30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week (December 21-27)

At home and in person, plan your week!

December 21, 2020

Have some fun with our roundup of this week’s in-person and virtual activities!

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All Week

Where to Find (Socially Distanced) Holiday Lights

It’s your week to shine! Sparkle in Philly, the Main Line, and beyond with our picks.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Through March 7, 2021

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.

Winter in Franklin Square

Through 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.

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. Walk through 193 larger-than-life light sculptures and displays powered by more than a half-million light bulbs, plus visit the marketplace, write a letter to Santa, grab some treats, and maybe even snap a holiday photo with Gritty! Read more in our preview.

Christmas Village (Last day is Christmas Eve!)

November 26-December 24

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.

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.

Drive-Thru Grand Illumination hosted by American Credit Union

November 30—December 31

American Heritage Carriage House, 2060 Red Lion Road

Experience a free drive-thru featuring more than 400,000 lights from the comfort and safety of your car, at no cost to you! Families are invited to drive through, enjoy, and take family photos in a socially-distanced manner after dusk.

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.

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.

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.

Virtual Pennsylvania Ballet presents George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Streaming December 16—25

From the Tchaikovsky score to the timeless story of holiday magic, this ballet is a classic for a reason. The Pennsylvania Ballet presents a digital encore presentation of the company’s production from 2019. Tickets to the ballet are $50 for unlimited online viewing for the full 10 days.

Virtual People’s Light presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Concert

Streaming December 8—January 3

A joyous, music-filled celebration of Dickens’ beloved classic recently filmed at People’s Light features performances of newly arranged 19th-century English carols, original music, and readings of excerpts from Dickens’ novella.

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.

Virtual Quintessence Theatre presents ‘The Little Princess’

Performed live December 9—27

Quintessence Theatre brightens the holiday season with a full virtual production of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess. All four actors will perform live from specially designed home studios, with the chance for young viewers to even make a cameo appearance onscreen! This timeless tale of one little girl’s resilience and imagination promises family fun and interactivity.

Monday

The Metropolitan Opera’s free Family Holiday Festival, including ‘Hansel and Gretel’

Through December 21

Stream Hansel and Gretel free , then participate in virtual workshops to guide kids and families through this wickedly entertaining adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Activities include crafts, dance parties, and much more! View the opera and activity schedule online.

Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga

December 21, 10 am

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

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus

December 21, 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.

Dance Me A Story presents The Sugar Plum Fairy

December 21, 10:30 am

This is a creative movement storytelling workshop that will tell the story of The Nutcracker, teach kids some dance moves, and even includes a visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. Pre-register to reserve your spot.

Delaware Museum of Natural History: Animal Teamwork

December 21, 10:30 am

Meet live animal ambassadors online and learn how animals work together in groups to survive. This program is best for kids in grades PreK-3. Free; pre-register online.

Trolls Dance Class

December 21, 1 pm

In this 45-minute beginning level dance class students ages 5-10 will learn cardio, technique, and a small section of “Just Sing” from Trolls World Tour. Pre-register online.

Solstice Dance Celebration

December 21, 2 pm

The Metropolitan Opera hosts a family dance party over Zoom to welcome winter.

Holiday Cooking Class: Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses and Hot Cocoa

December 21, 4:30 pm

Kids will learn how to make gingerbread glue (icing), tips and tricks for constructing their own tiny gingerbread village at home, and fun decorating ideas. Plus, play some fun holiday games and make homemade hot cocoa. Pre-register online.

Our City, Your Orchestra: Holiday Concert

December 21, 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 is holiday themed, and streams online from the 23rd Street Armory. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.

Read Along, Draw Along with Loren Long: ‘The Night Before Christmas’

December 21, 7 pm

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and cozy the family up around the computer screen for a holiday read along with the illustrator of The Night Before Christmas, Loren Long. After reading, Loren will guide viewers through a draw-along session, talk about what makes this classic story so magical, and give tips on how he creates his iconic characters. Free on Facebook Live.

Tuesday

Music with Miss Jill

December 22, 9:45 am

Music with Miss Jill is a lively interactive music program for toddlers through kindergarten. Activities consist of songs, fingerplays, props, musical games, and puppets.

PlayArts’ Virtual Movement Lab: Weather

December 22, 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.

Delaware Museum of Natural History: Animal Teamwork

December 22, 10:30 am

Meet live animal ambassadors online and learn how animals work together in groups to survive. This program is best for kids in grades PreK-3. Free; pre-register online.

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

December 22, 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!

Penn Museum At-Home Anthro

December 22, 1 pm

Follow along with an educator to identify the important parts of a recipe using examples from artifacts in our collections. Learn to write an ancient word with Cuneiform symbols then use it as a design on your holiday cookies! This 60-minute session is perfect for elementary to middle school kids. Free; pre-register online.

The Nutcracker Remix Dance Class

December 22, 1 pm

In thisclass, students ages 8-12 will learn a reimagined dance routine (in a style other than ballet) to a song from The Nutcracker. Pre-register online.

Tinker Tuesday: Festive DIY Science Video with the Franklin Institute

December 22, 2 pm

Watch on Facebook Live as Frankin Institute science educators demonstrate how to add a sparkle of science to your holiday-themed projects this season.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus

December 22, 2 pm

Join free on Facebook Live as Mrs. Claus delights children of all ages with stories to fill you with holiday cheer!

Play ‘Among Us’ with Kensington Library

December 22, 3 pm

Kensington Library will be running their own private Among Us room with a Zoom chat for ages 9-12. Email Arrick Underhill at underhilla@freelibrary.org for more details.

Virtual Cooking Class: Snowman Pizzas

December 22, 3:30 pm

In this class, kids will learn how to make pizza dough from scratch and top it with their favorite sauce, cheese, and creative toppings to create their own custom snowman pizza. This class is fun for all ages, so you can get the whole family involved! Tickets available online.

Pennsylvania Ballet Virtual Nutcracker Tea

December 22, 4 pm

In addition to the streaming Nutcracker performance, the Pennsylvania Ballet is hosting a series of virtual Nutcracker Tea Parties for young theatergoers and their families. On Tuesday, make tissue-paper flowers with Dewdrop. Pre-register online.

NLM at Home: Philly’s Freedom

December 22, 4 pm

What does freedom look like to you? Explore this question with National Liberty Museum educator Lexi Jennings as she explores freedom of expression through art during this hands-on after-school program for children and families. Afterward, join Rosa Leff, an artist from the NLM’s newest exhibition, Philly’s Freedom: Artists Speak Out, as she shows what freedom looks like to her with a fun paper-cutting art demo. Free; 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

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.

Facebook Live with Santa and Friends

December 22, 5 pm

Join Macy’s free on Facebook Live as Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves teach viewers one of their favorite Christmas jingles.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

December 22, 7 pm

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

Wednesday

Baking Class: Holiday Thumbprint Cookies

December 23, 4 pm

Kids will measure and mix up their own cookie dough from scratch and use any of their favorite jams (marmalades or jellies) to fill their thumbprint cookies with, or get creative and fill them with other fun options! 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

The Polar Express Virtual Reading from the Franklin Institute

December 23, 7 pm

Derrick Pitts brings the beloved holiday tale The Polar Express to life with a magical reading from the iconic Baldwin 60,000 in the Train Factory at The Franklin Institute. Watch free on Facebook Live.

Free Bedtime Story with Queen Elsa

December 23, 7 pm

The Snow Queen will share a story about her snowman friend and one mystical night before Christmas, sing some favorite Christmas songs, and wish your little ones goodnight!

Thursday

In Person: Final Day of Christmas Village

December 24, 11 am–5 pm

LOVE Park, 15th St. and JFK Blvd.

Whether you’re looking to do some last-minute shopping or just get one last raclette cheese sandwich and mulled wine, it’s your last chance to visit this socially-distanced take on LOVE Park’s annual Christmas market for the season.

Frozen Christmas Eve Storytime

December 24, 9 am

Join Queen Elsa for a snowman’s version of A Night Before Christmas, and sing Christmas carols with her online. Tickets available online.

Free Live Christmas Eve Story with the Elf

December 24, 1:15 pm

Get an early start to your holiday with a live Christmas Eve storytime and a visit from one of Santa’s elves! Free on Facebook Live.

Pennsylvania Ballet Virtual Nutcracker Tea

December 24, 4 pm

In addition to the streaming Nutcracker performance, the Pennsylvania Ballet is hosting a series of virtual Nutcracker Tea Parties for young theatergoers and their families. For their final date on Christmas Eve, cozy up for storytime with Mother Ginger Pre-register online.

Christmas Eve Live with Carnegie Hall

December 24, 7:30 pm

For more than 50 years, the New York String Orchestra has dazzled audiences every Christmas Eve with concerts that feature some of the country’s most talented young musicians alongside celebrated guest artists.
Revisit past performances and go behind the scenes with conductor Jaime Laredo and frequent guest pianist Emanuel Ax as this year goes online. Online on Facebook Live.

Friday

Merry Christmas! Looking for what’s happening and open? Look no further!

“Being ___ at Christmas” at National Museum of Jewish American History

December 25, 10 am

Every year on December 25, the National Museum of Jewish American History hosts a day of family fun. This year, it goes virtual with live music online with returning favorite Alex Mitnick of the Emmy Award-wining Alex & the Kaleidoscope from his home studio. Plus, on-demand arts and crafts video lessons, self-paced virtual gallery tours, and more. This event is free, though donations to the museum are welcome.

Final Day to Stream Pennsylvania Ballet presents George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’

From the Tchaikovsky score to the timeless story of holiday magic, this ballet is a classic for a reason. This year, the Pennsylvania Ballet presents a digital encore presentation of the company’s production from 2019. Christmas is the last day to view it, so if you haven’t gotten your sugar plum fix yet, there’s no better time!

People’s Light presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Concert

Weekend Events

Winter on Broad Street

November 27—January 3

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

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.

Winter at Dilworth Park

Through February 2021

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

Dilworth gets activated with the Rothman Ice Rink and Cabin, and the picturesque Wintergarden. In response to COVID-19 restrictions, a new online reservation system and limited rink capacity will be put in place for skating. The new online reservations system will provide safe contactless purchasing opportunities with scheduled timed, 90-minute skating sessions in order to control the rink capacity for skaters. Plus, shop one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from Philly makers.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

November 20—December 30, 5—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

A Longwood Christmas

November 20—January 10

Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Through March 7, 2021

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.

Drive-Thru Grand Illumination hosted by American Credit Union

November 30—December 31

American Heritage Carriage House, 2060 Red Lion Road

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.

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.

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.

Meet Betsy in the Betsy Ross House Courtyard

December 26 and 27, 10 am—5 pm

239 Arch St.

While the Betsy Ross House remains closed, Betsy Ross (wearing a mask of course) will be greeting visitors in the courtyard, with all safety guidelines in effect. Find out more about colonial holiday celebrations from Betsy and from signage placed throughout the courtyard, and check out the Old City holiday tree while you’re visiting.

Virtual Quintessence Theatre presents ‘The Little Princess’

Through January 3

A Revolutionary Virtual Winter Break

December 26–January 1

Discover the stories behind the “10 Crucial Days” of the Revolutionary War and the “times that tried men’s souls.” The Museum of the American Revolution brings their annual Winter Break activities virtual with make-at-home crafts, a Virtual Discovery Cart, and more.

Saturday

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

December 26, 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.

Snow Princess Brunch at Germantown Garden

December 26, 11 am and 1 pm

1029 Germantown Ave.

This socially-distanced dining experience is perfect for kids of all ages who love Frozen. Ticket includes 90 minutes at a private, exclusive, and heated igloo just for you and your immediate family members, a safe and socially-distanced visit and photo opportunity with Princess Anna, songs from Frozen, a grand entrance, and hot cocoa! Brunch is pay-as-you-go. Reservations are required.

Virtual Kwanzaa All-Ages Story Time and Craft

December 26, 11 am

All ages welcome. Program will premiere on the Belmont Hills Library’s Facebook page. Register to receive a take-home project kit which will be available to pickup this week.

Virtual Cupcake University

December 26, noon

Pre-register online for cupcake design, and add on a supply kit in advance to have everything you need. For all ages (though kids under 8 will need parental assistance). No experience needed.

Kwanzaa Celebration in Franklin Square

December 26, 1:30–5 pm

200 N. Sixth St.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia moves their annual Kwanzaa celebration outdoors to Franklin Square all weekend, On Saturday catch crafts at 2:30 pm, storytime at 3:30 pm, music at 4:30 pm and more!

Virtual Storytime with The Snow Queen

December 26, 6 pm

Elsa reads a bedtime story on Facebook Live and interacts with viewers.

Sunday

Virtual Winter Science Week: Dino-Dough

December 27, 10 am

Grab some clay or Model Magic, or whip up a batch of easy salt dough (recipe here!) and build a dinosaur along with Academy of Natural Sciences Educator Amy Hoyt. Learn how dinosaurs were perfectly adapted to their environments and how their anatomy helped them survive or doomed them to extinction as you mold a dinosaur with your own hands. Free; pre-register online to receive the link.

Kwanzaa Celebration in Franklin Square

December 27, 1:30–5 pm

200 N. Sixth St.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia moves their annual Kwanzaa celebration outdoors to Franklin Square all weekend with crafts, music, and more. Stick around for the nightly light show at the fountain.