Your Ultimate Guide to the Philadelphia Region’s Holiday Events

From light shows to village markets to musical performances, these events are packed with seasonal fun.

Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Holidays & Snowdays • 11/3-1/6

Three artists’ renderings of scenes from classic holiday books Before Morning by Joyce Sidman, The Nutcracker by T. E. McMorrow, and Simon and the Bear, a Hanukkah Tale by Eric A. Kimmel, will be on display as part of the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Holidays & Snowdays: Illustrations for 3 Children’s Books.

1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. Visit www.brandywine.org.

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Hersheypark Christmas Candylane • 11/16 – 1/1

The sweetest place on earth takes it up a notch during the holidays. During Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, the park turns into a holiday oasis, complete with four million lights, and special holiday rides like the Hershey Triple Tower and Sidewinder. Even Santa and his reindeer are there to visit.

100 Hershey Dr., Hershey. Visit www.hersheypark.com.

Peddler’s Village • 11/16 – 1/5

A favorite Bucks County destination, Peddler’s Village is charming year round, but even more so around the holidays. The village twinkles with lights framing the buildings and trees. The Grand Illumination Celebration kicks off on Nov. 16, at which time the Gingerbread House Competition and Display also debuts. Stop by Dec. 1 and 2 for the Christmas Festival.

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2400 Street Rd., New Hope. Visit www.peddlersvillage.com.

Woodmere Art Museum’s The Night Before Christmas • 11/17 – 1/6

A holiday classic comes alive at Woodmere Art Museum’s The Night Before Christmas: The Illustrations of Charles Santore, featuring his iconic images from the 1822 story.

9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Visit www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

Winter WonderFEST • 11/17 – 12/31

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Head to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal for the annual Winter WonderFEST, which includes a 1.5-mile drive-through light show through Cape Henelopen State Park, a Christmas village, carnival rides, an ice-skating rink and more.

Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Del. Visit www.wonderfestde.org.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place • 11/17 – 1/1

Head to Sesame Place for A Very Furry Christmas, complete with three themed rides and a visit from Rudolph.

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne. Visit www.sesameplace.com.

Winterthur Museum Christmas

Yuletide at Winterthur runs from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6. Photo by Bob Leitch.

Yuletide at Winterthur • 11/18 – 1/6

Each year, Yuletide at Winterthur transforms Henry Francis du Pont’s former estate into a dazzling holiday display. This year’s theme focuses on all things old fashioned.

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Del. Visit www.winterthur.org.

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show • 11/18 – 1/7

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show features over three million lights over a 2-mile drivable route. After driving through, enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate or s’mores at the market.

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley. Visit www.shadybrookfarm.com/holiday-light-show.

New Hope North Pole Express • 11/21 – 12/31

Take a train ride through the rolling hills of Bucks County aboard the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad’s North Pole Express. The journey includes a cookie and hot cocoa, plus a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

32 W. Bridge St., New Hope. Visit www.newhoperailroad.com.

Walnut Street Theatre’s Winter Wonderettes • 11/21-12/30

Walnut Street Theatre’s Winter Wonderettes takes audiences back to 1968 for this holiday musical, complete with sing-along favorites like Jingle Bell Rock.

825 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.

Philadelphia Christmas Village • 11/22 – 12/24

LOVE Park is abuzz this time of year, as dozens of local vendors recreate the German tradition of Christkind. Pick up gifts, nosh your way through the village, or take in the light displays at the Christmas Village.

1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia. Visit www.philachristmas.com.

A Longwood Christmas • 11/22 – 1/6

Visitors from around the region flock to Longwood Gardens for its magnificent horticultural displays. In the winter, those displays are all the more magical as the 1,000-plus acre grounds glow under twinkling lights for A Longwood Christmas. This year’s theme pays homage to the Christmas tree itself.

1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org.

A Christmas Carol at Hedgerow Theatre • 11/23 – 12/24

Hedgerow Theatre continues its tradition of performing Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with two performances—a one-man who by Jared Reed from Nov. 23 – Dec. 2, and the full performance from Dec. 7-24.

64 Rose Valley Rd., Media. Visit www.hedgerowtheater.org.

Holidays at Hagley • 11/23 – 1/1

A longstanding Wilmington tradition, Holidays at Hagley returns, complete with the du Pont’s home, Eleutherian Mills bedecked for the holidays. For Twilight Tours, visit on Dec. 11, 12, 18 or 19. Or, if you want to meet Santa, pay a visit on Dec. 8.

200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington. Visit www.hagley.org.

Brandywine River Museum of Art's A Brandywine Christmas

Brandywine River Museum of Art’s A Brandywine Christmas runs from Nov. 23 to Jan. 6. Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum of Art.

Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Brandywine Christmas • 11/23 – 1/6

Children of all ages delight in the sights of the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Brandywine Christmas. The display is complete with nearly 2,000 feet of railroad track, on which an O-gauge model runs.

1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. Visit www.brandywine.org.

Legoland Discover Center Holiday Bricktacular • 11/24 – 12/30

On select dates this season, the Legoland Discovery Center will host its Holiday Bricktacular, which includes a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, building ornaments and decorations and a Lego Santa.

500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Visit www.Philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Holidays at Nemours • 11/24 – 1/6

On select days this season, visitors can discover another du Pont home in all its splendor as part of Holidays at the Estate at the Nemours Mansion.

850 Alapocas Dr., Wilmington. Visit www.nemoursmansion.org.

QVC West Chester Christmas Parade • 11/30

Now in its 39th year, the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade is a holiday staple in the borough. Additional festivities include a holiday village, open from 5-9 p.m., the Jingle Elf Run, a 2-mile race at 6:30 p.m., plus a host of floats and bands.

West Chester. Visit www.downtownwestchester.com.

Christmas in Wayne • 11/30 – 12/1

The Wayne Business Association’s Christmas in Wayne returns for another year. On Friday, there will be carolers on North Wayne Avenue, face painting and ornament decorating at the firehouse, plus horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides. The evening’s capped with the tree lighting, and on Saturday, there’s the Santa parade.

Wayne. Visit www.waynebusiness.com.

It’s a Wonderful Life at The Colonial Playhouse • 11/30 – 12/16

The Colonial Playhouse brings to stage holiday favorite, It’s a Wonderful Life.

522 W. Magnolia Ave., Aldan. Visit www.colonialplayhouse.net.

Hopewell Furnace Iron Plantation Christmas • 12/1

Get a glimpse at what life was like a century ago at Hopewell Furnace during its Iron Plantation Christmas, which is free to the public. The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson. Visit www.nps.gov/hofu.

Navy Yard Jingle Bell Run • 12/1

Run a 5k around the Navy Yard for the Jingle Bell Run, which benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Don a Santa hat or other colorful holiday garb for added fun.

4747 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit www.events.arthritis.org.

Marshallton House Tour • 12/1

For the first time in five years, the Marshallton House Tour returns to West Chester. The tour includes 19 homes and buildings decorated for the holidays, and will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

West Chester. Visit www.marshalltonchurch.org.

Community Arts Center and Potters Guild Holiday Sale • 12/1-8

Community Arts Center’s CAC and Potters Guild Holiday Sale returns, perfect for picking up handcrafted gifts for loved ones.

414 Plush Mill Rd., Wallingford. Visit www.communityartscenter.org.

A Christmas Carol at Walnut Street Theatre • 12/1-23

Walnut Street Theatre brings to stage the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim for its performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

825 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.

Narberth Dickens Festival • 12/2

Each December, the streets of downtown Narberth transform into a scene straight out of 1840s London for the Narberth Dickens Festival. This year’s festival will take place from 12-4 p.m., complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, ballet performances and the cast of A Christmas Carol.

Narberth. Visit www.narberthonline.com.

Kennett Square Holiday Village Market • 12/2 & 12/9

The Creamery once again hosts the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market, which brings together 80 local artisans and vintage vendors. Also on tap are ornament and wreath-making workshops, food and photos with Santa.

401 Birch St., Kennett Square. Visit www.kennettholidayvillage.com.

This Wonderful Life at Act II Playhouse • 12/4-30

Putting a comedic twist on holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Act II Playhouse puts on its own version with This Wonderful Life, starring Tony Braithwaite.

56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler. Visit www.act2.org.

Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art’s Latke Vodka • 12/6

Celebrate Chanukah with the Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art’s Latke Vodka: A Chanukah Celebration 2018, which includes an art opening, music and food.

615 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit www.rodephshalom.org.

National Museum of American Jewish History Candle Lighting • 12/6

Members can celebrate Hanukkah with latkes, cocktails and more at the Young Friends of NMAJH: Cocktails and Candle Lighting.

101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia. Visit www.nmajh.org.

National Iron and Steel Museum Holiday Open House • 12/7

During its Holiday Open House, the National Iron and Steel Museum and grounds are aglow in candlelight and replete with carolers. Plus, the historic buildings are bedecked for the holidays, including a train display.

50 S. First St., Coatesville. Visit www.steelmuseum.org.

The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music • 12/7-31

The Pennsylvania Ballet presents holiday classic George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music.

300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. www.kimmelcenter.org.

African American Museum in Philadelphia's Kwanzaa celebration.

African American Museum in Philadelphia’s Kwanzaa celebration takes place on Dec. 8. Photo courtesy of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

We Call it Kwanzaa! at African American Museum • 12/8

As party of Macy’s Family Fun Day, the African American Museum in Philadelphia will celebrate the holidays with the theme We Call it Kwanzaa! Then, on Dec. 26 and 29, AAMP will hold candle lighting ceremonies.

701 Arch St., Philadelphia. Visit www.aampmuseum.org.

Pennypacker Mills’ Victorian Christmas • 12/8

Pennypacker Mills’ Victorian Christmas Open House features a bell choir, Santa Claus and more.

5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville. Visit www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.

Linvilla Orchards Caroling Hayrides • 12/8-22

On Saturdays this December, partake in Wassailing and Caroling Hayrides at Linvilla Orchards.

598 Linvill Rd., Media. Visit www.linvilla.com. 

Crossing @ Christmas • 12/14

Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia chamber choir, the Crossing, will perform it’s the Crossing @ Christmas at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square.

1904 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Visit www.annenbergcenter.org.

Jewel’s Handmade Holiday Tour • 12/15

Grammy Award nominee, Jewel, brings her Jewel’s Handmade Holiday Tour to the Tower Theater, alongside Atz and Atz Lee.

69th and Ludlow Streets, Upper Darby. Visit venue.thetowerphilly.com.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Merriam Theater • 12/19-29

A treat for the whole family, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical comes to the Merriam Theater this month.

300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Wells Fargo Center • 12/21

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its electric concert, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, to the Wells Fargo Center for two shows, at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com.

Holiday Shows at the Kimmel Center • 12/1-29

The Kimmel Center will host multiple holiday events this month, including a Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season! (Dec. 1-22), Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis (Dec. 1), A Soulful Christmas (Dec. 11), Philadelphia Orchestra’s Organ and Brass Christmas (Dec. 14), the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia’s A Cole Christmas (Dec. 15), the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Christmas Kids’ Spectacular (Dec. 15), the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Glorious Sound of Christmas (Dec. 20-23), and Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert (Dec. 29).

300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. Visit www.kimmelcenter.org.

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