Hometown Sightings Bring Jolly Tidings

Join in the endless fun as area towns transform into winter wonderlands this holiday season. As holiday cheer fills the air, experience the unique character that each destination offers as you wander along the streets for shopping, sightseeing and more.

Entertainment, tree lightings and parades galore await—so come out and celebrate!

O’ Little Town of Malvern

The holidays begin early this year in Malvern. On December 1st and 2nd, celebrate Malvern’s Victorian Christmas, highlighted by the lighting of the Christmas tree in Burke Park. Visit with Santa at the Pavilion, warm up to beautiful music by the Great Valley Symphony Orchestra at the First Baptist Church of Malvern starting at 6:55 p.m., and stroll King Street to visit shops, enjoy more music, children’s shows, carriage rides and more.

On Saturday morning, head back to King Street, taking in all that Malvern has to offer, for more shopping as you enjoy the holiday decorations and cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate on a free horse and carriage ride. To escape the cold, grab the kids and make a gingerbread house at the Malvern Bible Chapel.

The holiday fun continues with A Sugartown Christmas outside town. Explore this timeless nearby village and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions. Decorate cookies in the Carriage Museum and make Victorian-style ornaments to put on your own Christmas tree. End your day with a visit to Santa at the 1805 William Garrett House, complete with holiday treats and cocoa.

The little town of Malvern is a perfect holiday destination!

More at MalvernsVictorianChristmas.org and HistoricSugartown.org.

Stroll Down Santa Claus Lane in Wayne

Santa Claus is comin’ to town! Yes, Santa will make his way to Wayne during the Wayne Business Association’s Annual Christmas in Wayne weekend with Friday, December 1st, as day one of the fun-filled weekend. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Radnor Fire Co., 121 S. Wayne Ave., for photos with reindeer, winter carriage rides, face painting and ornament making.

Stop by the Wayne Train Station to enjoy the Valley Forge Military Academy & College Choir as they sing carols. Hungry from all the fun? Sample hot chocolate and goodies at Wayne Senior Center, 108 Station Rd., from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Keep your eye out for Santa, though, he’ll be arriving for the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, head to the Santa Parade starting at 10 a.m. along Lancaster Avenue, ending at the Wayne Hotel. Meet with Santa on the Hotel’s veranda until 11:30 a.m. Mark your calendars for holiday fun!

More at WayneChristmas.com.

Celebrating in Kennett Square

Head south for Christmas in Kennett from November 26th to December 17th for never-ending holiday fun! Shop, dine and prance around town or stop by the Kennett Holiday Village Market at The Creamery, 401 Birch St., from 11 to 6 on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th.

Or you can catch a shuttle to A Longwood Christmas at … you know where, November 23rd through January 7, to experience indoor French-inspired displays dazzling with wreaths, mirrors, trees in holiday hues and sparkling crystal ornaments. Step outside in the gardens to a half-million lights and watch colorful fountains dance to holiday music. See Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows until 10 p.m. on December 31st.

And the fun continues. This New Year’s Eve, join the Mushroom Capital of the World for Midnight in the Square’s annual Mushroom Drop! There’s fun for the whole family—kids activities, guest DJs, live bands, laser show, food vendors in heated tents and more. Ranked #13 for “Weirdest things dropping on New Year’s Eve” by USA TODAY, the celebration starts at 6, followed by “Raising and Lighting” the 700-pound stainless steel mushroom between 7 and 8. Bring non-perishable food items to support Kennett Area Community Service to start the New Year right.

More at HistoricKennettSquare.com, LongwoodGardens.com and MidnightInTheSquare.com.

Phoenixville Festivities

Celebrate Christmas in Phoenixville with the annual Christmas parade on December 1st. Starting at the 300 block of Bridge Street at 7 p.m., enjoy this hometown parade with friends and family, then head for the tree lighting at Renaissance Park.

On December 2nd, stop by Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church on Fairview Street for tickets to Phoenixville’s Candlelit Holiday Tour. From 3 to 7 p.m., tour beautiful homes, both historic and modern, as they showcase bedecked Christmas trees, twinkling lights and eye-catching decorations.

The following week, head back for Phoenixville’s 14th Annual Firebird Festival on December 9. The festivities begin at 3 p.m., complete with live music all day on Bridge and Main Streets. At 8:15 p.m., Friendship Field is the site for the annual burning of the Phoenix—in mythology, burning of the Phoenix symbolizes resurrection and renewal—just in time for the New Year!

More at Phoenixville.org and FirebirdFestival.com.

December in Downingtown

Visit Downingtown to tour the 2nd Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Enjoy festive decorations and blazing lights as houses around the borough compete for the grand prize. And the best part? You get to be the judge and vote for your favorite home! The competition runs from December 9th to the 22nd, with winners announced on the 23rd.

Weekend festivities continue with the annual Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 9th, at 3 p.m., on its route along Lancaster Avenue. Make sure to stay until the end to greet Santa and Mrs. Clause as they roll by on a big float, sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit.

More at DtownChristmas.com.

Dance Through December

Two separate productions of this Christmas classic—The Nutcracker—are coming to Wilmington this month. On December 2nd and 3rd, the Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance will perform at the Playhouse on Rodney Square. This 51-year tradition includes a full orchestra and chorus, world-class principal dancers, young dancers and a one-horse open sleigh. Show times are Saturday, 2 & 7 p.m., and Sunday, 2 & 6 p.m. Admission: $15–$47. 1007 N. Market St.

Or join the First State Ballet, December 22nd and 23rd, on a magical journey in their production of The Nutcracker on the main stage at The Grand Opera House. Show times are 2 & 7 p.m. Admission: $15–$50. Copeland Hall, 818 N. Market St.

With so many chances to enjoy this holiday magic, there’s no excuse not to see at least one!

More at TheGrandWilmington.org.