Presented by Pages to Pirouettes, The Nutcracker returns to the Free Library stage! Photo courtesy of the event
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Things to Do in Philly this Weekend: Trains, Santa, Performances December 14-15

Cookie Monster helps make it a very furry Christmas. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Cookie Monster helps make it a very furry Christmas. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
12/11/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

Philly families can find many amazing ways to fill the most wonderful time of the year with lifelong memories. Children who are fascinated by watching model trains race down the track can see them at Morris Arboretum, Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, or The Museum of American History. Others who prefer to take an actual train ride can climb aboard and take a trip with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Speaking of Saint Nick, kids of all ages can see Santa at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, at the rink at Palace Roller Skating in Philly, or at the holiday parade in Chestnut Hill this weekend.

Other ways to get into the spirit of the season include holiday performances. Families can listen to holiday carols at the Philadelphia Orchestra Christmas Kids' Spectacular or A Philly POPS Christmas, laugh out loud during ContempraDance Theatre's Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up, or experience AMT's Christmas Show: Joy To The World. Considering a mini-getaway? Be sure to review our recently updated article on exciting day trips that provide plenty of Christmas fun. Whatever you plan to do, make it a great weekend!

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Things To Do All Weekend

The Nutcracker presented by the Brandywine Ballet

West Chester, PA
With the help of the Brandywine Ballet, return to the magical "Land of Sweets" as Clara and her beloved nutcracker journey to an enchanted place full of toy soldiers, mice, and magic at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. READ MORE

Ebenezer Scrooge's BIG Playhouse Christmas Show

New Hope, PA
Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this production performed by five actors comes to life on stage at the Bucks County Playhouse. Audiences can expect music, laughter, and fun sure to put any bah-humbug into the Christmas spirit. READ MORE

A Philly POPS Christmas

Philadelphia, PA
One of Philly’s favorite holiday traditions is back at Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. It features Music Director and Principal Conductor David Charles Abell, West End & Broadway star Scarlett Strallen, and Philadelphia native and Broadway legend Hugh Panaro. READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Langhorne, PA
Sesame Place hosts A Very Furry Christmas celebration, featuring a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and whirling rides. See Santa, Rudolph, and the whole Sesame Street gang. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show featuring holiday music and lights. READ MORE
Santa outdoes himself at the Philadelphia Orchestra's Christmas Kids' Spectacular. Photo by Jessica Griffin
Santa outdoes himself at the Philadelphia Orchestra's Christmas Kids' Spectacular. Photo by Jessica Griffin

Things To Do On Saturday, December 14, 2019

Skate with Santa at Palace Roller Skating

Philadelphia, PA
Lace up your roller skating and hit the rink with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are two sessions of fun. The first is from 11 AM- 1 PM and is geared towards children 10 and under. The second session is from 1 PM- 7 PM and is for all ages. READ MORE

CANCELED: Second Saturdays at Penn Museum

Philadelphia, PA
Penn Museum has something for everyone with Second Saturday programs, running monthly October through April. Guests can explore the Museum through tours, scavenger hunts, crafts, and more. Themes and activities change monthly. These activities are free with Museum admission. READ MORE

Santa House

Lansdale, PA- FREE
Bring your camera or phone and your wishlist to visit Santa at his house located across from the Railroad Plaza on W. Main and Madison Streets. READ MORE

Three Kings & Christmas Stories

Philadelphia, PA- FREE
Teatro Esperanza presents Segundos Sábados Family Series, Three Kings and Other Christmas Stories at Esperanza Arts Center. This bilingual storytelling experience is made possible by the Free Library of Philadelphia.  READ MORE

Philadelphia Orchestra Christmas Kids' Spectacular

Philadelphia, PA
Get into the holiday spirit with a little help from the Philadelphia Orchestra. Audiences can hear the sleigh bells jingle and the trumpets sound as well as listen to classics like Sleigh Ride. Special visitors from the North Pole may make an appearance. Have you been naughty or nice? READ MORE

Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade

Philadelphia, PA- FREE
The Chestnut Hill community celebrates the season with its annual holiday parade! Starting at 9am, the parade makes its way through Chestnut Hill, bringing holiday cheer with the help of live entertainment, floats, and an appearance from Santa Claus. READ MORE

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Strafford, PA- FREE
Tredyffrin Public Library hosts Saturday Cinema and features the classic holiday film, The Muppet Christmas Carol. See what happens when a miser is visited by three ghosts and how it impacts Kermit the Frog, a loyal, hardworking employee of the penny-pinching boss. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Things To Do On Sunday, December 15, 2019

Family Arts Academy

Philadelphia, PA- FREE
Bring the whole family to PAFA on Sunday afternoons to meet local artists, learn new skills, and make a different project. Themes vary week to week. No registration is required to participate. READ MORE

Festival of Bell Instruments with Music Play Patrol

Media, PA - FREE
Children ages 2 and up are sure to enjoy this hands-on musical program at the Media-Upper Providence Free Library. The Festival of Bell Instruments teaches children how to create harmony and melody using instruments such as hand bells, pan drum and a glockenspiel.  READ MORE

Pottsgrove Manor By Candlelight

Pottstown, PA
Visitors can tour Pottsgrove Manor by candlelight as costumed interpreters portray its colonial residents celebrating a colonial Twelfth Night party. Afterward, kids can make seasonal crafts to take home while everyone enjoys tasty refreshments. READ MORE

Seasonal Sounds on Sundays

Philadelphia, PA- FREE
Visitors to Franklin Square can enjoy a variety of seasonal songs performed by local singers and dancers during intermission of the Electrical Spectacle. READ MORE

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