Need plans for Thanksgiving week? Staying in town for Thanksgiving, or hosting family? We’ve got something great, every day.

 

And we’re bringing you the whole week, including Thanksgiving weekend, all at once! Just one more thing to be thankful for!

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

 

 

Go straight to: Monday        Tuesday       Wednesday      Thursday (Thanksgiving!)

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

All Week

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!

Young Sports Thanksgiving Week Camp

November 19, 20, 21, and 23

133 Sugartown Rd., Wayne 

 

If your kids have off school this week, Young Sports has a flexible day-off camp schedule. Pick your days and times, and your kids will have a fun day of sports, crafts, and more. Ages 2.5-8; pre-register online.

‘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.

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.

Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens

Through January 6, 2019

1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

 

Find this yearly favorite right near the restaurant at Longwood—it includes almost 400 feet of track, and beautiful models of favorite Longwood buildings constructed from natural materials.

Monday

Thanks Party

November 19, 10:30—11:30 am

Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford

 

A special storytime with activities and a “feast” to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Ages 5 and under with caregiver. Tickets will be available starting at 10 am at the Children’s Desk.

Music Monkey Jungle at cBOP

November 19, 10:30—11 am

393 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford

 

Kids age 4 and under will love MMJ’s weekly singalong. $12; babies under 6 months old are free.

Giving Thanks, a Native American Message

November 19, 1 pm

Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown

 

Listen to a Native American story and learn about how they lived and what the first Thanksgiving feast may have been like. Make a craft to celebrate the season. Pre-registration is required. For ages 3 and up with an adult.

Teen Art Club

November 19, 2:30—4 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

 

Middle school and high school aged patrons can have fun while hanging out and exploring artistic mediums.

Free Creative Movement (ages 3-8)

November 19, 4—4:45 pm

Paoli Library, 18 Darby Rd., Paoli

 

Children will be led through movement workshops that will introduce them to ballet vocabulary, movement explorations, choreography, and much more by instructors from Ballet 180. Online registration required.

Glow Party for Teens

November 19, 6–8 pm

Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

 

Dance and listen to music that illuminates the dark. Wear neon, play glow-in-the-dark games, and do phosphorescent crafts and activities. For grades 6-12.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at Pooh Corner

November 19, 6:30 pm

Radnor Memorial Library, 114 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne

 

Wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal to a special storytime inspired by Winnie the Pooh. Guests will then tuck all the animals into bed for a sleepover at the library. Come back anytime between 9 am and 9 pm on Tuesday, November 20 to pick up your animal and find out all about their late-night library adventures!  Ages 2 and up.  Register here.

Tuesday

Drop-In Thanksgiving Crafts

November 20, 10 am–5 pm

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

 

The library will have free Thanksgiving crafts for kids until supplies last. Stop in whenever!

Tyler Arboretum Garden Sprouts

November 20, 1—2:30 pm

515 Painter Rd., Media

Kids ages 4-6 will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin and learn about its cousins – squash and gourds. Pre-register online.

Tuesday Movie Matinee: ‘Hotel Transylvania 3’

November 20, 1—3 pm

Ardmore Library, 108 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore

 

Come for a free family-friendly movie screening at the library.

Thanksgiving Market at Eagleview Town Center

November 20, 2—6 pm

570 Wellington Square, Exton

 

Shop local and buy everything you need for the big dinner! Pre-orders are recommended. There will also be free pinecone bird feeder crafts to keep the kids occupied while you shop.

Sensory-Friendly Night at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

November 20, 5—7 pm

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

 

At their Sensory Friendly Days, LEGOLAND—with The Ruttenberg Autism Center and MusicWorks—provide a sensory friendly LEGO experience and music therapy. In addition to music therapy sessions, there is reduction of sound and light levels in certain areas, pre-visit social stories, and quiet spaces.

Wednesday

Tyler Arboretum’s Little Chefs

November 21, 10—11:30 am or 1—2:30 pm

515 Painter Rd., Media

 

Kids will make their own (cinnamon roll) turkey and mashed potatoes, and have a Thanksgiving feast! Thematic content and cooking tasks will be best suited for ages 3-6, but all ages are welcome. Pre-register online.

$5 Drop-In Mommy and Me Art Class

November 21, 11 am

260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton

 

Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall. This class is for kids age 5 and under with a caregiver.

Make an Ornament

November 21, noon—5 pm

Chester Springs Library, 1709 Art School Rd., Chester Springs

 

Drop-in and make an ornament for the Holiday Stroll Christmas Tree. All ages welcome; no registration required.

$5 Drop-In Art Classes (Ages 4+)

November 21, 1 pm and 2 pm

260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton

 

Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall.

Preschool Explorers: Thanksgiving

November 21, 1:30—2:45 pm

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

 

Stories and hands-on learning activities for ages 3-5. Call 610-566-1918 to register.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

November 21, 4–8 pm

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.

Thursday: Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Heading into the city for the parade? Here’s what else is open in Philly on Thanksgiving Day, including tips for the parade and restaurants serving Thanksgiving feasts!

A Longwood Christmas Opening Day

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. Timed tickets required.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

All Weekend

See: Holiday Lights on the Main Line and Beyond

West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express

November 23–25; 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 23–25, 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.

Longwood Gardens’ Breakfast with Santa

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

November 23—25, 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.

Winterfest at King of Prussia Town Center

November 23, 5—8 pm; November 24, 1—4 pm

155 Village Drive, King of Prussia

 

King of Prussia Town Center will come alive with spirited ice sculptures, activities, giveaways, holiday music, and more!

Linvilla Orchards’ Christmas Around the Farm

Through December 23

598 Linvill Rd., Media

 

Cut your own Christmas tree, visit the Christmas shop, and even see Santa (he’s there Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 3 pm).

‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’

November 23—25

Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore

 

The hilarious Christmas movie is a stage musical! Tickets available online.

LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular

November 24—25,

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!

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

November 23–25, 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.

Santa’s Paradise Express

November 23—25

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.

Friday

Kids’ Winter Bird Feeders Craft at Terrain

November 23, 10 am—noon

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills

 

Drop in with the little ones to make a winter bird feeder for your outdoor feathered friends. Stick around later for fireside treats.

Drop and Shop at Sur La Table (ages 8-12)

November 23, 10 am—noon

690 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia

 

Enjoy two hours of kid-free shopping while they learn the ins-and-outs of making fresh pasta. Plus they’ll leave with a free ravioli stamp, ready to dazzle you with their new-found skills once they get home. For kids ages 8-12. Register online.

Black Friday Drop and Shop at Bounce U

November 23, noon—3 pm

130 W. Main St., Collegeville

 

Go shopping while the kids enjoy giant indoor inflatables, games, and nonstop fun. Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins won’t be accepted if it fills up.

Santa Arrives by Helicopter

November 23, 3—4 pm

Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

 

Watch Santa make his big entrance from the sky! He’ll shake hands and give out candy canes before taking his place in the farm’s greenhouse, where he’ll pose for photos and listen to all the wishes on your kids’ Christmas list.

Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting in Media

November 23, 4—8 pm

12 E. State St, Media

 

Holiday music by The Brass Works starts at 4 pm by the Town Tree, which will be lit at 5 pm. Then, Media’s Strolling Postman will be up and down State Street collecting letters to Santa.

Santa and Tree Lighting in Ardmore

November 23, 6 pm

Schauffele Plaza, Ardmore

 

Santa arrives on a fire truck for the Ardmore Tree Lighting! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and caroling.

Skippack Village Tree Lighting

November 23, 6 pm

Skippack Pike, Skippack

 

Festivities take place at the Floral and Hardy complex, including the lighting of the village tree.

Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade

November 23, 6:15—9:15 pm

State Street, Kennett Square

 

See bands, floats, farm equipment, fire trucks, and Santa himself, lit up to welcome the holiday season.

Saturday

BMFI Family Saturday Matinee: ‘The Red Balloon’ and ‘White Mane’

November 24, 11 am

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

 

Two classic French films from the 1950s make up this week’s Family Saturday Matinee.  After the screening, head down the block to Ludington Library for some balloon-related crafts! Recommended for kids age 7 and up.

‘Back to the Future’ at Colonial Theatre

November 24, 11 am (sensory friendly) and 1:30 pm

227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville

 

Watch the 80s classic on the big screen! The 11 am screening will be sensory friendly, with a relaxed viewing atmosphere to welcome those with sensory sensitives and other needs. For the 1:30 pm screening, come early to listen to 16-year-old organist Brett Miller play the Wurlitzer theatre organ at 1 pm.

Japanese Food Festival at Maido

November 24, 11 am—4 pm

5 E. Lancaster Ave.

 

Maido will be sampling and demonstrating a variety of Japanese food for you to try. Yum!

Santa Arrives by Helicopter 

November 24, noon—1 pm

The Market at DelVal, 2100 Lower State Rd., Doylestown

 

There will be music playing, inflatable attractions, and yard games, so arrive early to get the best spot to see Santa descend from the sky! He’ll stay and take pictures, so bring your cameras!

Santa Fest

November 24, noon—3 pm

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

 

Meet Santa, plus Elsa and Olaf from Frozen! There will also be games, music, and more.

‘The Nutcracker’ by Valley Forge Dance Theatre

November 24, 1 pm and 4 pm (Santa Tea Party from noon — 4 pm)

Upper Merion Middle School Theater, 450 Keebler Road, King of Prussia

 

This 60-minute, no-intermission performance is in a small theater, so it’s a close-up experience for kids. Tickets are $20 and include a tea party with Santa before the late show.

Library Movie Night: ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’

November 24, 7—8:45 pm

Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford

 

Bring the family to enjoy the Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Sunday

Media Fun Run Santa Parade

November 25, 5 pm

State Street, Media

 

Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the way. See Mummers, drummers, musicians, dancers, classic cars, fire engines and plenty of surprises. There will be a special meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union immediately following the parade. Before the parade, there will be a Fun Run—in costume! Register to run, or just watch the fun!

Winter Wonderland Tea at a Taste of Britain 

November 25 (timed reservations required)

A Taste of Britain, 503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

A Taste of Britain’s festive menu includes holiday-themed treats like gingerbread petit fours, peppermint macarons, and a limited edition seasonal scone. Adults get a mimosa alongside their tea, and there is a special kids’ menu in case your frittata 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). On your way out, grab some unusual British candy from the shop!

 

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

 

Photograph by Sarah Bond.