphia Dance Academy, now in its 18th season, and its youth performance company, The Philadelphia Youth Ballet, celebrate their 12th annual production of the Nutcracker: the popular ballet that has become a holiday classic throughout the world. Our production of the Nutcracker features performances by Dance Academy students, Youth Ballet members, and professional guest artists. P.
'Tis the season for magic, family, and fun as the beauty and joy of the Nutcracker Ballet comes alive once again at the Barton Test Theater.
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.
December 16th - 18th
Join us this December for the Holiday Classic, The Nutcracker! Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, and join Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer as they battle the Mouse King, travel through a magical forest of dancing snowflakes, and finally enter the Land of Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy who rewards them with performances by a sweet cast of characters.
Train Rides With Santa
December 2nd - 23rd
All aboard for Strasburg Rail Road's Night Before Christmas Train! Passengers aboard this train enjoy the childlike anticipation of Christmas Eve, recall the old-fashioned nostalgia of Christmas past, and delight in the magic of an authentic steam train during the holidays.
November 25th- December 24th
A Christmas tradition since 1959, Strasburg Rail Road welcomes a very special visitor every November and December. That’s right, Santa himself will climb aboard the historic steam train to greet families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA and back. As a special treat, children ages 11 and under will receive a gift from Santa and his helper during this nostalgic 45-minute steam train ride.
Nov 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Additional 5PM departures: Dec 3, 10, 11, 17, 18
November 25th - December 23rd
Why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa when you can ride our train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train, greets everyone on board, and gives all children a chocolate treat. Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland.
Why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa when you can ride our train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train, greets everyone on board, and gives all children a chocolate treat. Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland.
December 9th - 30th
Experience the magic of riding aboard our festively decorated, 100-year-old heated coaches, each of which is covered in thousands of holiday lights! Many of our trackside neighbors also decorate their homes and yards for our passengers to enjoy during this 1-hour evening trip through the Red Clay Valley.
Ice Skating
November 18th -February 26th
We’re very excited to return to Edgmont, PA opening November 18th 2022 and running through February 2023. 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, heated hospitality tents perfect for private parties,
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.
Call 215-925-RINK for current rink and weather conditions
Winter at Dilworth ParkNovember 1st – February 26th
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.
Christmas Lights
November 26th
Christmas Tree Lighting
6:00 pm – Music, refreshments, face painting, crafts, and games
6:45 pm – Santa arrives to light the Christmas Tree
December 2nd
Join us downtown for the final First Friday of the year! See all the things you've come to love at First Friday: vendor market, live music, PLUS special holiday activities like the annual tree lighting, appearances by beloved
characters, and by Santa Claus.
December 5th - 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!
December 2nd – January 1st
During the daylight-deprived month of December, Rose Tree Park sparkles at night with its annual Festival of Lights display. Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere. A treasured Delco tradition for more than four decades, The Festival of Lights provides a perfect opportunity to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family or take a sweetheart stroll after dinner.
November 18th - January 8th
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.
Holiday Light Show and Dickens Village Macy's Center City
November 25th - December 31st
The 28,575-pipe Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest playing pipe organ, will be featured with the noon and 6 pm showings (except Sundays).
Dickens Christmas Village is open this year by advance reservation from 11/25 (Black Friday) to 12/31.
Herr's Christmas Lights
November 23rd- January 2nd
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 24th- January 2nd
The lights will start on Thanksgiving night (November 24). We will run through at least January 2, 2022. 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 2nd - January 2nd
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.
November 16th- February 26th
Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO will sparkle from November 18 – February 27. Guests can celebrate the magic of the season both day and night in festive Franklin Square.
New this year, Winter in Franklin Square will feature new songs incorporated into the Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Plus, Franklin’s Winter View provides outdoor fire pits and beautiful indoor heated tent featuring adult and hot beverages and seasonal food. Chilly Philly Mini Golf presented by IBEW Local 98 transforms Center City’s only miniature golf course both daytime and evenings. Experience lights, seasonal music, and larger than life wintertime friends throughout the course!
November 17th - January 7th
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 18 - 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.
Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 19 through Jan. 8
5 pm to 10 pm
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 18th - January 8th
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.
Amusement Parks
Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas
November 19th - January 8th
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 11th - January 1st
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 19th - January 1st
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.
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.
