Gobble Gobble! An Overstuffed Rundown of Things To Do With Kids All Week: November 23--29

Gobble Gobble! An Overstuffed Rundown of Things To Do With Kids All Week: November 23–29

Staying in town for Thanksgiving, or hosting family? Here's something great to do in Philly everyday!

November 20, 2020

Need plans for Thanksgiving week? We’ve got something great, every day.

And we’re bringing you the whole week, including Thanksgiving weekend, all at once! Just one more thing to be thankful for!

Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (Thanksgiving!)

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

All Week

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink, Wintergarden, and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Through January 1, 2021 (Rink through February)

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Right outside City Hall, local artisans, designers, and crafters will offer unique selections for gifts. This market was designed to complement Christmas Village across the street—but only focuses on locally made gifts. Stop by after skating on the Rothman Rink and running through the beautiful Wintergarden.

Winter in Franklin Square

November 19—December 31

Showtimes: Every half-hour from 5—9 pm (Sunday—Thursday), 5—10 pm (Friday—Saturday)

200 N. Sixth St.

More than 100,000 lights illuminate Franklin Square’s updated fountain show, timed to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS. There are two alternating shows every 30 minutes beginning at 5 pm daily, so if you stay a while for the square’s holiday activities, you can catch them both. And you’ll definitely want to because this year in addition to the carousel, Franklin Square is debuting Chilly Philly Mini Golf, a holiday spin on their beloved golf course complete with lights, holiday music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends! Masks and social distancing are required.

A Longwood Christmas

November 20—January 10

Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

Stroll among a winter wonderland of half-a-million lights, and see Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden illuminated for the season. Plus, enjoy live holiday music on select dates, and visit the whimsical Garden Railway for some added magic throughout the season. Timed admission tickets are required.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show

November 21—January 10

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

More than 3 million lights illuminate the farm with fantastic displays. You can drive through in the comfort of your own car, or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. After the show, take a stroll through musical, dancing lights of Candy Cane Lane. And be sure to visit the farmer’s market for treats, too! Tickets available online.

Virtual Macy’s Christmas Light Show

November 23—December 24

To quote Julie Andrews’s narration of this 100,000-light spectacle, the Macy’s Christmas Light Show is a “grand tradition.” In order to prevent large crowds, the Light Show will not continue in person this year, but the light display will stay powered on through the season and the narrated story experience will be available online. If seeing the light show and then going upstairs to see Dickens Village and Santa is a part of your holiday tradition, Macy’s is also moving Dickens Village online, and is planning a new virtual experience for kids to meet Santa starting November 27.

Monday

Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga

November 23, 10 am

Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.

Virtual Storytime with Milan the Magician

November 23, 10:15 am

Part of Yeadon Public Library’s virtual Harvest Festival, reserve a spot at a fun and magical storytime.

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus

November 23, 10:30 am

Each Monday PlayArts will introduce the theme of the week through song, dance, and play. So grab your musical instruments and materials (listed in event) to join! Register to get access to the class.

Casey Cooks: Turkey Pita Hands

November 23, 2 pm

Join Miss Casey for another episode of Casey Cooks. This week Casey is making Turkey Pita Hands with the kids . For this class you will need pita bread, any raw vegetables, cream cheese or ranch dip, raisins, and shredded cheese. Join free on Facebook Live.

Alien Name Creatures

November 23, 4:30 pm

Kids ages 5-10 can join Paoli Library to create their own unique alien using their names. Free; pre-register online for the Zoom link.

Manayunk Tree Lighting (and more)

November 23, 6:30 pm

Celebrate the annual tree lighting virtually, followed by live performances and maybe even a visit from Santa!

Our City, Your Orchestra: Project HOME

November 23, 7 pm

Our City, Your Orchestra is a series of free online concerts performed by small ensembles, recorded without audiences at iconic cultural locations throughout the region. This week’s free virtual performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra streams online from Project HOME. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.

Tuesday

John DeBella Turkey Drop and Live Broadcast

November 24, 6-9 am

Outside of the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street; and broadcast online

Join John DeBella and the MGK air staff as they broadcast live outside of the Kimmel Center, collecting frozen turkey and monetary donations for CityTeam Philadelphia, an organization that provides holiday meals to less fortunate families in the Philadelphia region. You can donate frozen turkeys, cash, checks, and “free turkey” coupons outside of the Kimmel Center; or donate online.

Princess Storytime with Newtown Public Library

November 24, 10 am

Best for ages 2-5. Join a princess from Happily Ever After Celebrations for fairy tales and fun! The princess will interact with kids and take questions after reading. Pre-register online to receive the Zoom info.

Virtual Toddler Time with Mary Poppins

November 24, 10 am

Join Mary Poppins on Zoom for songs, interactive dances, and storytime. Pre-register online.

PlayArts’ Virtual Movement Lab: Weather

November 24, 10:30 am

Join Teacher Margot on an exploration of the weather through basic movement and dance concepts! With playful locomotion through songs, nursery rhymes, stories, and interactive games get ready to move with your little one at home! This class is adaptive for infants up through 4-year-olds. Pre-register online.

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

November 24, 11 am

Be Well With Beth’s classes give parents a full-body strength and flexibility workout using body weight, bands (or whatever you have laying around), and even your little one as resistance. Come for a great work out, stay for the play, social time, and conversation with other parents and kids! Plus, stay online at the end for an additional 15 minutes to discuss nutrition and meal planning with Beth, who is also a registered dietitian nutritionist!

At-Home Anthro: Wampum

November 24, 1 pm

Join Museum educators to learn about the traditional practice of making wampum, and create a design that represents an important event in your family, school, or community. This 60-minute session is perfect for elementary to middle school kids. Free; pre-register online.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

November 24, 1 pm

Kith + Kin’s new parent support groups are facilitated by trained doulas who help guide the transition into the new role of parenthood. Share stories, ask hard questions, and more. Pay what you can; join on Zoom via Kith + Kin’s website.

Virtual Baking Class: Snickerdoodle Cookies

November 24, 4 pm

Kids will measure, mix and roll their own batch of these delicious treats for Thanksgiving dessert. For ages 5 and up (with parental help). Pre-register online.

In Person: Furry & Bright Christmas Drive-Thru at Sesame Place

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-8 pm, through December 23

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

If you’re looking to kick off the holiday season as soon as possible, head to Sesame Place! From the comfort of your own car, journey through a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, holiday décor, a festive Christmas soundtrack, and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends dressed in their warm winter best. To cap off the trail, guests can wave to Santa Claus as he wishes everyone a happy holiday season! Tickets are required in advance.

Frozen Thanksgiving Storytime

November 24, 6:30 pm

Join Queen Elsa for a fun Frozen Thanksgiving themed storytime, songs, and dancing. Tickets available online; Zoom link will be sent via email.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

November 24, 7 pm

Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.

Thanksgiving Story on Facebook Live

November 24, 7 pm

Enjoy an evening story for the holiday courtesy of Media-Upper Providence Free Library on Facebook Live.

Ending Food Fights: Feeding Picky Eaters

November 24, 7 pm

This virtual workshop is perfect for parents of 2-5 year olds that want strategies for simplifying dinner time. learn some basic guidelines that take the fight out of foods, about the importance of modeling a healthy relationship with food, and when to ask for extra help. Pre-register online; the class is intentionally limited in size to allow for questions and individualized attention.

Wednesday

Turkey Craft with Ludington Library

November 25, noon

Get ready for Thanksgiving with Ludington Library on Facebook Live, and make a fun paper turkey craft with Miss Jackie.

Creating Space: A Feeding and Parenting Support Group for Black, Indigenous, People of Color

November 25, 2 pm

A safe space to talk, be heard, listen, and find community. The focus is feeding and parenting, but all topics are welcome. Join on Zoom via Kith + Kin.

Virtual Cooking Class: Cheese and Herb Grissini Breadsticks

November 25, 4 pm

Kids (age 5-18) will learn how to make crispy cheese and herb breadsticks to share at your Thanksgiving table. Pre-register online.

Virtual Cooking Class: Green Bean Casserole

November 25, 5 pm

Stick around to make another Thanksgiving table classic: green bean casserole. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

In Person: Furry & Bright Christmas Drive-Thru at Sesame Place

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-8 pm, through December 23

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Thursday: Thanksgiving!

Get Prepared: Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in Philly

If you’re anything like us, your Thanksgiving will look very different, and may be much smaller. Like us, it may even be the first time you’re having it in your own home. Luckily, there are so many fabulous Philly restaurants out there planning for this inevitability, and with a little planning (and advance orders) your Thanksgiving will be delicious, warm, and you can save yourself a whole lot of stress! Here are just some great picks around town.

In Person: Christmas Village Opens in LOVE Park

November 26, 9 am—5 pm

Love Park, 1500 Arch Street

Modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, this annual market features dozens of vendors in wooden booths selling authentic European food, ornaments, crafts, clothing, and more from all over the world. Shop one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, take a ride on the carousel, and more. See our preview for COVID restrictions and more information.

6abc Virtual Thanksgiving Day Celebration

November 26, 9 am—noon

We can’t gather together for the parade on the Parkway, but 6abc is bringing the celebration to us with performances, special guests, prizes, and more. Tune in on 6abc or various streaming platforms.

Thanksgiving Weekend

All Weekend

Christmas Village

November 26-December 24

Love Park, 1500 Arch Street

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink, Wintergarden, and Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Through January 1, 2021 (Rink through February)

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Opens for the Season

November 27

101 S. Columbus Blvd.

Come to skate, ride the Ferris wheel, enjoy the lights, play boardwalk games, and more. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason. Timed reservations required for skating.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

November 20—December 30, 5—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

With new lights and decorative attractions, and with more animals on exhibit, this year’s Wild Lights is sure to be brighter than ever! Take a stroll through a glistening forest, or visit with big cats in Trail of the Jumping Jaguar. Each night of Wild Lights features live entertainment, unique animal encounters, performances, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa himself (this year, Santa will appear at the window of his workshop to greet guests and pose for photos). Advance tickets and masks required.

PHestivaL of Trees

November 27–29

The Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks

This festive holiday drive-thru family event benefits local animal shelters and rescues, and only lasts for three days, so be sure to get your tickets in advance! The PHestivaL features 200 decorated holiday trees, a live nativity scene, Hanukkah menorah, Kwanzaa imagery, a light show, and Santa himself.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show

November 21—January 10

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

November 21—January 3

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

During the holidays, Sesame Place is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around. Their 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show features an illuminated pixel-based tree, that will project festive animated images while guests can sing and dance along to the festive soundtrack. There are also three different holiday stage shows, an illuminated Christmas parade, and more.

Winter on Broad Street

November 27—January 3

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

Brand new for this year, the parking lot of Wells Fargo Center is transformed into a socially-distanced, dazzling outdoor holiday light wonderland. “We are absolutely thrilled to bring all things ‘merry and bright’ to South Philadelphia this year,” said Wells Fargo Center’s Chief Business Officer, Mike Shane. “We pulled out all the stops to make this experience immersive and magical for adults and children alike – from meandering through each of the half-million twinkling lights to enjoying a warm mug of spiked hot cocoa, the spirit of the season will come to life for everyone.” Walk through 193 larger-than-life light sculptures and displays powered by more than a half-million light bulbs, plus visit the marketplace, grab some treats, and maybe even snap a holiday photo with Gritty! Due to Covid restrictions, tickets are extremely limited and sold in timeslots so be sure to plan ahead for this one.

LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular

November 27-29, 11 am-5 pm

Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

Enjoy seasonal build activities and holiday activities—grab your family photo on the LEGO sleigh, meet new LEGO reindeer, build a LEGO ornament and decorate the holiday tree, see MINILAND Philadelphia as a Winter Wonderland, and more! Advance timed tickets required.

Holiday Market at Terrain

November 28 and 29

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills

Terrain gets in the holiday spirit as their festive tree yard opens. Plus, the Glen Mills location will have a weekly Market featuring some favorite makers and artisans offering their most special wares, as well as Terrain décor and lighting. Live music will accompany the festiveness, and look out for some snow at the market too—they’ll have the snow machines running to create some winter magic!

Christmas at Colonial Gardens

Weekends from November 28 through December 27, 5:30—8:30 pm

745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville

Take a stroll through the decorated landscape and enjoy the spectacular lights and displays throughout the grounds. And make sure to catch the light show synchronized to music. Admission includes a take-home make your own ornament kit for kids. Santa will be there for select nights (make a reservation when you arrive)—for his safety, the number of visits with Santa will be limited and all interactions will be masked and socially distanced. All children are also welcome to submit a letter to Santa in his special new mailbox in lieu of a visit. Masks are required both indoors and outdoors at Colonial Gardens. Tickets available online.

Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway

November 28—December 31; ticketed nights on select Saturdays and Sundays

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue

Morris Arboretum’s beloved Garden Railway gets a holiday upgrade, lighting up this quarter-mile of track and miniature replicas of Philadelphia-area landmarks made from natural materials with thousands of twinkling lights. The garden holds special ticketed night events on select Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30—7:30 pm where you can really get the full effect of the lights. Due to Covid restrictions, timed tickets are also required to visit the Arboretum during regular hours, so while you can view the Railway anytime they’re open, you’ll need to plan ahead for that too.

Virtual: Thanksgiving Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

November 27—29

Join the Museum of the American Revolution online to explore the foods and festivities that Revolutionaries used to celebrate harvests and victories with make-at-home craft activities and virtual cooking demonstrations for all ages.

Virtual: Philadelphia Theatre Company presents ‘The Wolves’

Streaming beginning November 27 through December 20

Recommended for teen audiences and older, The Wolves is centered on a group of nine high school girls navigating the politics of their personal lives as well as the politics of the larger world, gossiping about things like war, menstrual products, genocide, sports, pop culture, and their relationships. This streaming play is Pay What You Can for a two-day rental and can be streamed at philatheatreco.org starting on November 27. The play will no longer be available after December 20.

Friday

Black Powder Friday at Fort Mifflin

November 27, 10 am

1 Fort Mifflin Rd.

Spend the day exploring one of the only intact battlefields from the American Revolution and enjoy musket and cannon demonstrations. Masks and social distancing required.

Virtual Drag Queen Story Time Fundraiser

November 27, 11 am

Our favorite Philly Drag Queen Miss Brittany Lynn will be on Facebook Live sharing stories about love, diversity, and acceptance, singing a song with the Story Time Puppets, doing some arts and crafts, and having a fun snack time segment that you can make at home. Any tips are appreciated and go directly to Drag Queen Story Time, so that they can give you some at home entertainment for kids of all ages during the holidays.

Virtual Ardmore Holiday Kick-off and Virtual Tree Lighting

November 27, 5 pm

Local dignitaries will welcome guests online, make holiday gift suggestions, talk about how and why to shop small and local, and then countdown to the lighting with Santa Claus and Cinderella, who will also sing favorite holiday and movie songs for everyone watching at home. This event is virtual only and broadcast from Downtown Ardmore. The tree will be lit for the remainder of the month starting on Small Business Saturday through Christmas for those that want to view it and take in-person photos.

Virtual Nutcracker 1776

November 27, 6:30 pm

The Rock School of Dance presents its signature Revolutionary take on The Nutcracker ballet, virtually. Nutcracker 1776 will feature outstanding performances by alumni from years past as well as new performances by current students. Tickets available online to watch Friday night, or receive a link to watch anytime.

Saturday

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

November 28, 10 am

Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

Pick up a nature exploration kit at the Visitor Center and then hit the trails with your family to complete the activities inside. Dive into a different theme and collect a new explorer badge each week. Explorer kits can be picked up anytime between 10 am and noon. All ages welcome. No registration or fee required. Masks are required when picking up your kit.

Brunch with the Snow Queen at Germantown Garden

November 28, 11 am and 1 pm

1029 Germantown Ave.

Families are invited to get Frozen at this special open-air dining experience perfect for kids of all ages that love Elsa! This socially-distanced positive and magical dining experience will include 90 minutes at a private, exclusive and heated igloo just for you and your immediate family members, plus a safe and socially-distanced photo opportunity and visit with the queen, songs, and souvenirs. This event is part of the Northern Liberties Holiday Pop-Up, and Small Business Saturday. Reservations are required online for your desired seating and timeslot.

Virtual Snapology: Minecraft Map Making

November 28, 11 am

Join Penn Wynne Library and Snapology online for a free LEGO-based class for ages 6-11. Pre-registration is required, as spots are limited.

Small Business Saturday in Chestnut Hill

November 28

Shop local, plus enjoy strolling Santa from 11 am-2 pm), carriage rides, performance by a Mummers trio, and more festiveness.

Holidays at East Market

Begins November 28; Events on Saturdays from November 28—December 19, 1—5 pm

1118 Market St.

Filled with festive décor and lights, featuring their annual 20-foot holiday tree, East Market will host live entertainment, outdoor programming, and a light-up window mural display by Mural Arts throughout the season. Visit East Market’s outdoor walk every Saturday afternoon (1—5 pm) from November 28—December 19 to enjoy a rotating lineup of live entertainment alongside a hot cocktail truck.