Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

 

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

All Weekend

See: Holiday Lights on the Main Line and Beyond

Christmas at Colonial Gardens

Weekends through December 23, 5:30—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, make your own ornament, meet-and-greet with Santa and a free candy cane.

‘Cinderella: A Musical Panto’

Through January 6, 2019

People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern

 

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.

Kennett Square Holiday Village Market

December 1—2, 11 am—5 pm (also next weekend)

The Creamery of Kennett Square, 401 Birch St., Kennett Square

 

Along with an open air artisan market, enjoy food trucks, ice sculptures, seasonal craft workshops, live music, storytime with Santa, and more.

Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 1—2, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

Celebrate the holidays by enjoying brunch with Santa! Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch buffet, make holiday crafts, and meet one of the zoo’s education animals. Share your holiday wishes with Santa, take photos with him the big guy himself, and then enjoy exploring the zoo—admission is included in the ticket price. Pre-registration is required.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 1—2, 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! Be sure to add on a visit Bubby’s Dessert Party and enjoy seasonal treats with Bubby the Bison. Tickets are available online.

Christmas at Yeager’s Farm

December 1—2, 10 am—4:30 pm (Santa from 11 am—2 pm)

1015 Pikesprings Road, Phoenixville

 

Meet Santa (from 11 am—2 pm), eat treats at Christmas Café, and get transported to the Christmas tree fields by holiday hayride! Cut your own tree or check out the pre-cut trees, and don’t miss the gift shop’s many available decorations.

West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express

December 1 and 2; 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm

230 E. Market St., West Chester

 

Santa’s Express, a 90-minute ride on the heated and decorated train car, will feature an appearance by Santa, as well as live music.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

December 1 and 2, 1–8 pm (til 7 pm on Sunday)

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. New for this year, their 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show, has a brand-new illuminated pixel-based tree, that will project festive animated images while guests can sing and dance along to festive soundtrack. There are also three different holiday stage shows, an illuminated Christmas parade, and more.

A Longwood Christmas

November 22—January 6

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, catch carolers, sing-a-longs, and more. Timed admission tickets are required.

Linvilla Orchards’ Christmas Around the Farm

Through December 23

598 Linvill Rd., Media

 

Cut your own Christmas tree, visit the Christmas shop, and even see Santa (he’s there Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 3 pm).

LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular

December 1—2

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!

Santa’s Paradise Express

December 1—2

Strasburg Railroad, 301 Gap Road, Ronks

 

Santa himself will climb aboard and visit with families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA and back. Kids will get a surprise from Santa, and hop aboard the Tinsel Trolley for holiday stories. Mrs. Claus will be available at the Station from noon–4 pm to help children finalize their letters to Santa. Tickets available online.

Saturday

Santa Claus at Bryn Mawr Trust

December 1, 9—11:30 am

801 Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr

 

Santa Claus will be stopping by to meet children of all ages and to pose for a complimentary photo with them. Stop by with your children, or pets!

Family Holiday Cookie Workshop

December 1, 9:30 am—noon or 1—3:30 pm

Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

 

Learn the basic tips and tricks to making “from scratch” cookie doughs, and make a variety of holiday cookies. Fill tins with your creations to take home. For ages 5 and up with a caregiver. Pre-registration required.

Santa Parade in Wayne

December 1, 10—11:30 am

Lancaster Avenue, Wayne (Santa photos in Wayne Hotel, 139 Lancaster Ave., Wayne)

 

Featuring the Radnor High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders, and the Valley Forge Military Academy Field Music Group, Santa will make his way down Lancaster Avenue on a fire truck to the Wayne Hotel. Then kids are invited to gather on the hotel’s veranda to visit with Santa, while enjoying fresh baked cookies and hot chocolate!

The Shop at Puttyworld Grand Opening Celebration

December 1, 10 am—1 pm

700 East Main Street, Norristown

 

Based within the new Crazy Aaron’s worldwide headquarters, the new storefront will celebrate its grand opening with photo ops with Crazy Aaron and free giveaways for the first 50 people. Kids can also make their own tin of Thinking Putty.

Holiday Open House at Radnor Memorial Library

December 1, 10:30 am—noon

114 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne

 

Right after Santa’s Parade, the library is holding a family holiday open house to celebrate the season. Drop by the children’s area anytime between 10:30 am and noon for crafts, treats, and a giant gingerbread playhouse! All ages.  Registration required.

Holiday Bazaar with Santa and Mrs. Claus

December 1, 11 am—3 pm

Highland Orchards Farm and Market, 1000 Marshallton Thorndale Rd., West Chester

 

This market will include local crafters and artisans, beer and wine, food trucks, pet adoptions, kids’ crafts, and more. Plus a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

BMFI Family Saturday Matinee: ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’

December 1, 11 am

Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr

 

This animated adaptation of the beloved children’s book The Borrowers follows the Clocks, a family of miniature people who secretly live in a regular-sized household. Recommended for ages 7 and up. After the screening, head down the block to Ludington Library for games and movie-related coloring activities! Tickets available online.

Santa Claus is Coming to Suburban Square! 

December 1, 11 am – 4 pm

Anderson and Coulter avenues, Ardmore

 

Be at Suburban Square when Santa and Mrs. Claus make a grand entrance in a horse drawn carriage, then sit on their throne from 11:30 am to 4 pm for free photos (and wishes).  There will also be balloon art, crafts, hot chocolate, and musical performance by the Lower Merion High School Jazz Band.

Cricket Cringle

November 30, 5—9 pm; and December 1, 1—4 pm

Cricket Avenue, Ardmore

 

This annual outdoor, holiday market featuring more than 40 merchants and food trucks also includes plenty of fun kids’ activities and live performances. Plus, Queen Elsa will be there from noon–1 pm!

Malvern’s Christmas on King

December 1, noon – 6 pm (tree lighting at 5:30 pm)

King Street, Malvern

 

Malvern’s Christmas on King is an all-day party! Beginning at noon, the King Street Merchants will be open for business with special promos, you can ride the Malvern trolley from noon to 4 pm, take in performances at Gallagher’s Lot, shop at a craft market at the Fire Company, and so many more special activities—including one of our favorites from last year, The Snow Globe Ballet by Ballet 180 (the dancers perform inside the Malvern Buttery, and spectators watch from the sidewalk through their floor length windows!). Santa makes his way to Malvern in the Santa Claus Parade at 5 pm, and then the tree gets all lit up at Burke Park at 5:30 pm. See the full schedule here.

Valley Forge Holiday Village

December 1, noon—3:30 pm

175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia

 

Watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a sleigh, escorted by marching township firefighters and engines! Plus, holiday tree lighting, vendors, photos, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and much more!

‘The Nutcracker’ by Parkside Performing Arts Company

December 1, 1 pm and 7 pm

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, 800 Manchester Ave., Media

 

Parkside Performing Arts Academy’s production of The Nutcracker will be on Friday night, as well as Saturday afternoon and evening. For more information or to reserve your tickets, email PPACNutcracker@aol.com (tickets will also be available at the door).

Winterfest at King of Prussia Town Center

December 1, 1—4 pm

155 Village Drive, King of Prussia

 

King of Prussia Town Center will come alive with fun holiday activities all month long. This Saturday, Santa arrives! Plus, face painting, live performances, and treats.

‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’

December 1, 2 pm and 8 pm

Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore

 

The hilarious Christmas movie is a stage musical! Tickets available online.

‘Newsies’

December 1, 2 pm and 7 pm

Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School, 801 Conestoga Road, Berwyn

 

The Upper Main Line Community Theater presents the musical Newsies, starring actors ages 5 and up. Tickets available online.

‘The Nutcracker’ by Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics Center

Upper Merion High School, 440 Crossfield Road, King of Prussia
December 1, 3 pm and 7 pm

 

The Nutcracker performances will feature dancers of Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics many dance classes. The performance is child-friendly, and kids 10 and under are free. Tickets available online, or pay at the door.

Holiday Cheer Concert at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center

December 1, 1 pm

226 North High Street, West Chester

 

Listen to old fashioned holiday favorites as well as lively new songs; as well as a short play performed by the art center’s Professional Youth Program. Tickets available online.

Children’s Christmas Party at Colonial Theatre

December 1, 2—4 pm

227 Bridge St., Phoenixville

The kids will enjoy a holiday feature cartoon movie, popcorn, pictures with Santa, treats, prizes, music, and fun! Stop by your nearest Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust branch to pick up your free ticket while supplies last.

Saturday Family Drop-In at Main Line Art Center

December 1, 2—4 pm

746 Panmure Road, Haverford

 

These classes are geared for children (ages 3-10) to attend alongside their guardian. Each class will begin with a tour of Main Line Art Center’s facilities, followed by a story that will relate to a craft. Media will vary weekly, ranging from painting, to mixed media, to printmaking. Register online.

Winter Family Night BYO at Chatter Splatter

December 1, 5:30—8:30 pm

1030 Conshohocken Rd., Conshohocken

 

BYO wine or beer, and enjoy pizza, snacks, holiday music, and playtime. Tickets required.

Kids Night Out at Color Me Mine

December 1, 6—9 pm

109 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

Drop off your kids (age 6 and up) for a fun night of painting, pizza, games, and a movie. Meanwhile, you get to enjoy an adult night out! Register online to reserve your spot.

Teen Gaming After Dark

December 1, 6:30—9 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

 

Teens (grades 6-12) take over the library during this monthly, after-hours club with video games, board games, music, and art.

Pennsylvania Philharmonic Holiday Brass Concert

December 1, 7—9 pm

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 North High Street, West Chester

 

Featuring seasonal standards, jazz transcriptions, classical selections from The Nutcracker, and music from beloved holiday movies, this family-friendly concert will get you in the holiday spirit. Tickets available online.

Sunday

Sensory-Friendly Santa

December 2, 8:30—10:30 am; Plymouth Meeting Mall, 1150 Plymouth Meeting Mall, Plymouth Meeting

December 2, 9—10:30 am; King of Prussia Mall- Plaza, King of Prussia

 

Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a more private photo session and visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours. Pre-register online. Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages are available for purchase.

Longwood Gardens’ Breakfast with Santa

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

December 2, 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.

Free Screening of ‘A Muppet Christmas Carol’

December 2, 11 am

Reel Cinemas Narberth, 129 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth

 

Get ready for the Narberth Dickens Festival with a free screening of this Muppet Christmas classic!

Narberth Dickens Festival

December 2, noon—4 pm

Downtown Narberth

 

This free annual event sees the town of Narberth transformed into 1840s London, as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon. There is entertainment and activities for all ages, including horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, carolers, period vendors and food, dancers, musicians, ballet performances, puppet shows, magicians, puppeteers, ice sculptors, a free Dickens-themed scavenger hunt for children, and much more.

Davio’s Sunday Brunch with Santa Claus

December 2, 11 am—2 pm

Davio’s, 200 Main Street, King of Prussia

 

Come for a special brunch and take photographs as Santa makes his way around the dining room. Then stay for…

Davio’s Gingerbread Workshop

December 2, noon—2 pm

Davio’s, 200 Main Street, King of Prussia

 

Children of all ages are invited to participate in a one-of-a-kind workshop with Davio’s Pastry Chef Candice Holovich as she leads a demonstration and workshop. The event is $40 per child and adult admission is free. Each participating child will receive one gingerbread house to decorate (with delectable decorations included); as well as delicious afternoon lunch. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Email brooke@davios.com to secure your seat.

Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: Allman Brothers for Kids

December 2, 11:45 am

Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore

 

Using the songs from the most iconic musicians in rock history, the Rock and Roll Playhouse offers its core audience (typically kids ages 3-8 years old) games, movement, stories, and of course an opportunity to rock! Tickets available online.

Children’s Holiday Tea and Gingerbread House Event at Painted Tea Cup

December 2, noon

220 S. State Rd., Upper Darby

 

Kids will decorate gingerbread houses and enjoy a cup of tea at this festive event. Call 610-352-2334 to reserve your spot, and be sure to bring a letter for Santa!

Family Centerpiece Creation at Tyler Arboretum

December 2, 1—3 pm

515 Painter Rd., Media

 

Create a festive centerpiece using natural elements like fresh greenery and natural accents. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Pre-registration required.

Christmas Tree Decorating for Wildlife

December 2, 1 pm

Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown

 

Trim a tree in the park with edible ornaments for both feathered and furry friends. Make and hang the treats, and take some home for decorating in your own backyard. Pre-registration is required. For ages 5 and up.

Disney’s Choo-Choo Soul

December 2, 1 pm and 4 pm

226 N. High St., West Chester

 

Genevieve, the soulful and hip singing train conductor, and DC, the beatboxing, breakdancing engineer will engage children in sing-alongs, dance routines, and lots of crowd participation as they perform the hits as seen on Disney Junior. Tickets available online.

Chanukah Wonderland

December 2, 2:30—4:30 pm

Media Community Center, 301 N. Jackson St., Media (Menorah lighting at 201 W. Front St., Media)

 

Start at the Community Center for dreidel crafts, face painting, treats, and Judah Macabee photo ops. Then walk down the street to the courthouse for music, remarks, a grand menorah lighting, and “The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop” by the Media Fire Company.

Winterfest at Eagleview Town Center

December 2, 3—5 pm

565 Wellington Square, Exton

 

Celebrate with a tree lighting, kids’ crafts, live performances, treats, photos with Santa, and lots of holiday cheer. Bring a canned good for the Chester County Food Bank in place of a ticket to the event.

Chanukah Bowl

December 2, 4—6 pm

Wynnewood Lanes, 2228 Haverford Rd., Ardmore

 

This party features a bowling pin menorah lighting at 4:45, plus food, games, and fun! Tickets available online.

Menorah Lighting and Chocolate Gelt Drop

December 2, 5:30 pm

Mary Wood Park, E. Fifth St. and Hallowell St., Conshohocken

 

Enjoy music, latkes, hot cocoa, and more at this celebration that ends with a menorah lighting and “gelt drop” where kids can collect chocolate coins as hundreds rain from above!

Berwyn-Devon Tree Lighting

December 2, 5:30—7:30 pm

Berwyn Train Station, 654 E. Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn

 

Come and see the big tree at the Berwyn Train Station get all twinkled up for the holidays! Event includes an ugly sweater contest, dancing and singing performances, free food and drinks from local vendors, and more. There will also be visits from special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus, Vixen the Reindeer, and 6abc Action News’s Adam Joseph.

 

Photograph by Aliza Schlabach.