Below is a list of parades, events and fireworks for the area. Don't forget
Wawa Welcome America celebration in Philadelphia that includes a parade on July 4th, an ice cream festival and outdoor movies. Click here for the calendar of events.Please let me know if I forgot any and I will ad them to the list.  Happy 4th of July!

Here are some fun websites for kids to try during the holiday season, as I find more of them I will add them to the list. Enjoy


Email Santa your list and he'll write back to you. This a good one if you have more than one child. When we tried it my daughters got 2 different letters.



North Pole has a list of free things kids can do. They can chat with elves, write to Santa, coloring pages and much more all for free.



Elf yourself this is a fun and free site sponsored by Office Max. You can upload a picture of yourself and your family and watch everyone dance.

Hanukat this site offers a playful, interactive way for children both Jewish and non-Jewish - to celebrate Hanukkah and Passover. They use videos, stories and games.

Family Fun Crafts this is a Disney run site that has coloring pages, crafts and many holiday ideas.

Snowman Construction Kit this site allows your kids to build a snowman on-line

Santa Claus Fun this site has it all coloring pages, recipes, jokes, poems, stories and much more

Holiday craft projects and stories will be featured at the Teddy Bear Tea Party. Meet Santa and Mrs Claus! Space is limited, so please register early. Call 610-444-2702 or email dmurray@ccls.org.

For more information: www.bayardtaylor.org/

Cost: free

Location: Bayard Taylor Memorial Library -216 East State Street Kennett Square

Historic Kennett Square presents the December Art Stroll this Friday 12/ 3! The public is invited to visit our unique, independently owned shops, galleries, and restaurants and enjoy special exhibits, delicious food and refreshments, plus live music by Fiorenza-Dowlin.

Bedbugzz... features local author, Karen O'Lune Hahn, who will be signing her delightful children's book Millicent and the Faraway Moon, as well as showing more of her fun whimsical artwork.

The Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square will host First Friday Arts Splash for Kids. All kids in grades K through 5 are invited to the church from 6-8 p.m. Parents, drop off the kids at PCKS (the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square at 211 S. Broad Street) while you enjoy two hours of art, dining, and shopping during Historic Kennett Square's Art Stroll. Meanwhile, the kids will enjoy dinner and special treats, music, drama, art and the Candy Cane Decathlon. There's no cost, but spaces are limited. If you'd like to reserve a place or places or have any questions, please email Tara Smith, Director of Children's Ministry, at tara@pcks.org or call 610-444-5255.

Yoga Loft presents Family Yoga 6:30-7:30 p.m. Family Yoga is a rewarding way to share time relaxing and unwinding from a busy week. No prior Yoga experience is necessary. These sessions are only held on the First Friday of the month. Led by Cynthia. Cost: $5 per family member.

Brush & Palette presents a Jewelry Trunk Show featuring the diverse collections of Barbara Hurka, Melissa Paquette and Pat Henriques. The hours for the show are 3-8 p.m. Look for a second jewelry trunk show on Friday, Dec. 17 with fresh original collections from Arlene & Deanna Finocchiaro and Beth Bobey.

Flickerwood Wine Tasting Room continues its Creative Taste Series with Earth Art by Sally Paulson and live music by Big Fat Maybe Acoustic starting at 6:30 p.m. Flickerwood's holiday hours are Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Frolic! will host award-winning illustrator and author Bonnie Timmons. Bonnie provided all the illustrations for NBC's long-running show, Caroline in the City, she has written several books and is also a talented jewelry designer. Bonnie will be at Frolic! from 6-8 p.m. and light refreshments will be served.

Kennett Square Massage will have live music by Beverly McDevitt to put you in the holiday spirit as well as up and coming artist, Samantha Berrier with fine art portraits drawn from favorite photographs.

Longwood Art Gallery is having a Holiday Art Show during the month of December featuring original art by seven local artists including Michele Byrne, Jerry & Nancy Dowling, Margo Johnson, Joan Joos, Philip Lang and MaryAnn Weselyk. During the Art Stroll Catherine Quillman will be at the gallery signing copies of her new book 100 Artists of the Brandywine Valley. Enjoy the Artists Reception and Book Signing from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, along with wine, cheese, and light fare.

The Mushroom Cap will be hosting another book signing with Keith Craig and Bruce Mowday on Friday from 6-9 p.m. Craig will sign copies of his books New Garden Township and Mowday will sign copies of his books Chester County Mushroom Farming and Jailing the Johnston Gang.

The Paper Market is teaming up with the Land Conservancy on Friday for a Green Gift Giving Event where you will be able to find the perfect present for the nature-lover. The Green Gift Giving event will highlight the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County's array of sustainable holiday gifts all complimented by the Paper Market's selection of environmentally friendly card, gifts and apparel. Light refreshments will be served.


For more information: www.historickennettsquare.com/

The MARS drinks Old-Fashioned

Christmas Parade

Friday, December 3, 2010 ~ West Chester

Parade 7:30pm

For more information: http://www.gwcc.org/

Location: The parade route runs New Street to Gay Street, Gay Street to Matlack Street, Matlack Street to Market Street and back up Market Street past New Street

Cost: Free

Come to wonder and be amazed during a Longwood Gardens Christmas November 25th through January 9. The horticulture showplace near Kennett Square, PA dazzles guests with spectacular floral displays, stunning trees, holiday music, 500,000 outdoor lights, dancing fountains and ice skating under the stars to delight the entire family. Admission to the display is by Timed Ticket only, with tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.longwoodgardens.org/, by calling 610-388-1000 610-388-1000 ext. 100, or in person at Longwood.



For more information: www.longwoodgardens.org

Location: 1001 Longwood Rd Kennett Square PA

This event is appropriate for all ages

Cost:General Admission prices are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors (age 62+), $8 for students (ages 5-22) free age 4 and under.

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 listed. Happy Holidays from the "Fun Things" staff.

Holiday Events

Caroling Hayrides at Linvilla Orchards
December 4, 11 & 18 ~ 4:30 PM

Visitors are invited to sing Christmas Carols around the campfire with Makin’ Music! and enjoy roasting marshmallows and apple cider.

Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday December 11, Noon – 4 pm
Location: Downtown Narberth, Forrest & Haverford Ave, Narberth, PA


Kennett Square Holiday Family Movie
December 4, 2010

The Holiday Classic Elf will be shown at the Kennett Flash. The kids will have something fun to do while Mom or Dad enjoy shopping in downtown Kennett Square.


Radnor Hotels Holiday Tea

Children's Saturday Afternoon Tea at The Radnor
Bring your little ones to enjoy a themed Afternoon Tea at The Radnor!
Ideal for children ages 3-8.

Holiday Tea
Saturdays, December 4, 11, and 18, 2010
1 - 3 p.m
Reservations
Advanced Ticket Purchase Required
Please call 610-341-3191

Family Wreath Making Workshop at Winterthur Museum

Family Wreath Making Workshop
Saturday, December 4
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Create one of Christmas’ greatest, decorative traditions using fresh greens and other holiday, ornamental treasures.
Registration required.


Gingerbread House Making in West Chester
Gingerbread House Making
12/04/2010
02:00 PM - 04:00 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.


Country Christmas in Oxford
December 3rd
Carriage Rides, Carollers, Art Stroll, live Music


Christmas at Hagley
November 26, 2010 through January 2, 2011

The1803 du Pont ancestral home, Eleutherian Mills, 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 26 - January 9

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.

Christmas Around the Farm & Christmas Open House at Linvilla

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.



Hanukkah Events

Let's Celebrate Chanukah
Wed, December 8, 5:30pm – 9:00pm
The Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education/Jewish Outreach Partnership hosts a Hanukkah celebration at the Chester County Historical Society. The event features a menorah lighting, stories and activities for families with young children, a sing-along with Ross M. Levy, and children's craft projects.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Suburban Square Courtyard

Wednesday, December 1st
at 5:30 PM

Join us in the Courtyard on Wednesday, December 1st to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. We will light the menorah and enjoy music, food and crafts. Heated tent will be provided by Suburban Square.


Menorah Lighting in Lansdale
Wedanesday December 1st 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
Santa's Arrival and Parade at Suburban Square

Saturday, November 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM to Noon
Location: Suburban Square Courtyard

Join us in the Courtyard, when Santa arrives full of holiday magic!

Starting at 10am, all of Santa's friends will be in the Courtyard to give out greetings and goodies - Cupcakes Gourmet and Village Coffee.

Music provided by the School of Rock Main Line Delta Squad.

Santa's parade begins at Trader Joe's and ends in the Courtyard at 11am. Please bring a non-perishable food item for Philabundance. Dont' forget to get your free photo with Santa from Noon to 2pm at Macy's.

Tea with Santa at Specialteas Tea Room
Tea with Santa at Specialteas Tea Room,
Sunday, December 12th
Call (610)358-2320 for reservations and information.

Photos With Santa at Tyler
Dec 4, 11:00am - 4:00pm

Photos With Santa on Tyler's Antique Sleigh is a special holiday event at the Arboretum. Enjoy and share professional photographs of your children with Santa Claus, taken by award winning photographer, Alex Lowy, of Lowy Photography. Professional photographers will process your portraits and offer several varieties of photo packages, all in time for the holidays.

While waiting, children can enjoy traditional holiday music, cookies and hot cocoa. Due to limited space and time slots, registration is required for this popular event.


Santa and his live Reindeer at Olde Ridge Village Shoppes
Saturday, December 4th

Santa and his live Reindeer at Olde Ridge Village Shoppes..11am-2pm..

Santa Trades in his Sleigh for a Helicopter
December 18th
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center

Visit with Santa
includes a photo with Santa, Holiday Activities and refreshments.
11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Cost $10
Family Helicopter Rides
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


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 = 12/4, 12/5, 12/11, 12/12
* 9:00 – 10:30 am

Early Fish Pricing
Adults - $33.95
Child - $29.95

Standard Pricing
Adult - $38.95
Child - $34.95

Passport Pricing
Adults - $28.95
Children - flat rate of $24.95

*Special pricing is available for Annual Pass holders.

Breakfast with Santa at Chester County Historical Society
Breakfast with Santa
12/04/2010
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Two seating's: 8:30AM & 10:00AM

$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.



Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Kennett Sq.

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 26. This year along with Santa and Mrs. Claus,

Holiday parade and shops will open their doors to visitors and shoppers for this traditional event. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will arrive and light the town Christmas tree. This year Hog Island NYA, the 2009 & 2010 Fancy Division Champions in the Philadelphia Mummers Parade will be joining our parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Children can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Sunrise Café and Tea Room at 127 E. State St. after the parade.

Holiday Fun at Glen Eagle
Visit Glen Eagle Square this Saturday for Santa's Arrival and our Holiday Tree Lighting! Beginning at 5:30 PM, we will have horse drawn carriage rides and bring your camera for FREE photos with Santa at Little Nest Portraits! Hosted by Jon DeBella from WMGK. Don't forget our Toys for Tots drive! Bring a new unwrapped toy for a child in need! Representatives from the Marine Corps will be on hand to collect!

Visit with Santa at Linvilla Orchards
Saturdays & Sundays 1 - 2 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.

Santa's Arrival & Festival of Lights
Sponsors: Media Business Authority
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

Visit Santa at Santa's Village in Media
Location: Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU)
Thursday Dec. 16, 3-7pm
Friday, Dec. 17, 3-7pm
Saturday, Dec. 18, 12-4pm
Sunday, Dec. 19, 12-4pm
Monday, Dec. 20, 3-7pm
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 3-7pm
Wednesday Dec. 22, 3-7pm
Thursday Dec. 23, 3-7pm

Call for more Information 610-566-5039

Holiday Concerts

Holiday Sing Along at Pottery Barn Kids
Location: King of Prussia, PA
Sing in the holidays with Steve Pullara of Cool Beans Music.
December 3rd
2 shows 10am- 10:30 am and 11 am to 11:30 am

The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars
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, December 3, 2010


Song and Dance Concert in Oxford
December 11th
Zane Campbell will perform his musical animal stories and the Oxford Center for Dance will trot out some of their talented students in an encore show sure to delight. Free, though $5/family donation suggested.

Nutcracker

Brandywine Ballet performs the Nutcracker

Performance are at The Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, West Chester University

Friday, December 10, 2010 10am*
Saturday, December 11, 2010 2pm
Sunday, December 12, 2010 2pm
Thursday, December 16, 2010 10am*
Saturday, December 18, 2010 2pm
Sunday, December 19, 2010 6pm

The Nutcracker Tea with the Brandywine Ballet
A magical tea time with the cast!

Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:00pm
Saturday, December 18, 2010 12:00pm

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 2:00pm 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 full-length productions of this holiday favorite on Friday December 10 at 7:30 pm, Saturday December 11 at 7:30 pm and Sunday December 12 at 2:00 pm.

Dates:
Thursday, December 9, 2010 @ 9:30 am
Friday, December 10, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 11, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 12, 2010 @ 2:00 pm

Longwood Gardens presents The Nutcracker, Land of the Sweets
Enjoy a series of favorite excerpts from the acclaimed Nutcracker ballet, performed by the amazing talent from The Rock School for Dance Education.

A special Nutcracker novelty cookie, hot chocolate and the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the Sugar Plum Fairy tops off this festive holiday dance performance!

All performances are in the Special Events Pavilion.

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 1:00 & 3:30 pm

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:00 & 3:30 pm

Friday, December 17, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 1:00 & 3:30 pm

Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 1:00 & 3:30 pm


Theater
The Dancing Snowman The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater
December 4th, 11th & 18th; 11am & 2pm

Marylee was the best dancer in her school until she injured her foot just before the Winter Pageant. Deena, hoping to take her place in the program, forces her out. In despair, Marylee builds a snowman, who, In her dreams, comes alive and carries her off to Snow World, where Deena has turned all Marylee’s friends into snowmen and is holding them hostage. Despite her sore foot, Marylee dances in the Snow World competition to save her friends. Back in the real world, she learns that self-confidence and perseverance are valuable qualities. Appropriate for for ages 3 and up.

Tiny Tim's Christmas at Hedgerow

Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18 at 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 28 & 29 at 11 a.m.
Based on Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but without the ghosts young children may find frightening.

A Christmas Carol at The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater
November 26 - December 18: Thu, Fri & Sat - 8pm; Sun - 2pm

The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater is celebrating the season with a production of the ultimate holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.


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 26, 2010. Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks mid-morning through late afternoon on November 26-28, December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2010.

West Chester Rail Road Santa's Express
Santa's Express

November 26, 27, 28
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19
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 26, 2010 -- Nov 26, 2010

Climb Aboard the Santa Express on November 26th!

Join The Gallery and SEPTA for a fun filled ride with Santa and his cast of merry characters. See below for stations and departure times:


69th Street Terminal: 10:00 am

Broad Street Subway

Fern Rock (express stops only): 10:00 am

Regional Rail Train

Elwyn: 9:36 am

Santa arrives at The Gallery at approximately 10:22 am. Join him and his friends for festive parade to Center Court!



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 17th season on November 26, 2010.
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

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 2010 CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW runs hourly from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve day 10am to 8pm. The DICKENS VILLAGE (Floor 3) is open continuously during the same period from 10am to 7pm. The daily WANAMAKER ORGAN concert schedule is here. Organ concerts begin at the end of a Light Show.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 2010

“The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 2010” 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 2011
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.)