By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Brandywine Museum of Art
It’s less than two weeks until Christmas, and the holiday craziness is going on all around you — heavy road traffic, crowded stores, ridiculous lines at checkouts and long waits at restaurants – and Santa showing up everywhere. And, of course, there are guys with cauldrons ringing bells to solicit a donation everywhere you turn.
With that in mind, it’s a normal reaction to seek respite.
Two good ways to avoid the insanity and find some peaceful moments is to go to a holiday exhibit at one of the area’s historical or botanical venues or to head inside and attend a live show.
The Brandywine Museum of Art Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org) is celebrating the 53rd anniversary of the Brandywine Railroad holiday train display now through January 4.
A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including 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.
A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are also incorporated into the display to allow for further engagement.
The Brandywine Railroad holiday train display is included in the cost of general admission, which is $25 adults, $23 seniors (65+) and $10 children (ages 5-18) and students with ID.
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) has shifted into holiday mode with the arrival of “A Longwood Gardens Christmas.”
The festive holiday display at Longwood Gardens, which is running now through January 11, features more than 500,000 spectacular lights, lavish decorations, holiday music and colorful displays featuring thousands of brilliant poinsettias, brightly decorated trees and fragrant flowers — all inside the heated Conservatory.
This Christmas, the Gardens are transformed into a living jewel box as radiant as the jewels and gems that inspired it. Nature and elegance intertwine as twinkling lights dance and every path leads to a new treasure to behold.
Inside the Conservatories, the vibe is pure opulence.
Towering trees gleam in sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green, and gilded metallics. Crystals sparkle overhead, fabrics shimmer in jewel tones, and gemstone-inspired lighting casts a magical glow.
The Music Room dazzles with a 12-foot jewel-encrusted tree emerging from a larger-than-life jewelry box, surrounded by a grand holiday banquet scene and mirrored reflections at every turn.
The Silver Garden features a living tree and luminous living wreaths. The Ballroom shines with community spirit, where glittering trees are decorated by local art centers.
The Acacia Passage glows with iridescent red and gold fabrics cascading with strands of crystals. The West Conservatory impresses with cut trees that appear to float on water, dripping in jewels of champagne, lilac, silver, and gold.
Throughout the venue, thousands of poinsettias, paperwhites, amaryllis, and other holiday blooms bring living brilliance to every scene.
The colorful annual event, which appeals to the entire family, also has a lot of outdoor attractions such as fountain shows and nighttime light displays.
When night falls, more than half a million lights illuminate the Gardens.
Visitors wander past glowing gem forms floating on the Large Lake. The Wildlife Tree, adorned with faux pearls, gilded oyster shells, and nature’s bounty — always stocked with treats for our feathered friends.
Visitors can stroll Flower Garden Drive, alive with ribbons of light and delight in the Garden Railway, where miniature trains chug past tiny Longwood landmarks.
They also can gather together for fountain shows in the Open Air Theatre, where 750 jets dance to holiday favorites throughout the day and evening. On select nights, strolling carolers fill the air with song.
Longwood’s Christmas celebration also includes a wide array of seasonal music — holiday concerts, organ sing-alongs and carillon performances.
Visitors to “A Longwood Gardens Christmas” can also check out Longwood’s Garden Railway — a whimsical display set into motion with G-scale model trains. For two decades, the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.
Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for youth.
Winterthur
One of the best holiday events in the area is the annual “Yuletide at Winterthur.” This year’s 40th annual staging of the event, which runs through January 4 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, www.winterthur.org).
Visitors can revel in the beauty and warmth of the holidays and explore treasures of Christmases past with displays of holiday traditions from the 1800s to the early 20th century, including displays of: the earliest types of colorful lights decorating house exteriors; the du Pont family holiday celebrations; and the evolution of Christmas trees over the decades from the 1880s to 1960s.
A popular attraction is “Holiday Nights,” which will run from 5-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Visitors can soak in the evening glow of the house decked in its holiday glory or toast marshmallows by the outdoor fire pits. They can tap their toes to the sounds of the area’s best musicians, savor a seasonal cocktail and see our magical gingerbread and doll houses.
Visitors will also enjoy an outdoor light display, including a 15-foot decorated Christmas tree. The miniature doll house and other holiday favorites will also return.
One of visitors’ favorites every year is the 18-room dollhouse mansion created by designer and philanthropist Nancy McDaniel over a period of 30 years. It features amazing intricate details in each room and is even decorated for the holidays.
As always, the rooms will be enhanced with the floral displays so essential to du Pont’s decorating, and with special Christmas trees inspired by the beauty of Winterthur’s gardens — including the popular Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.
Returning this year is a toy train display, featuring Standard Gauge toy trains. The display is presented by the Standard Gauge Module Association, whose members will construct the display at Winterthur.
Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required.
Admission to Winterthur is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and students and $9 for children.
The annual staging of “Holidays at Hagley” is an event that is always one of the most eagerly anticipated holiday attractions in this area every year.
The popular Brandywine Valley exhibit, which is included with regular admission, is running now through January 1 at Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org).
“Holidays at Hagley” returns with the theme “Our Storied Past” which reminisces upon holiday tales and traditions.
The event will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the Eighth Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more.
This year’s edition of “Holidays at Hagley” features tours of Eleutherian Mills, which is the first du Pont family home built in America. The tours, which will be presented each day from 10a.m.-4:30 p.m., feature decorations in a combination of styles from both the 19th and 20th centuries.
During the Victorian years when candle-lit tabletop Christmas trees were the norm, hand-made gifts were attached to tree branches, and winter scenes were displayed underneath the tree. The upstairs Victorian Library shows how magical that looked with its mid- to late-19th-century toys, games and dolls. The upstairs Parlor features a case filled with small ceramic animals well-loved by some of the du Pont family children.
Early du Pont family French holiday traditions are remembered with a display of gifts that were given to E. I. du Pont’s children on New Year’s Day as well as the Twelfth Night party illustrated by the ornate French dessert service in the Dining Room.
Popular returning displays include the elaborate Twelfth Night celebration in the dining room and the Victorian library’s Christmas for children with its table-top tree surrounded by toys and games. Of course, there will be warm glowing lights.
Demonstrations take place next to the Millwright Shop in the historic powder yard at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. and are included with admission.
Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and students and $10 for children (ages 6-14).
N
emours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org) was closed until November 17 for holiday decorating.
Guests were able to resume visiting when Nemours reopened for its “Noël at Nemours Estate,” which will run now through December 30.
Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Nemours was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.
Alfred named the estate Nemours, after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General. While looking to the past and his ancestors for inspiration, Alfred also ensured that his new home was thoroughly modern by incorporating the latest technology and many of his own inventions.
Ever since 1910, when Mr. and Mrs. duPont began living in their newly built mansion, the holiday season has been a festive time at Nemours. The Christmas decorations at the Nemours Mansion are often inspired by the architecture of the home, the customs of the duPonts or the French influence.
The Mansion is also decorated by some of the duPonts’ original decorations, including a German crèche, which dates from the late 19th century. The figures are soft ceramic, unglazed and hand colored.
Visitors can enjoy Christmas trees, wreaths, and hundreds of feet of garland on grand display in the Visitor Center, Chauffer’s Garage, Mansion and grounds.
All three floors of the Mansion will be decorated as well as the Chauffeur’s Garage and select areas of the gardens. Decorations will coincide with the story of the Estate along with a festive Versailles-inspired motif.
Admission to Nemours is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $12 for children.
The Historic Odessa Foundation (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, http://www.historicodessa.org) is presenting its holiday attraction now through January 1.
The first “Christmas in Odessa” took place 61 years ago as a fundraiser for the Women’s Club of Odessa. The purpose was to fund college scholarships for local high school seniors. With the help and cooperation of Odessa homeowners and the Historic Odessa Foundation, the Women’s Club of Odessa has provided scholarships to over 100 students.
“Christmas in Odessa” is a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries and decorated for the holidays. In addition to the house tour many special events are included in the ticket price.
The “2025 Candlelight Tours” are also being held now through January 1.
Visitors are invited to step back in time through the doors of the Historic Odessa Foundation and explore the Christmas traditions of yesteryear. Participants experience a special candlelight tour of Odessa’s 2025 holiday exhibit.
Historic Odessa is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), and is open to the public March through December, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday by reservation. General Admission: Adults, $10; Groups, Seniors, Students, $8; and Children under six are free.
“Christmasland” converts a summertime destination for home-grown produce into a sparkling winter wonderland. The popular annual event at Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) is running now through December 24.
Visitors will be able to cut their own Christmas trees, or, if not so inspired, purchase them at the shop — which also features other decorations, including holiday wreaths.
“Christmasland” features freshly cut trees, greens and holly, poinsettias, hand-made wreaths and a large variety of children’s toys and collectibles.
Santa and his elves will be stopping by every Saturday and Sunday to visit his friends in “Christmasland” from 1-3 p.m.
And there will be Caroling Hayrides on Saturday evenings in December that include the ancient tradition of Wassailing, singing Christmas Carols around a campfire and roasting marshmallows.
Two historic sites in Montgomery County have their own holiday celebrations.
Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-+9349, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) is hosting “Victorian Holiday Tours” now through January 4 while “Twelfth Night Tours” at Pottsgrove Manor (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) will be held now through January 11.
For the next five weeks, Pennypacker Mills will offer free tours of the 18-century mansion used by General George Washington as temporary headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The home will be decorated for an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas and will feature the warm glow of oil lamps, festive decorations, and a candy-making demonstration.
The event at Pottsgrove Manor features an event based on history.
Visitors can witness the transformation of Pottsgrove Manor for the yuletide season and the traditions of an 18th-century Twelfth Night party. Twelfth Night marked the end of the Christmastide season, celebrated on Epiphany.
Guided tours of the manor explore all aspects of the festivities, from the intense preparations to the differences between the way elite families like the Potts and their household staff experienced the season.
On December 13 and 14, there will be “Christmas Tours of the Historic Potts Mansion” in Elverson (St. Mary of Providence Center, 227 Isabella Road, Elverson, stmaryprov.org).
The mansion was built in the 1890s by the Potts Family and features marble staircases, beautiful fireplaces, and more.
This is a one-day opportunity to visit the mansion and see it decorated for the holidays.
Local businesses, artists and groups will be decorating multiple rooms in the mansion in a Christmas holiday theme. The rooms include the Ballroom, the east and west staircases, the east and west foyers, Mrs. Pott’s bedroom, the Green Room, and more.
In addition to touring the mansion, visitors can learn about the history of the mansion, and have questions answered by expert guides.
The day includes visits with Santa, prize baskets, and Christmas treats at the “Gingerbread House!”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-13, and free for children under 6.
“A Twisted Christmas at Lincoln Mill Haunted House” is scheduled for December 12 and 13 at Lincoln Mill Haunted House (4100 Main Street, Philadelphia, lincolnmillhaunt.com)
Have yourself a scary little Christmas at Philly’s first-ever holiday haunted house. Featuring more than 30 scare actors, this one-night-only walk-through experience follows the story of Viktor Kane, the fictional former owner of Lincoln Mill who punished naughty workers by trapping them in the mill’s dungeon-like basement.
Christmas has always been the season of joy, even during the darkest of times. While the town was distracted by the holiday festivities, Viktor Kane knew this was the best time to lure his naughty workers down to the mill’s basement.
After the basement was decorated for Christmas, the workers were lured into the chamber to see the display. One by one, they were trapped and then programmed into Viktor’s little helpers. Before they realized what was happening, it was already too late.
Viktor’s version of Christmas was more twisted than anyone could imagine.
The event will run from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $35.
With live shows, whether it’s theater, holiday spectaculars, ballet performances or musicals, it’s all good.
There are many holiday activities which have become yearly rituals for area families – decorated houses, exchanging presents around the Christmas tree, holiday parties with cookies and egg nog, listening to Christmas carols and, of course, shopping at malls (or Amazon).
Another popular family activity is attending a live performance of the classic ballet, “The Nutcracker.”
The Philadelphia Ballet’s annual production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” is one of the most cherished—and longest running—family holiday traditions for families in the region.
For many, a visit to Philadelphia to enjoy the lavish presentation by the world-famous Philadelphia Ballet is an integral part of the holiday season.
This year’s production, which is running now through December 30 at the Academy of Music (Broad and Locust streets, Philadelphia, 215-893-1999, www.philadelphiaballet.org), is in the fifth decade of staging of the classic ballet.
The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King” and set to a score by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky.
Featuring lively dances, colorful costumes and elaborate sets, “The Nutcracker” is a production that appeals to audiences of all ages. The original version of the timeless classic was first presented in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1892.
The ballet is performed under the guidance of artistic director Angel Corella. The ballet is based on the choreography of George Balanchine.
Born in Madrid, Spain, Corella joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995 and was quickly promoted to principal dancer. In his 17-year career with ABT, he established himself as one of the greatest male dancers of his time.
Corella has also appeared as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet in London, the Kirov Ballet in Russia, and New York City Ballet. From 2008-2014, he served as director for his own company, the Barcelona Ballet.
“I was born in Spain and there is not a tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ in that country,” said Corella.
“The first time I danced in the ballet was with the American Ballet Theater when I was 19. I thought it was the most beautiful ballet I had ever seen.
“I still feel that way. Mr. Balanchine said dancers are showing the music. The dancers make the music visible.
“The challenge is to keep it fresh. But no-one would dare to change the choreography.”
Balanchine’s choreography plays a major role in the Philadelphia Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker.” The company has been doing both acts by Balanchine for the last 30 years.
George Balanchine, who was named Giorgi Balanchivadze when he was born in Russia in 1904, was one of the last century’s most celebrated choreographers.
He was a primary developer of ballet in the United States in his position as co-founder and ballet master of New York City Ballet. Balanchine created his version of “The Nutcracker” for the New York City Ballet in 1955.
The Philadelphia Ballet’s production of the ballet features more than 100 performers and has an annual audience attendance of more than 50,000. And it is staged in one of the most beautiful performance halls in the country.
The version of “The Nutcracker” performed by the Philadelphia Ballet features everything audiences associate with the timeless ballet—a cast of 19th-century families celebrating Christmas Eve, a little girl’s dream of her
Nutcracker Prince, the Prince’s toy soldiers battling a fleet of mice led by the Mouse King and the crowd-pleasing second act of dances in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“Right now, we’re still doing Balanchine’s ‘Nutcracker’ because it works,” said Corella. “Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is one of the best in the world.
“The whole process makes it feel like it’s Christmas. There is hot chocolate. It’s snowing outside. The whole family is there, and time seems to stop. It goes back to a certain place and time that everyone seems to recognize—being able to re-connect and share.”
Video link for Philadelphia Ballet’s “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” – https://youtu.be/ypfQQ2duYS0.
Ticket prices start at $29.
“The Nutcracker” has been an annual tradition for the Brandywine Ballet Company (www.brandywineballet.org) since 1985.
It’s back again for another run this weekend from December 19-21 at West Chester University’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall (700 South High Street, West Chester).
Audiences are invited to celebrate the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and be transported to the magical Land of Sweets. There, they can join Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy on the journey of a dream.
This performance, which is one of Chester County’s signature holiday events, features original, traditional choreography along with new choreographic elements.
Brandywine Ballet’s six-performance run of “The Nutcracker” has continued to delight audiences each year for more than four decades with a tour de force of beauty and elegance.
The ballet is based on the timeless tale “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King” and set to a score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. With its familiar music and energetic dance numbers, “The Nutcracker” is a show that appeals to audiences of all ages.
The Brandywine Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a professional show that features skilled dancers, lively choreography, colorful costumes and sparkling sets.
Performances of the ballet are scheduled for December 19 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., December 20 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and December 21 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $30-$50.
The Grand Opera House (818 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5577, www.thegrandwilmington.org) is hosting five performances of “The Nutcracker” by the First State Ballet Theatre on December 13, 14, 20 and 21 in its Copeland Hall.
“The Nutcracker” is a ballet in two acts that had its premiere on December 18, 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg.
The First State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” features music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Pasha Kambalov and Kristina Kambalov after Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa.
In the ballet, the Stahlbaums and their children Marie and Fritz are hosting their annual Christmas party. The mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer enters and entertains the children.
Drosselmeyer later appears disguised as a magician and presents a puppet show, followed by three life-size dancing dolls, to the delight of the guests.
The children begin to open gifts, and Drosselmeyer presents his gift of a beautiful nutcracker to Marie. Marie admires it more than all the other toys. Fritz wants to play with the new doll; he pulls it away from Marie and throws it on the floor. Marie is heartbroken, but Drosselmeyer quickly repairs the nutcracker.
As the evening grows late, the guests depart, and the Stahlbaum family retires for the evening. Marie comes downstairs to steal one last glance at her nutcracker under the Christmas tree. She falls asleep.
In a dream, she sees the drawing room. A mouse scurries out of a hole, and then mice scamper out from everywhere. The mice try to take the nutcracker from Marie until the Mouse King enters. Marie is terribly frightened and hides behind a chair.
Suddenly her nutcracker appears life-size. Overcoming her fear, she runs up to him. The Nutcracker leads a regiment of soldiers to defend Marie. The Mouse King is defeated and disappears with his army.
Drosselmeyer transforms Marie into a lovely maiden and the Nutcracker into a handsome prince. Together, they set off on a journey to the Land of Snow where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes.
In Act II, Marie and the prince arrive in the Land of Sweets and the festivities begin. First comes Chocolate, then Coffee and Tea, followed by Honey Cake, Marzipan and Gingerbread, Gumdrops and the Waltz of the Flowers. Marie and the prince dance merrily with the rest.
At last the wonderful dream is over and Marie awakens.
Video link for First State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — https://youtu.be/FuZ4u4NdXI4.
Performances are scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. on December 13, 2 p.m. on December 14, 2 and 7 p.m. on December 20, and 2 p.m. on December 21.
icket prices for the shows at Copeland Hall range from $24.99-$67.
In other Nutcracker action at The Grand, The Playhouse is hosting The Wilmington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” from December 12-14.
History-making Brazilian Ballerina Ingrid Silva and Luis Fernando of The Dance Theatre of Harlem star as The Sugar Plum Fairy and The Nutcracker in The Wilmington Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
The Wilmington Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Allan R Scott, brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life in this eye-pleasing holiday treat running annually at The Playhouse since 1967.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on December 12 and 13 and 2:30 p.m. on December 13 and 14.
Ticket prices start at $24.99.
Three area theaters always have special annual productions for the holiday season.
This year, People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, peopleslight.org) is presenting a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” now through January 4 on the Leonard C. Haas Stage.
With inventive staging by People’s Light Producing Director Molly Rosa Houlahan, the company’s Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman brings Dickens’ beloved classic to life through the eyes of a child.
In this surprising and whimsical adaptation, audiences follow Ebenezer Scrooge and a gathering of benevolent ghosts on a journey through time showing the redemptive power of kindness, hope, and love.
This imaginative retelling features traditional English carols woven with a Barrymore-nominated original score by Berkman.
People’s Light remains committed to making theatre accessible and welcoming for all.
Open Captioning will be available during all performances from December 30-January 4, displaying dialogue on an LED screen to support patrons with hearing impairments and English language learners.
“A Christmas Carol” will run now through January 4 on the Leonard C. Haas Stage at People’s Light.
Ticket prices start at $35.
Candlelight Dinner Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is celebrating Opening Night for its annual holiday show .
“Christmas by Candlelight” will run through December 21.
The show features favorite seasonal and sacred tunes, as well as some new surprises, brought to life by some of the theater’s most popular cast and staff.
Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $77.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12). “Show Only” tickets, which have limited availability, cost $35.
The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-648-4102, www.AMTshows.com) has its holiday show running now through December 30.
The AMT’s 2025 show “Deck the Halls” is an all-new presentation of favorite sacred and secular holiday songs performed by professional artists from across the country.
The show will feature spectacular vocal harmonies, lively musical arrangements, impressive dancing and the music of the AMT Orchestra.
The show features incredible singers, astonishing dancers, wondrous costumes, breathtaking sets, and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment. Patrons can bask in the beauty of the season and cherish the stories of spirit and love.
The show will have both matinee and evening performances each week with the addition of 10:30 a.m. performances on Saturdays throughout December. Tickets are $59 for adults, $57 for seniors and $30 for children.
On December 13, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, laurelhillphl.com) will present “Hot Spots and Storied Plots” walking tour at 10 a.m.
In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead?
This tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long history, which includes many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories about Laurel Hill.
“Hot Spots and Storied Plots” is the perfect introduction for anyone who enjoys beautiful art, scenic nature, and fascinating history. An experienced graveyard guide will offer a unique perspective. No two “Hot Spots and Storied Plots” are alike.
The Tour Guide will be Peter Howell.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for youth.
A good location for a nature walk is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).
The arboretum’s schedule for this weekend features a “Saturday Wildflower Walk: Winter Edition” on December 13.
With 650 protected acres of beautiful woodland, seasonally charming meadows, and a lively program of seasonal events and activities, Tyler Arboretum is a delight for nature lovers, birders, botanists, and those who want rediscover the natural world.
Dating to 1681, making it one of the oldest public gardens in the United States, and home to eight generations of three families, Tyler Arboretum connects visitors to the region’s rich culture and history while preserving, developing, sharing, and celebrating Pennsylvania’s priceless horticultural heritage.
“Saturday Wildflower Walk,” which runs from 1-3 p.m., features wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that will take guests through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside. These walks are for those who have a love of plants, their role in ecology, or for those who want to learn more.
Although the focus is on plants, Cloud will also talk about whatever else is seen on the tour. Walkers should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a camera and/or a wildflower guide, for this botanical-filled walk.
Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $18 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12-17).
A popular Christmas activity every year is taking a train ride with Santa Claus. Fortunately, there are quite a few very good tourist railroads in our area.
One of the best train rides with Santa Claus is the one presented by the West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, www.wcrailroad.com).
The special “Santa’s Express” trains (which feature heated cars decorated for the holidays) will run on December 20 and 21 at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
The 75-minute journey on the trail line’s heated decorated train travels through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa Claus will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills.
Adult fare for the West Chester Railroad trips is $40. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $30 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $15.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Paradise Express” now through December 24.
Santa will be the featured guest on each ride from Strasburg to Paradise and back.
The rotund guy in the red suit will be greeting passengers, shaking hands, posing for photos, and giving a treat to each child. After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.
Other “Christmas Experiences” offered by the rail line are “Santa Claus Limited,” “Night Before Christmas,” “Christmas Tree Train” and “Christmas Caboose.”
Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children.
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Santa Express” on December 19-21.
The train is decked out for the festive season, bringing holiday cheer to all riders. Boarding at the beautiful Historic New Freedom Train Station, passengers ride with Kris Kringle to Glen Rock.
Each child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa, who will have a special gift for kids on the “NICE” list. After the ride, passengers can visit the NCR Engine House for a complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie.
They can also visit the model train room or enjoy the sounds of strolling fiddler, Keith Engle.
This event is perfect for families, kids, and anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas.
Tickets are $44.99 for adults and $29.99 for children.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193, www.wwrr.com) will run its “Santa Claus Express” on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding along with passengers on the steam-powered 90-minute round trip to Ashland Station. They will be greeting everyone on board and offering chocolate treats to the youngsters. Santa will also be posing for pictures with his fans.
Steam locomotion will return to the Wilmington & Western for its annual Santa Claus Express. The rail line’s 0-6-0 switcher No. 58 has returned to service after a multi-year restoration and will power Santa’s train through the Red Clay Valley this season.
Tickets for these trains, which run now through December 23, start at $25.
The tourist rail line will also be running special “Holiday Night Express Trains,” featuring a peaceful evening ride in the railroad’s 1929 Doodlebug rail car.
Tickets for these trains, which are running now through December 30, start at $17.
The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (Reading Outer Station, Reading, www.rbmnrr-passenger.com) is running its 2025 “Santa Claus Special” excursions from a variety of locations – Nesquehoning, Tunkhannock, Tamaqua, Minersville, Pittston and Reading.
Santa Claus will be visiting with each of the children and there will be live holiday music performed throughout the ride.
Trains depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 3:30 p.m.
All Trains Are 80 Minutes Round Trip
Tickets start at $22.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Polar Bear Express” now through December 24.
Kids can join Santa on a magical adventure into “Christmas Past” on an exciting train journey.
They will be able to sip complimentary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and, on some trains, sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by the window.
Santa will bring a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him.
The rail line also is running “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” excursions now through December 19.
These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life. Kids are invited to wear pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as the train crew reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Ticket prices start at $52.
The Allentown and Auburn Railroad (35 Railroad Street, Kutztown, 570-778-7531, https://allentown-and-auburn-railroad.square.site/) is running special “Santa Claus Train Rides” on December 20 and 21.
Guests will be able to visit with Santa during the scenic train ride and have pictures taken.
The train will make a brief stop at the railroad’s picnic grove where riders will have the option to purchase “holiday evergreens with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.”
When they get back to the Kutztown Train Station, visitors can also do some holiday shopping in the Allentown & Auburn Gift Shop, which features handmade and antique items.
Trains depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 and 4 p.m.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 for children and $.01 for toddlers.
The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (136 Brown Street, Middletown, 717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com) will be running its “Santa Surprise Trains” and “Polar Bear Express Trains” throughout December.
It is an 11-mile round-trip train ride along the Swatara Creek. Passengers board 1920’s vintage Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coaches at the 1891 Station in Middletown, which was originally built as a freight station and in more recent years converted for use as a passenger station. The Station contains a ticket window, gift shop and modern ADA restrooms.
Santa Claus will have a special present for all kid riders.
Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for children and $6 for infants (under age two).
The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s North Pole Express Train — The Magical Journey Begins Here” now through December 30.
Riders can join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they depart New Hope Station for a train ride through the historic Bucks County countryside on the way to the North Pole.
The journey begins when the Conductor calls “All Aboard!”
Passengers will experience the sounds and tastes of the holiday season as they sing along with roaming musicians playing Christmas carols, sip warm cocoa and enjoy a freshly baked cookie.
Each child will receive his or her own sleigh bell gift from Santa himself. Children and adults alike are encouraged to indulge in the season’s spirit by wearing pajamas and settling in for a relaxing ride with family and friends aboard the festive railway cars adorned with holiday decorations.
Ticket prices start at $70.
One of the most elaborate model train layouts in the Delaware Valley can be found at the Morris Arboretum (100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, 215-247-5777, http://www.morrisarboretum.org).
The popular Garden Railway Display that has become a summer fixture at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum returns again for a special holiday display.
The display, which is open to the public now through December 30 in the winter garden of the Morris Arboretum, has a quarter-mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under) and bustling model trains.
The buildings and the display are all made of natural materials — bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones — to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers. Philadelphia-area landmarks are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle.
Additionally, Morris Arboretum will present a “Conifers Tour” on December 13 at 11 a.m.
Participants will be able to explore the wide variety of conifers – both evergreen and deciduous – on display at Morris. These notable specimens provide multi-seasonal interest with an array of forms, foliage, bark, and of course, cones!
Admission to the Morris Arboretum is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (65 and older) and $12 for students and military.
