Plan the perfect weekend with our picks!

 

All Weekend

Day out with Thomas at Strasburg Railroad

November 16—18

301 Gap Rd., Ronks

 

his family-favorite event features a ride with Thomas, offers the opportunity to ride with Percy, and is packed with extra Thomas-related activities and photo ops. Pre-registration required.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show

November 17—January 6

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.

West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express

November 17—18; 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. Tickets available online.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

November 17—January 1

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.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

November 16—18, 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 visit Bubby’s Dessert Party and enjoy seasonal treats with Bubby the Bison. Tickets are available online.

FEZtival of Trees and Lights

November 16—21

LuLu Shriners, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting

 

Walk through a beautiful forest of uniquely decorated trees, enjoy refreshments, watch local entertainers, shop the Marketplace, take an antique sleigh ride, and get a photo with Santa!

‘Cinderella: A Musical Panto’

November 17, 7 pm; November 18, 2 pm and 7 pm

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.

‘The Nutcracker’ performed by Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

November 17, 11 am and 3 pm; November 18, 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm

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

 

The 90-minute show is ideal for children ages 4 and older. The festive decorations in the lobby provide the perfect backdrop for holiday shopping before and after the show. Cast members will be available for pictures after the Saturday performance.

Saturday

Free Art Classes at The Garage in Kennett

November 17, 9:30—10:30 am (ages 4-9) and 11 am—noon (ages 10-15)

115 South Union Street, Kennett Square

 

Kids can drop in for free art classes with age-appropriate themed projects. Kids ages 4-9 meet at 9:30 am; and kids 10-15 meet at 11 am.

Awesome Autumn, a Garden Storytime

November 17, 10—11:30 am

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

 

Explore how animals and plants prepare for winter, read a seasonally inspired book, create art projects, and enjoy a pumpkin snack. Pre-registration required.

Bollywood Dance and Henna Party

November 17, 10:30 am

Radnor Memorial Library, 114 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne

 

In this 50-minute interactive dance assembly for all ages, participants will learn about the vibrant, upbeat music of Bollywood and will get a chance to get up and dance. The program will be followed by free henna tattoos.  Open to all ages.  No registration required.

Doughnuts and Music with Dads

November 17, 11—11:45 am

Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd., Broomall

 

Start your weekend with stories, crafts and doughnuts. Plus, Delaware County Symphony violinist, Pam Jacobson will read a musical story and give a special mini performance. This program is open to any child and their caregiver, not just dads. Doughnuts and coffee will be provided.

Terrain Holiday Open House

November 17, noon—5 pm

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills

 

Celebrate the start of the season with an afternoon of treats, crafts, entertainment, shopping, and more. Terrain is decked out for the holidays, so you can pick out your tree, and join in festive family games, and then enjoy some s’mores by the fire. There will also be live music and craft workshops.

Saturday Family Drop-In at Main Line Art Center

November 17, 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.

Thanksgiving Workshop at The Handwork Studio (Grades K-6)

November 17, 3—5 pm

35 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth

 

In this afternoon workshop, your child will create a memorable Thanksgiving keepsake to celebrate the holiday. Pre-register online.

Santa’s Grand Illumination at Sesame Place

November 17, 5 pm

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

 

Santa illuminates the night for the first time this year to help kick-off Sesame Place’s “A Very Furry Christmas” holiday celebration! After some holly jolly singing and dancing with Santa’s trusty elves and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends, Santa will arrive on a horse-drawn carriage to light up the night with millions of twinkling lights!

Chadds Ford Holiday Tree Lighting

November 17, 5—8 pm (tree lighting at 6 pm)

Chadds Ford Barn Shops, 1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

 

Celebrate the beginning of the season with a visit with Santa, musical performance by the Oxford Arts Alliance, cozy fire pits, snacks, shopping, and the tree lighting at 6 pm.

‘Little Women: The Musical’

November 17, 7—9 pm

Academy of Notre Dame, 560 Sproul Road, Villanova

 

Academy of Notre Dame presents this musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s American classic. Tickets available online.

Sunday

Mister Sprinkle at Williams-Sonoma

November 18, noon—5 pm

160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia

 

Mister Sprinkle, of children’s Christmas book Mister Sprinkle and the Secret of Santa’s Magic, will be at William-Sonoma to celebrate the season.

‘Slay All Day’ Painting with a Twist (Ages 13 and up)

November 18, noon—2 pm

401 West Chester Pike, Havertown

 

Let’s get in formation with this Beyonce-inspired canvas project for ages 13 and up. Pre-register online.

Kids’ Playtime; Parents’ Teatime

November 18, 1:30—3 pm

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

 

Kids enjoy playing with cool building and STEM toys while parents can enjoy a nice cuppa.

Celebrate Mickey Mouse at Color Me Mine

November 18, 2—4 pm

109 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

Stop by to paint Mickey Mouse and enjoy a fun party atmosphere with birthday cake and favors (no Mickey Mouse visit, sorry). Free demonstrations on how to paint Mickey, as well. Pre-registration required.

Menorah Workshop at Lowe’s

November 18, 2—3 pm

116 W. Township Line Rd., Havertown

 

Create your very own menorah with the help of the friendly staff at Lowe’s and enjoy delicious Chanukah treats! Space is limited; RSVP by emailing rikki@jewishdelco.org.

Pet Photos with Santa

November 18, 5—7 pm

The Court, King of Prussia Mall, 690 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia

 

Bring your furry friend for Pet Photos with Santa in Bloomingdale’s Court.

 

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

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.