This week’s High Five is sponsored by The Radnor Hotel.

Start a new tradition and make memories with friends and family while savoring your favorite dishes at The Radnor Hotel’s Champagne Sunday Brunch over the holidays! Call 610-341-3188 for reservations.

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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

A Longwood Christmas

November 22—January 5

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 holiday concerts, carolers, sing-a-longs, and more throughout the holidays. Timed admission tickets are required.

Brandywine Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’

December 21, noon and 4 pm; and December 22, 2 pm
Emilie K. Asplundh Hall, West Chester University, University Avenue and High Street, West Chester

 

This production, featuring original choreography from David Kloss and Donna L. Muzio, promises “a tour de force of beauty and elegance.” Tickets range from $25 to $45.

International Ballet Exchange presents ‘The Nutcracker’

December 21, 6:30 pm; and December 22, 2 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.

Winter Clinics at Julian Krinsky School of Tennis

December 20–31 (closed December 25); see schedule for clinic times

Gulph Mills Tennis Club, 610 S. Henderson Rd., King of Prussia

 

Throughout break, kids ages 7-16 can participate in tennis clinics taught by full-time USPTA-, USPTR-, and JKST-trained professionals. Clinics are divided by skill level, and are $27 for 1-hour classes at the Red, Orange, and Green levels; and $50 for 1.5-hour classes at the Yellow and Blue levels. Sign up at the front desk of the club or sign up over the phone 610.265.3677.

Home for the Holidays at Stoneleigh

December 21, 11 am—1 pm; and December 22, 1—3 pm

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, 1829 East County Line Road, Villanova

 

During this exclusive holiday “open house,” explore the spectacular Main House at Stoneleigh, decked out with nature-inspired decorations. Head outdoors for a stroll, then warm chilly hands by a fire and enjoy toasting s’mores. Carolers and an organist will also perform holiday songs. Register online.

‘Into the Woods’

December 14—28

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High St., West Chester

 

This award-winning musical is equally enjoyable for children and adults as it features a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairytales. Recommended for ages 5 and up (Children under 5 not admitted). Tickets available online.

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’

Through December 24

Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Rose Valley

 

Hedgerow presents its annual performance of this holiday classic. Come 45 minutes early for caroling before the show! Tickets available online.

Winter Wonderland Tea at a Taste of Britain 

December 21, 22, and 29  (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, and there is a special kids’ menu in case the adult one isn’t in line with your toddler’s palate. Kids will enjoy the whimsical decor and mismatched place settings, as well as little surprises like Christmas crackers (containing paper crowns, naturally).

LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular

Weekends in December

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! Plus, new for this year, grab your family photo on a LEGO sleigh with LEGO reindeer!

Christmas at Colonial Gardens

Weekends through December 29, 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.

Little Red Robin Hood: A Musical Panto

November 13—January 5

People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern

 

Fairytales collide in this brand new panto — Robin Hood is dead, his merry men are in hiding, and Nottinghamshire is taken over by a greedy villainess. Can a new hero (or heroine) emerge from Sherwood Forest and save the day? This musical mashup is sure to delight all ages through the holidays. Tickets available online.

Elf: The Musical

November 13—January 12

The Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media

 

Call us cotton-headed ninny muggins, but it’s never too early to get into the spirit with this hilarious musical adaptation of the classic Will Ferrell film. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

Weekends in December

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

 

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 three different holiday stage shows, an illuminated Christmas parade, and more. This year, Rudolph, along with his friends Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman will be available for photos with guests in Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland.

Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 21 and 22; seatings at 9 am, 10:30 am, noon, and 1:30 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

November 22—January 5, 6—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

Millions of lights illuminate the zoo, including animated installations, interactive elements, and themed attractions. Take a stroll through Snowflake Central, be dazzled by Rainbow Runway, and marvel at the custom decorations in the Wonder Way Christmas Tree exhibit. And of course, stop by Santa’s Workshop for photos—you may even see some live reindeer! Tickets are available online.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show

November 23—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 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.

Christmas Around the Farm at Linvilla

November 23—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 be sure to visit Santa!

Santa’s Paradise Express

December 21 and 22

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 Candy Cane 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.

Portraits at Santa’s Village

December 21—22, noon—4 pm

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, 101 W. State St., Media

 

Stop by for free photos with Santa, no reservations necessary.

Saturday

Breakfast and Storytime with Santa at Echo Hill Farm

December 21, 10 am—noon

1357 Westtown Thornton Road, West Chester

 

Kids can spend the morning with Santa enjoying storytime, crafts in the workshop, and of course photo ops! Tickets available online. The North Pole Experience at Echo Hill Farm has additional pay-as-you-go activities and treats.

‘Polar Espresso’ with Santa

December 21, 10 am—noon

Kelly Center, 4 E. Eagle Road, Havertown

 

Bring the little ones for story readings, holiday songs, and photos with Santa. Free, no registration required.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Stroll Suburban Square

December 21, 10 am—1 pm

Anderson and Coulter avenues, Ardmore

 

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they stroll Suburban Square, and grab a last-minute photo with them!

Peppa Pig at Learning Express Toys

December 21, 10:30—11 am

160 Market St., Collegeville

 

Come visit Peppa! This is a free event and registration is not required.

‘Frozen 2’ Events at Sweet and Sassy

December 21, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm

250 Plaza Drive, Collegeville

 

Celebrate the next Frozen chapter with a Frozen-themed makeover, dance party, coronation with tiara and wand to take home, and more. Book online.

Kidzart

December 21, 10:30 am

Bala Cynwyd Library, 131 Old Lancaster Rd., Bala Cynwyd

 

Kids ages 8-12 can take a guided drawing class with Miss Holly from Kidzart. Registration is required; contact the Junior Room for details.

Last-Minute Teen Gift Workshop

December 21, 11 am–2 pm

Marple Library, 2599 Sproul Rd., Broomall

 

Teens (ages 11-18) can drop in anytime for last-minute DIY crafts for gifting. Supplies are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cookie Decorating with Kids

December 21, 11 am

Belmont Hills Library, 120 Mary Waters Ford Rd., Bala Cynwyd

 

Come ready to use frosting, sprinkles and other goodies to decorate a few cookies – one to eat now and one to take home. All ages welcome; pre-registration required online.

BMFI Family Saturday Matinee Holiday Double Feature

December 21, 11 am

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

 

Get merry with a double feature of holiday classics: How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Year Without a Santa Claus. Tickets available online.

King of Prussia Town Center Winterfest

December 21, noon—5 pm

155 Village Dr., King of Prussia

 

Celebrate the season with a free afternoon of live entertainment, horse and carriage rides, kids’ crafts, and visits with Olaf from Frozen!

Into the Woods Enchanted Tea Party

December 21, 12:30–1:30 pm

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High St., West Chester

 

Before seeing Into the Woods, reserve this special date for an enchanted tea party! Enjoy warm beverages, tea sandwiches, and delightful desserts. Plus, a surprise visitor is sure to please the younger guests! Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the West Chester Food Cupboard. The play is recommended for ages 5 and up, so plan accordingly. Book online.

GreenHorn Gardens’ Holiday Block Party

December 21, 12:30—5 pm

2402 School Lane, Drexel Hill

 

Celebrate the final market of the year in style with live musicians, local artists, free kids’ activities, and photos with Santa.

‘A Christmas Story’ at Colonial Theatre

December 21, 1:30 pm

227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville

 

The holidays aren’t complete without a screening of this classic comedy, and now you can see it on the big screen! Come early to listen to 17-year-old organist Brett Miller play the Wurlitzer theatre organ at 1 pm. Tickets available online. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular

December 21, 2 pm

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

 

The ever-popular Summer Stage Shooting Stars present their high energy song and dance show that is sure to be a highlight of your family’s holiday season. Tickets available online.

Descendance Magical Holiday at Sweet and Sassy

December 21, 4:45 pm

250 Plaza Drive, Collegeville

 

Kids can get a Descendants holiday up-do with wash out hair color, do a craft, have a dance party, and more. Book online.

Kids’ Night Out at Color Me Mine

December 21, 6—8:30 pm

Color Me Mine Wayne, 109 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

Drop the kids (age 6 and up) off for a fun night of painting, pizza, and fun while you enjoy an adult night out. This month is holiday-themed! Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

Pajama Story Time at Wild Lights

December 21, 7 pm

Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

This event will feature a reading of The Polar Express, a chance to make your own polar express train ticket, and a special appearance from an animal ambassador. Free with Wild Lights admission, but pre-registration is recommended.

Sunday

El Bruncho with Santa

December 22, 9:30 am—noon

Lulu’s Casita, 6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

 

Join Lulu’s Casita for their annual “Bruncho with Santa,” including food stations, complimentary mimosas for the parents, and Santa time. Bring your own camera and letters! Please note this event is by reservation only—RSVP to info@luluscasita.com to reserve your spot.

Donuts With Santa

December 22, 10 am—12:30 pm

Village Play Space, 4 Midland Ave., Berwyn

 

While the little ones sit and share their wishes with Santa, parents can snap photos and enjoy complimentary coffee and good company. There will also be donuts for all, as well as festive crafts and merry music. Pre-register online.

Jojo’s Sparkling Holiday

December 22, 11:30 am

Sweet and Sassy, 250 Plaza Drive, Collegeville

 

JoJo-themed makeover includes a bow updo, sparkling makeup, and more. Plus, celebrate the season with dancing, singing, and snacks. Book online.

Motown for Kids Holiday Celebration

December 22, 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! This month, celebrate the season with the music of Motown. Tickets available online. Doors open at 11 am.

Jack Frost Saves Christmas

December 22, noon

The Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media

 

This popular one-hour musical for children, now in its fifth year on stage at The Media Theatre, tells the story about a boy who freezes everything he touches, and learning to accept and embrace differences. Tickets available online.

Polar Express Event at Sweet and Sassy

December 22, 1:30 pm

250 Plaza Drive, Collegeville

 

Kids can get a holiday makeover, and enjoy singing, dancing, crafts, and more. Book online.

Santa Sundays at Monkey Fish Toys

December 22, 2:30—4:30 pm

662 Downingtown Pike, West Chester; and 510 Simpson Drive, Chester Springs

 

Take a free photo with Santa, and enjoy free ornament making and facepainting.

The Great Big Chanukah Jump

December 22, 2:30 pm

Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd., Wynnewood

 

Come for a variety of inflatables, treats, and lots of family fun. There will also be a grand menorah lighting at 4:40 pm. RSVP online.

Chanukah Wonderland

December 22, 3:30 pm (5 pm menorah lighting)

Chabad of the Main Line, 625 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station

 

Enjoy menorah lighting, donut decorating, candle making, and much more. Free for kids under 2; $5 per person. Sign up online.

Grand Chanukah Celebration in Conshohocken

December 22, 3:30 pm

Mary H. Wood Park, Conshohocken

 

Chabad of Lafayette Hill hosts the largest menorah lighting in Conshohocken, including the “Great Chanukah Gelt Drop” where chocolate coins rain down from atop firetrucks for kids to gather up!

Community Chanukah Party at Main Line Reform Temple

December 22, 4—6 pm

410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood

 

Before the lighting on the first night of Chanukah, celebrate with donut decorating, bounce house, latkes, crafts, and more. RSVP to Rabbi Kleinman at kkleinman@mlrt.org to attend.

 

 

Photograph courtesy of The Radnor Hotel.