Where to Take Pictures with Santa Near Philly

Give Santa a wave at Linvilla Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Kids and adults alike can't wait to see Santa Claus every year. Children are excited to tell him their Christmas wishes, and parents get a snapshot of a precious memory; everyone loves this tradition! Children young and old in the Philly area can find Santa riding a train, on the farm, amusement park, at brunch, and of course, at one of his favorite hangouts–the mall. Whichever spot your family chooses, Santa pictures make special memories that last well beyond the holiday season.

We've made a list, and we checked it twice, of where to take Santa Claus pictures in the Philadelphia area. For extra fun, we included places offering seasonal entertainment once the photo session is complete. Check out Philly's Best Holiday and Christmas Events for even more seasonal entertainment options.

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30 Things To Do in Oahu With Kids

Kids can ride a train through the Dole Plantation. Photo courtesy of the plantation

Thinking of taking a vacation to Hawaii? The island of Oahu will give your family the perfect blend of fun activities and blissful relaxation on the beach. And with so many fun things to do in Oahu, your kids will never get bored! Oahu may be known as one of the more touristy of the Hawaiian Islands with its highly developed roads, luxury resorts, and metropolitan sophistication, but it also has the charms of more laid-back islands like Maui. All on one island, you can enjoy the turquoise waters of Oahu's soft, white sand beaches and the streets of Waikiki that are bustling with energy.

Below, we’ve listed 30 things to do in Oahu with kids, including great Oahu hotels and resorts and delicious Oahu restaurants. For more  warm and sunny family vacation ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide, where we share the best things to do with kids in destinations throughout the US and the world.

Magic of Lights Drive-thru Dazzles in New Jersey

Drive through a transfixing wonderland of lights at the Magic fo Lights Drive-thru at the PNC Bank Arts Center.

The Magic of Lights returns to New Jersey’s PNC Bank Arts Center on Friday, November 19, and runs through the holiday season until January 2, 2022.

Desperate for some pandemic-era holiday merriment, my family tried out the Magic of Lights drive-thru in Holmdel for the first time last year. Naturally, our young kids (all under age 8) were antsy on the 40-minute drive south on the Garden State Parkway. But –– upon reaching the gates of this outdoor, drive-thru holiday village, they were beyond thrilled and dazzled by the seemingly millions of lights, dancing elves, cheery Santa figures, blinking holiday trees, sweet illuminated scenes, and the eye-popping tunnel of lights.

Find more seasonal fun in our Christmas and Holiday Guide for New Jersey Kids.

PA Cyber: A Tuition-Free Online Charter School With Rigorous, Personalized Instruction

PA Cyber serves up an online tuition-free public school education to kids in grades K-12.

Online learning has risen in popularity with families looking for high-quality educational alternatives that provide flexibility and individualized instruction to fit their unique learners. The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber) serves up an online tuition-free public school education to kids in grades K-12 that spans from their computer screens out into their communities with a combination of online and in-person learning opportunities.

One of the largest, most experienced remote public schools in the nation, PA Cyber is well-loved for its personalized instructional methods; state-certified, highly-qualified teachers; and rich academic content that’s aligned to state standards. Flexible and engaging, the program offers both virtual live and self-paced instruction, plus a number of meaningful ways for kids to connect with their teachers and peers on and, sometimes, off-line.

If you’re out there wondering whether this popular online program could be the right choice for your family, read on. We’ve rounded up answers to some of the most-asked questions about PA Cyber to help you make the best call.

Get Your Skates Ready...A New Pop-Up Ice Rink Brings Holiday Vibes to Delco

A 6000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink is the centerpiece of Flight on Ice in Newtown Square. Photo courtesy of Flight on Ice.

Philly families may have missed out on some holiday fun in 2020, but the 2021 holiday season is more than making up for it. Flight on Ice is bringing the Veterans Memorial Rink to Newtown Square next month. The new ice rink and winter village join Tinseltown, the Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade, and the Visit Philadelphia Fireworks Spectacular as the newest must-do holiday and Christmas activities in the Philadelphia area.

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Enchanting Christmas Light Displays in Los Angeles' Gorgeous Gardens

See Descanso Gardens in a whole new light. Photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens

Christmas light displays are one of the highlights of the holiday season, and while we love the Elf on the Shelf Experience, the Dodger Holiday Festival, and other walk and drive-thru light adventures, there's something special about wandering through gardens that are decked for the holidays, with nary a commercial tie-in in sight. These holiday light shows at four of our favorite enchanted and enchanting gardens near Los Angeles delight kids with interactive features, and parents with spectacular natural beauty. Dig out those mittens, make a thermos of hot chocolate, and get in the holiday spirit as you soak up the incandescent glow of the holidays at these stunning botanic lighting displays.

For more holiday fun, be sure to check out our complete Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Los Angeles Families.

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