Want to really unplug and connect with your kids? Explore 30+ family-friendly events with this roundup of weekend fun for Main Line and Western Suburban families below and fill your calendar with things to do! For even more options, visit Philadelphia Family’s Weekend Fun Roundup and plan ahead with our NEW Community Calendar at mainlineparent.com/events, which will be updated each week!

Please be sure to check with the host location about their health and safety protocols, as well as their registration requirements, prior to heading out!

Go straight to: Friday Saturday Sunday

THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY AROUND THE MAIN LINE ALL WEEKEND LONG

A Christmas Carol
People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern

Callous Scrooge, shackled Marley, and the haunting spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future spring vividly to life in our fresh adaptation of a favorite yuletide ghost story. Featuring a vibrant mix of original songs and newly arranged nineteenth-century English carols, this music infused retelling captures the magic, joy, and generosity of Dickens’ beloved classic.

A Longwood Christmas – Fire, Ice, and Everything Nice
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, enjoy live holiday music on select dates, and visit the whimsical Garden Railway for some added magic throughout the season. Timed admission tickets are required.

Christmas at Colonial Gardens, Nights of Winter Lights
Colonial Gardens 745 Schuylkill Rd., Phoenixville

Christmas at Colonial is dazzling walk-through light show and Christmas experience. Stroll through almost a million lights, some dancing to music, some illuminating your favorite holiday characters, and others winding their ways around trees.

Christmas Around the Farm at Linvilla Orchards
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 on the weekend, be sure to register to meet Santa (socially distanced) in person!

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show
Shady Brook Farm 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 Candy Cane Lane, and enjoy some s’mores and hot cocoa (available on site at the Farm Market). Tickets available online.

Stoneleigh, A Natural Garden
December 4, 10:00 am
Stoneleigh 1829 East County Line Rd., Villanova

With soaring trees, expansive vistas, and dynamic displays of native plants, Stoneleigh is a celebration of the natural world. Once a family home, now a public garden, Stoneleigh celebrates the beauty of native plants and the importance of biodiversity. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

Christmas in Wayne: Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting
December 3, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wayne Train Station 45 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne

On Friday evening, join the Christmas in Wayne festivities — carriage rides, strolling carolers around town, and Santa’s arrival and tree lighting!

Phoenixville Tree Lighting at First Friday
December 3, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phoenixville Borough Main and Bridge St., Phoenixville

Join the festivities in downtown Phoenixville for the final First Friday of the year! See all the things you’ve come to love at First Friday: the vendor market, live music, PLUS special holiday activities: the annual tree lighting, and a Santa Stroll with the mayor!

Old-Fashioned Holiday Weekend in West Chester
December 3, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 
West Chester Borough N. High and Gay St., West Chester

Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights as Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester continues with an Old-Fashioned Holiday Weekend! West Chester is decked out for the borough’s beloved tree lighting ceremony, followed by a fabulous holiday bazaar, breakfast with Santa, carolers, […]

Christkindlmarkt at Chester County Art Association
December 3, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm 
Chester County Art Association 100 North Bradford Ave., West Chester

Christkindlmarkt will feature 40 artists and artisans selling handmade goods during the event in our indoor and outdoor spaces. Come join the holiday fun with lighted Christmas trees and food trucks, and find the perfect gift while supporting our local arts community!

People’s Light Presents “A Christmas Carol”
December 3, 7:00 pm
People’s Light & Theatre Company 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern

Callous Scrooge, shackled Marley, and the haunting spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future spring vividly to life in our fresh adaptation of a favorite yuletide ghost story. Featuring a vibrant mix of original songs and newly arranged nineteenth-century English carols, this music infused retelling […]

Elf the Musical
December 3, 7:00 pm 
SALT Performing Arts 1645 Art School Rd., Chester Springs

This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his […] 

Public Ice Skating at Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society
December 3, 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society 220 Holland Ave., Ardmore

Join PSCHS for weekly Friday evening public sessions or Sundays for family skating in their beautiful ice rink. It’s a great indoor activity on cold winter days. Skate with friends and family or sit back and relax with a cup of hot chocolate from the snack bar. $10 admission and $5 ice skate rental.

SATURDAY , DECEMBER 4, 2021

Christmas on King Street
December 4, 12:00 am – 4:00 pm
Malvern Business & Professional Association King St., Malvern

Enjoy a special day of holiday fun on King Street with music and dance performances, food trucks, and activities for kids including face painting, a balloon artist, and Santa riding through town on a Malvern Fire Company fire truck.

Elf the Musical
December 4, 10:00 am 
SALT Performing Arts 1645 Art School Rd., Chester Springs

This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Christmas in Wayne: Holiday Parade
December 4, 10:00 am – 11:45 am
The Wayne Hotel 139 E Lancaster Ave., Wayne

Come see Santa ride in on a fire truck escorted by the RHS marching band! Pictures with Santa will be available on the veranda of Rosalie at the Wayne Hotel until 11:45.

Victorian Christmas Holiday Tours at Historic Pennypacker Mills
December 4, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 
Pennypacker Mills 5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville

A holiday tour at Pennypacker Mills celebrates the best in vintage Christmas décor and history. Recalling a time when electricity was not available, visitors will enter an early 1900s family home resplendent in shine with sparkling glass ornaments and gold and silver Dresden foil ornaments.

Christkindlmarkt at Chester County Art Association
December 4, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm 
Chester County Art Association 100 North Bradford Ave., West Chester

Christkindlmarkt will feature 40 artists and artisans selling handmade goods during the event in our indoor and outdoor spaces. Come join the holiday fun with lighted Christmas trees and food trucks, and find the perfect gift while supporting our local arts community!

Kennett Square Holiday Village Market
December 4, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
The Creamery of Kennett Square 401 Birch St., Kennett Square

The beloved Kennett Square Holiday Village Market is back! The market, which is modeled on the classic German Christkindlmarkt, features dozens of curated artisan and vintage vendors in addition to live music, ice sculptures, food trucks, Santa Claus, and more.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Weekend in West Chester
December 4, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm 
West Chester Borough N. High and Gay St., West Chester

Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights as Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester continues with an Old-Fashioned Holiday Weekend! West Chester is decked out for the borough’s beloved tree lighting ceremony, followed by a fabulous holiday bazaar, breakfast with Santa, carolers, and more!

Holiday Village in Upper Merion
December 4, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Upper Merion Township Building 175 W Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia

This family-friendly event is free to the public and includes craft vendors, face painting, a gingerbread house display and contest, live performances, s’mores by a fire, a caricaturist, food vendors, a beer garden by Conshohocken Brewing Co., a visit from a special guest.

Gremlins
December 4, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The Colonial Theatre 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville

This is a one-day-only screening of the comedy/ horror classic! A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town. See theater website for COVID safety protocols.

Mamma Mia!
December 4, 2:00 pm – 4:35 pm 
The Media Theatre 104 E. State St., Media

ABBA’s hits propel this popular musical about a young woman’s search for her birth father on the eve of her wedding. Tickets available online.

People’s Light Presents “A Christmas Carol”
December 4, 2:00 pm
People’s Light & Theatre Company 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern

Callous Scrooge, shackled Marley, and the haunting spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future spring vividly to life in our fresh adaptation of a favorite yuletide ghost story. 

Polar Express Party on Zoom
December 4, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ardmore Library 108 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore

Join us on Zoom for our annual reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and related activities. Registered patrons can pick up Activity Bags to use as you take a ride on the Polar Express. Registration is required.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club at Ardmore Library
December 4, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Ardmore Library 108 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore

Ages 13 and up. Come learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons, 5th Edition. A great introduction to role-playing games and a chance to practice math, problem solving, and teamwork while having fun! Registration is required. Continuing attendance is encouraged.

Treddyffrin Township Holiday Lighting Celebration
December 4, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wilson Park Farm 500 Lee Rd., Wayne

Tredyffrin Township presents their first annual Holiday Lighting Celebration at Wilson Farm Park. Lighting begins at 6:15 pm with a special guest to “flip the switch”. There will be complimentary hot beverages and sweet treats!

Spread The Light, A Hanukkah Community Event
December 4, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kaiserman Jewish Community Center 45 Haverford Rd., Wynnewood

Come join in a community-wide Havdala and Hanukkah event with special guest, Linda White of Imagination Play Project. There will be activities for children and their families, goodies, a DJ, games and prizes, and more!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

Kennett Square Holiday Village Market
December 5, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm 
The Creamery of Kennett Square 401 Birch St., Kennett Square

The beloved Kennett Square Holiday Village Market is back! The market, which is modeled on the classic German Christkindlmarkt, features dozens of curated artisan and vintage vendors in addition to live music, ice sculptures, food trucks, Santa Claus, and more.

Ludington Library Holiday Craft Fair
December 5, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ludington Library 5 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr

Mark you calendars — it’s that time of year again! Ludington Library will host its Holiday Craft Fair. Come get all your holiday gifts early and get your shopping done.

Narberth Dickens Festival
December 5, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Narberth Borough Haverford and N. Narbeth Ave., Narberth

The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free, family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth. It draws thousands to this little borough every year, and it has become one of the most anticipated holiday festivals in the Philadelphia area.

Felting with Farren: A Holiday Gnome
December 5, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Silkie’s Farm 1418 Hilltop Rd., Chester Springs

Gnomes keep the whimsy alive in your home and Farren’s needle felting classes are always so much fun. Who knew stabbing fibers could create laughter and begin new friendships? Of course a visit with Silkie’s Farm alpacas!

Holiday House Tour at Nitre Hall
December 5, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Nitre Hall 1682 Karakung Dr., Havertown

Come visit the historic buildings of Haverford Township at our special holiday open houses! Haverford Twp. Historical Society will open up Nitre Hall and Lawrence Cabin on Karakung Drive (normally closed on Sundays to cars but will be open for this event). 

Getting into the Spirit: A Holiday Music Concert
December 5, 2:00 pm
The Colonial Theatre 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville

Begin your holiday festivities at the Colonial Theatre with an enchanting afternoon of holiday music. The centerpiece to the performance is the Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley’s Wurlitzer Opus 585 organ. Get tickets and enjoy a wide collection of holiday favorites.

Horses and Hot Chocolate – Holiday Open House
December 5 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ryerss Farm 1710 Ridge Rd, Pottstown

Take your own photos with Santa. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while visiting with the horses. Stop by the Ryerss Gift Shop for holiday gifts and decorations. Our Giving Tree will be on display to help the Horses celebrate the season too! 

Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony
December 5, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Gladwyne Firehouse 1044 Black Rock Rd., Gladwyne

Bring the family, decorate the tree with your homemade ornaments, and help ring in the holiday season with your neighbors!

Chanukah Wonderland
December 5, 10:00 pm
Haverford Reserve Recreation Center 9000 Parkview Dr., Haverford

Calling all kids! You are invited to a “Chanukah Wonderland,” featuring donut decorating, latke frying, Chanukah crafts, and a hands-on olive press workshop.

DISCLAIMER: HEY PARENTS, AS WE WELL KNOW, THINGS CHANGE DAY TO DAY… EVEN HOUR TO HOUR SINCE WE HAVE ENDURED A GLOBAL PANDEMIC TOGETHER. PLEASE CHECK THE SPECIFIC EVENT WEBSITE FOR TIME CHANGES, RAIN DATES, COVID POLICIES, AND EVENT CANCELLATIONS BEFORE YOU PACK UP THE WHOLE CREW OR GATHER AROUND THE LAPTOP TO LOG ON.

Lead photo featuring this adorable Holiday Gnome craft courtesy of Felting with Farren.