Weekend Fun for Philly Kids Dec 20/21: Holiday Shows, Santa Sightings and Hanukkah Celebrations

12/18/14 - By Kristen Sullivan

 

With Hanukkah underway and Christmas almost here, many families are asking, "Have we finished our holiday bucket list?" With so many events from which to select, Mommy Poppins has narrowed down some "not to miss" activities to celebrate the holiday season. 

This weekend marks the last days for Santa Express in Wilmington, Kitchen Kettle Village's Holly Days in Intercourse and Santa Saturdays at Philadelphia's Franklin Square. Breakfast with Santa events at Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia, Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown and Springfield Country Club in Delaware County conclude this weekend as well. 

If your family wants to see a show this holiday season, there is still time. Murray the Elf is featured at Act II Playhouse, the Shooting Stars Holiday Show is on stage at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center and the Glazier Jewish Center hosts 8th Day Live in Concert and Menorah Lighting.

So, grab a pencil and be ready to scratch those fun-filled events off your holiday bucket list and make memories for years to come.

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Weekend

Murray the Elf- Ambler, PA
This weekend, Act II Playhouse features the holiday comedy-mystery starring Murray, the elf who is asked by Mrs. Claus to help find Santa's magical sleigh bells. 

Santa Express- Wilmington, DE
Ride the train with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Wilmington and Western Railroad. It is the last weekend for Santa Express so climb aboard this magical train to experience some Christmas fun.

Brunch with Santa- Springfield, PA
A delicious menu of made-to-order omelets, waffle station, u-peel shrimp and carving station awaits at Springfield Country Club. After enjoying this satisfying meal, kids visit with Santa to share their wish list with the visitor from the North Pole.

ArtSee Activities- Philadelphia, PA
Kids explore The Barnes Foundation and examine the works of Maurice Utrillo. Taking that inspiration, children make their own craft to take home.

Nutcracker International Ballet Exchange Performance- Plymouth Meeting, PA
The performance by The Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine and International Ballet Students amazes the audience in this traditional holiday show.

The Nutcracker Tea- West Chester, PA
Enjoy this unique opportunity to meet members of the Brandywine Ballet Company at Phillips Autograph Library in advance of seeing The Nutcracker.

Historic Homes of Fairmount Park- Philadelphia, PA
Share the history of Fairmount Park's most notable homes with your kids as you tour the beautifully appointed mansions decked out for the holidays.

Brunch with Santa- Norristown, PA
Elmwood Park Zoo eagerly awaits Santa's sleigh so he can join guests at brunch. After eating, tour the zoo and say hello to the animals.

Saturday

Santa Saturdays- Philadelphia, PA
See the Electrical Spectacle Show, play mini-golf, ride the Lighting Bolt Express and see Santa at Franklin Square's last Santa Saturday of the season.

The Snow Queen- Newtown, PA
Two actors play every character in the Hans Christian Anderson tale performed at the Newtown Theater. 

Holly Days- Intercourse, PA
Enjoy the last day of Holly Days at Kitchen Kettle Village. Visitors can decorate cookies, sip apple cider, eat s'mores and see Santa to share last minute wish lists.

Shooting Stars Holiday Show- Drexel Hill, PA
Visit the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center to get into the holiday spirit with this lively performance featuring some of the area's most talented young adults.

The Polar Express- Ambler, PA
The Ambler Theater features this Tom Hanks classic about a boy who has given up on the magic of Christmas. Find that holiday spirit in your heart as you watch this little boy realize Santa is real. 

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcome Baby Loves Disco- Philadelphia, PA
Boogie to the beat with Baby Loves Disco. Families can dance, sing and play along at this entertaining dance party.

Sunday

Hanukkah on Ice- Havertown, PA
Enjoy this special afternoon of ice skating at the Hanukkah on Ice celebration.

Sensory Friendly Santa- Ambler, PA
A visit with Santa can be overwhelming for some children. So, the Ambler Area YMCA is offering a different kind of experience for those kids who require a quieter environment to see the Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole.

Hooray for Hanukkah- Cherry Hill, NJ
Visitors to the Garden State Discovery Museum can listen to Hanukkah stories, make Hanukkah crafts and eat holiday treats at this special museum event.

Early Birds- Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Museum of Art invites preschoolers and their families to enjoy the museum first thing in the morning as they take a special tour featuring creative play and conversation.

8th Day Live in Concert & Menorah Lighting- Newtown, PA
The Glazier Jewish Center hosts this family-friendly concert which begins with lighting the menorah. Guests can enjoy hot latkes too!

 

Photo courtesy of Franklin Square