With Thanksgiving a day away, that can mean only one thing: the winter holidays are right around the corner! It seems to come sooner every year, but it doesn’t have to only mean shopping. Festive decorations, music and food, and warmth and good cheer with family and friends usher in the season in true holiday style in Philadelphia and its suburbs. Here are some great activities going on around the area that will get the whole family in the holiday mood.

By Ellen Sanders
Photo courtesy of Suburban Square

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
Philadelphia boasts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the nation (dating back to 1920). It’s the official welcoming of the holiday season. This year there will be many exciting guests that the entire family will enjoy seeing, including Disney and Sesame Street characters, the Eagles Cheerleaders, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. The fun starts at 8:30am at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard and commences in front of the Art Museum approximately around noon. Bundle up, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, and find a great spot to delight in the beautiful floats, the music and dancing, and the good cheer.

Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Parade at Suburban Square
On Saturday, November 27, Santa Clause is coming to Suburban Square. At 10am Santa’s friends will be in the Courtyard greeting visitors with goodies. Santa’s horse-drawn carriage parade begins at Trader Joe’s and ends in the Courtyard at 11:00am. The School of Rock Main Line’s “Delta Squad” will be entertaining visitors with seasonal music as they enjoy Cupcakes Gourmet cupcakes and One Village coffee. Santa will be available for free photos with children from 12:00 to 2:00pm at Macy’s. Visitors are asked to please bring a non-perishable food item for PHILABUNDANCE.

Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 27, 2010 marks the first national Small Business Saturday. With so many local businesses on the Main Line, it’s a great opportunity to support those businesses that create jobs and build relationships in our community. So, don’t do all your shopping on Black Friday and save some holiday gift-buying for Saturday!

Lighting of the Menorah Event at Suburban Square
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Rabbi Moishe Brennan host an event to begin this year’s Chanukah festivities on Wednesday, December 1 from 5:30-7:00pm. The evening begins with a car menorah parade starting at Chabad of the Main Line and concluding at the Suburban Square Courtyard. Upon arrival in the Courtyard the lighting the menorah event will take place for all to enjoy. Lower Merion Township Commissioner Brian Gordan will be lighting the menorah in the Courtyard for the fifth year in a row. Additionally, the family will be able to savor traditional Chanukah food and there will be Chanukah crafts and activities for children.

Christmas Around the Farm
The holiday season starts at Linvilla Orchards on Friday, November 26, when guests will have the first opportunity to cut their own Christmas Trees. With over 30,000 trees planted on thirty acres, your family is sure to find the perfect tree. You are provided with a saw and you actually cut the tree down. Staff will then haul it back to the market, wrap it, and secure it to your vehicle. If cutting your own tree is a bit much for you, there are plenty of pre-cut trees available in the Farm Market also. Children can visit with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-2:00pm beginning December 1 and running through December
24. Finally, there are Caroling Hayrides December 4, 11, and 18 at 4:30pm where families can enjoy a hayride and then sing carols around the campfire while drinking apple cider and roasting marshmallows.

Chanukah Story Time and Sing Along
Celebrate Chanukah with the entire family with stories, songs, and prizes. On Sunday, December 5 from 1:00-2:00pm Beth David Reform Congregation is sponsoring a Chanukah Story Time and Sing Along at Children’s Book World. LOCATION: 17 Haverford Station Road, Haverford. The event is free and all are
welcome.

A Longwood Christmas
Each year Longwood Gardens transforms their grounds into a winter wonderland and this year is no exception. Beginning November 25 and running through January 9, 2011, there will be half a million lights decorating the trees (both indoor and outdoor), amazing floral displays, and a giant Art Noveau tapestry made from seasonal flora. Further, there are dancing fountain shows set to holiday music every hour (from 10:00am–4:00pm and 5:00-9:00pm). Admission for adults ages 18 and over is $18, for students ages 5 to 18 (or any age with valid student ID) is $8, and children under age 4 are admitted free. In addition to the beautiful displays mentioned above at Longwood, your family can also have the opportunity to have Breakfast with Santa on the following dates: Saturdays, December 11 and 18 and Sundays, December 12 and 19. Each date has a seating at 8:00am and 9:30 am. The cost is $40 for guests 12 and over, $22 for ages 5 to 11, and free for ages 4 and under. This price includes admission to the Gardens, but does not include tax and gratuity.

Gingerbread Workshop
On Saturday, December 11, a Taste of Britain invites you and your child to welcome the holiday season by making a gingerbread house together. An in-house baker will lead the workshop and help you create your own unique gingerbread house using the creative and festive candy supplies provided. You’ll also get a chance to sample complimentary beverages and snacks. The cost is $45.00 per gingerbread house. Call to reserve your seat for 11 am or 3 pm as there is limited space available. 610.971.0390

Children’s Saturday Afternoon Holiday Tea
If you’re looking for something with a touch of refinement while also being fun for the kids, then head to The Radnor Hotel for tea from 1:00-3:00pm on Saturdays this December (4th, 11th, and 18th). The event includes an Afternoon Tea Menu, an appearance by a favorite children’s character, a craft activity, storytelling, and a sing-along accompanied by piano. Each child will also receive a story book gift. This event is ideal for children ages 3 through 8. The cost is $49.95 for 1 child and 1 adult and $24.95 for each additional person (plus tax and service charge). Advanced ticket purchase is required and must be made by 5:00pm the Wednesday prior to the date of the event. 610.341.3191

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