Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

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

All Weekend

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!

Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo

December 7 and 8; 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.

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.

A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS

December 4–8

Wolf Performing Arts Center, 1240 Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr

 

Based on the well-loved books of the same name, A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS features animals large and small as they embark on a year with their dear friends, Frog and Toad. 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.

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!

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.

Santa’s Paradise Express

December 7 and 8

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.

West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express

December 7 and 8

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.

Saturday

Breakfast with the Trains

December 7, 8:30—10 am

Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford

 

Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit with the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s train display. This before-hours event includes a private viewing of the trains in action with Brandywine Railroad engineers, special activities for the youngest train fans, and a continental breakfast in the Museum’s Millstone Café. Children will receive a Brandywine Railroad souvenir; ages 3 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome. Tickets available online.

Breakfast with Santa

December 7, 9—11 am

Upper Providence Township Parks and Recreation, 499 Hopwood Road, Collegeville

 

Bring the family breakfast, crafts, face painting, and moon bounce with Santa! Pre-registration is required.

Parent-Child Cookie Extravaganza

December 7, 10 am—noon

Haverford CREC, 9000 Parkview Dr., Haverford

 

Kids (ages 5-9) and parents will work together to make a variety of holiday cookies with Kitchen Wizards. Pre-registration required.

Santa Parade in Wayne

December 7, 10 am

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

 

Accompanied by the Radnor High School Marching Band, 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!

Frozen Holiday Party

December 7, 11 am—1 pm

Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne

 

After visiting with Santa at the Wayne Hotel, come over to the library for some Frozen-themed holiday crafts, games, music, and more. Get your picture taken with the Snow Queen from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm! Free, but pre-registration is required.

Children’s Tea in Paris at the Bercy

December 7 , 11 am–12:30 pm

7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore

 

Formal tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and a ballet performance of scenes from The Nutcracker by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. Tickets available online.

Nutcracker Sweets: A Swinging Sugarplum Treat

December 7, 10:30 am and 2 pm

Fugett Middle School, 500 Ellis Ln., West Chester

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 $22 if purchased in advance online. Tickets at the door are $3 more. Children under 3 are free if seated on a lap.

Kids Gift Workshop

December 7, 10 am—noon

Harriet Wetherill Park, 2642 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting

 

Drop of your kids and let them create four nature-inspired gifts. Pick them up wrapped the next day! Pre-registration is required.

Olaf Visits Learning Express Toys

December 7, 10:30—11 am

Learning Express Toys, 160 Market St., Collegeville

 

Come visit Olaf! He likes warm hugs! This is a free event and registration is not required.

Holiday Bazaar with Santa and Mrs. Claus

December 7, 11 am—3 pm

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

 

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

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Suburban Square

December 7, 11 am—4 pm

Anderson and Coulter avenues, Ardmore

 

Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage for photos and merriment. You can take a carriage ride yourself, stop by the craft room, and be sure to say hi to the rollerskating candy cane!

‘Elf’ Screening at BMFI

December 7, 11 am

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

 

This week’s family matinee is a true classic! Recommended for ages 7 and up. Tickets available online.

King of Prussia Town Center Winterfest

December 7, 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 Santa and the Grinch!

Upper Merion Township Holiday Village

December 7, noon—3 pm

Township Building, 175 W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia

 

Watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a sleigh, escorted by marching township firefighters and engines! Then enjoy food, face painting, a holiday market, gingerbread village, visits with Santa, and a tree lighting.

Malvern’s Christmas on King

December 7, noon – 6 pm (tree lighting at 5 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 take in performances at Gallagher’s Lot, visit food trucks, shop at Mistletoe Market, meet Santa, 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!). Keep an eye out for Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, too! Santa makes his way to Malvern in the Santa Claus Parade at 4:30 pm, and then the tree gets all lit up at Burke Park at 5 pm. See the full schedule here.

The Bullies Christmas Carol and Holiday Cheer Concert

December 7, 1 pm

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

 

Terrible twins Ebbie and Neezer bully their classmates, but when three goofy ghosts show the siblings the past, present, and future consequences of their awful deeds, they take another look at their choices. Followed by the arts center’s Holiday Cheer Concert which involves: The Broadway Kiddos, The Broadway Kids Cabaret, WCStudio Singers, and Uptown Singers. Tickets available online.

Children’s Christmas Party

December 7, 2—4 pm

The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville

 

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

Gingerbread House Decorating for Kids

December 7, 2 pm

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

 

Kids ages 6-12 can join a free gingerbread house workshop at the library. Space is limited to 20 kids so be sure to pre-register online.

Saturday Family Drop-In at Main Line Art Center

December 7, 2—4 pm

746 Panmure Road, Haverford

 

These classes are geared for children (ages 3-10) to attend alongside their guardians. 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.

Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics Center’s “The Nutcracker’

December 7, 3 pm and 7 pm

Colonial Elementary School Auditorium, 230 Flourtown Road, Plymouth Meeting

 

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. Call 610-731-0022 to reserve tickets in advance or pay at the door.

Holiday Magic on Ice

December 7, 5—6:30 pm

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

 

Enjoy the magic of the season and beauty of ice skating for one special evening. Skaters of all ages and levels up to national competitors perform holiday favorites.

Annie

December 7, 8 pm

The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore

 

This family musical reminds you that “you’re never fully dressed without a smile,” and that the sun will always come out tomorrow!

Sunday

Sensory-Friendly Santa Event

December 8, 8:30—10 am

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

 

Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session with Santa before the mall opens. Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages will be available for purchase at the event. Register online to reserve your spot.

Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Bazaar

December 8, 10 am—6 pm

The Rustic Brush, 555 E. Lancaster Ave., Berwyn

 

It kicks off at 10 am with a dance performance by the Village Play Space dancers. Then at 11 am, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for some pictures! At 2 pm, shop with local makers and small businesses.

Frozen Donut Decorating

December 8, 10:30—11 am

Learning Express Toys, 160 Market St., Collegeville

 

Decorate your own Frozen-themed donut! Each ticket includes one donut and everything you need to create your masterpiece. Reserve online with a donation of at least $5 to be given directly to the Daily Bread Food Pantry.

Gingerbread House Decorating Family Workshop

December 8, 11 am—12:30 pm

Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

 

Each parent-child team will receive their own cookie cottage, pre-assembled and ready to decorate! Royal icing and jolly candies are provided. Pre-register online.

Narberth Dickens Festival

December 8, 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 will be entertainment and activities for all ages, including horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, carolers, period vendors and food, kids’ crafts, performances, a free Dickens-themed scavenger hunt for children, and much more.

Jack Frost Saves Christmas

December 8, 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.

Riverbend’s Holly Day

December 8, noon—3 pm

1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne

 

A day of family fun with a cocoa and campfire nature hike and holiday crafts including card making, natural materials ornaments, and upcycled gift bags. Register online.

Deck the Halls Family Workshop

December 8, 1—3 pm

Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media

 

Create a festive centerpiece using natural elements. Use fresh greenery, natural accents, ribbon and more to make a creation that you can enjoy for weeks to come. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Register online.

Gifts from the Garden – A Children’s Workshop

December 8, 2—3:30 pm

Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon

 

Children ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult, will create four gifts, each utilizing natural materials found in the Arboretum. Register online, and dress for mess!

 

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.