Happy Holidays from Fun Things.
On-Going Holiday Events
November 23rd–January 5th
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 29 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 16th- January 5th
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 23 -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!
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 23rd - December 24th
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 29th - January 1st
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
November 23rd - December 24th
'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!
Santa Events and Parades
December 7th
The Coatesville Christmas Parade will march down Lincoln Highway in Coatesville on Saturday, December 2nd at 10 AM.
December 14th
The Christmas Committee is working hard to bring you the best Christmas celebration ever. Come join us on Saturday, December 14th, 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 6th
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, December 1st
The Media Parade Committee is thrilled Santa's Parade, Block Party, Fun Run & Walk, and costume contest are this year on Sunday, Dec.1 st! Block PartyFun Run/Walk begins at 2:30, and the parade starts at 5.
November 30th
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,
Friday, Nov. 39th at 7:00pm
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!
December 7th from 5:00PM- 7:00PM
Join us for the 14th annual tree-lighting event. Fun for the whole family.A night of fun shopping and holiday cheer.
December 7th, 10 am – 2 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 8th and 15th
Enjoy a yummy brunch with Santa. Reservations required
Enjoy a yummy brunch with Santa. Reservations required
Special Holiday Events
December 6th
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 8th Noon – 4 pm
Sat, December 14th (Rescheduled for February)
A festival of arts and culture celebrating our town of Phoenixville through the mythology of the Phoenix.
The 5th annual Christkindlmarkt is returning to Gay Street on Saturday, December 14 from 11am – 7pm!
Presented by the West Chester Downtown Foundation and hosted by the Chester County Art Association & Downtown West Chester, this outdoor holiday market is free to the public. The Christkindlmarkt will feature over 100 vendors offering individually handcrafted and locally-designed products, such as art, ceramics, jewelry, homewares, and much more!
December 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th
Kennett Square’s Holiday Village Market is a curated shopping and dining experience in the heart of the Brandywine Valley. Each day boasts a rotating selection of more than 40 artisan vendors, exclusive beverages & hot drinks, food trucks, and family activities. The market is presented by Kennett Collaborative and Square Roots Collective, nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping Kennett Square thrive.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
The enchantment never ends in this unique and magical take on the classic tale. A perfect family experience to complete your holiday season! Step into the spectacular world of Broadway's classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs and characters we’ve grown to know and love. Join us for this TALE AS OLD AS TIME!
Winter Wonderland the Media Theatre
Winter Wonderland the Media Theatre
December 4th -December 29th
The holiday season has come to life on The Media Theatre stage! This music-revue style production features all of your favorite wintery classic songs with some of the finest singers & dancers to bring it to life. After opening a holiday storybook, join our favorite seasonal characters on a truly one-of-a-kind theatrical journey! There’s a chill in the air, chestnuts are roasting, and scents of hot chocolate and cinnamon swirl about. Experience the magic of the music, right here in Media, and fill your heart with holiday cheer! Appropriate for all ages.
December 13th -December 29th
The classic story comes to the stage this holiday season. Follow Dorothy and Toto as they are transported to the magical Land of Oz and travel down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz - and learn all of the wonderful lessons along the way!
November 27th- December 29th
Relive the magic of George Bailey’s uplifting journey in a one-of-a-kind, immersive production where actors bring the heartwarming story to life by portraying multiple roles and creating live sound effects on stage.
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November 20- January 5th
The creative team behind Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto invites you to explore the whimsical world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook! People’s Light continues its winter holiday tradition with a cast of Lost Boys, pirates, fairies, and a trio of card-playing dogs. Meanwhile, a TikTok-famous croc is on the loose, hunting down dance moves, followers, and Captain Hook’s right hand. Cheer the heroes, boo the villains, clap, and sing while eating all the Swedish Fish you can catch. Join Wendy, Michael, and John in this “Darling” trip to Neverland for ages 5-105.
December 6th - December 21st
On one remarkable Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him the past, present—and possible future. You and your loved ones are in for a classic holiday treat with this special hour-long musical adaptation for kids that uses traditional songs to highlight Dickens’ magical story. Deck the halls as our holiday spirits travel beyond the footlights right into your very own heart.
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Disney on Ice presents Lets Dance
December 26th - January 4th
Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.
Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.
Nutcracker
December 12th-15th
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.
December 6th & 7th
Get tickets to see the local performance of the Nutcracker. Tickets are sold at the door. Performances Friday, December 6that 7:00 PM, Saturday, December 7th at 1:00PM, and Saturday, December 7th 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 13th - 15th
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.
Dec. 6-8
Classic Nutcracker brings to life the night when Clara Silberhaus received an enchanted Nutcracker doll from her Uncle Drosselmeyer. His Christmas gift comes to life, introducing Clara to giant mice, toy soldiers, and a kingdom where holiday treats dance in spectacular splendor. Audiences follow the story from the opulent Silberhaus mansion through a snowy wonderland into the fantastical Land of the Sweets. Children of all ages delight in this holiday tradition's charm, beauty, and grandeur, featuring a cast of over 150 performers and award-winning dancers from the acclaimed Rock School for Dance.
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.
November 29th -February 17th
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, 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 19th – March 9th
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 30thh
Christmas Tree Lighting
6:00 pm – Music, refreshments, face painting, crafts, and games
6:45 pm – Santa arrives to light the Christmas Tree
December 6th
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 1st - 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 Colonial is a dazzling walk-through light show and Christmas experience. Stroll through almost a million lights, some dancing to music, some illuminating your favorite holiday characters, and others winding their ways around trees. Make some wonderful Christmas memories as you wander through this
December 5th – January 4th
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 22nd - January 12th
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 29th - 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 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 28th- January 2
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 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.
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!
November 21st - January 4th
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 31st
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. 23rd through Jan. 5
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).
December 2nd - 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 28 - 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 16th - January 5th
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 15th - 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 16th - 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.
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.
