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

Holiday Fun at the Amusement Parks


Have some holiday fun riding your favorite rides, watching holiday shows and hanging out with your favorite characters this holiday season. For more holiday events check out our Holiday Event Guide.





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! 

Nutcracker Performances in the Philadelphia Area



December 16th and 17th
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.



December 9th and 10th 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 on December 9th and 10th, 2017 at 2pm.

December 8 - 10 a.m.
December 9 - 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
December 10 - 2 p.m.
December 14 - 10 a.m.
December 16 - 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
December 17 - 5 p.m.

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

A magical tea time with the cast!

Sat, Dec 10th at 2:30 pm


Sun, Dec 11th at 12:30 pm


Sun, Dec 17th at 12:30 pm


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!


December 8th - 31st

Be enchanted by the Philadelphia region's most beloved holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™. For 47 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.



Tea with the Sugarplum Fairy
Sunday, December 1o at 2:30 pm

Saturday, December 16 at 12 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™!

*photo courtesy of Brandywine Ballet Company

What to do with the Kids Over Winter Break

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

Go on a year long adventure with Frog and Toad at the Arden Theater

Follow Your Heart with Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Center

Pennsylvania Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto at the People's Light 

Visit a local Museum

The Academy of Natural Science 

Discovery Days at Delaware Museum of Natural History

Franklin Institute 

Constitution Center

The Philadelphia Museum of Art



Go Ice Skating

Blue Cross River Rink Winter Fest


Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park

Horizon Services Riverfront Rink


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

Tracking Santa





So the kids are making you crazy today asking you when Santa will arrive? So why not have them track Santa. 



The Norad Santa Tracker keeps children updated about 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 arriv
es.


Happy Tracking!

The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars present a “Holiday Spectacular”



The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars present a “Holiday Spectacular” a musical showcase of song and dance performed to favorite tunes of the holiday season. The spirited and lively performance is fun and entertaining for family members of all ages. Shows are on December 16 at 7:30 pm and December 17 at 2:00 pm.


Audience members will be treated to Broadway-style production numbers complete with sparkling costumes and festive sets as the talented members of the ensemble share holiday memories throughout the 90 minute production.






Tickets are affordably priced at $7 - $10 and may be purchased by calling the box office at 610.622.1189 or by visiting www.udpac.org. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Shooting Stars outreach program, entertaining elderly throughout the region.




For more information: http://www.udpac.org/2016/12/shooting-stars-holiday-spectacular/

Location:   601 N Lansdowne Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
 

This event is appropriate for:   the whole family

Cost: $7 - $10

Nutcracker Performances in the Area



December 17th & 18th 

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.

December 9 10 a.m.
December 10 12 p.m. & 4 p.m.
December 11 2 p.m.
December 15 10 a.m.
December 17 12 p.m. & 4 p.m.
December 18  6 p.m.


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

A magical tea time with the cast!

Sat, Dec 10th, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Sun, Dec 11th, 2015 at 12:30 pm


Sun, Dec 17th, 2015 at 12:30 pm


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!

Be enchanted by the Philadelphia region's most beloved holiday tradition,George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™. For 46 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.




Tea with the Sugarplum Fairy
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™! .


Sunday, December 11 at 2:30 pm


Saturday, December 17 at 12 pm


*photo courtesy of Brandywine Ballet Company

Train Rides With Santa


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.

Santa’s Paradise Express

November 25th - December 18th

Santa himself will climb aboard and visit with families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA and back.
November 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Additional 5PM departures on Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

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
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!

Saturdays & Sundays between Thanksgiving & Christmas 

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.


*photo courtesy of Strasburg Railroad

Take a Train Ride with Santa


Train Rides With Santa


Santa’s Paradise Express
November 28th - December 2oth


Santa himself will climb aboard and visit with families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA and back.
November 28, 29, 30
Dec 6, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21
11AM, 1PM, 3PM

Additional 5PM departures on Dec 13, 14, 20, 21

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!

Night Before Christmas Train
November 28th
December 5th, 12th, and 19th

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.

Best Places to See Christmas Lights in the Area





The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly Dec. 6 through Jan. 4 in Rose Tree Park, Route 252, in Upper Providence.  Free admission. For information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-565-7410

Christmas at Longwood Gardens
November 27th - January 11

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 2014 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 2014

Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Weekend 2015
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.)

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is a unique holiday experience that captures the wonderful spirit of the season and has entertained close to a million visitors since its 2008 debut. The free 15-minute show, updated with new scenes and computer generated animation this year, will continue to delight audiences with classic holiday images and crisp wintertime sounds ― all shown on The Comcast Experience video wall, one of the world’s highest resolution LED displays. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular can be seen at the top of each hour at Comcast Center from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. All are welcome to share in celebrating the holidays in this festive and family-friendly tradition.

Franklin Square Holiday Festival
Experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions new and old at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival. From November 13 - December 31, dazzle in the lights of the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show; warm up with comfort food, local beers, and hot beverages at Ben's Bites & Brews; and shop for handmade, artisanal gifts at the Holiday Market.


2014 Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 22, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015
5 pm to 10 pm

Experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm 2014 Holiday Light Show!
Encounter whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters.
Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open air wagon ride (weather permitting).
Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and and cook up some s’mores at a toasty bonfire (cocoa, marshmallows, and more treats available for purchase in the Farm Market).

Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol at The Media Theatre



Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol

Nov 24 - Dec 22




Philadelphia native and professional actor Scott Langdon, who is a member of Actors Equity Association, will perform his one-man interpretation of the original Charles Dickens masterpiece, “A Christmas Carol” every weekend November 24 – December 22, 2013, at The Media Theatre.

This wonderful one-man production uses minimal set pieces, relying instead on Dickens' text and Langdon's ability to portray every character in the story. The actor brought the production to Princeton, NJ in 2009 and the huge East Brunswick Performing Arts Center in 2011, to great acclaim.

Langdon will utilize his acting prowess to portray Scrooge, Fezziwig, Tiny Tim, the Three Ghosts and every other yuletide Dickensian character in an adaptation taken directly from Charles Dickens’ own version of his famous story.



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

Location: 104 East State St. Media, PA 19063

Cost: $15

What to do with the kids over Holiday Break

What to do with the kids over Holiday Break




Shows




Ice Skating

Family Fun Day at Ice Works December 27th-28th Noon to 7:30pmCome out and skate with Olympic skaters, skate lessons and craft activities for all.

Fun skating sessions December 26th to January 1st check out their website for dates and times.

Winter fest on Sun, Jan 6th w/ Public Skating All day,  For more information call (610)853-2226

Blue Cross River Rink
The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.

Family Fun

Opens December 26th
While your there check out the Christmas Tree Maze opening on January 2nd


Museums
Dig into the fascinating world of dinosaurs at the 19th annual Dino Days presented by Bank of America on, December 27 and December 28 at the Delaware Museum of Natural History. 

Creation Station - December 26 - December 31st 
Let your imagination and creativity run wild! Children and adults alike will have fun designing and building with Giant Tinker Toys®, hugeImagination Playground Blocks®, and Keva Planks® in Creation Station. 


The Best of Yuletide’s Past at Winterthur Museum

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
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
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.


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.



Enchanted Colonial Village
Please Touch Museum shares the magic and motion of the holidays with the return of the Lit Brother’s Enchanted Colonial Village.  Visit this representation of an 18th century village, featuring a Bakery, Village Store, Blacksmith and Toymaker shops.  Together, these scenes make for a wonderful intergenerational learning and memory making experience.


Christmas Lights and Displays

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 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 
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.



Amusement Parks
Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas
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
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
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!

Christmas Candylane features many attractions for guests of all ages including over 30 rides including the family-favorite, Twilight Express.


Children Movies

Wreck-It Ralph

Rise of the Guardians

Monsters, Inc. 3D

Fun Things Top 10 Weekend Events for December 21st, 22nd & 23rd

Our top 10 picks for this weekend December 21st, 22nd & 23rd





Friday

1. Take a trip to see Murray the Elf & The Case of the Missing Mistletoe at Act II Playhouse


2. Get in the holiday spirit watching A Christmas Carol at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center

Saturday

3. Storytime for the Holidays at Hedgerow Theatre

4.  Visit Santa's Village at Franklin Mint Credit Union in Media

5. Take a trip to Longwood Gardens to see the holiday lights
6. Watch a holiday favorite Polar Express at the Springfield Library

7. Take a hayride and sing your favorite Christmas carols at Linvilla Orchards

8. Get your tickets to see Dr. Dolittle or Velveteen Rabbit at the Media Theater

Sunday

9. Watch the twinkling lights at Rose Tree Park's Festival of Lights

10.   Lace up your skates and skate at the Blue Cross River Rink in Philly                                             

Don't forget to check out the Fun Things Holiday Events Guide for all your family friendly holiday events!




* Check out our calendar for more ideas.

Santa's Arrives by Helicopter at the American Helicopter Museum



Santa's Coming in a Helicopter

on Saturday December 15th






For more information: www.helicoptermuseum.org

Location: American Helicopter Museum & Education Center-1220 American Boulevard West Chester

This event is appropriate for ages 3 and up