Our comprehensive listing of holiday events lets you and your family fully embrace all of the holiday spirit available in Chester County and the surrounding areas. Please click on
each link for the full detail on the cost and specifics of each event. Happy Holidays from Fun
Things.
each link for the full detail on the cost and specifics of each event. Happy Holidays from Fun
Things.
Holiday Events
The Best of Yuletide’s Past at Winterthur Museum
November 19, 2011–January 8, 2012
Join us for a magical tour that will transport you to Christmases of old.
Experience Winterthur’s most beloved holiday displays from past Yuletides, and
discover holiday traditions of Americans from the colonial period through World
War II, including the introduction of the first Christmas trees decorated with
goodies for children by Pennsylvania Germans in the 1800s.
Christmas at Hagley
November 25th through January 1st
The1803 du Pont ancestral home, is decorated primarily in Colonial Revival
style for the holidays. Dried flowers, greenery, fruits, and other natural
materials create a beautiful holiday ambiance accentuated by soft lights and
Christmas music. Exhibit included in regular admission. Free for members. Use
Hagley's main entrance off Route 141 in Wilmington, Delaware.
A Brandywine Christmas at Brandywine River Museum
November 25 - January 8
The museum celebrates the season with fabulous holiday displays including an
extensive O-gauge model railroad, an elaborate Victorian dollhouse and
thousands of whimsical "critter" ornaments on holiday trees.
November 25th – January 1st
Adventure Aquarium will be transformed into a holiday wonderland under the sea, featuring
larger-than-life decorations, twinkling lights, glowing trees, gently falling
snow and of course, appearances from the Aquarium’s beloved Scuba Santa (and
his elf helpers!), who will delight children all ages as he dives the 760,000-gallon
Ocean Realm exhibit among rare sharks, gigantic sea turtles, hundreds of
schooling fish, massive stingrays and more.
OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN WEST CHESTER
December 1-4West Chester celebrates Old-Fashioned Christmas with a four-day event! On the evening of December 2, the Tree Lighting occurs at 6:15pm with the Jingle Elf Run at 6:30pm. Christmas Parade begins at 7:15pm. The entire celebration features more than forty activities including guided walking tours of the historic downtown area and performances by a wide variety of musicians from gospel choirs to quartets. See details at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
larger-than-life decorations, twinkling lights, glowing trees, gently falling
snow and of course, appearances from the Aquarium’s beloved Scuba Santa (and
his elf helpers!), who will delight children all ages as he dives the 760,000-gallon
Ocean Realm exhibit among rare sharks, gigantic sea turtles, hundreds of
schooling fish, massive stingrays and more.
OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN WEST CHESTER
December 1-4West Chester celebrates Old-Fashioned Christmas with a four-day event! On the evening of December 2, the Tree Lighting occurs at 6:15pm with the Jingle Elf Run at 6:30pm. Christmas Parade begins at 7:15pm. The entire celebration features more than forty activities including guided walking tours of the historic downtown area and performances by a wide variety of musicians from gospel choirs to quartets. See details at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
Christmas Around the Farm & Christmas Open House at Linvilla
December 1st -24th
December 1st -24th
The Farm is decorated for Christmas. See our Christmasland display and visit with
the animals in their winter coats. The Farm Market features wreaths, freshly
cut trees, greens & holly,
decorations, fruit and gift baskets, Christmas gifts, hot mulled cider
& children's crafts.
the animals in their winter coats. The Farm Market features wreaths, freshly
cut trees, greens & holly,
decorations, fruit and gift baskets, Christmas gifts, hot mulled cider
& children's crafts.
Carriage Rides, Carolers, Art Stroll, live Music
Reindeer Sighting at Waterloo Gardens
December 02-04, 2011
Location: Exton and Devon
Waterloo Gardens Devon Location
Friday, December 2, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Waterloo Gardens Exton Location
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Visit one of Santa's live reindeer before he takes off for his trip of Christmas Eve. Be sure to bring the family and your camera for treasured memories.
Reindeer Sighting at Waterloo Gardens
December 02-04, 2011
Location: Exton and Devon
Waterloo Gardens Devon Location
Friday, December 2, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Waterloo Gardens Exton Location
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Visit one of Santa's live reindeer before he takes off for his trip of Christmas Eve. Be sure to bring the family and your camera for treasured memories.
Caroling Hayrides at Linvilla Orchards
December 3, 10 & 17 ~ 5 and 6:30 PM
Visitors are invited to sing Christmas Carols around the campfire and enjoy
roasting marshmallows and drinking apple cider.
Gingerbread House Making in West Chester
Gingerbread House Making
December 3rd
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
West Chester Municipal Building
Must pre-register.
Limited to 30 participants.
For more information, please contact the West Chester Parks and Recreation
Department at 610-436-9010.
December 3, 10 & 17 ~ 5 and 6:30 PM
Visitors are invited to sing Christmas Carols around the campfire and enjoy
roasting marshmallows and drinking apple cider.
Gingerbread House Making in West Chester
Gingerbread House Making
December 3rd
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
West Chester Municipal Building
Must pre-register.
Limited to 30 participants.
For more information, please contact the West Chester Parks and Recreation
Department at 610-436-9010.
Kennett Square Holiday Family Movies
December 5th A Christmas Story
December 5th A Christmas Story
December 12th Christmas Vacation
December 19th It’s a Wonderful Life
Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday December 10th Noon –4 pm
Location: Downtown Narberth, Forrest & Haverford Ave, Narberth, PA
Radnor Hotel’s Holiday Tea
Children's Saturday Afternoon Tea at The Radnor
Bring your little ones to enjoy a themed Afternoon Tea!
Ideal for children ages 3-8.
Holiday Tea
Saturdays, December 10th and 17th
1 - 3 p.m
Reservations
Advanced Ticket Purchase Required
Please call 610-341-3191
Hanukkah Events
Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Suburban Square
December 20th & Wed. December 21st
Saturday December 10th Noon –4 pm
Location: Downtown Narberth, Forrest & Haverford Ave, Narberth, PA
Radnor Hotel’s Holiday Tea
Children's Saturday Afternoon Tea at The Radnor
Bring your little ones to enjoy a themed Afternoon Tea!
Ideal for children ages 3-8.
Holiday Tea
Saturdays, December 10th and 17th
1 - 3 p.m
Reservations
Advanced Ticket Purchase Required
Please call 610-341-3191
Hanukkah Events
Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Suburban Square
December 20th & Wed. December 21st
6.00PM
Location:
Suburban Square-between Starbucks and Paper Source
Suburban Square-between Starbucks and Paper Source
Join the Squares on the first and second nights of Hanukkah for the lighting of the
Menorah. A Hanukkah Wonderland celebration will take place each evening after
the lighting in the space located between Starbucks and Paper Source.
Festivities wil include music, food, and crafts.
Lansdale Menorah Lighting
December 20th at 6:30 in the Railroad Plaza (West Main & Green Streets).
The public is invited to Railroad Plaza on the first night of Hanukkah for the
annual lighting of the Menorah.
Santa Events
Menorah. A Hanukkah Wonderland celebration will take place each evening after
the lighting in the space located between Starbucks and Paper Source.
Festivities wil include music, food, and crafts.
Lansdale Menorah Lighting
December 20th at 6:30 in the Railroad Plaza (West Main & Green Streets).
The public is invited to Railroad Plaza on the first night of Hanukkah for the
annual lighting of the Menorah.
Santa Events
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Kennett Sq.
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 25th. This year along with
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa Claus Arrives at Waterloo Gardens
November 25
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
at Exton and Devon stores
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing your children to see Santa on his first visit of the year to Waterloo Gardens. Bring your camera to capture holiday memories for years to come.
Get your photo with Santa on Saturdays & Sundays at Waterloo Gardens
November 26 & 27, 2011
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, & 18, 2011
at Exton and Devon stores
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bring your camera for a great photo with Santa before he travels to the North Pole.
Santa's Arrival & Festival of Lights in Media
Friday November 25th
5:00 PM
Santa arrives @ 6pm! State and Jackson Streets...
Phillie Phanatic and Makin' Music from 5-6pm
Official opening of Santa's Village at the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
Friday November 25th
5:00 PM
Santa arrives @ 6pm! State and Jackson Streets...
Phillie Phanatic and Makin' Music from 5-6pm
Official opening of Santa's Village at the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
Saturday, November 26th
at 11:00 AM
Location: Suburban Square
Courtyard
Holiday Fun at Glen Eagle
Visit Glen Eagle Square on Saturday November 26th at 5:50 for
Santa's Arrival and our Holiday Tree Lighting! Beginning at 5:30 PM, they will
have horse drawn carriage rides, crafts and much more.
at 11:00 AM
Location: Suburban Square
Courtyard
Holiday Fun at Glen Eagle
Visit Glen Eagle Square on Saturday November 26th at 5:50 for
Santa's Arrival and our Holiday Tree Lighting! Beginning at 5:30 PM, they will
have horse drawn carriage rides, crafts and much more.
Visit with Santa at Linvilla Orchards
Saturdays & Sundays 12 - 3 pm
Bring your camera!
The Farm is decorated for Christmas. See our Christmasland display and visit
with the animals in their winter coats. The Farm Market features wreaths,
freshly cut trees, greens & holly, decorations, fruit and gift baskets,
Christmas gifts, hot mulled cider & children's crafts.
Breakfast with Scuba Santa at the Adventure Aquarium
Create your own special Scuba Santa moment at a special breakfast with Gill the
Shark, Bumble the abominable snow monster from the Rudolph special and of
course, Scuba Santa.
Let us help bring in the warmth and joy of the season. Your admission to the
breakfast includes:
* A hot and delicious breakfast
* Meet & Greet with Bumble, Gill and Scuba
* Crafts
* Admission to Adventure Aquarium
* Parking
Event information
* Choose your date = 12/3, 12/4, 12/10, 12/11
* 8:30 – 10:30 am
Breakfast with Santa at Chester County Historical Society
Breakfast with Santa
12/3
Two seating's: 8:30 am & 10:00 am
$12:00 per person
Must register for this event!
For more information, please contact the West Chester Parks and Recreation
Department at 610-436-9010.
December 10th
at the Bayard Taylor Library
Free but registration is required. 610.444.2702.
Santa Trades in his Sleigh for a Helicopter
December 17th
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
December 17th
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
Holiday Concerts
The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars
The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars
December 2nd
7:30pm
The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars – a performance group featuring the
region’s most talented teens – brightens the holiday season with the family
show, “The Best Time of the Year!”
Audiences of all ages will enjoy the Shooting Stars as they light up the stage
with the annual Holiday Show
Nutcracker
The Brandywine Ballet Company
December 9, 2011 10 am
The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars – a performance group featuring the
region’s most talented teens – brightens the holiday season with the family
show, “The Best Time of the Year!”
Audiences of all ages will enjoy the Shooting Stars as they light up the stage
with the annual Holiday Show
Nutcracker
The Brandywine Ballet Company
December 9, 2011 10 am
December 10, 2011 12 pm
December 10, 2011 4 pm
December 11, 2011 2 pm
December 15, 2011 10 am
December 17, 2011 12 pm
December 17, 2011 4 pm
December 18, 2011 6 pm
Performance are at The Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, West Chester University
A magical tea time with the cast!
Saturday, December 10th
Sunday December 11th
Saturday, December 17th
Join Clara, The Sugar Plum Fairy and many other characters of The Nutcracker for a special pre-performance tea party full of delights! Enjoy tea sandwiches, fruit tray, cookies, favors and don't forget to bring your camera! The Tea is held at The Philips Memorial Library. Simply walk downstairs to the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall for the performance of The Nutcracker!
The Nutcracker Tea tickets - $25/person (you will also need to purchase tickets to see the Nutcracker)
International Ballet Classique Performs Nutcracker Ballet
Tis the season for magic, family, and fun as the beauty and joy of the Nutcracker Ballet comes alive at the beautiful 300 seat Meagher Theatre, Neumann College , Aston. International Ballet Classique (IBC) presents IBC productions of this holiday favorite.
Dates:
December 15 @ 10:00am (children's abridged performances)
International Ballet Classique Performs Nutcracker Ballet
Tis the season for magic, family, and fun as the beauty and joy of the Nutcracker Ballet comes alive at the beautiful 300 seat Meagher Theatre, Neumann College , Aston. International Ballet Classique (IBC) presents IBC productions of this holiday favorite.
Dates:
December 15 @ 10:00am (children's abridged performances)
December 15 @ 11:30am (children's abridged performances)
December 16 @ 7:30 pm
December 17 @ 2:00 pm
December 17 @ 7:30 pm
December 18 @ 2:00 pm
December 17 @ 2:00 pm
December 17 @ 7:30 pm
December 18 @ 2:00 pm
The Philadelphia Dance Academy’s Nutcracker is an expertly choreographed and beautifully executed masterpiece that is as family friendly as it is unique. This “Children’s Nutcracker” showcases the breadth of talent being cultivated within the studios of the academy, with soloist and semi-soloist roles being played by pre-teen and teen ballerina’s in training.
There will be four performances that will take place at the Prince Music Theater, located at 1412 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19102:
Saturday, December 17th 2pm and 5pm
Sunday, December 18th 11am and 2pm
Pennsylvania Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
December 10th - 31st
Be enchanted by the Philadelphia region's most beloved holiday tradition,George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™. For 43 years, families have created yuletide memories with Pennsylvania Ballet's production of this classic tale. The simple story of a girl, a gift, and a fanciful dream is made magical by opulent sets and costumes by Peter Horne and Judanna Lynn and the impassioned artistry of Pennsylvania Ballet dancers. The renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir raises their voices with the magnificent Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra to bring Tschaikovsky's unforgettable score to life.
Click here for performance times and tickets
Click here for special packages
Theater
Christmas Wonderland, A Musical Holiday Spectacular at West Chester Live
Saturday, December 10, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 11, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Saturday, December 10, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 11, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
The Greater Ocean City Theater Company travels to West Chester to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with A Christmas Wonderland, a Musical Holiday Spectacular! The cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented song and dance tribute to the holidays, directed and choreographed by WCU alumnus Michael Hartman. Dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers, and special effects, will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us!
A Christmas Carol at the Footlighters TheaterDecember 2nd- December 17th
This production of A Christmas Carol goes beyond other
adaptations with a unique dramatic concept: At the opening curtain, Charles
Dickens himself is introduced to the audience, ready to present one of the
famed platform readings of his stories that packed auditoriums in Europe and
America. Of course, the story chosen is one which he often performed, A
Christmas Carol. Come and enjoy live, community theatre!
Charlie Brown Christmas at The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater
December 3rd -11th
Come enjoy this classic TV special on stage! Charlie Brown, repelled by the
commercialism he sees around him, tries to find out the true meaning of
Christmas. The whole gang is there including Snoopy, Lucy, and Linus. This sure
will be a delight during the holiday season!
adaptations with a unique dramatic concept: At the opening curtain, Charles
Dickens himself is introduced to the audience, ready to present one of the
famed platform readings of his stories that packed auditoriums in Europe and
America. Of course, the story chosen is one which he often performed, A
Christmas Carol. Come and enjoy live, community theatre!
Charlie Brown Christmas at The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater
December 3rd -11th
Come enjoy this classic TV special on stage! Charlie Brown, repelled by the
commercialism he sees around him, tries to find out the true meaning of
Christmas. The whole gang is there including Snoopy, Lucy, and Linus. This sure
will be a delight during the holiday season!
Winnie the Pooh Christmas at Hedgerow
Saturdays, November 26-December 17 at 11 a.m.;
Tuesday, December 27 and Wednesday, December 28 at 2 p.m.
Train Rides With Santa
Santa Arrives at Strasburg Rail Road
Just in time for the holidays, Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to
Strasburg Rail Road Thanksgiving weekend, starting November 25th..
Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of
families who believe.
West Chester Rail Road Santa's Express
Santa's Express
November 25, 26, 27
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
11AM, 1PM, 3PM
All aboard Santa's Express! Join Santa for a 90 minute journey on our heated
decorated train through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be
greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to
Glen Mills. Once at Glen Mills passengers can disembark and explore the
historic station. There are plenty of photo opportunities on Santa's lap inside
the station. Remember your cameras! Upon return to West Chester, all passengers
receive treats from Santa!
All Aboard the Santa Express!
All Aboard the Santa Express!
Nov 25th
Climb Aboard the Santa Express on November 25th!
Join The Gallery and SEPTA for a fun filled ride with Santa and his cast of
merry characters. Check website for stations and departure times
Family Fun
Blue Cross River Rink
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 a 18th season on November 23rd.
The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public
ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.
Call 215-925-RINK for current rink and weather conditions
Christmas Lights
Herrs Factory Holiday Light Show
November 23rd - January 1st
Free Lights show nightly on the Herrs Factory property.
Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly Dec. 3 through Jan. 2 in Rose
Tree Park, Route 252, in Upper Providence. Opening ceremony is 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3. Free admission. For information contact the Department of
Parks and Recreation at 610-565-7410
Christmas at Longwood Gardens
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, artemesia, begonias, cyclamen, hybrid
lilies, kalanchoes, paperwhites, red-berried plants and many 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.
Holiday Light Show and Dickens Village Macy's Center City
THE 2011 CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW runs hourly from the day after Thanksgiving
through New Year's Eve day check website for times. The
DICKENS VILLAGE (Floor 3) is open continuously during the same period from 10am
to 7pm.
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 2011
“The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 2011” debuts on Thanksgiving Day at 10:00 a.m.
with exciting new elements and scenes, including a world class 1940s
Swing-Style dance of Jingle Bell Rock featuring Broadway stars, ice sculptures
coming to life, and a new light show. Several new super-high resolution
computer generated images have been incorporated, providing people of all ages
with a holiday display like no other.
The 15-minute show, full of stunning original holiday imagery, music and more
was created using cutting-edge technology and will be shown on the 83’ x 25’
Comcast Experience video wall, which is the world’s largest four mm LED display
with incredible resolution that’s five times that of an HDTV, in the Comcast
Center lobby.
WHEN:
Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Weekend 2012
Shown daily; 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
15-minute shows at the top of each hour
(Shows are not hosted on weekdays at 5:00 p.m.)
**Is your charity, organization or school having a Holiday Event? You can add your event to Fun Things for just $5.00. This includes a post on our blog, Facebook Page and an entry on our calendar. Reach thousands of Delaware and Chester County parents and get maximum
exposure for your event. Click here for more information**
exposure for your event. Click here for more information**
