New Year's Eve Family Events in the Philadelphia Area

kids events in Chester county , Kids friendly New Years Eve
New Year's Eve Family Events in the Philadelphia Area






Celebration Countdown to Fun: Library New Year Dance Party!!!!
Do you love to dance?  Join Miss Jenne upstairs in the KING MEETING ROOM for a fun thematic book and New Year celebration.  We will enjoy fun favors like glow sticks, hats, necklaces, a bubble machine, and more! 
Registration Required

This is the must attend of the year! Celebrate the New Year with a Twiggy Drop at 12Noon. Park is open from 10AM-1PM with special activities. This is a limited available pass - Advanced ticket purchase is required.







Children 10 years and under are invited to bring their grownup and celebrate the New Year! Party at the Library with stories, activities, a photo booth, and dancing! Balloon drop just before 12 noon.
Registration required. 




Count Down 2 Noon at The Please Touch Museum

December 31st, 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.

To create a festive and fun New Year’s Eve for everyone, we are offering two timed sessions with limited capacity and will livestream the New Year’s Eve ball drop on the Museum’s lower level for those who want a quieter countdown experience. Choose the option that works best for your family; both the morning and afternoon sessions will end with our traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop and livestream option!






We're having a Noon Year's Eve story time at the Parkesburg Free Library! Join us for stories, a celebration-themed craft, and a fun countdown to Noon. Wear a fancy party outfit, if you'd like!



We’ll have a celebratory atmosphere with a group countdown to Noon. Program takes place outside in the zoo so dress for the weather! Hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the snack bar. Some animals may not be out because of the cold weather. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY!







A Countdown to 2026 for Kids! Children 10 years and under are invited with their grownup to celebrate the New Year with a Party at the Henrietta Hankin Library! Join us for activities, a photo booth, story time, and dancing! Then help us count down to 2026 at 12 noon!
Space is limited. Registration is required.





New Year's Eve Fireworks at Penn's Landing

Ring in 2026 in style with Parties on Ice with New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, the biggest and brightest fireworks show in the area.





New Year's Eve in Kennett Square

The Mushroom Festival and Kennett Area Restaurant & Merchant Association are again hosting the Annual Mushroom Drop being held at State & Union Streets this year.

Weather permitting (no wind), the lighted Mushroom will be raised at 8:55 PM - bring the kids for the opening celebrations.



New Year's Eve at Cherry Street Pier

Enjoy activities with a balloon drops from the sky to conclude the party, music and games with DJ Frost, special appearances and interactive play with Spiderman, Black Panther, and Captain America, PopUpPlay superhero training camp, where kids can create their own superhero identity, cape, and shield, a build-your-own superhero robot station, dress-up fun with Unless Kids, including the chance to become a villain. 





New Year's Eve Family Jam at Ardmore Music Hall

New Year's Eve (Day) Family Jam w/ Alex & the Kaleidoscope.

Countdown and Ball Drop at Noon + Arts & Crafts + Brunch!






New Year's Eve Fireworks at Sesame Place

The night sky sparkles at Sesame Place, with our spectacular fireworks show, set to Sesame Street music, making the festivities on New Year's Eve truly memorable. Fireworks will begin immediately following their Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade on December 31st.





Celebrate NOON Year's Eve with the help of your royal pals and the DutchWonderBand! Enjoy the festivities and the confetti in Market Square, plus 20+ rides, magic shows, storytime, and more!


Read more »
Labels: , , , ,

What to do with the Kids Over Winter Break in Chester County and Surrounding Area

Family events in Chester County , Family Fun in Chester County
What to do with the Kids Over Winter Break in Chester County and Surrounding Area


The presents have been opened, and toys have been played with, and every parent fears the words "I'm bored" over Christmas break. Don't fret; Fun Things has you covered with events to keep your family busy over break.

Catch a Show

Peoples Light Presents A Christmas Carol

November 19- January 4th 

With inventive, joyful staging by Director Molly Rosa Houlahan, this music-filled adaptation of A Christmas Carol offers a surprising, whimsical reimagining of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. Seen through the eyes of a child, we follow Ebenezer Scrooge and a gathering of ghosts on a journey through time that celebrates the redemptive power of kindness, hope, and love. Featuring original music by People’s Light Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman, woven with traditional English carols, and starring Ian Merrill Peakes as Scrooge, A Christmas Carol is a must-see for the whole family this holiday season.



A Christmas Story The Musical 
November 18th - January 4th

A Christmas Story The Musical is Broadway’s musical comedy gift! A boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, the dogs stealing the turkey, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Based on the classic movie, this musical captures holiday wonder with funny and heartfelt songs, show-stopping dancing, a pair of mischievous dogs, delicious wit and a heart of gold!





Annie at the Media Theater
December 13th -December 29th

THE LITTLE ORPHAN WHO COULD. Annie is taken from her orphanage and the clutches of evil Miss Hannigan to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion for the holidays. When Annie wins the hearts of Warbucks and his staff, they set out on an epic mission to find Annie’s parents. Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan, in partnership with her brother, Rooster, and his girlfriend, Lily, attempts to make some money from this unique situation.






Disney on Ice presents Jump In
December 26th - January 3rd

"Disney on Ice Jump In!" is a new ice show featuring characters from Moana, Inside Out, and other Disney stories, including Zootopia, Frozen, Toy Story, and Encanto. The show is on a North American tour for the 2025-2026 season. It can be an interactive experience, taking families on a journey through the various stories, with optional pre-show character experiences available for an additional cost. 



What would the holidays be without George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®? Whether it’s your first or thirty-first time seeing Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of the classic, watching the timeless story brought to life is always a delight. From a festive family party to the exciting battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and the delectable journey through the Land of Sweets, Marie’s magical story is thrilling for the young – and young at heart.


Watch the Twinkling Lights


December 4th - December 31st
Monday-Thursday 6PM - 9PM
Friday-Sunday 6PM - 10PM

 This is a synchronized Christmas light display in the Marchwood neighborhood of Exton, PA, drive up, tune your radio to 90.3 FM, and enjoy!





Enjoy a unique display of tens of thousands of lights and animated displays from the comfort of your own vehicle.  Load up the car with family and friends and traverse the 60 acre/1.1 mile route through the Christmas Tree farm lit up and synchronized with Holiday songs to celebrate the season! NEW THIS YEAR: No need to selct a date or time for your reservation. Simply purchase a ticket and show up during the Light Show! The show will not operate if there is inclement weather. Please check social media for the latest information.




Christmas at Longwood Gardens
November 21st - January 11th

Half a million outdoor lights and holiday magic await you during Longwood's incomparable Christmas display. Enjoy dazzling trees and seasonal concerts. The Music Room hosts a special, themed holiday display. Kids of all ages will delight in a miniature Garden Railway decked out for the holidays. Thousands of poinsettias accented with amaryllis, artemisia, begonias, cyclamen, hybrid lilies, kalanchoes, paperwhites, red-berried plants, etc other flowers flourish inside acres of heated glass conservatories. Living wreaths, swags, and live floral trees adorn rooms throughout the Conservatory. Included in Gardens admission.




Herr's Christmas Lights
November 27th- January 5th

Come enjoy our FREE Holiday Lights Display from dusk to dawn (5pm-7am). Drive through our corporate campus and over 600,000 dazzling lights. We ask that all visitors stay in their cars for everyone’s safety.




West Chester Griswolds
November  27th- December 28th

 The lights will start on Thanksgiving night (November 23).    We will run through at least January 1, 2024.  We look forward to seeing everyone and have some exciting new stuff planned for this year.  We will also accept letters to Santa again this year.



Christmas in Media
December 5th - January 1st

We invite you to walk around and view our display. We, please, ask that you pull over and park next to our home. Please respect our neighbor's properties. Please do not park in front of our neighbor's homes, and please do not turn around in their driveways. There is a mailbox located at the front of the house for your letters to Santa. Don't forget to tune your radio to 87.9, so you can hear all the Christmas music and movie clips on the big screen. 



Winter in Franklin Square
November 21st- February 23rd

Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland starting November 21! Enjoy dazzling Electrical Spectacle Light Shows presented by PECO, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, and seasonal sweet treats and cocktails!



LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
November 21st - January 2nd

LumiNature, a fantastical new winter light experience set to transform the Zoo, will take guests on a magical journey of illuminations, music, sound and surprises.





Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
November 22nd - December 30th

Elmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, Wild Lights, returns this holiday season! With new lights and decorative attractions and more animals on exhibit, this year’s Wild Lights is sure to be brighter than ever! Take a stroll through “Oh” Christmas Tree, and be surrounded by a glistening forest, or visit with our big cats in Trail of the Jumping Jaguar. Each night of Wild Lights features live entertainment, unique animal encounters, performances, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa himself.





Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 22nd through Jan. 4
5 pm to 10 pm

Experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show! Encounter whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters.
Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show in a private open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).



November 17th - December 30th

Stroll an enchanted Village and sip tasty beverages. Find perfect gifts in 65 specialty shops and boutiques. Enjoy fine dining or casual fare in your choice of restaurants. Ride a 1920s carousel and play in the arcade. See a magnificent display of gingerbread houses. Spend the night in our elegant country inn. And enjoy the company of the people you love.




November 27 - January 1
shows every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The annual Comcast Holiday Spectacular returns with super high-res digital holiday shows displayed on one of the world’s largest LED video walls.

A must-see holiday tradition, this free 15-minute video show takes visitors on a festive, musical journey featuring classic holiday songs, performances, and a sleigh ride around the world.




Go Ice Skating


We’re very excited to return to Edgmont, PA, opening November 29th and running through February 2025. Conveniently located on Route 3,  just minutes from the Blue Route, West Chester, Newtown Square, and a short drive from Philadelphia or The Main Line. You can expect a winter wonderland filled with fun for the whole family, including convenient on-site parking, festive music, lighting, video & decor, delicious food & beverages, and heated hospitality tents perfect for private parties.



Blue Cross River Rink Winter Fest
Opens November 28th- February 1st

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is proud to continue to present a wintertime tradition in Philadelphia, as the Blue Cross River Rink will re-open for the 28th season on November 26th. The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.





Winter at Dilworth Park
November  14th – March 14th

Come to ice skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, relax with a warm seasonal beverage at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, stroll through the seasonal plant arrangements in the Wintergarden, view the dazzling Deck the Hall Holiday Light Show, and shop for gifts at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.


Ice Line  Skate indoors at Ice Line in West Chester








Ice Works - Skate indoors at Ice Works in Aston. 







Ride some Rides



Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas

November 15th - January 4th

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place® is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends. The park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around.
At the center of our 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show is a 30-foot fully-illuminated pixel-based tree that will project festive animated images. At the same time, guests can dance along to a festive holiday soundtrack – all making for the ultimate light show experience!
Sing along at two special Christmas shows and take a train ride tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory on the Sesame Place Furry Express!



Hershey Park Christmas Candyland

November 14th - January 4th

The magic of the holidays comes to life at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. With two million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, festive decorations, and Hershey's Product Characters decked out in their holiday best, there is something for all to enjoy! 


Dutch Winter Wonderland

November 15th - December 31st

Dutch Winter Wonderland offers themed rides, games, and holiday entertainment under thousands of twinkling lights! Indoor activities include cookie decorating, voting for your favorite gingerbread house, and sharing holiday wishes with Santa. 

Explore Someplace New


November 22nd–January 4th

Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity in the historic mansion, and woodland whimsy awaits outdoors. There is so much to see and do throughout the season– delight in beautifully decorated trees and marvel at a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Enjoy enchanting decorations and outdoor lighting inspired by the woodlands of Winterthur. Advance reservations strongly recommended.




 November 28 through January  1

Holidays at Hagley returns with the theme, “Treasures and Traditions," and will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the sixth-annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more. 



Brandywine Railroad at Brandywine River Museum
November 15th- January 4th

A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater, and even a carnival.

A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are also incorporated into the display to allow for further engagement.




November 22nd - December 30th

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.




November 29th - January 4th

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia during our Holiday Bricktacular. Enjoy seasonal LEGO build activities, holiday theming throughout the Center, and
 much more

Read more »
Labels: , , , , ,

Ideas for Tracking Santa

Christmas Games for kids , County down for Christmas
Ideas for Tracking Santa



So the kids are making you crazy today, asking you when Santa will arrive? So why not have them track Santa and play some fun holiday games. 



The Norad Santa Tracker keeps children updated on Santa's whereabouts. Based on his current location, they know whether they should head to bed before he arrives. The website offers a Christmas countdown, games, activities, 2D and 3D training maps, Santa Camera videos, and more.


The Google Santa Tracker takes you to Santa’s Village, which is filled with ways to follow Santa. Head to Google Santa Tracker to find a countdown clock to Christmas Eve and 24 different activities to pass the time before Santa arrives.


Happy Tracking!
Read more »
Labels: , , , ,