10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with your Preschooler

Photo courtesy of Dutch Wonderland
Photo courtesy of Dutch Wonderland
11/13/17 - By Jennifer Colletta

The holidays are a perfect time to get out and about with your little ones and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells! From parks to museums, venues around the Philadelphia area are stringing the lights, cueing up the holiday tunes, and setting out cookies and milk to help your family make magical memories this holiday season.

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6 ABC/Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Parade- Philadelphia
Kick off the holiday season in Philadelphia at the longest-running Thanksgiving parade in the nation! Turn out early to get a good vantage point of Disney characters, floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa’s anticipated arrival.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place- Langhorne
Join Elmo, Big Bird, and all their friends at Sesame Place’s annual Christmas spectacular, featuring holiday sing-a-longs, a gingerbread-themed train ride, and the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. The festive fun runs November;18-December31, 2017.

​ Photo courtesy of Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Winter Wonderland- Lancaster
Youngsters can ride and race through this Lancaster theme park while taking in the seasonal celebration! On select dates November 18-December 30, 2017, visit more than 20 of the park’s attractions, including many geared toward preschoolers, and enjoy holiday-themed storytimes, parties, and a meet and greet with ol’ Saint Nick himself, complete with hot chocolate and s’mores.

Santa’s Steam Spectacular- New Hope
Santa will be making an appearance at a number of train rides this holiday season, including aboard the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. From November 24-December 31, 2017, as the steamer streaks through Bucks County’s countryside, kids can share their holiday wishes with the big guy, who will gift each youngster with a sleigh bell. Kids and parents alike will love the brilliantly decorated train cars, Christmas carolers, and hot cocoa and cookies.

 Photo courtesy of Morris Arboretum

Holiday Garden Railway- Philadelphia
Morris Arboretum’s train tradition continues! Starting November 24 through December 31, 2017, your little one can marvel at the miniature trains chugging along through the Garden Railway. For added sparkle, visit on a Friday night in December to catch the rail come to life with holiday lights.

 Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village- Lahaska
It’s Christmas Central at Peddler’s Village December 2-3, 2017! Santa will parade through the town at 1:30 PM each day, and kids can get up close and personal with the man himself at Giggleberry Fair. Push bedtime back a bit to stick around for the nighttime light display, featuring a million marvelous lights.

Philadelphia Santa Lunch Cruise- Philadelphia
The Spirit of Philadelphia puts a unique spin on popular "Breakfast with Santa" events with a lunchtime social with St. Nick as the boat cruises down the Delaware River. On December 9 and 10, 2017, youngsters can enjoy a full kid-friendly buffet lunch (with some adult selections, too!) and visit with Santa Claus, while taking in the riverside views.

Photo courtesy of Macy's

Macy’s Christmas Light Show- Philadelphia
Santa, Frosty, and the Sugarplum Fairies dance and dazzle in this time-honored Philadelphia holiday tradition, on display November 24-December 31, 2017. Watch your youngster’s eyes light up as thousands of LED lights illustrate popular holiday tales, finishing in a brilliant and unforgettable finale.

Please Touch Museum Holiday Programming- Philadelphia
Kids can explore diverse holiday celebrations with daylong programming December 9, 13, and 26 paying tribute to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza, respectively. Holiday foods, stories and, of course, hands-on activities pair entertainment with education.

Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm- Yardley
Keep the kids buckled in and the heat on as you cruise beneath three-million lights! All your favorite holiday characters are brilliantly illuminated in this dazzling show, lighting up Shady Brook November 18, 2017-January 7, 2018.

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