Franklin Square Holiday Festival • Nov. 9—Dec. 31
Franklin Square undergoes a holiday transformation, complete with thousands of lights and holiday cheer.
6th and Race streets, Philadelphia. Visit www.historicphiladelphia.org.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane • Nov. 10—Jan. 1
Millions of lights adorn the park throughout the season, and 50 rides, including six roller coasters, remain open to guests.
100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey. Visit www.hersheypark.com.
Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park • Nov. 10—Feb. 28
Skate your way around an outdoor ice rink surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia. Visit www.ccdparks.org
North Pole Express at New Hope & Ivyland Railroad • Nov. 11—Dec. 31
This train takes a detour to the North Pole, passing through gorgeous winter scenery. Children also get a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
32 W. Bridge St., New Hope. Visit www.newhoperailroad.com.
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place • Nov. 18—Dec. 28
Perfect for the little ones, Sesame Place features train tours through their gingerbread cookie factory and a Christmas parade. Rudolph will even make an appearance.
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne. Visit www.sesameplace.com.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia • Nov. 18—Dec. 24
This Love Park-based, German-themed market contains around 80 vendors selling everything from food and drinks to gifts and jewelry.
1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia. Visit www.philachristmas.com.
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Yuletide at Winterthur • Nov. 18—Jan. 7
Historic Christmas traditions take visitors back to the 18th century at Henry Francis du Pont’s former home.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Del. Visit www.winterthur.org.
Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade • Nov. 23
The country’s original Thanksgiving parade marches its way through the streets of Philadelphia, complete with gigantic floats and lots of performers.
20th and Market streets, Philadelphia. Visit www.abclocal.go.com
Comcast Holiday Spectacular • Nov. 23—Jan. 1
As each hour strikes, the Comcast Video Wall presents the sights and sounds of the holidays on their world-class LED display.
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia. Visit www.corporate.comcast.com.
A Longwood Christmas • Nov. 23—Jan. 7
Longwood Gardens creates a colorful exhibit that captures the holiday spirit in a way only they could. This year’s theme is France’s Versailles.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum • Nov. 24—Dec. 31
Model trains weave their way through this holiday-themed garden. An all-natural setting accompanies the quarter-mile railway.
100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia. Visit www.morrisarboretum.org.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show • Nov. 24—Dec. 31
A four store velvet curtain backdrops an LED light show starring all your favorite holiday season characters. It is an ideal occasion for the whole family.
S. 13th St., Philadelphia. Visit www.wanamakerorgan.com.
A Brandywine Christmas • Nov. 24—Jan. 7
The Brandywine River Museum of Art displays a collection of model trains, as well as a Victorian dollhouse, plus a host of lively decorations for its annual celebration.
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford. Visit www.brandywine.org.
Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest • Nov. 24—March 4
This Delaware Riverfront spot goes on full-on winter wonderland with an outdoor ice skating, arcade games and top notch décor.
101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia. Visit www.delawareriverwaterfront.com.
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Christmas in Wayne • Dec. 1
Wayne throws a wonderful holiday extravaganza with activities such as ornament crafting, carriage rides and caroling.
Downtown Wayne. Visit www.waynechristmas.com.
Phoenixville Christmas Parade • Dec. 1
After the parade makes its way down Bridge Street, the tree in Renaissance Park is lit for the season.
351 Bridge St., Phoenixville. Visit www.phoenixville.org.
West Chester Christmas Parade • Dec. 1
Countless musicians, dancers and performers make their way through the streets of West Chester in celebration of the holidays.
Downtown West Chester. Visit www.downtownwestchester.com.
Christmasland at Linvilla • Dec. 1-23
For those who prefer the pine scent of a live Christmas tree, Linvilla is the perfect place to pick one up.
137 W. Knowlton Road, Media. Visit www.linvilla.com.
Phoenixville Candlelight Holiday Tour • Dec. 2
On the first Saturday of December, enjoy a tour through homes and houses of worship decorated specially for the season. Musicians and carolers will abound.
Parkside United Church of Christ, Phoenixville. Visit www.phoenixville.org
Breakfast with Santa at the Philadelphia Zoo • Dec. 2-17
The Philadelphia Zoo welcomes Santa, where children can take pictures and share their Christmas wishes with the jolliest man around. Zoo Noel will follow, with the entire zoo making a wintery transformation.
3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia. Visit www.philadelphiazoo.org.
Holiday Village Market • Dec. 2-10
Head to Kennett Square to get into the holiday spirit with crafts, artisan vendors, live music and ice sculptures. The market is also the perfect place to pick up holiday gifts.
401 Birch St., Kennett Square. Visit www.historickennettsquare.com.
Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village • Dec. 2-3
Peddler’s Village has endless holiday shops, a gingerbread house competition and a Santa parade at its annual holiday jubilee. Plus its quaint streets are decked out in lights.
Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska. Visit www.peddlersvillage.com.
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Photo by Don Groff. |
Narberth Dickens Festival • Dec. 3
Philadelphia’s fastest growing holiday festival becomes a veritable 19th-century London. Bring your Christmas cheer and see if even Ebenezer Scrooge converts to the holiday spirit.
Downtown Narberth. Visit www.narberthonline.com.
Stag and Doe Nights • Dec. 6-20
On Wednesdays in December, Chestnut Hill stays open late so shoppers can get all the gifts on their lists. The streets are adorned with holiday cheer, creating a convivial atmosphere.
Chestnut Hill. Visit www.chestnuthillpa.com.
Concord Township Tree Lighting • Dec. 8
Gather around Concord Community Center’s Christmas tree as the township illuminates the tree, with Santa Claus present.
45 S. Thornton Road, Glen Mills. Visit www.townshipofconcord.com.
National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum’s Holiday Open House • Dec. 8
Make your way around beautiful buildings, aglow with candle light, and enjoy holiday treats during this open house.
50 S. First Ave., Coatesville. Visit www.steelmuseum.org.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker • Dec. 8-31
Take in this holiday classic from the grand Academy of Music.
240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit paballet.org.
15th Annual Latkepalooza • Dec. 10
Bring a hearty appetite to this fun event, as Philly’s top restaurants create an array of this Hanukah classic.
401 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit www.gershmany.org.
Holiday Cookie Tin • Dec. 16
Nothing says the holidays quite like cookies. The Wayne Art Center hosts a cookie swap so that you can get a little taste of lots of flavors.
413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne. Visit www.wayneart.org.
