Fun Things To Do With Kids in Delaware County Top 10 Weekend Events for December 14th, 15th and 16th

Our top 10 picks for this weekend December 14th, 15th and 16th

Friday

1. Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights

2.  Dance Me a Story at Middletown Free Library (registration required)

Saturday 

3. Sing along with Makin' Music at Ridley Township Library (registration required)

4. Watch a Delaware County tradition Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol at Hedgerow Theatre

DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription:Wassailing Caroling Hayrides

5.  Head to Michaels to make some Christmas Frames or Christmas T-Shirts

6  Storytime and Activites featuring "Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes" at Barnes and Noble Broomall

7. Arasapha Farm Holiday Hayride

8. A Brandywine Christmas at Brandywine River Museum

Sunday  

9.  Santa’s Paradise Express on the Strasburg Railroad

10.  Jack Frost Saves Christmas at The Media Theater

* Check out our calendar for more ideas  

**Don't forget our Holiday Event Guide for family fun this holiday season

Winter Break Camps in Delaware County

Are you looking for some fun for the kids during Winter Break? Here's some great Winter Break Camps for you to check out!

Winter Break at Marple Sports Arena

 Dec 26-31st

At Marple Sports Arena School camp, kids enjoy such activities as skating, rock wall climbing, sports, Marple Mountain, and arcade time.  Lunch can be provided or kids can bring their own and after care is available for those parents that need extended time to accommodate their schedule.

Kehler's Holiday Camp

December 27 and 28

Join the Party with Party Hats & Noise Makers! Cheer as the ball drops to ring in the New Year! 5 hours of Fun and Games.  


School Day-Off Camps at Tyler Arboretum
December 27 and 28

A day of nature exploration and fun is the perfect solution when your child has a day off and you have to work! These easy-going days are filled with discovery, games, crafts, hikes, and projects so engaging the kids won’t even know they’re learning. 

The Center on Central Creative Arts Camp

December 26-28

Please join us at The Center on Central for our In-Service and Holiday creative arts camp for children in grades K-5, as we continue our Summer Camp fun on selected school days off!

Full day, half day and extended day morning/afternoon options are available

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Delaware County Top 10 Weekend Events for December 7th, 8th & 9th

Our top 10 picks for this weekend  December 7th, 8th & 9th

Friday

1. Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights

2. Get into the holiday mood with the Shooting Stars' Holiday Spectacular

Saturday 

3. Holiday open house  and Children's Book Sale at Prospect Park Library

4. 9th Annual Breakfast with Santa at Media VFW Post

DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription:Wassailing Caroling Hayrides

5.  Head to Michaels to make some Dashing Reindeer

6  Storytime and Activites featuring "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" at Barnes and Noble Broomall

7.  Build your own terrarium or fairy garden at Linvilla Orchards

8. Santa and Holiday Celebration at Middletown Library

Sunday  

9.  Santa’s Paradise Express on the Strasburg Railroad

10.  Jack Frost Saves Christmas at The Media Theater

* Check out our calendar for more ideas  

**Don't forget our Holiday Event Guide for family fun this holiday season

Nutcracker Performances in the Philadelphia Area

Make memories with the kids by watching the Nutcracker come to life on stage this holiday season.

The Philadelphia Dance Academy’s Nutcracker

December 15th and 16th 

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.

The Brandywine Ballet Company

December 7 - 10 a.m.
December 8 - 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
December 9 - 2 p.m.
December 13 - 10 a.m.
December 15 - 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
December 16 - 5 p.m.

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

Pennsylvania Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

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.

Tea with the Sugarplum Fairy

Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 pm

Saturday, December 15th at 2:0 pm

Join the star of Philadelphia's most anticipated holiday tradition for a magical afternoon of tea and tutus. Enjoy a delectable buffet and photo opportunity with the Sugarplum Fairy and experience a captivating matinee performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™!

International Ballet Classique

December 8th and 9th at 2pm

Description:'Tis the season for magic, family, and fun as the beauty and joy of the Nutcracker Ballet comes alive once again at the beautiful 300-seat Fred P. Meagher Theatre at Neumann University in Aston, PA. International Ballet Classique presents two full-length performances and a Sensory Friendly Abridged on December 8th at 11am

Train Rides With Santa in the Philadelphia Area

Make some holiday memories take a train ride with your family and Santa or even hop on the Polar Express.  Order your tickets early because many of these experiences sell out early.

Night Before Christmas Train

November 30th
December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th and  21st and 22nd

This very unique train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. A reader dressed in a Victorian nightshirt and cap will read Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem, The Night Before Christmas, as passengers enjoy cookies and milk as the train rolls along. After the train ride, children are also treated to storybook readings of holiday classics aboard our Caboose (stationary) and visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.

Santa’s Paradise Express

November 23rd - December 22nd

Santa himself will climb aboard and visit with families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA, and back.

West Chester Rail Road Santa's Express

Nov 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Additional 5PM departures: Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23

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!

The Polar Express on The Delaware River Railroad

Trips run November 23,24,25, 30 

December 1,2,7,8,9,14,15,16

Inspired by the run-away hit movie produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of the Polar Express. Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.
Experience the joy of singing songs with our roaming hobos, be amazed at our Juggling Chef and make your wishes in person to Santa himself!

Santa Claus Express

Saturdays and Sundays November 25th  - December 23rd

Why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa, when you can ride our train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train and greets everyone on board, and gives all children a chocolate treat. Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland.

Theater/ Holiday Shows in the Philadelphia Area

Carve out some family time this holiday season by catching some great shows that are happening in the Philadelphia area this holiday season.

The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars

December 7th and 8th

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.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy the Shooting Stars as they light up the stage with the annual Holiday Show

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Hedgerow

November 23rd - December 24th

This year marks our 26th annual presentation of the classic Dickens tale about the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from miser to man who honors Christmas in his heart, as adapted by internationally known playwright Nagle Jackson. Come to find out why this has become a Delaware Valley holiday tradition.

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. 

Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party

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!

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Street Theater

NOW – DECEMBER 23

On one remarkable Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him past, present—and possible future. You and your favorite kids are in for a treat with a special hour-long musical adaptation for kids that uses traditional songs to highlight Dickens’ magical story. Deck the halls as our holiday spirits travel beyond the footlights, right into your very own heart.

Cinderella: A Musical Panto at Peoples Light

November 4 - January 6

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.