Wednesday, November 20, 2013

2013 Winter Holiday Activites in South Jersey and PA



If your family is anything like mine then your Holiday Calendar books quickly with parties and activities. Here is a list I've compiled over the years of places to go. Enjoy!


Free Activities in NJ
Saturdays & Sundays ~ 5:00pm - 8:00 pm December 7-22
1520 Hainesport Rd - Mt Laurel NJ 08054

Popular, (mostly) outdoor, family activity for all ages. Make sure to wear warm clothing. Tour led in moderate sized groups.

13 Walk-through Scenes
200+ Cast Members & Live Animals
Free Parking & Refreshments

 
"Winter Sweet" at Boardwalk Hall 
5:30 - 7:30 December 14 & 21
2031 Boardwalk,  Atlantic City, NJ 08401 
“Winter Sweet,” Atlantic City's 3D light and sound show, has returned to the facade of Boardwalk Hall for its second year. The free, nightly show celebrates t-he wonders of winter while showcasing the visual beauty and elegance of the season. To celebrate the season (and all things sweet) show goers can enjoy free sweets and festive entertainment from Kennedy Plaza on the AC Boardwalk.

 
 
Santa's FamilyWorkshop at the Cape May Zoo
Saturday, December 14 ~ 11 am to 2 pm 
707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

You can have pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take individual pics of the kids! Enjoy crafts, educational stations and goodies. For more information: www.capemaycountygov.net or call 609-465-5271
Today – January 6 ~  Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 5:30pm to 8pm
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205

Enjoy popular songs of the Holiday Season synchronized with a dazzling Christmas tree light show sure to get you in the Holiday spirit.
Fridays and Saturdays ~ 6pm-9pm ~ November 29 - December 21 
2590 Ridge View Ave, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
S’mores Making * Hot Chocolate * Animated Light Show * Visits with Santa * Food & Refreshments * Crafts for the Kids * Live Nativity November 30 * Camel Rides


Paid Activities in NJ
201 Rowan Blvd, Glassboro, NJ 08028

Skating with SantaSouth Jersey's newest outdoor ice skating rink. Winterland is a true theme park for the whole family to enjoy and create lasting memories for years to come.  Once in the park no matter if you choose to skate or just be an on looker there are several ways to enjoy the holiday spirit!

Rink Hours : Grand Opening Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Sun          10am – 10pm
Mon          2pm – 10pm
Tue           2pm – 10pm
Wed          2pm – 10pm
Thu           2pm – 10pm
Fri           12pm – 12am
Sat           9am – 12am

See calendar for Holiday hours and specials.

Admission Prices (2013-2014 winter season):

Adults (13-55)                  $9
Children (12 & under)    $7
Seniors (56+)                   $7
Skate Rental                    $3
Skate Buddy Rental      $2
General Admission        $5

Ride through Cape May’s Historic District to see festively decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play Christmas music.  Rides run about 30 minutes, and start nightly at 6:00pm. Please see website for final departures.
All seats cost $10
For information or advance tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 

$12 in Advance, $15 Day of Tour, Call to Reserve Your Tickets
December 7, 2013 ~ 2:00pm to 7:00pm
The Riverfront Historical Society will have it annual house tour of decorated houses in the Beverly & Edgewater Park area

Call Dennis 609-835-4438 Or Carol D 609-871-3892 or email us at: riverfronthistoricalsociety@yahoo.com

Tickets $10 in Advance, $15 Day of Tour
December 1, 2012 ~ 1pm-6pm 


The tour includes various sites including private homes, businesses and churches hosting special events. An old fashion trolley to take you around town. Great shopping, reenactors, great food and historic sites abound.
For additional information call 856-339-0400 or email us at royalport@verizon.net
November 29, 2013 through January 1, 2014 ~ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103
Adults (13+) $24.95
Kids (2-12)  $18.95
Under 2        Free

For a unique, water-logged holiday experience, bring the kids to Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Celebration. The annual event takes place at the Camden, New Jersey, aquarium from Black Friday through New Year's Day, delighting adults and children alike with one-of-a-kind, underwater holiday attractions. Onlookers can watch as "Scuba Santa," decked out in his red suit, white beard and scuba gear, dives deep into the aquarium's 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit to deliver holiday gifts to stingrays, sharks, sea turtles and countless schooling fish. Above water, the holidays come to life with twinkling decorations, holiday trees and even gently falling snow. What's more, kids can have their picture taken with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his buddy, Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster.

Season of Light 
Nov. 30-Dec. 15~ Saturdays 7 p.m.; Sundays 3 p.m.
Edelman Planetarium Science Hall, Rowan Univerisity
201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028
**CASH ONLY**
Adults $5 - Kids $3 - Rowan Students $3 - Seniors (60+)  $3

Our traditional holiday show deals with customs and celebrations of the winter season around the world and through time. The show explains Christmas trees, the origin of the Menorah, Santa Claus, and the Star of Bethlehem. It's soul-satisfying and heart-warming. Come enjoy the darkest—and the brightest!—part of the year!
 
*Tickets for all shows go on sale half an hour before the show. We do not sell advance tickets before that time, nor do we take reservations. We will sell up to six tickets to one person if others in her party are not present.

6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
Kids (Under 2)  Free
Ages (2-64)        $23.50
Seniors (65+)    $20.50
Active/Retired Military w ID  $20.50 *entire family*  
November 23 - December 30 (Closed 11/28, 12/24. 12/25)
Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm , Sunday 11am – 5pm
Christmas Fantasy with Lights Parade - Santa’s Grand Arrival ~ Nov 23

Christmas Fantasy With Lights - A South Jersey Tradition!
Come experience holiday magic right before your eyes! Be here by 5:00PM when Santa Claus appears in his chimney, waves his magic wand, and lights the park with over one million lights for the holiday season!
All of our rides, attractions, and snack bars are open!
(Santa is in his home and lights the park until December 23.)
133 Church Rd  Medford, NJ 08055
Various Activities at varying prices
November 29 through December 23, 2013,
Hours:Mon-Thurs until 7 Friday and Saturday till 9 Sunday till 8

The Market is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with Gifts, Cookies, Christmas trees, Wreaths and all kinds of fun activities for the family. Visit with Santa and his Reindeer. To complete your holiday experience we will also have a campfire going to roast marshmallows and make s' mores. Our Christmas "Light Show" Hayride is a WOW experience for the entire family. We have created a light show right on the hayride. Bring your own Camera for a great Photo op. Costs for activities vary.

Fire and Lights in the Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm/Reindeer exhibit
$5.95 per person, Infants Free   
Thousands of twinkle lights to create a Holiday Wonderland in the Discovery Barnyard and Animal farm. Prancer is available for visits during all day. To complete your holiday experience we will also have a campfire going to roast marshmallows and make s’ mores.

NEW!!! Christmas “Light Show” Hayride
$3.75 per person, Under 1 - Free
This is a WOW experience for the entire family. We have created a light show right on the hayride. That’s right you are literally ride inside the the light show. Thousands of Twinkling lights are attached to the wagons so that you are surrounded with at computerized light show set to the music of Christmas.
Intensify your experience with a pair of 3D snowflake glasses that turn every light into a snowflake.   

We also offer Horse Drawn Hayrides through the Holiday Season
$5.00 Per Person, Under 1 - Free
These run on weekends from 11AM to 5PM. A team of Percheron Horses will take you on a ride around the farm. Bring a blanket. It can get chilly.

All of this adds up to a fun time and lots of family memories.



Breakfast with Santa
Each year many local organizations offer a breakfast with Santa. As I become aware of each I'll happily add them to this list.

Battleship New Jersey - December 13, 2013 - 9am-11am 

100 Clinton St Camden, NJ 
Adults - $19, Kids (under 12) - $15 

For the Parking Garage: 1-99 South Delaware Ave., Camden, NJ. 08103.
Enjoy a hot delicious breakfast, served chow line-style at the crew's galley. 
Meet mascots from the area. 
Win prizes or gifts. 
Experience a self-guided tour of the Battleship.
And kids can get their photo with Santa!
Reservations must be made in advance by calling 856-966-1652 x106!

New Sharon Volunteer Fire Department- Dec 22 - 9 AM
1830 Delsea Dr. Deptford, NJ 08096
Adults $5 ~ Kids - Free
Skip those long lines at the mall! 
New Sharon Fire Company has teamed up with Jillian Kathryn Photography to offer your family an enjoyable breakfast and photo session with Santa.
Email questions to newsharonfire94@gmail.com 
Food sponsored by Sam’s Club of Deptford 
Food will be served from 9am until we run out 
Pictures will be available to share online or purchase through Jillian Kathryn Photography https://www.facebook.com/newsharonfire.

Bishop McHugh Regional School
2221 N Rte 9, Cape May Court House, NJ(609) 624-1900
Saturday December 14, 2013 ~ 9 - 11am
$5 per person (children under 3 free)
(Photos with Santa will beavailable for additional $5 donation)



Free Activities in PA
1300 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19107
Christmas Light Show  
A perfect family outing, the Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert at Macy’s is a Philadelphia holiday tradition that dates back half a century.

Daily: November 29 – December 31
10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 

4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m

Holiday Hours:
Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Wednesday, December 26–Saturday, December 29: 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 30: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Dickens Village

A Philadelphia tradition for more than 20 years, the third floor of Macy’s is transformed into “Dickens Village” for the holiday season. The 6,000-square-foot Village on the 3rd floor of Macy’s Center City brings Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol to life with more than 100 fully animated figures reenacting 26 of the story’s most memorable moments.

November 29–December 23: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
December 26–December 28th: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday, December 29: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday, December 30: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve): 10 a.m.–5 pm
Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 31 ~ Open Daily at 10am
Closed Christmas Day

51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Kids and adults alike will delight in this interactive 500 square foot model railroad display with almost a third of a mile of track! Seventeen working train lines rumble through a multitude of miniature scenery including Center City Philly, a Christmas Village, and snow-covered countryside.
Nov 28th 2013 - Jan 1st 2014 ~ Sun-Thur 11am-7pm ~ Fri & Sat 11am-8pm
1500 Arch St, Philadelphia PA 19102
Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an outside Holiday market event  at Love Park which is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany.

Vendors in more than 60 wooden booths will sell traditional European food, sweets and drinks. They will also offer a great shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and high-quality arts and crafts.

The unique atmosphere with thousands of lights, the big Holiday Tree, the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine will bring you and your family into the perfect Christmas mood.
December 28 - January 1 ~very Hour ~ 10am - 8pm (excluding 5pm weekdays) 
1701 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Shown on the state-of-the-art Comcast Experience video wall at Comcast Center, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is filled with sights and sounds of the season.

This year’s show includes scenes featuring Olympic-caliber ice skaters and performers from the Walnut Street Theatre. Each show lasts approximately 15 minutes.
4:30 to 8 pm, November 14 – December 31
500 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Franklin Square debut a brand-new holiday light show on Thursday, November 14. Sparked by Benjamin Franklin’s imagination, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show is a new holiday tradition and the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square! More than 50,000 lights will create two alternating shows every 30 minutes to a holiday soundtrack by The Philly POPS® conducted by Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero. The Electrical Spectacle will illuminate the historical fountain, buildings and trees around the Square! A volunteer from the audience will be selected to countdown the 4:30 pm show each day.
December 7 – 23  Saturdays 10:00 am to 9:00 pm & Sundays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
US 202, Buckingham, PA

Each evening, beginning with the Grand Illumination on Friday, November 22, Peddler’s Village shimmers in the warm glow of jewel-colored twinkling lights and holiday greenery, making it the perfect setting for sipping cider, toasting marshmallows, holiday shopping, visiting Santa and more. Santa arrives in a parade on Saturday to kick off weekend visits with the children through December 23rd. Hot mulled cider, toasted marshmallows are seasonal favorites.

The Village is beautifully decorated, Victorian-style, with fruit wreaths and greenery. Live entertainment.


Paid Activities in PA
Experience the American festive season on this limited edition Philadelphia tour that celebrates all things Christmas. From outdoor yuletide villages, to holiday-themed light and sound shows, and the greatest window displays in town, it's enough to make the Grinch run and hide. Experience some of Philly’s greatest holiday traditions, including an indoor market and traditional Christmas village market.
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Pickup location: "Clothes Pin" - corner of 15th & Market Streets
  • Pickup Time: 11.45 AM
  • Drop off location: Rittenhouse Square - 18th & Walnut Streets
  • Child policy: 6 years of age to 11 years.  Children below the age of 6 are not permitted.
  • Adults $35 - Kids $24.95
OPEN Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 1pm-8pm
100 Sesame Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047
November 22 - December 31 and BONUS DAYS: December 23, 26, 30 & 31

It’s A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place®! Open select dates November 23 – December 31.  Join us for a one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite furry friends. The fun starts with three special Christmas shows, dry rides (weather permitting), awesome music and twinkling lights all around. Our street will glow with festivities and come to life at night with our illuminated Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. And the fun continues with a special Christmas menu, super holiday shopping and of course, a visit with Santa.

2 packages available for purchase:
$21.00 - (1) 2 Day Ticket good Nov 23 - Dec 31
$86.00 - (3) 1 Day Tickets & (1) Carload to Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
Parking: $17 - General Parking or $25 - VIP Parking




ShadyBrook Farm's 2013 Holiday Light Show
Nov. 22, 2013 through Jan. 5, 2014   from 5 pm to 10 pm
931 Stony Hill Rd, Morrisville PA 19067
horse drawn wagon ridesMon - Thurs $20/carload ~ Fri - Sun $25/carload
Experience the magic of millions of lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm 2013 Holiday Light Show! Enjoy whimsical light displays and familiar characters. Drive through the Holiday Light Show in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open air wagon ride (weather permitting). After the show, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and and cook up some s’mores at a toasty bonfire (cocoa, marshmallows, and more treats available for purchase in the Farm Market).

Horse-drawn Wagon Ride – Thursday - Sunday only; $12/person. No reservations – first come, first served.

Tractor-drawn Wagon Ride – Monday through Wednesday; $12/person. Reservations available for groups of 25 or more. Call 215-968-1670.


Saturdays & Sundays – November 30 – December 15 – 11am -3pm
3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
*Included in Admission to Zoo*
 Winter Admissions:
Adults (12+) $16 ~ Children (2-11) $16 ~ Toddlers  FREE

Philadelphia Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland as Santa travels to exotic places around the globe for a holiday celebration! Embark on a scavenger hunt around the Zoo, encountering unique scenes of Mr. Claus exploring the world. The adventure will take you to the rainforest, the Outback, the Arctic, on safari, and home on the farm. Stop by the Treehouse to get your picture taken with Santa Claus himself, and be sure to visit the Hot Chocolate Bar and Little Elves' Gift Shop. Enjoy crafts and activities, and take home a special gift!


Seaport Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 14, 2013 ~ Festivities begin at 3pm ~ Parade begins at 5pm
211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19106
Adults $13.50 ~ Seniors (65+) $10 ~ Children/College Students/Military $10
**Uncertain if there is a cost for this outdoor activity** 
 
Independence Seaport Museum will host its 4th annual Seaport Parade of Lights, a holiday lighted boat parade on the Delaware River, on. The parade will feature both working vessels along with pleasure boats, all decked out with festive twinkling lights and decorations. The parade kicks off at 5:00 pm, led by the Jupiter, a vintage 1902 tug maintained by the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. Museum visitors will get the best view of the parade from the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the Delaware River. The Seaport Parade of Lights will be a competition for best decorated boat.

November 23 - December 31 ~ Daily: 10:00am - 4:00pm
100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Adults $16 ~ Seniors (65+) $14 ~ Kids/Students/Military $7 ~ Toddlers - FREE
*Free with Admission to Arboretum
Thousands of sparkling lights adorn a miniature village surrounded by a quarter mile track with model trains zipping in and out of tunnels, over bridges, and through the woods... all outdoors in the winter garden.

On view November 28, 2013–January 12, 2014
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennet Square, PA 19348


Extravagant, fruit-adorned trees towering as high as 18 feet stand in our Conservatory and red and green apples float in an artistic pattern in our Exhibition Hall. This year, our Music Room display pays homage to the Green Room at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, DE, featuring sugared fruit-laden trees and a lavish holiday tea set for 18 special guests.

Stroll our Outdoor Gardens and see more colorful lights on display than ever before in our expanded outdoor experience—featuring a floating tree display, hundreds of sparkling snowflakes, twinkling tree forms, a 12-foot fountain of lights in our Main Fountain Garden, and so much more. 

Our outdoor Christmas lights come on at 3:30 pm every day!
Weekdays
Adults $18, Seniors (62+) $15, Students (5-18) $8, Kids (under 5) FREE
Weekends
Adults $25, Seniors (62+) $22, Students (5-18) $11, Kids (under 5) FREE


201 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19147
Waterfront Winterfest
11am-1am, November 29 – January 5

To celebrate its platinum anniversary, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is working with some of Philadelphia's most creative individuals to transform this popular winter destination into the Waterfront Winterfest.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day will have special hours.


The Blue Cross River Rink
Daily 11 am – 1 am beginning November 29
The Blue Cross RiverRink will be celebrating its 20th anniversary
Admission: $3   ** Free Mon-Thurs before 5 pm (Dec 2-19)**
Skate Rental $10
Parking: Mon-Thurs $12, Fri-Sat $15
**Remember to bring your Independence Blue Cross card for a special discount

Dec 12 - Dec 23  Departures at 11:00, 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, 5:15, 6:45 
Dec 26 - Jan 5     Departures at  12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 5:15
New Hope & Ivyland Railroa - 32 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938
Adults $18.95-$43.95
Kids (2-11) $16.95-$41.95
Toddlers $3.95-$11.95 
Professional Photo packages with Santa available on-board ~ $25.

Ride the rails with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a host of holiday revelers for a truly unique holiday experience the whole family is sure to enjoy! Children and adults of all ages are invited to ride the special holiday train, sip hot cocoa and enjoy cookies while Santa visits with each child and presents them with a special gift. Also onboard, local musicians play & sing Christmas carols for all to enjoy and participate in. Children are encouraged to come dressed in the pajama's as well

Frequently asked questions:
· Cash bar is available onboard the train
· No Dinner is provided aboard this event
· Parking is available at the train station (daily parking fees apply).
· Smoking is not permitted onboard the train. 


1700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104
$10/carload at Gate
$8/carload in advance
Dec 6-31 ~ 5:30pm-10pM (closed Christmas)

This drive-through light display covers more than a mile of one of Allentown’s most beautiful parks (Lehigh Parkway) and features lighted trees, light tunnels and animated displays.
It takes approximately 25 minutes to tour the display, not including the time you may wish to spend at the Gift Barn. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Horse-drawn carriage rides will again be offered by reservation only. For more information and make reservations, please call 610-730-4973. For information about available ride times, please click on this link: http://www.bethlehemcarriage.com/christmasrides.html

(610) 841-3439 | During operating hours (5:30 – 10PM) 
(610) 437-7610 | All other times


 
*Updated December 11, 2013*

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