Happy Holidays from Fun Things.
On-Going Holiday Events
November 18–January 7
Experience a celebration of American elegance in holiday style, inspired by Ann Lowe: American Couturier. This year’s Yuletide Tour features custom fashion by local designers Shawn Pinckney and Asata Maisé Beeks, whose creations reflect the history of Winterthur and the design sensibilities of Henry Francis du Pont and Ann Lowe. Explore the house decorated in all its finery with our signature traditions, including the show-stopping Dried-Flower Tree, artistic Christmas trees inspired by Ann Lowe gowns, and a spectacular table set for Christmas dinner. Tradition, style, and surprise await you around every turn this holiday season at Winterthur.
November 24 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.
November 18- January 7
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 18th -December 23rd
During the holiday season, 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! We have a variety of winter food options, including Wood Fired Pizza, Holly Jolly Doughnuts, and 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.
November 21st -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.
November 18 - 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.
November 24 - January 1.
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
'Tis the season for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium, November 24 - December 24! Jingle all the wave to see Scuba Santa 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. Don't miss out on the wonder of the season. Explore Christmas Underwater today!
November 24 - December 31
Join us for the first-ever Yuletide Devon Festival right outside of Philadelphia, PA! The festival runs from November 24 - December 31, 2023. Ticket sales are now live; visit our website to purchase.
Enjoy rides, live music, farm-to-table food, craft drinks, and over 35 high-end market shops.
Santa Events and Parades
December 2nd
The Coatesville Christmas Parade will march down Lincoln Highway in Coatesville on Saturday, December 2nd at 10 AM.
December 9th
The Christmas Committee is working hard to bring you the best Christmas celebration ever. Come join us on Saturday, December 9th, 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 1st
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 26th
The Media Parade Committee is thrilled Santa's Parade, Block Party, Fun Run & Walk, and costume contest are this year on Sunday, Nov. 26th! Block PartyFun Run/Walk begins at 2:30, and the parade starts at 5.
November 25th
We’re kicking the holiday season off on a bright note. Head to the Square to see Santa light our artfully-decorated tree, and enjoy live holiday music, carolers, hot cocoa by the firepit, sweet treats, family-friendly activities, and plenty of snowflakes!
The Tree Lighting will take place on the lawn at dusk. Following the tree lighting, Santa will be available for pictures* inside our Winter Wonderland,
December 9th and 10th
The Garden City Fire Company is excited to announce that Santa Clause is coming to Nether Providence. We will be continuing our long-standing tradition of hosting Santa on our hand-crafted Christmas Float!
This year's float will be hitting
the streets on December 9th and 10th. Santa is super excited to see everyone again this year!
Friday, Nov. 25th at 6:00pm
Enjoy floats and vehicles festooned with lights, dancers, a DJ playing holiday tunes, the traditional Christmas tree lighting, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This long-standing holiday tradition has shifted to the Saturday following Thanksgiving to coincide with Small Business Saturday!
November 25th from 5:00PM- 8:00PM
Join us for the 14th annual tree-lighting event. Fun for the whole family.A night of fun shopping and holiday cheer.
December 9th, 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.
Breakfast With Santa
December 17th
Enjoy a yummy brunch with Santa. Reservations required
Enjoy a yummy brunch with Santa. Reservations required
Special Holiday Events
December 1st
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
West Chester’s famous hometown Christmas Parade is back! Parade goers can expect Chester County’s favorite performers as well as a variety of notable newcomers to our incredible family parade experience. This year: More marching bands by popular demand, as well as award-winning floats, sparkling performances, and of course – Santa’s much-anticipated appearance!
Sunday, December 3rd Noon – 4 pm
Sat, December 9th
A festival of arts and culture celebrating our town of Phoenixville through the mythology of the Phoenix.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
The Sound of Music at Salt Performing Arts December 1st -17th
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. Join us this Holiday season for one of the most beloved musicals of all time!
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.
Mary Poppins the Media Theatre
December 5th -January 14th
For the Holidays, we have the incredible and familiar tale of Disneys’ MARY POPPINS. Come watch as the magic unfolds before your very eyes as this legendary nanny operates her duties with joy & glee in a show (and movie!) that audiences worldwide have come to know and love.
December 16th -January 14th
Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
November 22nd- December 24th
Delaware County’s favorite holiday tradition continues with a fun and festive adaptation featuring two actors as Scrooge and "everybody else." A celebratory spectacle for all ages that bursts to life and is sure to make spirits bright.
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November 15- December 31
Infused with original music and traditional English carols and performed by a stellar ensemble—featuring Ian Merrill Peakes as Scrooge—this jubilant retelling of the beloved yuletide ghost story is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Bring your loved ones ages 6-106!
“Be Our Guest” for the most enchanting musical of all time, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! This ‘tale as old as time,’ based on Disney’s Academy Award-winning film, features the timeless story you love along with all your favorite characters and songs. Let the magic unfold in front of your eyes as dancing dishes, gorgeous costumes, and spectacular settings bring this Disney classic to life on stage. Celebrate your holidays with the most beautiful love story ever told!
Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
November 21st - December 31st
“Be Our Guest” for the most enchanting musical of all time, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! This ‘tale as old as time,’ based on Disney’s Academy Award-winning film, features the timeless story you love along with all your favorite characters and songs. Let the magic unfold in front of your eyes as dancing dishes, gorgeous costumes, and spectacular settings bring this Disney classic to life on stage. Celebrate your holidays with the most beautiful love story ever told!
Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
December 24 - January 1st
Our newest show, Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars and includes 56 of your favorite Disney stars, including Mirabel, Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Moana, and more!
Our newest show, Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars and includes 56 of your favorite Disney stars, including Mirabel, Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Moana, and more!
Nutcracker
December 2nd -3rd
The Philadelphia Dance Academy, now in its 19th season, and its youth performance company, The Philadelphia Youth Ballet, celebrate their 14th 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. Performances are Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3.
December 2nd -3rd
Get tickets to see the local performance of the Nutcracker. Tickets are sold at the door. Performances Friday, December 2nd at 7:00 PM, Saturday, December 3rd at 1:00PM, and Saturday, December 3rd at 7:00PM
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 15th - 17th
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.
December 8th - 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 24th- December 23rd
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 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17
11AM, 1PM, 3PM, 5PM
*5PM trains not running Nov 18 & 19
November 17th - 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 6th - 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
Flight on Ice at Delco Veterans Memorial Rink
Ice Skating
Flight on Ice at Delco Veterans Memorial Rink
November 24th -February 25th
We’re very excited to return to Edgmont, PA, opening November 24th and running through February 2024. 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.
Winter at Dilworth ParkNovember 10th – February 25th
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 25th
Christmas Tree Lighting
6:00 pm – Music, refreshments, face painting, crafts, and games
6:45 pm – Santa arrives to light the Christmas Tree
December 1st
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, and much more
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!
December 1st – 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 17th - January 7th
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 24th - 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 22nd- 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 23rd- January 1
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 1st - 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 25th
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 18th - January 6th
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 17 - 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. 17 through Jan. 27
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 17th - January 13th
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 17th – January 1st
Twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and icy activities at FDR Park for the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular. Take in the bright lights as you skate along a winding ice trail or glide down a 160-foot-long ice slide. Check out the Mistletoe Marketplace to find that perfect gift, or grab a bite to eat. Timed tickets are required, with optional add-ons available for the Ice Trail and Independence Blue Cross ice slide.
November 17th – January 15
LuminoCity was imagined through a desire to create unforgettable experiences. Using light and imagination, we can explore concepts of transforming creative thoughts inspired by the world around us into illuminating works of light and color. Every year, we bring new and unique pieces of art into our festival to create an immersive experience full of magic and wonder.
November 23, 2023 - 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.
Amusement Parks
Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas
November 17th - January 7th
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 10th - 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 18th - 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.
