Monday, November 16, 2015

2016 Winter Holiday Activites in South Jersey and PA

An updated listing for 2015. Hopefully you and your family will enjoy some of these holiday activities.


Free Activities in NJ

1520 Hainesport Rd - Mt Laurel NJ 08054
Fri Dec 16, Sat & Sun Dec 3-18 ~ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 
Popular, (mostly) outdoor, family activity for all ages. Make sure to wear warm clothing. Tour led in moderate sized groups. Features 13 Walk-through Scenes, 200+ Cast Members & Live Animals, and Free Parking & Refreshments



707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 
Saturday, December 10 ~ 11 am to 2 pm 
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




Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
609-748-8999
Nov 24–Jan 2, Thursday - Sunday nights, Dusk–8:30 pm.
Lake Meone has an orchestrated light show that includes 120 Christmas trees set afloat in a magical “parade of trees.” Runs from Thursday  Free. Learn more at historicsmithvillenj.com.




One Palmer Square East, Princeton
609-921-2333
Tree Lighting on November 27th at 5 pm.
In the heart of Princeton, Palmer Square Green is filled with holiday lights, festive fresh garland, red velvet ribbons, and a 65-foot tall Norwegian spruce adorned with over 32,000 dazzling lights.



Riverwinds Holiday Celebration
1000 Riverwinds Drive, West Deptford 
Friday Dec 9 ~ 6 - 8 pm 
Pictures with Santa, traditional RiverWinds ornaments, the Elf's Toy Shoppe, S'mores Pit, Carolers, and more are on the schedule for our Annual Holiday Celebration! 





Carriage House Gallery, 
Physick Estate, 
Cape May
Nov 19 - Dec 31
It’s a Christmas wonderland this time of year. It's all about the wonder of Christmas morning with model trains and toys beneath the tree. You can actually stand under our tree and marvel at the intricate layout of dozens of Dickens Village houses, people and accessories that make the village come to life. Kids can write a letter to Santa and leave it in his special mail box. . From trolley rides to wine tastings, from house tours to themed dinners, there is something for everyone! 

Annual Dickens Festival
Main St., Medford NJ


This annual family event transforms downtown Medford into a Victorian-era Christmas wonderland. The name and playful atmosphere of the festival were inspired by Charles Dickens, author of A Christmas Carol. The festival features many exciting attractions including music, food, stilt walkers, a magician, caricaturists, a story teller, jugglers, ice carvings, a live Nativity, a lighted house contest, horse drawn carriages, carolers dressed in mid 19th century garb, Santa's visit and the nativity reenactment by local churches.



Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood

December 9 & 10, 2016; (rain date is Sunday, December 11th) 
The festival begins Friday evening following the parade, with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Then crowds gather inside the Wildwoods Convention Center to warm up with hot chocolate and cookies and acknowledge the parade and the business decorating and lighting contest winners at the Award Ceremony. The celebration continues all day Saturday with family fun, pictures with Santa and holiday bazaar.). Lineup begins at 5:30pm and the parade starts promptly at 6:00pm.


LIGHT SHOW!
2381 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
November 21 -January 3
At the top of the hour each hour
Families will love the stunning holiday decor and music, with the marvelous 35-foot tree in the center of it all. Adding to the festive decor is Tropicana’s famed 25-foot Poinsettia Tree located in Palm Walk. Plus, we’re bringing the wonder of the holiday season to Tropicana’s Multimedia Light and Sound Show on the boardwalk with our free holiday-themed light and sound show playing daily.
This not-to-be-missed experience combines interactive lights with an inspiring array of beloved holiday musical selections from jazz to rock to international favorites, plus indoor Snow!

November 20 - December 23
Starring nine dancers and two vocalists, Holiday Jubilee takes a fresh approach to presenting the most beloved holiday music, characters and stories of the season. After a festive opening number of “We Need a Little Christmas,” the audience will be taken inside a magical toy shop where tap dancing soldiers, music box ballerinas and rag dolls spring to life.


Escape the hustle and the bustle of the world outside and celebrate the true spirit of the holiday season with Holiday Jubilee at Tropicana. Tickets are $10 for children (16 and under) and $25 for adults. Tickets are subject to taxes and fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Tropicana Box Office and through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 1.800.745.3000.


Children's Outdoor Live Nativity
First Baptist Church of Haddonfield
124 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Friday, Dec. 9 (Rain date Dec 16) 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Children of First Baptist Church of Haddonfield present an Outdoor Nativity. Live animals of the manger surround the scene as the story unfolds.
Hot cocoa and cookies for all!

Rain Date: December 18.


Private Homes and Neighborhoods (dates vary)

Cherry Hill
Mercer Street, between Chapel Avenue and Route 38
Neighboring homes have been waging a friendly competition to see who can boast the biggest and brightest lights, and clearly the winners are the visitors who get to see this holiday spectacle. While you’re there, also check out the houses on Deer Road, near Chapel Avenue, which have homes covered in lights and lawns filled with holiday inflatables.

Hamilton
21 Philips Avenue
Bob Martel has been hosting “Martel’s Winter Wonderland” for more than 20 years. Traditionally, the lights run throughout December until Christmas Eve, with frequent weekend visits from Santa. Make sure you don’t miss the additional displays in the back of the home as well.

Pitman
134 North Avenue, Pitman 



The Hagerty family and their neighbors work together in a joint effort to create a “Winter Wonderland” that has grown every year for more than a quarter of  a century. The enchantment now spreads out over the yards of eight-plus homes. Lit nightly from 5:30–8:30 pm during the week and 5:30–10 pm on weekends. Prepare the kids for a potential celebrity sighting: Santa and Mrs. Claus are there on many Friday and Saturday nights.

Paid Activities in NJ

Winterfest at Cooper River
5300 North Park Dr Pennsauken, NJ
Winterfest is a true theme park for the whole family to enjoy and create lasting memories for years to come.  
Rink Hours (Opens Nov 25)
Sun              12 pm – 9 pm
Mon-Thurs    5 pm – 9 pm
Fri                 5 pm - 10 pm
Sat               12 pm – 10 pm
Adults (13-55)  $6.00      
Children (5-12)  $4.00    
Children Under 5 ~ Free 
Skate Rental $4.00      
Skate Buddy Rental ~ Free










December 3, 2012 ~ 1pm-6pm 
Tickets $10 in Advance, $15 Day of Tour
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. 
Tickets available at:
Salem: Royal Port Antiques, Market Street Treasures, The Little Shop in the Middle, Java Dog Coffee & Tea Shoppe, and Cawman’s Antique Mall
Woodstown: Leighton’s Olde Town Shoppe
Mullica Hill: The Yellow Garage Antiques
For additional information call 856-339-0400



1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103
Dec 4 - 31 ~ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Adults (13+) $26.95      Kids (2-12) $198.95      Under 2 Free
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.
Edelman Planetarium Science Hall, 
Rowan Univerisity 
201 Mullica Hill Rd Glassboro, NJ 08028
Sundays Dec 4 -Dec 11 at 3 p.m.
*Tickets go on sale 30 mins before the show.
**CASH ONLY** Adults $5  Kids $3  Rowan Students $3  Seniors (60+)  $3 
This traditional holiday show explores the 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!



Edelman Planetarium Science Hall, Rowan Univerisity 
201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Admission $2.00
Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
Earth children are not the only ones who might enjoy Christmas! In this show, an alien named Mr. Freep kidnaps Santa Claus, and takes him on a tour of our solar system in his flying saucer to show him how alien children would like to enjoy a visit from the Jolly Old Elf as well!




6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234

Under 2 ~ Free    Ages (2-64) $25.50    Seniors (65+) $22.50
Active/Retired Military w ID  $22.50 *entire family* 
**ONLINE ONLY PRICING** ALL tickets $22.50 
Saturdays & Sundays  Nov 12 - Dec 4 and Fri Nov 26 & Dec 2 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm

 Daily December 9-23, Dec 26-Dec 30 
Monday – Friday 4:30pm – 9pm 
Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 9pm
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!
133 Church Rd  Medford, NJ 08055
Nov 25 – Dec 23  and Dec 26 – 30
Santa Arrives Friday Nov 25 at 11am
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    
S’more Kits $3.75 (makes 2 S’mores)
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.

Christmas “Light Show” Hayride
$5.95 per person, Under 1 - Free
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.   

$9.95 Combination ticket (Christmas “Light Show” Hayride & Fire and Lights in the Discovery Barnyard)


Decorate their own Gingerbread man and Christmas Tree Cookie
Cost: $7.50 per cookie kit
We also offer Horse Drawn Hayrides through the Holiday Season. 
$5.75 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.




Christmas House Tour


Mullica Hill
Sat Dec 10th   2 - 7 pm
Tickets $8 in advance, $10 day of event
To  purchase tickets contact Hazel Dilsaver at 856-223-5440.
Join us to see the historic homes, churches and buildings on the Christmas House Tour. See the original architecture and beautiful decor of homes dating back to the early 1700's. Live music, carolers, Civil War strollers, and Santa will be here. There will be a reading of the Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at Old Town Hall, as well as open house specials and refreshments at many shops. Transportation will be provided. 



Main St., Bridgeton
Sat, Dec 3 ~ 4 - 8pm
A close-up of some of the best of the best of a Historic District that contains over 2000 individual properties--New Jersey’s largest! 25 historic homes, churches, shops and public buildings conveniently located along a half-mile stretch of East and West Commerce Street. 
Festival of Lights takes place at City Park.






Ocean City Music Pier
Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk, Ocean City
Friday December 16th
 – 7:30 pm
Adults $20.00   Kids (12 and Under) $15.00   Seniors $18.00
This family event features a cast of professional singers and dancers putting on a high-energy, family–oriented, song and dance tribute to the holidays.  Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us as the magic of the season comes to life in a brand new musical journey through seasonal favorites




New Jersey State Museum
205 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08625
 Sat & Sun, Nov 5 - Dec 18 at 1 & 3 pm
 Special weekday shows Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30
Admission: $7 adults, $5 children 12 years and younger

Celebrate the holiday season with the State Museum Planetarium's most spectacular show ever! Our new full-spectrum laser beams dance along with dazzling animated laser effects set to popular holiday music. Enjoy a unique, festive experience under the stars at New Jersey’s largest planetarium.



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.

100 Clinton St Camden, NJ 
December 10 ~ 9am-11am 
Adults - $24, Kids (under 12) - $18 Active Military and Family - $10
Santa arrives at 9:30am
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 x 106!


5750 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
1 Hour and 30 MinutesTimes available (Spaces limited)
Nov 20 & 27, Dec 4, 11, & 18 10:30 am – 12 pm
Adults (breakfast only) $15  Children $27.50
Kick-off the Christmas Season with a wonderful Breakfast in the company of Santa Claus at Giggleberry Fair. The 90 minute event will include a buffet style breakfast, story time with Santa, special treats and time to play on the Mountain, Grand Carousel, Giggles Discovers along with $5 to spend in the Game Room. This fascinating and fun morning with Santa at Giggleberry Fair will delight all ages and surely be a crowd-pleaser! 
Includes: 
Buffet Style Breakfast, Eggs, Sausage, Waffles on a Stick with Syrup, Cereal, Milk, Juice, Lemonade, Fruit Punch
Activity Pass

Includes Mountain, Unlimited Carousel Rides and Giggles Discovers, $5.00 Arcade Card, Story Time with Santa, Candy Cane & Small Toy

Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
Saturday Dec. 10 and Dec 17.  Call for reservations
Reservations required. Call 609-652-0544.
Enjoy a Buffet Breakfast and picture with Santa at Fred & Ethel's Lantern Light. Historic Smithville offers 60 shoppes, 7 eateries, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, on site lodging at the Colonial Inn and over 26 free weekend events!

2040 Springdale Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 424-1233
Members $12, Non-Members $17
SAT & SUN Dec 12 & 13, Hourly 10 am - 1 pm 
Pre-registration is REQUIRED

Enjoy your first meal of the day with the big guy in red!  It’s all the fixins’ for a pancake breakfast with songs and stories and of course a visit with Santa. Seating is limited, so call for reservations now!  Sponsored by Whole Foods of Marlton and Cherry Hill.


Camden Children's Garden 
3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 
Sat Dec 5~ 10 am & 12:30 pm 
Pre-Registration is required
Members $20, Non-Members $26, Under 2 ~ $5
The arrival of Santa, brunch with Santa and more. 
Children’s tickets include: Brunch, Printed picture with Santa, Complimentary ride on both the Garden carousel and train, holiday crafts Space is limited.


Dickens of a Holiday in Mays Landing
82 Mill St, Mays Landing
Sat Dec 3 ~ 8 am - 11 am
Adults $8, Children $5, Framed Photos $8
Pancake Breakfast





Free Activities in PA (some have fee activities)


1500 Arch St, Philadelphia PA 19102
Nov 19-20 and Nov 24 – Dec 24 ~ Sun-Thur 11am-7pm ~ Fri & Sat 11am-8pm
Once again Christmas Village will transform the LOVE Park in Center City of Philadelphia into a traditional German Christmas Market. Running from Thanksgiving (11/26/15) through the last Sunday in December (12/27/15), we will bring the spirit of the Holiday season to Philly - because we LOVE Christmas! 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.


Comcast Holiday Spectacular 
1701 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Nov 24 - Jan 1 ~ every Hour ~ 10am - 8pm
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.



1300 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19107
  
Christmas Light Show
Daily: November 25 – December 31 (Closed Christmas Day)
10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m 
A perfect family outing, the Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert at Macy’s is a Philadelphia holiday tradition since 1956.



Dickens Village

3rd Floor Holiday Lane
November 27–December 31: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day)

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.


The Piano Court, 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Friday, November 25 – Thurs, December 30 ~ Open Daily at 10am

Closed Christmas Day
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.


500 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

4:30 to 8 pm, November 10 – December 31
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.
Philly Mini Golf
Holiday warming stations will keep golfers warm as they putt around the only Philadelphia-themed mini golf course, featuring the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ben Franklin Bridge, Chinatown Gate, Liberty Bell, and other landmarks. 

Adults: $9, Children 3 - 12: $7

Parx Liberty Carousel
Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel playing holiday music through Dec 31.
Ages 3+: $3 per ride, Children 2 and under: FREE
Lightning Bolt Holiday Express
Sat & Sun, Nov 14 - Dec 27, plus Nov 12, Nov 27, & Dec 31.
All aboard for a special holiday train ride around the magnificently lit Square! 

Adults: $5, Children: $4

US 202, Buckingham, PA
Nov 18 ~ 6 – 9 pm   Lights go on at 6:15
Santa comes to Bucks County for our annual Grand Illumination Celebration, an outdoor holiday light display that kicks off our holiday season. Join us for free cider and marshmallow toasting, visit our shops (open until 10 pm that evening) and preview all the great holiday gifts in store. The lights go on at 6:15 pm – don’t be late!!
6pm - 9pm / Shops open until 10pm
Lights switched on at 6:15pm
Free Admission and Free Parking
Nov 18 – Jan 2  Saturdays 10:00 am to 9:00 pm & Sundays, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Don’t miss the visual delights of our Gingerbread Competition and Display, featuring cash prizes in categories ranging from traditional to authentic reproduction of a significant building. Student and kids-only categories, too.


Paid Activities in PA
100 Sesame Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047
November 19 - January 1
OPEN 
Fridays Nov 25  1-8 pm 
Saturdays Nov 19 - 17  1-8 pm
Sundays 1 - 7 pm 
Dec 31 & Jan 1 only 1 – 6 pm
BONUS DAYS: 
December 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30 1 - 8 pm

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place® is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends in Langhorne, PA. The park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations and whirling rides. Guests will enjoy special Christmas shows, savory Christmas menus, super holiday shopping and a visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop.

New in 2016 – Guests will enjoy an all-new holiday sing-along adventure on the Sesame Place Furry Express! Enjoy all of the beautiful lights and decorations while singing along to our traditional Christmas soundtrack, sung by Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Zoe, Telly, The Count, Elmo and even Oscar! Don’t miss the chance to meet Lightning, the adorable reindeer from the movie Elmo Saves Christmas. While you're there, you can also join in some Reindeer Games!

Online $27 – Single 2 Day Ticket good for any two visits Nov 19 - Jan 1
At Gate $32 - Single 2 Day Ticket good for any two visits Nov 19 - Jan 1
Parking: $17 - General Parking or $25 - VIP Parking



931 Stony Hill Rd, Morrisville PA 19067
Nov. 19 Santa Arrives by HELICOPTER at 11 am
Nov 19 – Jan 8 ~ 5 pm to 10 pm
$25 per carload
Experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm 2015 Holiday Light Show!

·        Encounter whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters.
·        Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on an open air wagon ride (weather permitting).
·        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).
·        Santa is in the house! Visit and have your photo taken with the Big Man in our greenhouse.

Open Air Tractor-drawn Wagon Ride
Sun – Thurs 5-8pm, Fri & Sat 5-9pm ~ $12/person.
Reservations available for groups of 25 or more. Call 215-968-1670.
3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Saturdays & Sundays – Dec 3-11 – 11am -3pm
*Included in Admission to Zoo*
 Winter Admissions: Adults (12+) $16 ~ Children (2-11) $16 ~ Under 2  FREE
Meet Santa at the Treehouse at 11am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm
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!


211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19106
Sat Dec 10 ~ Festivities begin at 3pm ~ Parade begins at 5:30 pm
Adults $13.50 ~ Seniors (65+) $10 ~ Children/College Students/Military $10
**Uncertain if there is a cost for only the outdoor activity**  
Our annual Parade of Lights returns to the Delaware River on December 12 at 5:30 p.m. The lighted boat parade features our working port, with tugboats and other vessels decorated in lights. Before the parade, spend the day inside the Museum for holiday activities and entertainment. Museum visitors will get the best view of the parade from the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the Delaware River.

  • Visit Santa’s “Workshop on the Water” to make holiday ornaments and gingerbread boats.
  • Take a selfie with Santa before he heads out to lead the parade.
  • Enjoy live music from a local high school choir. 
  • Stop by the Ship Model Shack to see a lighted model ship display. The Ship Model Shack is the home of the Philadelphia Ship Model Society, the oldest ship modeling society in America!
  • Yo Ho Ho, Mates! Pose with Calico Jack, a greedy scrooge-like pirate, this holiday season. 
  • Visit a Silver Ships display, a holiday tradition featuring dozens of tiny silver ships from the Museum's collection.
  • All activities and entertainment are free with Museum admission, from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. 



100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Nov 26 – Jan 3 ~ Daily: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Adults $16 ~ Seniors (65+) $14 ~ Kids/Students/Military $8 ~ Under 3 - FREE
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.





1001 Longwood Rd, Kennet Square, PA 19348
Nov 17 – Jan 8
Weekdays (excluding Dec 26 - Jan 1) 9am-10pm
Adults $20, Seniors (62+) $17, Students (5-18) $10, under 5 ~ FREE
Weekends (and Dec 26 - Jan 1) 9am -10pm
Adults $27, Seniors (62+) $24, Students (5-18) $13, Under 5 ~ FREE
Timed Tickets Required 
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. 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!

201 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19147
Nov 25 – Jan 5 
Mon - Thurs 1 pm - 10:30 pm
Friday 1 pm - 12:30 pm
Saturday 11 am - 12:30 pm
Sunday 11 am - 10:30 pm
Admission: $3   Skate Rental $10
Parking: Mon-Thurs $12, Fri-Sat $15
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.  Come enjoy the Blue Cross RiverRink, The Lodge, The Light Show, Art Star Holiday Market, and The Winter Garden.




New Hope & Ivyland Railroa - 32 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938
Sun - Thurs Nov 17 – Dec 30 Departures at 11 am, 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5:15, 6:45 
Fri & Sat, Nov 27 - Jan 2 Departures at 11 am, 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5:15, 6:45, 8:15
***Not Running: Nov 24, Dec 24 & 25***
Adults $20.95-$48.95             Kids (2-11) $18.95-$46.95
Toddlers $4.95-$14.95           Professional Photo with Santa ~ $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.




1700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104
$12 per carload at Gate   
Nov 25 – Dec 30 ~ 5:30 pm-10 pm (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. “Lights” has become an annual tradition for many families throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond (many people visit from out of state to experience this unique display). While building on the success of past years, this season promises to shine even brighter than before.
After your tour through the spectacular display, be sure to visit the Lights In The Parkway Gift Barn. As you exit the display, follow the signs to the Lights In The Parkway Gift Barn.
Since the admission price for Lights in the Parkway is per vehicle rather than per person, it is one of the most economical types of holiday entertainment — the entire family can enjoy the display.   Various locations throughout the City will be selling   Advance sale tickets. Part of the proceeds benefit Allentown community groups whose members volunteer to staff the display.
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!

Pennsylvania Ballet
Thurs - Sun, Dec 9 - 31
$30 - 135
Escape to the Land of Sweets for the Philadelphia region’s most beloved holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. For 46 years, families have created yuletide memories with Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of this classic tale. The simple story of a girl, a gift, and a fanciful dream is made magical by opulent sets and costumes, the charm of The School of Pennsylvania Ballet students, and the impassioned artistry of Pennsylvania Ballet dancers. The celebrated Philadelphia Boys Choir raises their voices with the magnificent Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra to bring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life.




645 E First St, PNC Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Thurs - Suns Nov 18 - Dec 18, Thur & Sun 11 am - 6 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am - 8 pm
13 and over $9, 6-12 yrs $5, under 5 free, Senior (65+) $8, Season pass $18 Click to Purchase Tickets
Named one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, Christkindlmarkt features aisles of handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans; live holiday music; demonstrating artists; opportunities to make your own glass ornaments; jolly, old St. Nicholas and more.