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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

Brandywine Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

December 15, 3 pm and 7 pm; and December 16, 5 pm
Emilie K. Asplundh Hall, West Chester University, 700 S. High St., West Chester

 

Travel to the Land of Sweets with the classic holiday ballet.

International Ballet Exchange’s ‘The Nutcracker’

December 15, 6:30—8:30 pm; December 16, 2—4 pm

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, 201 E. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

 

The Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine troupe travels the world and this performance is sponsored by the International Ballet Exchange, bringing high-quality ballet performances to aspiring dancers. The award-winning cast invites 50 local students to be a part of the performance. Tickets are $17 for children, seniors, and students, and $27 for adults.

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.

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.

Santa’s Village at FMFCU

December 15—16, noon—4 pm

100 West State Street, Media

 

 

Visit with Santa at FMFCU for photos and wishes.

‘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.

Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 15 and 16, 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 15 and 16, 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.

Longwood Gardens’ Breakfast with Santa

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

December 15 and 16, 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.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

December 15 and 16, 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

 

Get your 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 15 and 16

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 15 and 16

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

Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s

December 15, 8:30 am

500 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 2195, Plymouth Meeting

 

Have a jolly breakfast with Santa! Add on games, crafts, and more. Tickets available online.

Introduction to Coding

December 15, 9 am—12:30 pm

American Helicopter Museum, 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester

 

During this informative three-and-a-half-hour workshop for boys and girls ages 9 to 12, participants will be introduced to coding concepts and learn some basic coding in Scratch. Tablets will be provided for use during the workshop. $35. Pre-register online.

Toys for Trees Winter Festival

December 15, 9:30 am—3 pm

Ibew Local Union 98 North, 3900 Ridge Pike, Collegeville

 

Donate a toy and get a free Christmas tree (while supplies last). Also, enjoy treats, a princess singalong with Belle and Cinderella (costumes encouraged), music, raffles, and more.

BMFI Family Saturday Matinee: ‘Finding Dory’

December 15, 11 am

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

 

This touching sequel to Finding Nemo is recommended for kids age 6 and up.

Sensory Friendly Brunch with Santa in Newtown Square

December 15, 11 am—1 pm

Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Rd., Newtown Square

 

Avoid overwhelming mall lines and visit Santa in a comfortable no-pressure setting while enjoying holiday movies, fun crafts, and allergy-friendly food! This is a free event. Donations are accepted, but never expected. RSVP encouraged.

Buddy The Elf and The Grinch at Plymouth Meeting Mall

December 15, noon—3 pm

500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

 

The Grinch and Buddy the Elf will be at Fountain Court for fun and games.

Holiday Workshop Day

December 15, 1–3 pm

Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

 

 

Wayne Art Center invites children ages 4-11 for a fun-filled afternoon of holiday crafting, just in time for the holidays! Admission is free, and includes caricatures, a photo booth, card making and more! Add on your choice of 5 workshops for $6 each (or do all 5 for $25): Glittery Snowflakes, Painted Polar Bears, Miniature Trees, Reindeer Treats (for humans), and Graham Cracker Houses.

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

December 15, 1 pm

Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville

 

The very talented local young actors of Firebird Theatre Company will perform the Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice musical retelling the biblical story. Tickets available online.

Children’s Saturday Afternoon Tea at the Radnor Hotel

December 15, 1–3 pm

The Radnor Hotel, 591 E. Lancaster Ave., St. Davids

 

If you’re worried about your little ones sitting still for a proper tea, The Radnor Hotel’s holiday tea has all kinds of entertainment and activities to keep them engaged. The tea features kid-friendly food, a character appearance, sing-a-long entertainment, an interactive storytime, and a special craft station. Each child also gets to take home a holiday-themed storybook gift to make the magic last a little longer. This sells out fast so call 610-341-3145 to reserve your spot. $59.95 for one adult and one child

Winterfest at King of Prussia Town Center

December 15, 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 week, there’s ice sculpture carving and a magic show.

Nutcracker Sweets: A Swinging Sugarplum Treat

December 15, 2 pm

Great Valley High School, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern

 

Join the Sugarplum fairy on her journey to the Land of the Sweets in this fresh take on The Nutcracker. Featuring Ballet 180 School students alongside professional dancers, the show blends a wide variety of dance into an entertaining mix of everything from classical ballet to tap dancing soldiers and hip-hopping tea dancers. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children if purchased in advance online. Tickets at the door are $5 more.

Philly Phavorite PJ’s Workshop at the Handwork Studio

December 15, 3—6 pm

35 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth

 

Kids ages 8-15 can make pajamas to celebrate their favorite Philly team. Register in advance and indicate your team choice. No experience necessary and all supplies included.

Sunday

El Bruncho with Santa at Lulu’s Casita

December 16, 9:30 am—noon

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

 

Enjoy brunch, playtime, complimentary mimosas for the parents, and Santa time (bring your own camera and letters). RSVP to info@luluscasita.com to join.

Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: Beatles for Kids

December 16, 11:45 am (doors at 11 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! This week, it’s the music of The Beatles. Tickets available online.

Kids Air Plant Ornaments Workshop

December 16, 11 am—noon

Terrain, 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills

 

Bring along the little ones to create a one-of-a-kind living ornament using foraged finds and air plants. Pre-registration required. $20 per child.

‘Jack Frost Saves Christmas’

December 16, noon

Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media

 

At just one hour in length, this annual show is perfect for ages 4 and up, and a hilarious heartwarming adventure for the holidays. Tickets available online.

Skate With Santa

December 16, 1–3 pm

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

 

Skate with Santa and enjoy festive music and snacks too. Buy tickets at the door.

Drop and Shop: Kids Holiday Cookie Decorating

December 16, 1 pm

Sur la Table, 690 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia

 

Kids ages 8-12 can learn mixing, rolling dough, cutting out, and decorating sugar cookies. Pre-register online.

Tea, Treats, and Holiday Crafts

December 16, 1:30—2:30 pm

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

 

Make festive crafts, listen to songs of the season, and have a treat! All ages.

Crafts for a Cause: Kindness Boxes

December 16, 2—3:30 pm

Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Rd., Strafford

 

Kids ages 8-12 will make Kindness Boxes for the Chester County Food Bank. Register online.

Santa at Narberth Train Station

December 16, 2:30 pm

211 Elmwood Ave, Narberth

 

Santa will arrive and lead the local kids in Christmas carols in train station circle with music, cookies, and hot chocolate.  Then Santa will make a grand exit on a fire engine.

 

Photograph courtesy of People’s Light.