Need plans for Thanksgiving week? Staying in town for Thanksgiving, or hosting family? We’ve got something great, every day.

 

And we’re bringing you the whole week, including Thanksgiving weekend, all at once! Just one more thing to be thankful for!

Looking for more? Here’s what’s going on in Philly!

 

Go straight to: Monday        Tuesday       Wednesday      Thursday (Thanksgiving!)

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

All Week

Day-Off Camp at Philadelphia Rock Gyms

November 22–26 (closed on Thanksgiving), 9 am — 3 pm (half day and extended care available)
PRG Malvern and Oaks

 

Kids can spend the day learning bouldering and top rope skills, while also strengthening their problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Kids will also do team building exercises and arts and crafts. Choose from full day for $80 or half day til noon for $45. Extended care is also available for an additional $10 an hour. Philadelphia Rock Gyms have seasonal camps at all of their locations in the area, so check out their website for all the options.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show

November 20—January 5

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

 

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 Candy Cane Lane, and enjoy some s’mores and hot cocoa (available on site at the Farm Market). Tickets available online.

A Christmas Carol

November 20 – January 2, 2022

People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern

 

Callous Scrooge, shackled Marley, and the haunting spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future spring vividly to life in our fresh adaptation of a favorite yuletide ghost story. Featuring a vibrant mix of original songs and newly arranged nineteenth-century English carols, this music infused retelling captures the magic, joy, and generosity of Dickens’ beloved classic.

Mamma Mia!

Through January 16

The Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media

 

ABBA’s hits propel this popular musical about a young woman’s search for her birth father on the eve of her wedding. Tickets available online.

A Longwood Christmas

November 19—January 9

Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

 

Stroll among a winter wonderland of a half million lights, and see Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden illuminated for the season. Plus, enjoy live holiday music on select dates, and visit the whimsical Garden Railway for some added magic throughout the season. Timed admission tickets are required.

Christmas Around the Farm at Linvilla Orchards

November 20—December 23

137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media

 

Take your family on a hayride to the Christmas tree fields to select your tree. Plus, visit the Garden Center for a selection of holiday decorations, children’s toys, and other collectibles. And on the weekend, be sure to register to meet Santa (socially distanced) in person!

Monday

Creative Babies in the Park

November 22, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

 

Share bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music. Meet at the Youth Services entrance and walk to the park together. Bring your own blanket. Free; pre-register online.

Gladwyne Toddler Storytime

November 22, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park

 

Bring a blanket and meet at Gladwyne Park for storytime for ages 0-4. Pre-register online.

Thanksgiving Babies & Books Storytime

November 22, 10:30 am

Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St., Essington

 

Celebrate being thankful with stories, music, movement, ASL signs, and visual aids. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

Tuesday

Toddler Time in the Park

November 23, 10 am

Outside of Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

 

Stories, finger plays, puppets, rhymes, dancing, and music liven the atmosphere as concepts such as colors, numbers, and letters are introduced. The program is about 20 minutes long. Free; pre-register online.

PAWS for Reading

November 23, 4 pm

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

 

Read to Frangelica, a specially-trained therapy dog. Best for ages 5 and up. Pre-register online for a 10-minute slot. Meet upstairs in the large meeting room. Masks required.

Wednesday

Stories and Songs for Pre-Walkers in the Park

November 24, 10 am

Outside of Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

 

This gentle yet lively storytime features bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music while young babies sit comfortably close to their caregivers. This is exclusively for pre-walkers. Free; pre-register online.

Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita

November 24, 10:30 am

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

 

Join Señora Maureene for a mini fiesta and storytime at Lulu’s!

Giving Thanks: Stories and a Craft

November 24, 4 pm

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

 

Read stories about being thankful (and pie!) and make crafts. Two options of craft available depending on age. Best for ages 2-7. Siblings welcome. Space is limited; pre-register online.

Thursday: Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Heading into the city for the parade? Here’s what’s open in Philly on Thanksgiving Day!

Seven Summit’s Therapy 5K Turkey Trot and Children’s Fun Run

November 25; Fun Run  at 8:45 am, 5K at 9 am

Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Rd., Wayne

 

Work up an appetite for turkey with a Turkey Trot to Benefit Austin Beltrante through Help Hope Live. Pre-register online.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

November 25, 1–6 pm

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

 

Need something different to do on Thanksgiving? Spend it on Sesame Street! During the holidays, Sesame Place is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around. Their 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show features an illuminated pixel-based tree, that will project festive animated images while guests can sing and dance along to the festive soundtrack. There are also holiday stage shows, an illuminated Christmas parade, photos with Santa, the all-new Christmas Family Fun Zone, and so much more.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

All Weekend

See: Holiday Lights on the Main Line and Beyond

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular

November 26-January 2

The Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks

 

This brand-new, dazzling outdoor holiday light experience features light sculptures and displays powered by more than 1.2 million light bulbs. Walk amongst larger-than-life sculptures, including a 60-foot light tunnel, glowing baubles, and, of course, Santa’s sleigh! You can also shop for gifts in the marketplace, dine on festive treats and beverages (including adult beverages like Spiked Warm Cider and Christmapolitans), skate on a synthetic ice surface, and take photos with Santa. Tip: come on Thursdays for photos with Gritty (dressed in his holiday finest) for an additional ticket cost. Reservations required for the event, as well as add-on tickets for skating and photo ops.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

November 19—December 30, 5—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

With new lights and decorative attractions, and with more animals on exhibit, this year’s Wild Lights is sure to be brighter than ever! Take a stroll through a glistening forest, or visit with 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. Tickets are available online.

West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express

November 26–28; 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm

230 E. Market St., West Chester

 

Join Santa for a 75-minute journey on a heated, decorated train through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills, visiting all passengers while on the train. Tickets available online.

Santa’s Paradise Express

November 26–28

Strasburg Railroad, 301 Gap Road, Ronks

 

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. Tickets available online.

Christmas at Colonial Gardens

Weekends from November 27 through December 26, 5—8:30 pm

745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville

 

Take a stroll through the decorated landscape and enjoy the spectacular lights and displays throughout the grounds. And make sure to catch the light show synchronized to music. Admission includes a free hot chocolate, commemorative ornament, meet-and-greet with characters, and a free candy cane.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

November 20—January 2

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

 

During the holidays, Sesame Place is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around. Their 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show features an illuminated pixel-based tree, that will project festive animated images while guests can sing and dance along to the festive soundtrack. There are also holiday stage shows, an illuminated Christmas parade, photos with Santa, the all-new Christmas Family Fun Zone, and so much more.

LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular

Weekends from November 19—January 1

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

 

Enjoy seasonal build activities and holiday activities—meet LEGO Santa, build a LEGO ornament and decorate the holiday tree, see MINILAND Philadelphia as a Winter Wonderland, go on a holiday scavenger hunt, and more!

A Longwood Christmas

November 19—January 9

Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

 

Stroll among a winter wonderland of a half million lights, and see Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden illuminated for the season. Plus, enjoy live holiday music on select dates, and visit the whimsical Garden Railway for some added magic throughout the season. Timed admission tickets are required.

Winter Wonderland Tea at a Taste of Britain 

November 27 and 28 (timed reservations required)

A Taste of Britain, 503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

A Taste of Britain’s festive menu includes holiday-themed treats and a limited edition seasonal scone. Adults get a mimosa alongside their tea. Kids will enjoy the whimsical decor and mismatched place settings, as well as little surprises like Christmas crackers (containing paper crowns, naturally). On your way out, grab some unusual British candy from the shop!

Friday

Elmwood Park Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camp

November 26, 9 am–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

School’s Out Day Camp allows for children ages 6-13 to spend their day exploring and learning all about Elmwood Park Zoo’s animals. Camp includes hands-on educational workshops, animal observations, animal meet and greets, crafts, and more. Pre-register online.

Black Friday Drop and Shop at Bounce U

November 26, noon—3 pm

130 W. Main St., Collegeville

 

Go shopping while the kids enjoy giant indoor inflatables, games, and nonstop fun. Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins won’t be accepted if it fills up. Kids must bring socks and must wear a face mask at all times.

Virtual Multi-Generational Holiday Cookie Baking Extravaganza

November 26, 1–4 pm

 

Join Kitchen Wizards and start a new tradition – spend a few hours working together in your own kitchen to bake cookies, and then enjoy them as a family! Kids should be ages 5 and older. Pre-register online.

Malvern Tree Lighting

November 26, 5:30 – 7 pm

Burke Park, Malvern

 

Malvern’s tree lighting boasts a celebrity host, hot chocolate, and caroling– plus Santa! There is a whole season’s worth of holiday events sponsored by the Malvern Business Association so don’t miss their full lineup.

Santa and Tree Lighting in Ardmore

November 26, 6 pm

Schauffele Plaza, Ardmore

 

Santa arrives on a fire truck for the Ardmore Tree Lighting! Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, caroling, and photos with Santa.

Skippack Village Tree Lighting

November 26, 6 pm

Skippack Pike, Skippack

 

Festivities take place at the Floral and Hardy complex, including the lighting of the village tree, carolers, a visit from Santa, and more.

Conshohocken Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 26, 6 pm

Mary Wood Park House, 1 E. Fifth Ave., Conshohocken

 

The Conshohocken AMBUCS are hosting their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa, refreshments, music, trivia, and a Christmas story reading by Mayor Yaniv Aronson.

Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade

November 26, 6 pm

State Street, Kennett Square

 

See bands, floats, farm equipment, fire trucks, and Santa himself, lit up to welcome the holiday season.

Media Hook and Ladder #1 Holiday Open House

November 26, 6 pm

11 S. Jackson St., Media

 

Meet your local firefighters and EMS providers, tour the fire trucks and ambulance, and enjoy seasonal activities for the whole family! Please bring an unwrapped toy or monetary donation for Toys for Tots.

Saturday

Small Business Saturday in Media

November 27

 

Patronize your neighborhood businesses that are small and local. Plus, enjoy live strolling carolers from noon to 2 pm. and free snacks at Plum Street Mall from 1-5 pm.

Santa and Holiday Fun in West Chester

November 27, 11 am–3 pm (Santa at 3 pm)

 

Transformed into a winter wonderland, the streets of historic West Chester will be bathed in the glow of thousands of holiday lights every evening from November 26 to January 1. Each weekend features holiday festivities, shopping, and more. This weekend, there will be carolers, live music, and treats. Then, Santa comes on a firetruck at 3 pm!

Winterfest at Historic Grange Estate

November 27, 1–6 pm

143 Myrtle Ave., Havertown

 

The Grange Mansion is decorated throughout with a themed tree in every room, dressed with nostalgic ornaments, copious greenery, and a nod to the mid-century. On Saturday, tour the historic estate and buy treats from food trucks, storytime with Santa, the model railroad, and more.

Sunday

Sunday Family Ice Skating

November 28, 1:45—3:15 pm

Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society, 220 Holland Ave., Ardmore

 

Sunday family public sessions are back and open to all, so bring your family for a fun afternoon! Admission is $10 per person, and skate rentals are $5 per person. Masks are required.

Chanukah Village

November 28, 2:30–5 pm

State Street, Media (pick up your map at 201 W. Front St., Media)

 

Chabad of Delaware County will transform State Street into a magical Chanukah Village. Pick up your map at the courthouse, then stroll the neighborhood and enjoy activities at participating stores along the way including storytime, dreidel making, donut decorating, crafts, treats, and more. Then at 4:30 pm, return to the courthouse for a grand menorah lighting and the Great Chanukah Gelt Drop! RSVP online.

Santa’s Stroll Through Media

November 28, 4 pm

State Street, Media

 

This year’s Fun Run and block party are postponed, but that won’t keep Santa away! Catch him as he strolls through the Neighborhoods of Media beginning at 4 pm. See map here.

Hanukkah at Sesame Place

November 28, 5 pm

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

 

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Sesame Place’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Join a local cantor, Baby Bear, who celebrates Hanukkah with his family, Grover, and more of your Sesame Street friends as they play a game of dreidel, light the Menorah, and learn all about Hanukkah! Menorah lighting will be at 5 pm.

Grand Outdoor Menorah Lighting Ceremony

November 28, 4:45 pm (parade at 3 pm)

Chabad of Penn Wynne, 7571 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia

 

First, at 3 pm, watch a community car Menorah Parade starting at Chabad, and going up and down the streets of Penn Wynne, Overbrook Park, and Overbrook Farms. Then, gather at Chabad for a lighting, indoor bubble show, donuts, hot cocoa, and menorah kits. Free; RSVP to Moshe@chabadpennwynne.org

Car Menorah Parade (and Celebration outside Giant Wynnewood)

November 28, 5:15 pm (Celebration at 6:30 pm)

Parade beginning at Chabad of the Main Line, 625 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station; Celebration at Giant Parking lot, 50 E. Wynnewood Rd., Wynnewood

 

Jewish organizations from all corners of the Philadelphia metro area outfit their cars with menorahs and converge to fill the streets with light and music. Even if you aren’t part of the festive motorcade, you can watch it pass by, and join in the revelry. After the parade, gather in the Giant parking lot for a menorah lighting, activities, and food. Pre-register online.

 

 

Looking for more weekend activities? Here’s what’s going on in Philly!

 

Photograph by Sarah Bond.