Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

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

All Weekend

‘Frozen 2’ Events at Sweet and Sassy

November 23, 11:15 am and 1 pm; and November 24, 11:30 am and 1:30 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.

‘The Nutcracker’ by Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

November 22—24

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

 

Kick off the holiday season with the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet’s performance of the classic ballet that will transport you to the Land of Sweets! Audience members are invited to take pictures with the cast members after the Saturday performance. Ninety-minute performances are appropriate for children four years old and up. Before and after the show the lobby is a winter wonderland filled with nutcracker gifts ideal for holiday shopping. Tickets available online.

Annie

November 22—December 7

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!

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

November 23, 11 am—7 pm; November 24, 1—6 pm

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. The first tree lighting will take place at 5 pm this Saturday!

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: Cut Your Own Tree 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.

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

November 23 and 24

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

November 23 and 24

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.

Handel’s Messiah

November 23, 3 pm and 7 pm; and November 24, 3 pm

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

 

The Brandywine Singers present the holiday classic Handel’s Messiah, reimagined and illuminated with a string ensemble. Running time is approximately two hours. Tickets available online.

Saturday

Free Family Stay and Play at Kids’ Clubhouse

November 23, 10 am—noon

Kids’ Clubhouse of the Main Line, 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F130, Wayne

 

Bring the whole family and enjoy a free morning of playtime at Kid’s Clubhouse of the Main Line. Donuts and coffee will be provided. Remember to wear socks!

Olaf Meet-and-Greet

November 23, 10:30—11 am

Learning Express Toys, 160 Market St., Collegeville

 

Come visit Olaf and celebrate Frozen 2! This is a free event and registration is not required.

Terrain Holiday Open House

November 23, 11 am—4 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.

Book Signing for ‘Miss Kitty and the Krackerknocker’

November 23, 11 am—3 pm

GreenHorn Gardens, 2401 School Lane, Drexel Hill

 

This new book tells a heartwarming story of bravery and overcoming fear, and was illustrated by Upper Darby High School ninth grader, Charlotte Wismer, and written by her grandfather, Michael Gerhardt. They will both be signing copies of the book at GreenHorn Gardens greenhouse, which will be decked out with a magical Winter Wonderland display!

Book Launch Party: ‘A Grandfamily for Sullivan’

November 23, 11 am

Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd., Broomall

 

Author Beth Winkler Tyson will visit the library to celebrate her new book. She will be reading the story, doing arts and crafts, and maybe even leading a mindfulness exercise.

Holiday Craft at Ludington Library

November 23, 11 am—1 pm

5 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr

 

Join Miss Gail to make a wonderful fresh herb and flower table decoration for the holidays. All ages welcome; no sign up necessary.

BMFI Family Matinee: ‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’

November 23, 11 am

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

 

Join friends Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore through many adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood! Tickets available online.

‘Frozen’ Pasta Party

November 23, 12:30—3:30 pm

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

 

Celebrate the premier of Frozen 2 with Anna and Elsa! Meet the princesses, and enjoy music, lunch, princess-led activities, storytime, and sing-alongs. Tickets available online.

T-Rex Tea Party

November 23, 2—3 pm

Penn Wynne Library, 130 Overbrook Pkwy, Wynnewood

 

Read and sing about tea parties and dinosaurs, then enjoy a tea party and craft with a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Strengthen knowledge of dinosaurs and practice manners all at once. For ages 3-9. Registration required.

Thanksgiving Craft at Belmont Hills Library

November 23, 2—3

120 Mary Waters Ford Rd., Bala Cynwyd

 

Make apple and potato prints that can be used as holiday placemats, or to brighten up the refrigerator door.

Saturday Family Drop-In at Main Line Art Center

November 23, 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.

The Handwork Studio Thanksgiving Workshop

November 23, 3—5 pm

35 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth

 

Participants will create a delicious assortment of mini pies that family and friends can enjoy. Pre-registration is required.

Chadds Ford Holiday Tree Lighting

November 23, 5 pm (tree lighting at 6 pm)

Chadds Ford Barn Shops, 1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

 

See the tree lighting at 6 pm, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy live music and treats.

Shine Bright for Great Expectations Together

November 23, 7—9 pm

GET Café, 246 Haverford Rd., Narberth

 

Join Narberth nonprofit Great Expectations Together for a holiday shopping event and fundraiser. There will be wine, beauty products, jewelry, and much more with all proceeds helping their mission of inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities. Light fare and drinks will be provided, along with door prizes, raffles, and other surprises.

Sunday

Elsa and Anna Meet-and-Greet

November 24, 10:30—11 am

Learning Express Toys, 160 Market St., Collegeville

 

Come visit Elsa and Anna and celebrate Frozen 2! This is a free event and registration is not required.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Talking Heads for Kids!

November 24, 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! Tickets available online.

Thanksgiving Craft at the Library

November 24, 1—2 pm

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

 

Stop by the library for a free, festive craft. Best for ages 3 and up.

Teen Workshop: Self Portrait Collage

November 24, 1—4 pm

Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

 

Teens will express their inner selves through collage using personal photographs, expressive imagery, floral motifs, and conceptual elements. Pre-register online.

Sunday Family Ice Skating

November 24, 1—2:30 pm

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

 

Bring your family ice skating at the Philadelphia Skating Club in Ardmore on Sunday afternoons through the end of the year!

Pet Photos with Santa

November 24, 6—8 pm

King of Prussia Mall (Court), 160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia

 

Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa!

 

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.