Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
All Weekend
Looking for some Greater Philadelphia area DAY TRIP ideas? Check out this full list HERE for some inspiration!
Santa at Springfield Mall
November 11th – December 24th
Details HERE
Santa at Cherry Hill Mall (with free Interactive A Christmas Story Experience – Details HERE)
November 11th – December 24th
Details HERE
The Nutcracker
December 8th – December 17th
at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall West Chester, PA
Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and be transported to the magical Land of Sweets as you join Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy on the journey of a dream. This performance is one of Chester County’s signature holiday events, and features original, traditional choreography by David Kloss and Donna L. Muzio, integrated with new choreographic elements by Nancy Page. Brandywine Ballet’s eight-performance run of The Nutcracker continues to delight audiences each December with a tour de force of beauty and elegance.
December 8 – 10 a.m.
December 9 – 12 p.m. & 4 p.m.
December 10 – 2 p.m.
December 14 – 10 a.m.
December 16 – 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
December 17 – 5 p.m.
Details and ticket info HERE and HERE
Annie
at The Walnut Street Theater
November 7, 2017 – January 7, 2018
Details HERE
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
November 24th – December 9th
at the Players Club of Swarthmore
* Two shows at 2pm & 8pm on 12/2 and 12/9.
Thursday performances are at 7:30 PM
Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 PM
Details and ticket info HERE
A Christmas Carol
November 24th – December 9th
at Colonial Playhouse in Aldan
Fridays & Saturdays: 8 pm ($15)
Sunday Matinees: 2 pm ($13)
Children 12 and Under: $12 (all performances)
Details and ticket info HERE
Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights
Nightly 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Details HERE
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
through March 4, 2018
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is the city’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, surrounded by a winter forest and HUGE holiday tree (to be lit on December 1st), ski-style Lodge with food from Chickie’s & Pete’s and Garces Group, a variety of hot and cold sweet treats from Franklin Fountain, and a rink-side cafe serving festival snacks. In addition, the site has tons of wood fire pits and propane heaters, adirondack chairs, cozy cabins, and a Kids Lodge filled with arcades
Details HERE
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
through December 24, 2017
LOVE Park 1500 Arch St in Philadelphia
Christmas Village will feature over 80 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world!
Details HERE
Santa’s Express
November 18th – December 23rd
at West Chester Railroad
Details and ticket info HERE
Yuletide at Winterthur
November 18th – January 7th
Details and ticket info HERE and HERE
Christmas Layout at the Choo Choo Barn
Nov 24th – Dec 31st (closed Christmas Day) Also open January 6-7 and 12-15.
Celebrate the holiday season as the Choo Choo Barn transforms Traintown USA® to bring the magic of Christmas to its gigantic model train display
Details HERE
Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
November 24th – December 31st (Except 12/24 & 12/25)
10 AM – 4 PM
Details HERE
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
December 2nd – 30th
See the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, “Dry-Side” Santa Claus appearances, Snow Shower Dance Party and more!
Details, ticket info and schedules HERE
StoryBook Land
Details HERE
Dilworth Park Wintergarden and Rothman Instititute Ice Rink and Cabin
Now through February 24, 2018
Details and events HERE
Christkindlmarkt’s 25th Season
Bethlehem, PA
November 17th – December 23rd
Details HERE
Linvilla Orchards
Details HERE
Lansdowne Landing
7 AM – 10 PM
30 North Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA
What is The Landing?
Inspired by awesome outdoor gathering places like Philadelphia’s own The Porch or Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Lansdowne Landing is a fun, festive spot that’s open from 7am to 10pm.
Visit www.lansdownelanding.com for a full schedule of events, updated regularly, so check by often for fun from family-friendly fun to live music to food trucks and more!
Details HERE
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
Details and ticket info HERE
Please Touch Museum
Details HERE
The Franklin Institute
Details HERE
PURCHASE DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR WEEKDAY GENERAL ADMISSION HERE
Academy of Natural Sciences
Details and ticket info HERE
Philadelphia Zoo
Details and Ticket Info HERE
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Details, ticket info and more HERE
Field Station Dinosaurs
40 Fort Lee Road Leonia, NJ
Details HERE
Longwood Gardens
Details HERE
The Crayola Experience
Easton, PA
Details HERE
Purchase discount tickets HERE and get $4 off admission price (Regular Price: $19.99 Your Price: $15.99)
Garden State Discovery Museum
Details HERE
Delaware Children’s Museum
Details HERE
Brandywine Zoo
Details HERE
Diggerland
Details HERE
Sahara Sam’s Indoor Water Park
Details HERE
Studio Movie Grill Upper Darby
Movie, Food, Bar, comfy seats and more!
Details HERE
AMC Dine In Movie Theater – Painters Crossing – West Chester
Movie, Food, Bar, comfy reclining seats and more!
** Best to purchase tickets online through amctheaters.com
See my review and more info HERE
Dutch Wonderland
Details HERE
Dorney Park
Details HERE
Sesame Place
Details HERE
Friday December 15, 2017
For a calendar of Various Infant and Toddler Programs at local Delco Libraries, Go HERE
Franklin Square Fridays – Star Wars Night
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Come in costume to celebrate the opening of the latest film in the Star Wars saga. FREE.
Details HERE
Handmade Holiday Ornaments
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
at Lansdowne Landing
Join us and make awesome handmade ornaments to hang on your tree or a friend’s!
We’ll be making wood slice ornaments! We’ll provide the materials and craft supplies to paint your own design. Stop by and make your own! This event is free and will take place outside, so dress cozy.
Details HERE
Marple Sports Arena Friday Night Skate
7:30 PM -10 PM
FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE IS BACK! Bring your friends and family this Friday for a $12 all access pass! Skating, Marple Mountain and Moonbounce!
Details HERE
Sing, Choir of Angels Holiday Concert
8 PM – 10 PM
at St Katherine of Siena Parish, 104 S Aberdeen Ave, Wayne, PA
It will be an evening of traditional and not-so-traditional Holiday Music to get you into the Holiday Spirit! 90 boys and 45 adult voices in the choir will perform favorites like The Polar Express, and Do You Hear What I Hear, as well as works by John Rutter, Randol Alan Bass, Michael W. Smith and many more.
Details HERE
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Breakfast with Santa and Live Nativity
9 AM – 11 AM
at Gateway Community Church, 708 S Old Middletown Rd, Media PA
Come join us for our annual Live Nativity and Breakfast with Santa. Hear the story of the birth of Jesus, visit with Santa, crafts, face painting, crafts, pancakes, sausage, and of course lots of coffee and it’s FREE!
Details HERE
Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday 9am-1pm (open year round)
in the Amtrak Parking Lot
at the intersection of Lancaster & Bryn Mawr Avenues
Details HERE
Social Needleworking
10 AM
at Lansdowne Library
Bring your needleworking and get a few projects done while chatting with friends.
Details HERE
Kids Club – Candy Cane Decorations
10 AM – 12 PM
at participating Michaels Craft Stores
Cost: $2 per project, supplies included.
Details and registration info HERE
Nativity BVM Christmas Bazaar
10 AM – 2 PM
at Nativity BVM School in Media PA
Vendor Event in the school gym
Details HERE
Jack Frost Saves Christmas
at Media Theater
11 AM Saturdays and 12 PM Sundays
through Dec 31st
Details and Ticket info HERE
River Rose and the Magical Christmas Storytime
at Barnes & Noble, Lawrence Park Shopping Center, Broomall
11 AM
Details HERE
Kids’ Holiday Bingo
11 AM – 12 PM
at Aston Library
The library will have Kids Holiday Bingo, Saturday, December 16th, at 11AM. For ages 6 to 12 years old . There will be prizes and refreshments! This is a free program and materials will be supplied. Seating is limited so register now!
Details HERE
Lunch with Santa
11 AM – 1 PM
at Bethel Springs Elementary, 3280 Foulk Rd, Garnet Valley PA
Bethel residents are invited to enjoy Lunch with Santa, now on Saturday, December 16, 2017, from 11am to 1pm! Photo with Santa and gift for kids age 10 & under (bring your own camera). Free pizza lunch and a holiday craft. Holiday Story Time presented by Rachel Kohl Community Library. We encourage attendees to bring a canned good for the Bethel Food Bank and a new children’s book for donation to charity.
Details HERE
Storytime at The Lodge
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
at Blue Cross RiverRink
New this year is a storytime series taking place every Saturday starting December 2. The series features local Philly authors, performers, personalities, and more reading both classic and new books chosen by theFree Library of Philadelphia. Light snacks and hot chocolate will be provided for the kids.
Details HERE
Santa is Coming to Kid to Kid, Drexel Hill
12 PM – 2 PM
1244 W Township Line Rd, Drexel Hill, PA
Santa is coming to Kid to Kid!
Bring your cameras and phones to enjoy your child’s Santa moment – photography not provided.
Details HERE
Lunch with Santa
12 PM – 3 PM
at Swarthmore Pizza and Family Restaurant, 601 S Chester Rd, Swarthmore PA
Stop in for lunch and get a visit from Santa ! He will be walking around visiting all the children while they dine
Details HERE
Chess Club
1 PM
at Lansdowne Public Library
No matter your age, no matter your skill level, join us for great lessons and games.
Details HERE
Makin’ Music
1 PM – 1:45 PM
at Ridley Township Library
All ages welcome (suitable for ages 6 and under).
A wonderful family program, join Makin’ Music as they play the guitar and lead children and parents in familiar and original songs and rhythm chants! Bring the family and come join the fun. Performances will be held in Garling Hall (lower level library).
Register online beginning September 11.
Details HERE
MAKEbreak – Personalized Gifts
1 PM – 3 PM
at participating Michaels Craft Stores
Cost: Mug decorating supplies will be provided when you buy a mug. All supplies for the rock photo holder will be provided at no cost.
Personalize a mug or make a painted rock photo holder for someone on your gift list. Mug decorating supplies will be provided when you buy a mug. All supplies for the rock photo holder will be provided at no cost.
Details and registration info HERE
Skate with Santa
Saturdays and Sundays 1 PM – 5 PM through 12/17
at Blue Cross RiverRink
Lace up those skates and get that FREE family portrait on ice with Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest’s Skating Santa. For a special photo on stable ground, sit atop the giant #visitphilly chair for a photo that can feature the entire family.
Details HERE
Skate With Santa
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
at Haverford Skatium
Details HERE
Cookies with Santa & Friends at Dutch Wonderland
2 PM – 3 PM (Saturdays: Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, & 16)
Join Santa and the Dutch Wonderland friends for cookies and milk to celebrate the holiday season! Spend time with Santa, Princess Brooke, the Knight of Safety, Merlin, and Duke the Dragon as you enjoy treats in Merlin’s Buffet before your visit to Dutch Winter Wonderland.
Package includes: Visit with Santa Claus, a voucher for a 5×7 photo with Santa, and delicious treats (cookies, grapes, pretzels, white and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, coffee & tea)!
Price: $9.99 (Ages 3+); ages 2 and under are free
Details HERE
Holiday Skate
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
at Penn Ice Rink, 3130 Walnut St, Philadelphia
Free admisson to anyone with a new unwrapped toy donation!
Details HERE
Luminaries in the Park
5 PM – 6 PM
Park Square in Prospect Park
Rain Date 12/17/17
Details HERE
Cookie Swap at Lansdowne Landing
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Bring some cookies to swap!
For this event, we’re asking that you bring your cookies bagged or packaged in even sets of 12 for easy swapping. Bring as many sets of 12 as you like! We only ask that you leave as many cookies as you take. Any extras you have are great for sampling and sharing.
If possible, please mark your bag(s) of cookies with an ingredients tag!
Please note, this is an outdoor event so dress cozy – bring a blanket, and warm up with the company of your neighbors.
Details HERE
St. Eugene Parish Live Nativity
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
at St. Eugene Parish, 110 S Oak Ave, Clifton Heights
Celebrate the meaning of Christmas by visiting the St. Eugene Parish Live Nativity after the 5:30 Mass. This is the 2nd year for the beautiful Nativity featuring Parish members, high school students and Live Animals.
Details HERE
Santa Saturdays at Franklin Square
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
*Rescheduled due to weather to Saturday, December 16th, the Santa Paws celebration is from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Dress up in your favorite festive outfit and bring your camera and furry friends to Franklin Square for a puptastically fun time featuring photos with Santa. Artists from the PAFA The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will be available to draw holiday pet portraits. FREE.
Experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions new and old at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival. The free Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square. Marvel at more than 50,000 lights as they shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes from 4:30 pm to 9 pm on Saturdays.
On Santa Saturdays through December 23, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, visit Santa at his holiday bench, give him your list, and take an elfie-selfie! FREE.
On Saturdays from 4 pm to 5 pm, with advance ticket purchase ($15), you can also enjoy Milk & Cookies with Santa as he tells some of his favorite stories in the indoor, heated Pavilion. Reserve tickets for Milk & Cookies, here: http://
Details HERE
Polar Express Movie Night
6 PM – 8:30 PM
at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 128 Chester Pike, Norwood PA
Wear your PJ’s, bring your favorite blank and/or pillow and watch Polar Express while eating popcorn and being served hot chocolate. Wear your PJ’s, bring your favorite blank and/or pillow. $2 per person, includes movie, pop corn and hot chocolate. Community event, open to the public.
Details HERE
Caroling Under the Lights
6 PM – 8 PM
Gladstone Road and Walsh Road, Lansdowne PA
The Mansfield Brass begins caroling at the corner of Mansfield and Madison Roads, proceeds down Madison, up Walsh to the Gladstone Manor Island Parklette, and continues down Mansfield to Madison, concluding its tour of the Manor in the cul-de-sac at the intersection of East and West Windermere Terraces. The group stops to play under the Manor’s streetlights and holiday tree.
Carolers are welcome!
Details HERE
Live Nativity at Providence Park
6 PM – 9 PM
at 10 W Providence Rd, Aldan, PA
Bundle up and bring the whole family for a walk through the Live Nativity held in Aldan’s Providence Park
Details HERE
American Girl Bingo
7 PM – 10 PM
at Manoa Elementary School, 201 S Manoa Rd, Havertown PA
Please join Haverford Heat Cheerleading for American Girl Bingo!
$30 per person to play, 10 rounds with 10 different American Girl dolls to win.
This was very popular last year and sold out quickly so don’t wait to reserve your space now!
Email (mgarrett13@yahoo.com) for tickets
Details HERE
Free Skate Night Sponsored by Springfield Cares
8 PM – 9:30 PM
Gather your friends and family and head the Springfield Country Club Ice Rink Saturday December 16th for a FREE Skate Night sponsored by Springfield Cares.
Details HERE
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Breakfast with SANTA and Vendor / Craft Fair
9 AM – 1 PM
at Folcroft Fire Station, 1647 Delmar Dr, Folcroft PA
Come one come all To the Annual Breakfast with Santa . Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon and Home fries.
Adults and kids 16 and over $8
Kids 3 to 15 $6
Kids 2 and under free
Make sure to bring your Cameras
Tickets Available at the Door.
Also this year we will have Vendors on display with crafts and products for purchase or order.
Details HERE
Movements In Motion Breakfast with Santa
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
at St. Laurence Lower Church, 8245 W. Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA
Activities- Free Games, Shopping with Vendors & Crafters, Face-Painting, Making Crafts, 50/50, Raffle Baskets
Details and ticket information HERE
Brunch with Santa
10 AM – 2 PM
at Tavolas at Springfield Country Club
Details and more info HERE
Jack Frost Saves Christmas
at Media Theater
11 AM Saturdays and 12 PM Sundays
through Dec 31st
Details and Ticket info HERE
Snow Day at Six Flags Presented by Hallmark Channel
Sunday Dec 17th
Be a part of the most epic Snow Day EVER at Six Flags, presented by Hallmark Channel!
Visit the park on Sunday, December 17 to be a part of a fun winter’s day filled with thrills, chills, and an attempt at the world’s largest snowball fight!
Participate in the World’s Largest Snowball Fight
Join Six Flags and take part in one massive family friendly snowball fight! Event registration begins at 11:15AM and ends at 12:15PM on December 17. To participate, visit the park at this time to receive your special event wristband. Be one of the first 200 guests to receive your event wristband to participate and you may receive a special Snow Day surprise while supplies last.* All guests must be present at check-in to receive their event wristband and must have valid Theme Park admission to participate. Season Pass holders may use their valid Bring-A-Friend offer if not previously used.
Spread warmth and SAVE BIG on Six Flags Snow Day
Help give back to those in need of the items required to keep warm all winter long! Donate new, unworn, warm clothing at the Park’s front gate on December 17 and receive 40% Off Park admission to participate in Six Flags Snow Day, presented by Hallmark Channel! All donations collected will be donated to the Salvation Army to help keep the nation warm this winter.**
It wouldn’t be a proper Snow Day without hot chocolate, music, games, giveaways and more!
Details HERE
MAKEbreak – Christmas T-Shirts
1 PM – 3 PM
at participating Michaels Craft Stores
Cost: Buy the T-shirt, and the rest of the supplies to decorate it is provided.
Join us in the classroom to decorate Christmas T-shirts. Buy the T-shirt, and the rest of the supplies to decorate it is provided.
Details and registration info HERE
Skate with Santa
1 PM – 3 PM
at at the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society in Ardmore
Enjoy skating with Santa and his elves and festive music at the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society in Ardmore. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10, skate rental $5
Details HERE
Skate with Santa
Saturdays and Sundays 1 PM – 5 PM through 12/17
at Blue Cross RiverRink
Lace up those skates and get that FREE family portrait on ice with Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest’s Skating Santa. For a special photo on stable ground, sit atop the giant #visitphilly chair for a photo that can feature the entire family.
Details HERE
Digger & David Puppet Show: How Coyote Saved the Day, A Winter’s Tale
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
at
Media-UP Free Library
Spirit has stolen the Sun and left the world cold and in the dark. Only Coyote is smart enough and brave enough and strong enough to make a plan and bring the Sun, with its warmth and light, back to the Earth.
Best for ages 2-6.
Details HERE
Menorah Workshop at Lowe’s
2 PM – 3 PM
116 West Township Line Rd, Havertown PA
Hey Kids, join us for this fantastic Chanukah event!!
Build and design your own Chanukah Menorah, take a photo with Judah the Maccabee, and enjoy delicious Chanukah treats!
This is one Chanukah Party that you don’t want to miss!!
Space is almost full for this event. Please make sure to RSVP to reserve your spot!
To RSVP email: rikki@jewishdelco.org
Details HERE
Skate with Santa
4 PM – 6 PM
at Marple Sports Arena
Great event for the whole family!! Free pictures with Santa! Bring your camera or check out the pictures on our Facebook page!
$5 Admission for Marple Members
$7 Admission for Non Members
**Skating, Skate Rental, Marple Mountain**
Details HERE
Cocoa, Cookies, & Carols!
6 PM – 7:30 PM
at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church, 3600 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square, PA
Be sure to join us for carols, games, and a special visit from Santa! Pizza and cocoa will be served free of charge. Please bring a plate of homemade cookies to share and your favorite mug for sipping cocoa! We will also be collecting canned food donations for our food pantry. Don’t miss this event for all ages!
Details HERE
Looking for some Greater Philadelphia area DAY TRIP ideas? Check out this full list HERE for some inspiration!
