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Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: SantaFest, Winter Wonderland, Parade of Lights December 8-9

Photo courtesy of Independence Seaport Museum
Photo courtesy of Independence Seaport Museum
12/5/18 - By Kristen Sullivan

Looking for some ways to make magical holiday moments with Philly kids this weekend? Our event calendar glistens with lights, Santa encounters, and theatrical performances to get everyone in the spirit of the season.

First, get your wish list ready to share with the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole as he can be found landing at the American Helicopter Museum, along the waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum, driving a tractor on the farm, and aboard trains located throughout the Delaware Valley. Yeah, that guy gets around...Then, settle into a seat at Delaware Children's Theatre, Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, or Act II Playhouse to see a festive show. Conclude the fun by viewing holiday lights with the animals, near the canal, or at the snack factory.

More more ideas, continue reading our top picks.

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Weekend

Twelfth Night Tours

Pottstown, PA
Bring the whole family to learn about the little known holiday of Twelfth Night during Pottsgrove Manor’s holiday tours as the grounds are transformed for the yuletide season. Guests learn about the tradition of Twelfth Night through guided tours of the manor. READ MORE

Scrooge The Musical

Wilmington, DE
Delaware Children's Theatre proudly presents Scrooge - The Musical. In this classic story, audiences delight in the impact a young child has on an old man who has lost his Christmas spirit. READ MORE

Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA
Visitors to The Museum of the American Revolution can experience the new exhibit, Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Philadelphia. This exhibit depicts the connections between the City of Brotherly Love and Alexander Hamilton’s extraordinary contributions to the nation’s founding. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of the Museum of American Revolution
Photo courtesy of the Museum of American Revolution

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Think Like an App Designer

Philadelphia, PA- FREE
During this workshop held at EY Intuitive, students learn how researchers, designers, and developers use design thinking to create digital experiences like the ones in their favorite apps! READ MORE

Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade

Downingtown, PA- FREE
Lancaster Avenue comes to life with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Guests can expect the parade which travels from west to east along Lancaster Avenue to feature musical performers, dancers, and floats. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Smith Playground

Philadelphia, PA
Visit Smith's annual Winter Wonderland celebration and get into the holiday spirit. Children and their caregivers can enjoy winter crafts, s'more making, and live music. READ MORE

Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular

Drexel Hill, PA
Held at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, this 80 minute production fit for kids 4 and older is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Some of the region’s most talented young adults perform Broadway-style song and dance numbers to your holiday favorites. READ MORE

Game Design with Kodu

King of Prussia, PA- FREE
Create your own immersive video game to share with a global community during this workshop at King of Prussia Mall. Using Kodu, a free software from Microsoft, students can step into the world of video game design. READ MORE

Independence Seaport Museum Parade of Lights

Philadelphia, PA
The most nautical light show around takes place at Independence Seaport Museum, where a fleet of boats all dressed up for the holidays will parade down the Delaware River. Before the parade at sundown, kids can make crafts and participate in other seasonal activities. READ MORE

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Washington Crossing the Delaware Dress Rehearsal

Washington Crossing, PA
This is the practice run for the actual Crossing which takes place on Christmas Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Hundreds of reenactors dress in Continental military uniforms as they make their way across the Delaware River in three replica Durham boats. READ MORE

PECO Family Jams at Magic Gardens

Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens invites families to get creative together on the second Sunday of every month. Each month features a different theme and art project inspired by the iconic gardens, which are covered by magical mosaics and found objects. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration

Norristown, PA
Join Elmwood Park Zoo for a Hanukkah celebration. Guests can visit the animals, watch a live animal show, participate in games, make crafts, and listen to the Temple Brith Achim Choir perform. Afterwards, the menorah is lighted. READ MORE

Fonthill Castle Holiday Lights Meander

Doylestown, PA- FREE
Families can visit Fonthill Castle to enjoy the holiday decorations and lights during this 30-minute meander. Guides answer questions along the route. Tours are timed and capacity is limited. READ MORE

Virtual Sundays on Stage

Philadelphia, PA- FREE
The Free Library of Philadelphia now offers Sundays on Stage virtually. Audiences can expect a celebration of diversity through music, dancing, and storytelling at these unique performances. READ MORE

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