Event Categories
Events
American Music Theatre—The 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel
American Music Theatre 2425 Lincoln Hwy, E. Lancaster“Gifted” — 18th Annual Holiday Exhibit at The Art Trust
Art Trust Gallery Meridian Bank, 16 W. Market St., West Chester“A Christmas Carol: The Musical” at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Rd., LancasterBrandywine Railroad Holiday Train Display
Brandywine River Museum of Art 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds FordWeek of Events
“Our Christmas Dinner” at Bird-in-Hand Stage
A holiday musical igniting memories that will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. 2760 #A Old Philadelphia Pk., Bird-in-Hand. Times and tickets, 717-768-1568; Bird-In-Hand.com/Stage.
American Music Theatre—The 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel
This year’s all-new holiday show features your favorite seasonal songs, dancing, wondrous costumes, breathtaking sets and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster. Times and tickets, AMTShows.com.
“Gifted” — 18th Annual Holiday Exhibit at The Art Trust
Give the gift of original art. 20 talented artists’ work is for sale — paintings, ceramics, fiber art and more. Net proceeds of art sales go towards art scholarships. Dec. 7, Bourbon & Bubbles, 5 to 8. 16 W. Market St. Gallery hours, Mon–Fri, 9 to 4:30. TheArtTrust.org.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Local artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers offer their holiday-inspired handmade goods and gifts. Dilworth Park, west side of City Hall, 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia. Sun–Thurs, noon to 8; Fri–Sat, noon to 9. MadeInPhila.com.
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Through Dec. 30, Santa’s North Pole Express. 32 W. Bridge St., New Hope. NewHopeRailroad.com.
Holiday Season at Nemours Estate
The Christmas decorations at the Nemours Estate mansion are often inspired by the architecture of the home, the customs of the du Ponts or French tradition. Nemours Mansion, 850 Alapocas Dr., Wilmington. Tues–Sun, 10 to 5. $10–$20. NemoursEstate.org.
“A Christmas Carol” at People’s Light
Enjoy a fresh approach to Charles Dickens’ classic. Infused with original music and traditional English carols, this jubilant retelling of the beloved Yuletide ghost story is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Haas Stage, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern. Times and tickets, 610-644-3500; PeoplesLight.org.
A Longwood Christmas
“A Very Retro Christmas” is the theme this year. Reminisce amid a vintage Christmas street scene, make new memories amid dazzling, vibrant light displays—including some super-sized surprises—and revel in the radiance of retro at every turn. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. $16–$30. Timed tickets req. LongwoodGardens.org.
VoxAmaDeus Holiday Concerts
Nov. 17, Brahms Requiem, a German Requiem and Alto Rhapsody with additional works; Dec. 1, 3, 5, & 17, Handel’s Messiah, performed on original Baroque instruments; Dec. 9 & 10, Renaissance Noël, celebrating the glorious Renaissance Christmas music of Old Europe. Multiple locations. Times and tickets, 610-688-2800; VoxAmaDeus.org.
“A Christmas Carol: The Musical” at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
A season classic! 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Times and tickets, 717- 898-1900; DutchApple.com.
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
This year’s theme, “Golden Holiday,” is a state-of-the-art production that brings art, light and color to life through remarkable displays of dinosaurs. It’s a winter wonderland where you’ll encounter dinosaurs with lighting sculptures surrounding them, a decorated Christmas tree and life-sized candy canes. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks. Wed.–Mon., 4:30 to 9:30 […]
West Chester Railroad
Santa Express: Nov. 18–Dec. 17, join Santa for a journey through the Chester Creek Valley. Christmas Tree Train: Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10: take the train to Wiggins Tree Farm. Trains depart the station at 203 E. Market St., West Chester. $10–$35. Times and tickets, WCRailroad.com.
Yuletide at Winterthur
Explore the house decorated in all its finery with its signature traditions including the dried flower tree, artistic Christmas trees inspired by Ann Lowe gowns and a spectacular table set for Christmas dinner. 5105 Kennett Pk. (Rt. 52), Winterthur, DE. Timed tickets required. Winterthur.org.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” at The Candlelight Theatre
Based on the Frank Capra film, this heartwarming classic is one of the most popular Christmas tales ever written. 2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington. Times and tickets, 302-475-2313; CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org.
Strasburg Rail Road
Through Dec. 31, choose from Santa Claus Limited, Night Before Christmas Train and Santa’s Paradise Express. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. StrasburgRailRoad.com.
Brandywine Railroad Holiday Train Display
This iconic O-gauge model train display features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and includes locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival. Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. Daily, 9:30 to 5. […]
“A Christmas Carol Comedy” at Hedgerow Theatre
A favorite holiday tradition with a playful take on a yuletide classic. 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media. Times and tickets, 610-565-4211; HedgerowTheatre.org.
Herr’s Snack Factory Holiday Lights Display
Enjoy the free display of over 600,000 dazzling lights on their corporate campus, 271 Old Baltimore Pk., Nottingham. Dusk to dawn, 5 pm to 7 am. Free. Herrs.com.
Holidays at Hagley
Returning this year with the theme, “Treasures and Traditions,” and will featuring Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the sixth-annual Gingerbread House Competition, Santa Days, Holiday Nights Tours and more. Hagley’s Library & Soda House, 298 Buck Rd., Wilmington. Times and tickets, Hagley.org.
Gingerbread House Competition
Professional builders include: Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, Carlino’s, John Serock Catering, Kilwins West Chester, Yori’s Church Street Bakery and The Master’s Baker. To vote: visit display locations and scan the QR code there. GreaterWestChester.com.
Colebrookdale Railroad
Through Dec. 23, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Santa’s Polar Bear Express Trains. 64 S. Washington St., Boyertown. ColebrookdaleRailroad.com.
Wilmington & Western Railroad
Dec. 6–30, ride the Holiday Lights Express. Through Dec. 23, take the Santa Express. Greenbank Station, 2201 Newport Gap Pk., Wilmington. WWRR.com.
Yuletide at Devon
Head to the Devon Horse Show Grounds to see a winter festival that blends the feel of a traditional European Christmas market with the thrill of a festival and holiday experience. Highlights include music, gourmet food, an Enchanted Forest with over 900 real and artificial Christmas trees, photos with Santa, amusement rides and world-class shopping. […]
Holiday Weekends in West Chester
Every weekend features West Chester’s dazzling 25-foot-tall Christmas tree and the Professional Gingerbread House Competition. Dec. 1, West Chester Christmas Parade, tree lighting at 6:30 pm on the lawn of the courthouse and the West Chester Christmas Parade at 7 pm features marching bands, cheer squads and dance teams, culminating with Santa on his very […]
“Winter Wonderland Musicale” at Media Theatre
Experience the magic of the music and start your holiday season in concert and hear your favorite songs sung in festive style. 104 E. State St., Media. Times and tickets, 610-891-0100; MediaTheatre.org.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town — in Media
Begin with a Block Party at Veterans Square, at 2:30 with food, music, games, giveaways and lots of surprises. Then the Fun Run/Walk at 4:15 at State St. and Veterans Square. Finally, Santa leads the way for the parade at 5 p.m. (map available on the website). Please contribute nonperishable food to the Media Food […]
Brandywine Museum of Art Annual Holiday Critter Sale
Delightful, distinctive ornaments and tabletop decorations handmade using natural materials, each with its own unique personality and expression—no two are the same. Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford. Preview Wed, 10 to 4; Thurs–Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, 10 to 3. Brandywine.org.
Christmas Celebrations in Wayne
Dec. 1, Enjoy carriage rides, arts and crafts, carolers, tree lighting and Santa’s arrival, 5:30 to 8, tree lighting at 7:30 pm. Dec. 2, Radnor Memorial Library Elves for Shelves Fun Run and 5K at 8 am and the Santa Parade, 9:45 am down Lancaster Ave. with Santa pictures on the veranda of Rosalie Restaurant, […]
Dickens of a Christmas Weekend
Step back into 1840s London and experience the holiday season as Charles Dickens imagined it with carriage rides, home tour, food and more. Fri, 5 to 9 pm; Sat, 8 am to 6 pm. MainStreetChestertown.org.
Hibernia County Park Mansion Candlelight Tours
Walk through the halls and rooms by candlelight in the fully restored mansion, hearing stories of this ironmaster’s home. Tours are continuous through open hours. 1 Park Ave., Coatesville. Fri–Sat, 5:30 to 8:30; Sun, 2 to 4. $5; under 10, free. ChesCo.org.
Community Arts Center Holiday Sale
Featuring over 60 local, handcrafted gifts by members of The Potters Guild and other artisans. Jewelry, ceramics, wood, fiber and more. 414 Plush Mill Rd., Wallingford. Mon–Fri, noon to 7; Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, noon to 5. Free. CommunityArtsCenter.org.
VoxAmaDeus Performs Handel’s “Messiah”
A holiday tradition on original Baroque instruments. Performed at 4 locations. VoxAmaDeus.org.
Holiday Events at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Dec. 1, The Holiday Cheer Show; Dec. 6, Accent: An A Cappella Holiday; Dec. 7, Constantine Maroulis; Dec. 8, Hypothetical House Band; Dec. 14, Nefesh Mountain Holiday Show; Dec. 15, Holidays in Hollywood; Dec. 17, The Nuttiest Nutcracker; Dec. 19, The Cartoon Christmas Trio; Dec. 20, The Last Big Band with Erich Cawalla and Tony […]
The Holidays in Media
Media will be alive for the holidays with carolers strolling in the State Street District. On Dec. 2, pose for a family photo atop a giant inflated snowman chair at Plum Street Mall and on Dec. 16, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate. Dec. 31, ring in the new year at the Ball Drop in the center […]
Railroad Museum of PA
Dec. 2 & 9, Home for the Holidays. A nostalgic look back at railroading’s holiday past with festive decorations, Yuletide music, costumed interpreters and Santa himself. Register at RRMuseumPA.org.
Santa Arrives by Boat & Crab Basket Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat at The Bulkhead in Rock Hall, then Santa will travel by firetruck to Main Street to officiate the lighting of Rock Hall’s Crab Basket Christmas Tree. Enjoy s’mores roasted over a community firepit and follow Santa and Mrs. Claus to “Santa’s House” in the Visitor Center for children […]
Candlelight Tours at the Muhlenberg House
Savor the sights, sounds and smells of an authentic Pennsylvania German Christmas. Interpreters in authentic period clothing will share stories from the Muhlenberg family in each room. Stock up on holiday gifts in the gift shop. 201 W. Main St., Trappe. Sat, 3 to 9; Sun, noon to 4. $5. HistoricTrappe.org/Events.
Kennett Square Holiday Village Market
Shop dozens of artisan and vintage vendors while enjoying live music, festive cocktails, food trucks and more. The Creamery, 401 Birch St., Kennett Square. 11 to 5. KennettCollaborative.org.
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra Performs Handel’s “Messiah”
First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange St., Lancaster. LancasterSymphony.org.
West Chester Public Library Holiday Home Tour and Holiday Door Tour
Dec. 2, the Holiday Home Tour features eight homes in the Borough decked out for the holidays. 10 to 3, $40. Dec. 2–17, the Holiday Door Tour is a self-guided tour of West Chester doors and porches decorated in holiday finery. Make a donation and receive a map and a list of scavenger hunt items […]
Bryn Mawr Rehab Craft & Vendor Fair
Bryn Mawr Rehab Craft & Vendor Fair
The fair, sponsored by Bryn Mawr Rehab’s Volunteer Auxiliary, features a variety of crafts and products, such as animal collars, jewelry, artisan woodwork, children’s books and more. Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern. 10 to 4. MainLineHealth.org.
Feel The Holiday Spirit in Phoenixville
Feel The Holiday Spirit in Phoenixville
This is First Friday Holiday Edition with tree lighting downtown, 6 to 8 pm. PhoenixvilleFirst.org.
West Chester Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
West Chester Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Tree lighting at 6:30 pm on the lawn of West Chester’s Historic Courthouse and the West Chester Christmas Parade at 7 pm features marching bands, cheer squads and dance teams, culminating with Santa on his very own custom-made float. Details at GreaterWestChester.org.
Uwchlan Garden Club Christmas Fair
Uwchlan Garden Club Christmas Fair
Fresh cut local greens, handmade wreaths and swags, centerpieces and planters, treats, raffle and more. Benefits the 1756 National Historic Site. 1756 Uwchlan Meeting House, 5 N. Village Ave., Lionville. 8 to 2. UwchlanGardenClub.org.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa
Come over to the Chester County History Center to meet Santa and enjoy breakfast. 225 N. High St., West Chester. 9:30 to 11 am. $15. Pre-reg. req. West-Chester.com.
Coatesville Christmas Parade
Coatesville Christmas Parade
Lively event with bands, floats, antique cars, cartoon characters and entertainment. Business Rt. 30, Strode Ave. to 11th St. Starts at 10 am. CoatesvilleChristmasParade.com.
Dickens 2023 House Tour in Chestertown, MD
Dickens 2023 House Tour in Chestertown, MD
Explore beautifully adorned homes, each with its unique, festive charm. Immerse yourself in the warm ambiance and enchanting decor that captures the spirit of the holidays in downtown Chestertown. The Bank, Dickens Welcome Center, 211 High St., Chestertown. 10 to 2. $40. MainStreetChestertown.org/Dickens.
Holiday Home Tour in Strasburg
Holiday Home Tour in Strasburg
See seven lovely homes, of varying age and style, will be decorated for the season. Tour tickets, lunch, greens, craft vendors and a silent auction, all at the First Presbyterian Church, 101 S. Decatur St., Strasburg. 10 to 4. $25. StrasburgHeritageSociety.org.
Annual Christmas in Odessa Holiday House Tour
Annual Christmas in Odessa Holiday House Tour
Take a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, decorated for the holidays. Fresh Greens Sale at the Fieldstone Stable, 202 Main St. from 9:30 to 4. Women’s Club of Odessa fundraiser for local student scholarships. 10 to 5. $30. ChristmasInOdessa.org.
Christmas in Kennett and Longwood Gardens
Christmas in Kennett and Longwood Gardens
Park in Kennett Square and enjoy shopping, dining and strolling. Then catch the shuttle and revel in A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens. Reservations required. 1:30 to 6:30. $16–$30. LongwoodGardens.org/Events-Performances/Events/Christmas-Kennett.
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series
Local performers entertain with favorite holidays songs on the steps of the courthouse on High Street, 2 to 3 pm. Nov 25, St. Agnes Parish Combined Choirs; Dec. 2, Uptown Singers; Dec. 9, TBD; Dec. 16, Bishop Shanahan Liturgical Choir. Catch Santa cruising through the borough on a classic fire truck. GreaterWestChester.com.
Valley Forge Chorus—Barbershop Blizzard Holiday a Cappella Show
Valley Forge Chorus—Barbershop Blizzard Holiday a Cappella Show
The women’s a cappella chorus performs their holiday show at Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore. 3 pm. $15–$20. ValleyForgeChorus.com/HolidayShow.
Phoenixville’s Annual Candlelight Holiday Tour
Phoenixville’s Annual Candlelight Holiday Tour
Visit decorated homes and churches on this self-guided tour, also featuring crafts, music and refreshments. Benefits Phoenixville Area Senior Center. Begins at the Senior Center, 153 Church St. $25. 4 to 8. 610-933-9181; PHXHolidayTour.Weebly.com.
Santa at the Square
Santa at the Square
The borough of West Chester will host pictures with Santa at Marshall Square Park, 405 N. Franklin St. 4:30 to 6:30. DowntownWestChester.com.