Showing posts with label Christmas Chester County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Chester County. Show all posts

Where is 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!

Fun Things To Do in Chester County This Weekend For Families and Kids December 4th -6th

A list of best things to do in Chester County this weekend December 4th- 6th



What to do this weekend with your family? Here is a list of things you can enjoy with your family this weekend:  



Grab your PJ's and some hot chocolate and get cozy while the AGL library staff reads some of their favorite winter holiday-themed children's books!


It's the most wonderful time of the year! This year's virtual Christmas Spectacular will feature every song and scene your heart longs to see and hear during this Holiday season: from The Peanuts to The Grinch, from The Nutcracker to Twas the Night Before Christmas, from Carol of the Bells to O Holy Night, this show will be all you need to put you right in the Christmas spirit, complete with a choreographed snowball fight. Perfect for the whole family, join us for this virtual presentation as we all need a little Christmas, right this very minute!



Starting November 27 10am-8pm, every day 
Visit our FREE Holiday Lights Walk
Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Poinsettias, and Holiday Decor for sale 
And don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa!!



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

Admission is free. The lights are on from dusk until dawn.


We’ve decorated Colonial Gardens for Christmas, and you’re invited to join us! Take a stroll through the decorated landscape and enjoy the spectacular lights and displays throughout the grounds. And make sure to catch the light show synchronized to music!



The Philadelphia Film Society host drive-in movies at the Navy Yard.  Tickets need to be purchased in advance.


Join the Wayne Business Association on 12/5 as we welcome Santa to town! We hope you and your family will join us for our Annual Christmas in Wayne 2020 Edition!FREE Take Your Own Socially Distant Santa Pictures


All aboard Santa's Express! Join Santa for a 75-minute journey on our heated decorated train through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills and return. Santa will be visiting all passengers while on the train. Make sure you bring your holiday lists with you so Santa can check them twice! Passengers will also enjoy live entertainment onboard from Greg Wright and friends!


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.




The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink is a safe, outdoor entertainment experience in Philadelphia's beloved Dilworth Park. Open seven days a week, November 6, 2020-February 28, 2021, the rink offers wintry fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs - all in accord with City, State, and CDC guidelines. 
New this season, an online reservation system will provide safe contactless purchasing opportunities with scheduled timed, 90-minute skating sessions in order to control the rink capacity for skaters. Guests will be able to make an online reservation for their desired skate session and can print their tickets at home or use a QR code on their mobile device when they arrive at the rink. In addition to tickets, guests will be able to purchase and reserve lockers to secure and maintain possession for their personal belongings.



Visit Exton Square Mall's real-bearded Santa in North Court to Capture your Holiday Memories
To protect our shoppers, reservations are required to take a photo with Santa. See how we are practicing social distancing and other safety guidelines here.



Santa Claus welcomes you and passengers of all ages aboard America's oldest operating railroad for a truly magical steam train and Christmas experience!


We’ve decked the halls with more than 5 million lights for the merriest event of the year, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane®! Join us for your favorite rides and coasters, a visit with Santa, festive Hershey Character experiences, and more. Plus, for the first time ever, explore Hershey’s Chocolatetown in the winter!



‘Tis the season for an underwater Christmas experience! See Scuba Santa swimming in Shark Realm along with the World’s Tallest Christmas Tree. Take a stroll through Caribbean Currents to see the World's Smallest Underwater Christmas trees.




The wonder of the holiday season starts early at the Brandywine River Museum of Art this year! Beginning on October 31, 2020, visitors can enjoy “Holiday Magic at Brandywine” with the opening of the Brandywine Railroad—a holiday favorite since 1972. On view through January 10, 2021, this year’s seasonal offerings will also include the return of artist and composer Ann Wyeth McCoy’s dollhouse, which features six rooms filled with three-dozen dolls and hundreds of miniature objects that will delight visitors of all ages.

While slightly modified this year to provide a safe and socially distant experience, the Brandywine Railroad display will still have plenty of model trains, miniature details, and the engaging elements that everyone loves—including interactive components operated by hands-free foot pedals. The iconic O-gauge display will feature trains running on a thousand feet of track through a small village, a drive-in movie theater, and even a carnival. This year the Brandywine will also introduce two model train sets with layouts once owned by Nicky and Jamie Wyeth—sons of the renowned American artist, Andrew Wyeth.


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.


DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription: Wassailing Caroling Hayrides

For the health and safety of our customers, we have canceled events, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Join the storytime read along and find activity sheets on the website.
 

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!



Peddler Village guests can celebrate the season by participating in its holiday-themed Mystery Walking Tour. Geared toward younger children, this experience engages participants in searching for the Elf on the Shelf named Shelfie.  Also, check out their 

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Fun Things to Do With Kids In Chester County is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we hope you will.

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

All the contents on this website and all social media platforms are provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to offer guidance regarding venues and businesses that are reopening. The ultimate judgment regarding any specific activity is yours. We do not take any responsibility for any decision you make with the information provided on this website and on our social media platforms. We are not medical doctors or professionals, nor do we have any medical or scientific training, education, or experience. You should follow government guidelines for safe practices for yourself and your family members before making any decisions relating to any activities that are outside your home.

Christmas Light Shows and Displays in Chester County and Surrounding Area


Everyone loves to watch the twinkling lights displays in the area. For more holiday events, check out our Holiday Event Guide.




The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly December 4th through Jan. 1st in Rose Tree Park, Route 252, in Upper Providence.  Free admission. For information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-891-4455



Christmas at Longwood Gardens
November 2oth - January 10th


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.



Holiday Light Show and Dickens Village Macy's Center City

Since 1861, generations of children have enjoyed the magic of a visit with the one-and-only Santa Claus at Macy’s. That cherished holiday tradition will continue this year in a new way through Macy’s Santaland® at Home. Beginning Friday, November 27 through Thursday, December 24the magic of Macy’s Santaland will be transformed into an interactive, virtual experience for the first time ever. for the first time ever To safely bring the wonder of this cherished holiday tradition to families nationwide, Macy’s Santaland’s in-store experience will be available through an immersive and whimsical digital-only engagement available at macys.com/Santaland. 


Herr's Christmas Lights
November 25th- January 2nd

Take a ride in the comfort of your car and drive through the beautiful light displays on the Herr's property.







West Chester Griswolds
November 26 - January 3rd

 The lights will start on Thanksgiving night (November 26).    We will run through at least January 3, 2021.  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 (There may be some minor changes due to COVID).



Winter in Franklin Square 
November 19th- December 31st

Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO brings sparkling lights and winter magic.
Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the magic of the holidays with health and safety protocols, expanded seating, and plenty of fresh air to enjoy new and old traditions.



November 20 - December 30

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.


Virtual Seaport Parade of Lights
December 12th

Join Independence Seaport Museum (virtually) on Saturday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. for the Parade of Lights' return!  While it won't exactly be what you are used to, this virtual presentation will be sure to put you and your family in the holiday spirit.

Debuting on our social media platforms (and YouTube) at 5:30 p.m., the video will include fun holiday activities that can be done at home, cocktail (and mocktail!) recipes for everyone in your household, and, of course, a pre-recorded parade of boats decked out in their holiday finest parading along the Delaware River. 



November 27 - January 3

Feel the glow of holidays past and present as you step into an illuminated escape with your friends, family, and loved ones. Sprung just steps from Wells Fargo Center, Winter on Broad Street: A Holiday Light Spectacular! Presented by Dietz & Watson welcomes you to find the magic of the season as you meander through 193 larger-than-life light sculptures and displays. Indulge in yuletide confections and fill your senses with your favorite holiday traditions.
With seasonal surprises along the path, every inch of this twinkling wonderland comes to life for winter lovers of all ages.



Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 21through Jan. 10
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 19th - January 10th

This year, Peddler’s Village will celebrate the holiday season with a million lights on display in the Village, holiday shopping, food, and beverage specials. Also at Peddler’s this year: The Gingerbread Competition & Display returns with more than 70 creative entries (November 19, 2020 – January 9, 2021), and families can participate in Elf on the Stealth, an outdoor walking tour where visitors join Mrs. Clause in search of a missing elf (November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021, weekends only).


Rockwood Park Display
December 4-6, 6-9 p.m.

Festive drive-through holiday light displays at Rockwood Park
Featuring colorful twinkling lights, holiday decorations, Santa sightings, and delightful surprises all from the comfort of your car on selected nights! All ages. FREE

Lights will remain on for drive-throughs following opening weekend for continued enjoyment.


This 1.5-mile journey through Old Mill Stream Campground is the perfect way to experience the magic of the season! Take in whimsical scenes, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, and special surprises, all from the comfort of your car.

Want to extend your visit? After you exit Old Mill Stream Campground, stop by the Dutch Wonderland castle for some holiday shopping, a cup of hot cocoa, and a socially-distanced photo with Santa! Plus, included with your admission, take a ride aboard Dutch Wonderland's famous Wonderland Special train!


The holiday season comes to life as you drive your car through the Winter in Wilmington Light Show on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Thousands of lights make up this dazzling show. Dash through this electric trail in your one-horse open sleigh as there is so much to see! Your family will love the animated installations, interactive music, and holiday cheer. Create a new family tradition this year with The Grand’s Winter in Wilmington Light Show! Pay by the carload at $25 per vehicle*.


Fun Things to Do With Kids In Chester County is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we hope you will.

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

All the contents on this website and all social media platforms are provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to offer guidance regarding venues and businesses that are reopening. The ultimate judgment regarding any specific activity is yours. We do not take any responsibility for any decision you make with the information provided on this website and on our social media platforms. We are not medical doctors or professionals, nor do we have any medical or scientific training, education, or experience. You should follow government guidelines for safe practices for yourself and your family members before making any decisions relating to any activities that are outside your home.




What to do with the Kids Over Winter Break in the Philadelphia 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


December 7th - 31st

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.






Jack Frost at the Media Theater
Sundays at Noon from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30

The rollicking, merry, and heartfelt musical is all about a boy who is unique because everything he touches turns to ice. Jack Frost appears out of a snow bank and meets four humorous animals: a rabbit, a polar bear, a penguin, and a raccoon. He then escapes from the North Pole and finds himself in a ‘mistaken identity’ situation. 







December 24th - December 31st


Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Help them follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco in Miguel’s Disney On Ice debut, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky above you as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration on the ice, in the air, and all around!

Celebrate 15 years (yowzah!) of People’s Light tradition with our most popular holiday panto! As “the nation’s primary creator of such specialized tomfoolery” (Newsworks), we invite you to cheer our heroes, “boo” the bad guys, and sing along as we transport the magical tale of fairy godmothers and glass slippers to the roaring 1920s.



Watch the Twinkling Lights

The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly November 30th through Jan. 1st in Rose Tree Park, Route 252, in Upper Providence.  Free admission. For information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-891-4455



Christmas at Longwood Gardens
November 22nd - January 6th


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 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 2018 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 2018

November 22nd  – January 1st
Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
15-minute shows at the top of each hour
(Shows are not presented on weekdays at 5:00 p.m.)

The magic of the holidays come alive in “The Comcast Holiday Spectacular,” a must-see holiday tradition in Philadelphia, entertaining people of all ages and spreading holiday cheer.



Herr's Christmas Snacktacular


Take a ride in the comfort of your car and drive through the beautiful light displays on the Herr's property.


Visit a local Museum



The Academy of Natural Science 

We are switching up our winter programming to bring you some slimy, spicy and out of this world science extremes! You can make super slime to take home, collect wild specimens on an enormous scale and taste the hottest hot sauce and the crunchiest bugs.



Delaware Museum of Natural History
Bring family and friends to the Museum for a much-needed post-holiday break and four days of discovery!  The Museum’s annual four day event features live animals, games, crafts, activities, science stops, learning stations, and so much more!  Food trucks will be available for food, snack, and beverage purchases. We’ll wrap up the celebration on Sunday, December 30 at 3 p.m. with an early New Year’s countdown at a family-friendly time. Discovery Days is presented by Bank of America.


Franklin Institute 
Holiday week is bustling with extra programs and activities! Visitors can see live shows including The Science of Fireworks Show and the Holiday Spectacular Show, plus Random Acts of Science and more expanded daily programming to supplement the general museum experience.

Back by popular demand, Creation Station is a pop-up family-focused design, build and play construction area where young scientists can let their creativity run wild. Featuring giant Tinker Toys® and large Imagination Playground blocks, plus an area for building with KEVA planks and Rig Ama Jigs® —budding engineers will put their science skills to the test in this limited-time space.



Constitution Center

‘Tis the season to visit the National Constitution Center. Visitors can enjoy a variety of special family-friendly programs celebrating Constitution signer, Father of American Banking, not to mention the inspiration behind the smash Broadway musical, Alexander Hamilton.  The week will feature a riveting, interactive show about Hamilton’s early life; our ultimate Hamilton trivia game; 18th Century games; make and take craft projects; colonial dress up stations, and more!




Go Ice Skating


Blue Cross River Rink Winter Fest
Opens November 23rd- March3rd

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 25th 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


Ice Line  Skate indoors at Ice Line in West Chester










Ice Works - Skate indoors at Ice Works in Aston.  Winterfest is on December 27th. 








Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
The Dilworth Park Winter season kicked off November 9 with the opening of the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, and Wintergarden. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is now also open daily. Plus 6abc and CCD teamed up to bring back the Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross now through January 1.



Ride some Rides



Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas


November 17th - January 1st


A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place! For a one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with everyone's favorite furry friends. The fun starts with 3 special Christmas shows, awesome music and twinkling lights all around. Plus, you'll find more than 300 Christmas trees, including a huge celebratory tree decorated Sesame Street-style. The street will glow with festivities and come to life at night with our illuminated Street Party Parade. And the fun continues with a special Christmas menu, super holiday shopping and, of course, a visit with Santa.





Dutch Winter Wonderland

November 17th - December 30th


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. 




Hershey Park Christmas Candyland

November 16th - January 1st


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! 



Looking for a holiday event? Click here to check out our holiday event guide.