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 FordHoliday Events at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center 226 N. High St., West ChesterWest Chester Public Library Holiday Home Tour and Holiday Door Tour
Downtown West Chester West ChesterWinter Luminary Nights at Jenkins Arboretum
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., DevonHoliday Candlelight Tour & Open House at Historic Waynesborough
Historic Waynesborough 2049 Waynesborough Rd, PaoliWeek 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Philadelphia Ballet Performs “The Nutcracker”
Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. PhiladelphiaBallet.org.
Winter Luminary Nights at Jenkins Arboretum
Bundle up for a walk down to the pond while enjoying luminary lanterns and delicious bites and brews outside the John J. Willaman Education Center. The giant wreath will also be on display, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. Refreshments available. 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., Devon. 5 to 8 p.m. Donations accepted. JenkinsArboretum.org.
4th Annual Christkindlmarkt
A 2-day holiday market featuring over 90 vendors offering individually handcrafted and locally designed products, such as art, ceramics, jewelry, homewares, food and more. Hosted by Chester County Art Assoc. and Downtown West Chester. Gay St. (between Darlington & Matlack Sts.) Sat, 1 to 8; Sun, 11 to 4. Free. DowntownWestChester.com/Christkindlmarkt.
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.
Brandywine Ballet Performs “The Nutcracker”
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 700 S. High St., West Chester. BrandywineBallet.org.
Wilmington Ballet Performs “The Nutcracker”
The Playhouse on Rodney Square, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington. WilmingtonBallet.org.
VoxAmaDeus Performs Handel’s “Messiah”
A holiday tradition on original Baroque instruments. Performed at 4 locations. VoxAmaDeus.org.
First State Ballet Performs “The Nutcracker”
Copeland Hall, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington. TheGrandWilmington.org.
Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts
Featuring 150 artists and artisans, offering shoppers unique holiday gifts, decorations, handmade jewelry and much more. Benefits Children and Families First. Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St., Wilmington. 10 to 5. VisitWilmingtonDE.com.
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 […]
Chesco Pops
Chesco Pops
The concert will include a variety of old and new holiday favorites, some featured vocalists and an appearance by Ol’ Saint Nick. Dec. 8, First Presbyterian Church West Chester, 130 W. Miner St., 7:30 pm. Dec. 10, Phoenixville Area Middle School, 1000 Purple Pride Pkwy., 3 pm. Guests are asked to bring a donation of […]
Holiday Candlelight Tour & Open House at Historic Waynesborough
Holiday Candlelight Tour & Open House at Historic Waynesborough
Take a tour of the beautifully decorated mansion by local garden clubs and craft festive ornaments for the tree. In addition, you’ll enjoy holiday music and refreshments. Open 4 to 6, tree lighting at 5. $10, $5 for children, $25 for families and groups of four. PhilaLandmarks.org.
Delaware Symphony Orchestra—Holidays at the Hotel
Delaware Symphony Orchestra—Holidays at the Hotel
Showcasing the brilliance of the string section, beginning with Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and culminating in Serenade for Strings by Tchaikovsky. 42 W. 11th St., Wilmington. 7:30. $100. DelawareSymphony.org.
The Philadelphia Orchestra Children’s Holiday Spectacular
The Philadelphia Orchestra Children’s Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate with the Philadelphia Orchestra and enjoy sing-alongs, sounds of the season and special guests—you never know who might pay a special visit to Verizon Hall! Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. 11:30 am. $28–$57. KimmelCulturalCampus.org.
The Belsnickle: PA Germans Holiday Traditions at Landis Valley Museum
The Belsnickle: PA Germans Holiday Traditions at Landis Valley Museum
Enjoy light refreshments and shopping, make a punched tin ornament, learn about PA Dutch holiday and agricultural traditions, hear a reading of the PA Dutch Night Before Christmas and meet the Belsnickle. 1 pm. $20–$30. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. LandisValleyMuseum.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.