Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Holiday Concerts, Festivals, Hanukkah Dec 5-6

12/2/15 - By Kristen Sullivan

For many throughout the Delaware Valley, the first weekend in December means preparing for the winter holidays with special family traditions. Cutting down your own Christmas tree, sharing Hanukkah stories, taking in a Nutcracker performance, and attending the town's tree lighting ceremony are all ways Philly families get into the spirit of the season.

Even though traditions are important in making the holiday familiar, consider creating a new one this year. Schedule breakfast with Santa. Climb aboard for a winter train ride. Attend the annual Dickens Festival. Or, celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa at a benefit concert.

Read on to find our top picks for the weekend, and be sure to stay connected with Mommy Poppins Philly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Have fun making memories with old and new traditions alike!

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All Weekend

Christmas Festival- Lahaska, PA
Peddler's Village is aglow with the Christmas spirit as it celebrates the season all weekend long with a parade, Santa visits, and live entertainment.

Santa Claus Train- Boyerstown, PA
Climb aboard the train at Colebrookdale Railroad for a visit with St. Nick, hot cocoa, and Christmas carols. Families can stop along the journey to select a tree at Santa's Secret Village.

Saturday, December 5

Lucia Fest- Philadelphia, PA
American Swedish History Museum celebrates St. Lucia at its holiday festival featuring two special processions.

Festive Family Holiday Workshop- Ardmore, PA
Decorate a holiday card for our troops overseas at the Farmer's Market at Suburban Square.

World War II Western Front Event- Philadelphia, PA
Guests to Fort Mifflin can experience history come alive while learning about the Axis and Allied armies through demonstrations and battle re-creations.

Pops Goes the Holiday Concert- Kennett Square, PA
Unionville High School hosts the Kennett Symphony Orchestra as it performs a variety of holiday classics. Be sure to arrive early for "Selfies with Santa" and caroling by Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus.

Ambler Main Street Annual Holiday Parade- Ambler, PA
Grab a spot on Butler Avenue to watch the annual holiday parade featuring floats, musicians, and Santa himself!

An American Celtic Christmas- Bensalem, PA
Celtic Rock performers and musicians entertain audiences at two shows held at Bensalem High School Auditorium.

Philadelphia Orchestra Christmas Kids' Spectacular- Philadelphia, PA
Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin'... at the Kimmel Center courtesy of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Youngsters love to hear the holiday classics as well as some tunes from Disney's beloved Frozen.

Holiday Lights Festival- Lansdale, PA
Towamencin's annual festival provides family fun for everyone. Look at the spectacular lights, take a horse drawn surrey ride, and don't forget to bring a camera for pictures with Santa.

Sunday, December 6

Young Family Hanukkah Celebration- Philadelphia, PA
Families visiting the National Museum of American Jewish History can participate in art projects, listen to a sing-along concert, and watch the menorah lighting.

Narberth Dickens Festival- Narberth, PA
A scavenger hunt, ice sculptures, puppet shows, and more await visitors to the streets of Narberth as they are transformed into 1840's London.

Greccio Live Nativity Celebration- Aston, PA
Students and faculty from Neumann re-enact the Franciscan tradition of the scene in Bethlehem.

Latkepalooza- Philadelphia, PA
Play games, make Hanukkah crafts, and sample potato pancakes at this annual celebration held at the Gershman Y.

Give and Take Jugglers- Philadelphia, PA
First come, first serve seating is available for zany, silly performance featuring the Give and Take Jugglers. This free event is held at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Montgomery Auditorium.

Photo courtesy of Narberth Dickens Festival