30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around the Main Line: December 3--9

Enjoy this musical tradition as People’s Light puts their signature spin on the magical tale of fairy godmothers and glass slippers. Best for kids ages 5 and up.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show

Through January 6, 2019

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

More than more than 3 million lights illuminate the farm with fantastic displays. You can drive through in the comfort of your own car, or enjoy the show on an open air wagon ride. After the show, sit by the bonfire, take in the sounds and sights of the Tree of Hope, and enjoy some s’mores and hot cocoa (available on site at the Farm Market). You can even visit with Santa at the market.

Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens

Through January 6, 2019

1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

Find this yearly favorite right near the restaurant at Longwood—it includes almost 400 feet of track, and beautiful models of favorite Longwood buildings constructed from natural materials.

West Chester Griswolds

November 22—January 1; Monday—Thursday 4:45—9:45 pm, Friday—Sunday 4:45—10:15 pm

304 Dutton Mill Rd., West Chester

The Plummer Family’s annual display features over 85,000 LED lights, and is gets bigger and better every year. They start working on their holiday spectacle each fall, and it runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. The Plummers suggest that if you visit, to tune your car radio to 87.9 for Christmas songs and information about the display.

Hour of Coding: Animation Station

December 3—5, 6:30—7:30 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

If you have a child in grades 3-5, sign up now for a one-hour coding experience and sneak peek of the library’s 2019 STEAM programming. This will be an introduction of basic coding concepts where kids will block code their own animation adventure. Register online.

Monday

Winter STEAM Lab

December 3, 10:30 am

Lulu’s Casita West Chester, 109 N. High St., West Chester

Winter-inspired lab session for your little one to learn, create, and enjoy alongside you. Free with admission.

Music Monkey Jungle at cBOP

December 3, 10:30—11 am

393 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford

Kids age 4 and under will love MMJ’s weekly singalong. $12; babies under 6 months old are free.

Teen Art Club

December 3, 2:30—4 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

Middle school and high school aged patrons can have fun while hanging out and exploring artistic mediums.

Preschool STEAM Night

December 3, 5—5:45 pm

Paoli Library, 18 Darby Rd., Paoli

Bring your little for an evening of water exploration with a story and multiple activities for you to share with your small scientist. For ages 3 to 5. Online registration required.

Chanukah Wonderland in Ardmore

December 3, 5 pm (party at 5:30 pm)

Menorah lighting at Suburban Square, 602 Coulter Ave., Ardmore; Party at Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore

First, there will be a menorah lighting at Suburban Square. Then walk over to Ardmore Music Hall for treats, crafts, and more celebration!

Tuesday

Storytime and Craft at Linvilla Orchards

December 4, 10—11 am

598 Linvill Rd., Media

Miss Marcia reads an entertaining story featuring gardens, farming, animals, and nature. Children can also create a special craft each week. Primarily for preschoolers, but your entire family is welcome to join. Free; no registration required.

Cookies and Crafts at Tredyffrin Public Library

December 4, 10:30—11:30 am

582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford

Kids 5 and under can celebrate National Cookie Day with sweet stories, crafts, and cookie decorating. Pre-register online.

Roots with Ruark

December 4, 11—11:45 am

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

Enjoy a free musical morning listening to an exciting mix of original music, kids classics, and pop tunes. For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Nature Inspired Craft at Tyler Arboretum

December 4, 1—2:30 pm

515 Painter Rd., Media

This week, kids ages 4-6 will make a “bird seed café,” as they learn about some commonly found winter birds, then create two birdfeeders: one to hang on a Tyler tree and one to take home! Pre-register online.

Reindeer Romp at Norristown Farm Park

December 4, 1 pm

2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown

Kids ages 3 and up will find out about reindeer and other animals of the far north. Hear a seasonal story, play reindeer games, and make a reindeer craft. Pre-registration is required.

Ardmore Library Tuesday Matinee

December 4, 1 pm

108 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore

Come for a free afternoon movie screening at the library. This week, it’s Rise of the Guardians.

Evil Genius Lab

December 4, 2:30—4 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

Evil Genius Lab invites teens to drop in on a Tuesday to test out lots of different STEM and maker materials. Activities include building roller coasters or robots, creating music with sound engineering equipment, exploring virtual reality games, and more.

Holiday Crafts at Gladwyne Library

December 4, 4:15—5 pm

362 Righters Mill Rd., Gladwyne

Make crafts for Hannukah and Christmas. Call to register: (610) 642-3957.

An ‘Incredibles 2’ Hanukkah at Har Zion

December 4, 5:30—8 pm

Har Zion, 1500 Hagys Ford Rd, Penn Valley

Get photos with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Violet, and enjoy a latke (and vodka) bar, crafts, DJ music, a photobooth, a kid-friendly movie, and of course a menorah lighting. Tickets available online.

Chanukah in the Mall

December 4, 6 pm

Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

Light a “Menorah of Warmth,” and bring a donation of warm winter accessories for those in need. Enjoy latkes, donuts, crafts, and an exciting show by One Man Sideshow.

Pajama Storytime

December 4, 7—7:30 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

Come in your PJs and bring a cuddle friend to enjoy good night tales with Ms. Danielle before heading to bed.

Wednesday

Little Chefs: International Foods

December 5, 10—11:30 am

Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media

Kids will learn to prepare and try a popular Chinese noodle dish: lo mein, plus fortune cookies. Thematic content and cooking tasks will be best suited to kids ages 3-6, but all ages are welcome. Pre-register online.

Ardmore Music Training Center at Ludington Library

December 5, 10—10:30 am

5 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr

Ardmore Music Training Center will be in the children’s room singing songs and playing music. This program will be followed by a craft.

Bilingual Storytime and Music Circle

December 5, 10—10:30 am

Lulu’s Casita, 6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

Come for a mini fiesta and bilingual storytime, then stay and play at Lulu’s.

Mercedes-Benz USA “Lil’ Benz” Pop-Up Kids Dealership

December 5, 11 am–9:30 pm

King of Prussia Mall, 160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia

Lil’ Benz Dealership will offer kid-sized fun, including ride-on cars for test driving, coloring book driver manuals, and more.

$5 Drop-In Mommy and Me Art Class

December 5, 11 am

260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton

Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall. This class is for kids age 5 and under with a caregiver.

$5 Drop-In Art Classes (Ages 4+)

December 5, 1 pm and 2 pm

260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton

Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall.

Teen Fortnite Tournament

December 5, 2:30—4 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

Kids in grades 6-12 can compete against friends in spectacular skirmishes, and film their Fortnite dances against a green screen.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 5, 5—7 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Get in the holiday spirit with visits from Santa and his reindeer, animal meet-and-greets, crafts, s’mores, and the tree lighting.

Children’s Christmas Party at Brandywine River Museum

December 5, 6—8 pm

Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford

Get pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus before enjoying face painting, live entertainment, Cookie Land, and more. Tickets available online.

Out @ the Library

December 5, 6—8 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

This is the place for LGBTQ teens and everyone to engage and empower through art, writing, discussion, and more.

Thursday

$5 Drop-In Mommy and Me: Ornaments

December 6, 11 am

260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton

Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall. This class is for kids age 5 and under with a caregiver.

S.M.Art Kids Club

December 6, 4 pm

Radnor Memorial Library, 114 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne

This weekly after-school club for kids in grades 1-5 will explore a different STEM topic each month through books, experiments, crafts, and hands-on fun. Read a book, make an inspiring mess, and learn something new! No registration required.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 6, 6—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Millions of lights illuminate the zoo, including animated installations, interactive elements, and themed attractions. Follow the lighted path to visit Disco Ball Way and Candy Cane Lane, and stop by Santa’s Workshop for photos—you may even see some live reindeer! Tickets are available online.

The Night Before Christmas Train

December 6, 7 pm (boarding at 6:30 pm)

Strasburg Railroad, 301 Gap Rd., Ronks

This very unique and special train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve, with a costumed reader, milk and cookies, and more. Pre-registration required.

Friday

Longwood Gardens’ Breakfast with Santa

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

December 7, 9–10:30 am

Enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet with Santa at The Terrace at Longwood Gardens. The event is likely to sell out, so reserve your seats early.

Playtime with Santa at Lulu’s Casita

December 7, 9:30—11 am

Lulu’s Casita, 6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

Come for a special Friday morning playdate with Santa—be sure to bring a camera and letters to Santa! Light breakfast will be served. $20 per child; RSVP to info@luluscasita.com to register.

Brandywine Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

December 7, 10 am

Emilie K. Asplundh Hall, West Chester University, 700 S. High St., West Chester

Spend your morning in the Land of Sweets with the classic holiday ballet.

Phoenixville Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland Village

December 7, 5—9 pm

Main and Bridge streets, Phoenixville

On December 7, Phoenixville celebrates traditions old and new! There is a parade with Santa, local organizations and characters, then the annual tree lighting at the end. New this year, the Winter Wonderland Village in the Main and Bridge parking lot opens at 5 pm for a little shopping and snacks before the parade at 7 pm.

Winterfest at King of Prussia Town Center

December 7, 5—8 pm

155 Village Drive, King of Prussia

King of Prussia Town Center will come alive with fun holiday activities all month long! This Friday, there will be ppearances by Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf, plus a screening of the animated classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Magical Hanukkah at Kesher Israel

December 7, 6—8 pm

Kesher Israel Congregation, 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester

Come for a family service, dinner, entertainment by the One Man Sideshow, crafts, and games. Tickets available online.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 7, 6—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Jingle Bounce at Bounce U

December 7, 6—8 pm

130 W. Main St., Collegeville

Come for bouncing, cookies, a special souvenir from North Pole, and a visit from Santa. Pre-register online.

Bryn Mawr Tree Lighting

December 7, 7–8:30 pm

5 South Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr

Come out to see Bryn Mawr’s annual tree lighting ceremony, and listen to yuletide carols being sung by a choir. Santa arrives on a fire truck, and hosts a special hot chocolate and cookie reception, too!

Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular

December 7, 7:30 pm

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 North Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill

The Summer Stage Shooting Stars present their high energy song and dance show to put your family in the holiday spirit. Tickets available online.

Weekend Events

Get our picks in our High Five weekend event planner!

Photograph by Jacques-Jean Tiziou.