By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Firebird Festival
You would be hard-pressed to find any kids with holiday gift request lists longer than the list of special events scheduled for this weekend – holiday happenings and non-holiday events.
Phoenixville’s annual Firebird Festival (Reservoir Park, 601 Franklin Avenue, Phoenixville, www.firebirdfestival.com) is set to light up the sky again this weekend.
Phoenixville will celebrate the arrival of the firebird with a special event on December 13 with festivities slated to get underway at 4 p.m. on Bridge Street.
The celebration will focus on the burning of a Firebird (in this case, a wooden bird and not a high-powered sports car).
Also known as the Phoenix, the Firebird is a centuries-old symbol of rebirth and regeneration. The highlight of the event is the lighting of the Firebird.
The free event will feature a “Crafts Bazaar” and live music by Vinyl Roots and Bloom & Decay.
At 6:45 p.m. at 323 (323 Bridge Street) the “Procession to the Park” gets underway. There will be a community procession from Bridge Street to Gay Street and over the Bridge to the Festival site.
At 8 p.m., there will be a pageantry parade featuring drummers, dancers, giant puppets and the torch that lights the bird.
Then, it will be time for the lighting of the Firebird.
This is a rain or shine event. Given the nature of the event, if weather conditions such as strong wind or heavy snow would make the Firebird Festival dangerous, organizers may be forced to cancel the event.
Any cancelations will be published on the Firebird Festival Facebook Page and also at the Firebird website.
Please note, there is no rain date.
On December 13, Valley Forge National Historical Park (Route 23, Valley Forge, 610-783-1099, www.nps.gov/vafo) is presenting its annual March-In.The event, which will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., commemorates a major happening in the American Revolution — the arrival of George Washington and his troops to the area in 1777.
General George Washington brought his ill-supplied Continental Army to Valley Forge in 1777 in order to establish a winter encampment.
At this event, Valley Forge National Historical Park will commemorate the 247th anniversary of the arrival of the Continental Army to Valley Forge in 1777 with family-friendly programs, demonstrations, reenactors, and hands-on activities.
Activities are spread across the park with programming taking place at the Visitor Center, Muhlenberg’s Brigade, and the Washington’s Headquarters area.
“Court-Martial of a Civilian,” a 25-minute dramatic presentation in the park theater, is scheduled for 3 and 3:30 p.m.
This weekend, the Brandywine Valley SPCA will host its annual Mega Adoption Event.
Mega Adoption Event
The SPCA branch’s 13th Mega Adoption Event is scheduled for December 13 and 14 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.
BVSPCA’s Mega Adoption Event is the largest adoption event in the country. Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will be looking for their “forever homes.”
Local, regional, and national shelters have joined this Mega movement.
It will be held at all the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s area locations — West Chester (1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester), Plymouth Meeting (2100 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting) and Lancaster (2195 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster).
Two locations in northern Delaware will also host events – Faithful Friends Animal Society at 165 Airport Road in New Castle and Humane Animal Partners Delaware at 701 A Street in Wilmington.
More than 1,000 wonderful furry companions will be looking for their forever home – big dogs, small dogs, senior pets, puppies, cats and kittens.
Meet & greet stations will be available to get to know a potential future family member.
The adoption fee is $35, and all pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to be adopted.
Puppies and kittens get adopted quickly, so if you’re looking to adopt a young animal, consider purchasing a Fast Pass for early access Saturday morning before the official event opening time. Fast Passes cost $50 and give access to up to five family members for one adoption.
There will be a variety of special activities in the King of Prussia area this weekend – a sports collectible show, a Swedish festival, a live Nativity and a winter festival.
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, 484-754-3976, http://www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting the Philly Show Sports Card and Memorabilia Show this weekend.
The show is the nation’s longest-running sports memorabilia show, established in 1975. It features more than 200 dealer booths in all areas of sports collectibles including cards, uniforms, photos and memorabilia.
More than 20 professional athletes, including Phillies, Eagles and Flyers players, as well as other sports celebrities will appearing at the show for autograph signings and personal photo opportunities and meet-and-greets.
Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.
General admission tickets are $20 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday.
On December 13 in Swedesburg, Christ Church Old Swedes (740 River Road, Bridgeport, 610-272-6036) will hold its annual celebration of the Feast of Saint Lucia.
Unlike many other Lucia Fests in the area which were held last weekend, this event is held on the actual Saint Lucia Day – December 13.
Sankta Lucia is a Swedish festival that features a Lucia procession with traditional songs and dances. Lucia, wearing a white gown and a crown of candles, leads the procession, followed by girls dressed in gowns who act as her attendants. Boys also join the festivities as starboys.
Lucia Fest is a colorful, musical pageant, representative of Saint Lucia, the bearer of light during the dark Swedish winters.
This is a unique opportunity to witness this authentic holiday
“Winterfest 2025” at King of Prussia Town Center (155 Village Drive, King of Prussia, kingofprussia-towncenter.com) will be held on December 13.
The free, family-friendly celebration inspired by the spirit of the holidays will run from 2-5 p.m. at the Town Center.
Event highlights include complimentary printed photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, trackless train rides through Town Center, children’s activities and crafts, live entertainment and “Festive Decor & Holiday Cheer.”
Also on December 13, there will be a “Magical Winter Wonderland” at Nor-View Farm (670 North Henderson Road, King of Prussia, www.umtownship.org).
The farm will be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, complete with glittering lights, live music, and a joyful holiday atmosphere.
Highlights include warm beverages (coffee, lattes, hot chocolate and tea), free Santa Photos, drinks (a selection of beer and cocktails), Kids’ activities, artisan vendors and live music.
There will also be a variety of food trucks including Cousins Maine Lobster, Humpty’s Dumplings, Bacon on a Stick, Holmestyle Foods, JuneBug Sweet Treats, and Diamond Eats.
“Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester” (greaterwestchester.com/events/featured-events/holiday-weekends-west-chester) will run through January 2.
Transformed into a winter wonderland, the streets of historic West Chester are bathed in the glow of thousands of holiday lights every evening in December. Each weekend features holiday festivities, shopping and dining.
The “Photos with Santa, Holiday Concert & Free Hot Chocolate” event is scheduled for December 13 from 2-4 p.m.
Santa will once again be visiting M&T Bank in downtown West Chester.
Visitors can stop by for some hot chocolate and a photo with the brand new 28-foot Christmas Tree in the background.
They can also listen to holiday music by West Chester Music Academy and explore the Christkindlmarkt.
The Sixth Annual Christkindlmarkt is returning to Gay Street on December 13 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — rain or shine.
Presented by the West Chester Downtown Foundation and hosted by the Chester County Art Association and Downtown West Chester, this outdoor holiday market is free to the public.
The Christkindlmarkt will feature more than 100 vendors offering individually handcrafted and locally-designed products, such as art, ceramics, jewelry, homewares, and much more.
On Saturdays from 2-3 p.m., the “Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series” will feature local choirs and performances singing favorite holidays songs every Saturday on the steps of the historic courthouse on High Street.
Dressed in Victorian attire, The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will roam around downtown West Chester and perform throughout the holiday season.
On December 20, it will be time for “Santa on The Fire Truck.” Santa will be escorted through the streets of downtown West Chester by the First West Chester Fire Company.
Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas (dtownchristmas.com) takes place in Kerr Park at the Log House field below the Christmas Tree.
Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas will feature a 20-foot artificial lighted Giant Everest Christmas Tree with a three-foot lighted star on top.
The tree, which is professionally decorated, sits next to the Log House on Lancaster Avenue and at the entrance to Kerr Park.
The annual Downingtown Christmas Parade will be held on December 13 at 3 p.m. The parade will feature marching bands, floats, walking and marching groups, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus to end the parade.
The fabulous holiday light display “West Chester Griswolds” (304 Dutton Mill Rd, West Chester, www.westchestergriswolds.com) opened on Thanksgiving night and will run through December 28.
This year’s 10th annual display features more than 135,000 lights and 800 smart pixels.
If you visit during the holiday season, tune your car radio to 87.9 for Christmas songs and information about the display.
Lights will be on now through Christmas week — Monday through Thursday from 4:45-9:45 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 4:45-10:15 p.m.
The singing light bulbs will sing all throughout the night. Things are always changing throughout the night on the display so pay attention – and keep an eye on the windows, you might see Santa.
Visitors can use the mailbox near the end of the driveway to drop off letters to Santa.
Once again, this year the homeowners will be letting people walk around Monday-Thursday nights (unless weather makes it unsafe).
Another elaborate private home display is “Christmas in Media,” which is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year.
The display is located on the property of a home located at 496 Spring Hollow Lane in Media (www.christmasinmedia.com).
It started in 1970 with one snowman. By 1974, it was one of the first large residential Christmas displays in the area. Since then, the display has grown to over 450 blow molds, hundreds of wire figures, several thousand lights, dozens of animatronic figures and multiple projections.
The 2025 display will run until January 1 — Sunday through Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30-10 p.m.
Letters to Santa will be collected at the mailbox located at the front door until December 22.
If you tune your radio to 87.9, you can hear all the Christmas music and movie clips on the big screen.
During the daylight-deprived month of December, Rose Tree Park (1671 North Providence Road, Media, delconew.azurewebsites.net) sparkles at night with its annual “Festival of Lights” display.
Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere.
The annual “Festival of Lights” is running now until January 3 from 5-10 p.m. each night.
Delaware County’s annual “Festival of Lights” began more than four decades ago as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration and became a popular local tradition for residents of all ages.
Over time, the outdoor displays have grown from 50 decorated trees (one for each municipality and one large one to represent the county) to more than 75 lighted trees and dozens of festive figures, including toy soldiers, a gingerbread family and Santa’s reindeer.
For the second year in a row, Philadelphia is one of the host cities of Astra Lumina.
Astra Lumina Philadelphia, which is the 24th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, will be held now through December 31 at the Abington Art Center (515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, astralumina.com).
Astra Lumina Philadelphia welcomes visitors to an extraordinary place — a garden right here on earth that shares a special connection with the sky above. Come nightfall, the garden sets the stage for a phenomenal event — a visit from the stars.
Astra Lumina Philadelphia is a one-mile-long enchanted night walk through a wooded sculpture park of varying terrain that guides visitors on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars.
Through the magic of projections, lighting, and music, astral energy transforms the garden into a celestial pathway, connecting visitors to the stars and the vast world around them.
The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song.
Participants can immerse themselves in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.
Located on a historic 27-acre campus, just 10 miles from Center City Philadelphia, Abington Art Center is a beautiful setting for the enchanting Astra Lumina. The campus has been transformed to create a magical journey.
Weapons (including off duty officers), flash photography, outside food or alcohol, light-up accessories that distract from the experience, or anything that may disturb other patrons are prohibited.
All guests must pass through handheld metal detector wands and bag check before entering the experience.
Video link for Astra Lumina — https://youtu.be/2mPra01OgCM.
The event will run now through December 31. Ticket prices start at $29.
For the next three weekends, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum will host “James Hood’s Beautifica.”
“
Beautifica 360 – A Celebration of Life” was created by visionary composer James Hood and acclaimed immersive artists.
Celebrated as a versatile musical pioneer, Grammy-nominated artist James Hood is known for his groundbreaking work, and multi-sensory projects blending music and art.
His extensive musical résumé includes drumming for The Pretenders, more than two decades as the creative force behind the visionary ambient act Moodswings, and a wide array of production and soundtrack projects.
Before “Beautifica,” Hood transformed the world of immersive artistic experiences with “Mesmerica 360,” the record-breaking experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
With “Beautifica 360,” breathtaking worlds of light and sound come alive in this 360° dome experience.
Audiences can lose themselves in mesmerizing constellations and ethereal landscapes.
Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a captivating destination that transports visitors into the depths of space. It is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading.
Show times are 5:30 and 6:45 on December 13, 14 and 20 and 5:30, 6:45 and 8:30 p.m. on December 21, 27 and 28.
Tickets are $39.50.
Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings — Festive Faves” on Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across its portfolio.
The selections will be paired alongside seasonal local cheeses and other accoutrements to enhance your tasting experience.
The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.
Tickets are $35 per person.
The holiday season at Herr’s Snack Food Factory (20 Herr Drive, Nottingham, 610-932-9330, www.herrs.com) has arrived. The area around the factory site will be illuminated with thousands of lights and holiday displays.
Herr’s “Holiday Light Display,” which is free and open to the public, will be open nightly now through January 5.
Visitors to the site will be able to drive along a trail that is illuminated with more than 600,000 lights.
The special light exhibit will be open daily from dusk to dawn.
On December 12 and 13, Rockwood Park (4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, Delaware, www.nccde.org/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum) is hosting its annual “Winter Lights: Music and Joy.”
The popular family event, which runs from 5-9 p.m. each night includes tours of the holiday display in the museum and a joyous light display in the gardens surrounding the Mansion and Carriage House.
Holiday Open House features exceptional entertainment, fun festive crafts, costumed characters, refreshments, food trucks and free photos with Santa.
The event also includes the Holiday Shoppe selling gifts for the whole family.
This is a free event and is open to all ages.
“Holiday Magic” is in full swing at Riverfront Wilmington (Christina Riverwalk, Wilmington, Delaware, riverfrontwilm.com).
Riverfront Wilmington has always been one of the centerpieces of the greater Wilmington area during the holiday season with festive events and activities throughout the area.
The Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC) has dramatically increased that presence with the introduction of “Riverbright Wilmington,” a full lighting of the Riverwalk and surrounding amenities.
At the end of November, the Christina Riverwalk was transformed into a walk-through holiday light display, with trees and archways wrapped in holiday lights, holiday décor throughout the area, and holiday-themed events throughout the season. The almost two-mile Riverwalk from Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park to the DuPont Environmental Education Center will be lit, offering guests a chance to stroll along the river and enjoy the festive display.
The illumination of the Riverwalk will create a magical winter wonderland for all ages to enjoy.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia (500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, Https://philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/) is presenting “Holiday Bricktacular!” now through January 4.
Participants can create their own LEGO ornament and display it in on the LEGO tree and check out all the holiday scenes in the Winter Wonderland in Miniland Philadelphia.
As an added attraction, LEGO Santa will be visiting from the LEGO North Pole.
Ticket prices start at $21.99.
One of Philly’s premier annual events, Macy’s Christmas Light Show (1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, www.macys.com) is running now through December 24.
Set in The Grand Court, the show features a 100,000-light show of twinkling snowflakes, dancing snowmen and more, narrated by Julie Andrews and accompanied by the famed Wanamaker Organ.
Images of snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes and more dance across the atrium inside of the historic Wanamaker building (now Macy’s Center City) during the ever-popular Macy’s Christmas Light Show. The show, which has been on view since 1956, runs every two hours during store hours.
Visitors can also tour the second floor’s vintage Dickens Village, where more than 100 intricate animated dolls and sets retell A Christmas Carol. Each free walkthrough ends in a chance to meet and get photos with Santa.
The 2025 Winter in Franklin Square holiday festival (200 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, http://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/holidays-in-franklin-square/) opens its season on November 20 runs until is running now through February 28.
It will be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show will be open from 5-9 p.m. daily and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Visitors are invited to experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions — new and old — at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival.
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius, the free Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square.
Attendees can marvel at more than 50,000 lights as they shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes.
A popular annual Philly holiday tradition can be found at the Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park),
Beginning this November, some of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions return to Dilworth Park. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn.
In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.
Dilworth Park’s winter season is running now through March 14.
The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.
The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market runs through January 1 with more than 40 local vendors.
Now through January 1, the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, www.philadelphiazoo.org) will host LumiNature, a gigantic holiday season light experience that turns the entire Zoo into a magical journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises.
The giant-sized holiday extravaganza will transform the entire Zoo into a nighttime winter wonderland. Guests will experience a magical journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises.
New this year will be the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a new observation wheel ferris wheel with breathtaking scenes of the lights and overlooking the city where the former Zoo balloon was.
LumiNature will expand to feature illuminated experience zones that will feature lively themed displays, newly enhanced installations and thousands of twinkling lights on a breathtaking journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet.
LumiNature will feature more than a million lights and 10-plus miles of power cord.
New for this year are Santa’s Lodge, a cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, the perfect spot to chill along the beaming river.
Favorite returning illuminated displays include the high-energy Penguin Prismatic show with a 40 ft. tall penguin shining with 40,000 lights and the famous 25 ft. tall pink flamingo tree, made entirely out of 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos.
Additionally, seasonal fare, strolling performers, hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to additionally spark the holiday spirit.
Tickets start at $22 for adults and $18 for children.
Elmwood Park Zoo (Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is in holiday mode.
lmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, “Wild Lights,” is back with more lights and decorative attractions than ever before. During this walk-through experience, guests will be surrounded by dazzling light displays, illuminated animals and live entertainment.
“Wild Lights” operates on select days from 5-9 p.m. now through December 30. “Wild Lights” tickets are valid beginning at 5 p.m. The Zoo and “Wild Lights” will be closed on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. “Wild Lights” will be held rain or shine.
“Christmas Candylane,” which is the annual holiday event at Hersheypark (100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, 800-HERSHEY, www.hersheypark.com), is running now through January 4.
Visitors to Hershey can also experience the winter wonderland called “Hershey Sweet Lights, A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular.” The attraction is a two-mile drive through wooded trails featuring approximately 600 illuminated, animated displays.
Admission prices for “Christmas Candylane” start at $46.99.
“A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place” (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends live and in-person at the amusement park in Langhorne.
The annual event, which runs through January 4, offers a wide array of family holiday activities.
Visitors to the park can sing along at three special Christmas shows and a spectacular music and light show at our giant 1-2-3 Christmas Tree, take a train ride tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory on the Sesame Place Furry Express,take part in the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade, and have the opportunity to meet Lightning, the adorable reindeer from the movie “Elmo Saves Christmas.”
As an added attraction this year, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is spending the holiday season at Sesame Place. The lovable reindeer along with his friends Clarice and Bumble, will be available for photos with guests.
Tickets for “A Very Furry Christmas” start at $29.99.
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389, www.dutchwonderland.com) is hosting its “Dutch Winter Wonderland” now through December 31 on Saturdays, Sundays and select weekdays.
Visitors are invited to celebrate the magic of the season at Dutch Winter Wonderland with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show, a spectacular display of thousands of twinkling lights dancing to music.
Ticket prices start at $24.99 at the gate. Children ages two and under are admitted free.
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, www.adventureaquarium.com) is open through December 31.
At Christmas Underwater visitors can discover an incredible world of seasonal under-the-sea fun.
Scuba Santa is back in Ocean Realm, sharing Christmas cheer with kids (and animals) of all ages. The event features more holiday decor than ever before, including underwater light displays, and festive new shows.
The World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree returns — stretching 18 feet tall and decorated with colorful, custom-sculpted corals.
More than 15,000 incredible animals are getting in on the festive fun with eight underwater light displays spread throughout the exhibits.
Admission fees start at $30.99 for adults.
Now that Christmas activities have begun, Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, http://peddlersvillage.com) is starting its celebration and that means there will be a lot of activity at the site over the next few weeks.
Visitors to the Village can join special guest Mrs. Claus for festive fun and mini-lightings in a different Village neighborhood each night leading up to the Village-wide Grand Illumination Celebration. Village shops will be open until 9 p.m. with a distinctive assortment of merchandise, special promotions and refreshments.
The 25th Annual Grand Illumination celebration will showcase thousands of tiny white lights outlining the Village’s buildings, colorful lights with less-than-common colors (teal, peach, and fuscia) adorning the trees and shrubs and a landscaped backdrop featuring a group of reindeer glowing in white light.
Slated to run through January 5, the “Gingerbread House Competition” features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.
The holiday lights will be on display every evening through January 18. Shops will be open until 10 p.m. There will be free admission and free parking.
If you take a trip to the Lehigh Valley, you can check out four very impressive holiday lights displays.
Bethlehem, which is known as the “Christmas City,” presents Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem (PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 East First Street, Bethlehem, 610-332-1300, http://www.christmascity.org) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through December 22.
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans. The market also features live performances of Christmas music and vendors with an amazing variety of tasty food items.
Other special attractions include ice carving, glassblowing demonstrations, “Breakfast with St. Nicholas,” outdoor artisan huts, fire pits and igloos in the Outdoor Village, and Käthe Wohlfarht with handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany.
Admission fee is $14.50.
Winter Light Spectacular will be held at the Lehigh Valley Zoo (5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, www.lvzoo.org) now through January 3.
The Lehigh Valley Zoo celebrates the most magical time of the year during the annual Winter Light Spectacular.
Guests can bundle up and enjoy the beauty of nature as they stroll through tree-lined paths lit up by more than 1.2 million twinkling lights and themed animated displays.
They will be able to warm up next to the cozy outdoor fire pits, while enjoying hot cocoa and Stuffed Puffs® Classic Milk Chocolate Filled Marshmallow s’mores.
And there are plenty of photo opportunities to capture the children’s delight when they encounter Santa, Anna, Elsa, Belle, and Cinderella.
General admission is $11.
The “Illumination at Coca-Cola Park” opens on November 14 at the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Baseball Stadium – Coca-Cola Park (1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown, illuminationlv.com ).
“Illumination at Coca-Cola Park” will take place nightly from 6-9 p.m. and feature more than one million holiday lights. Every 15-20 minutes, a dazzling synchronized music, and light show will take place featuring a breathtaking display where the stadium lights come alive in harmony with the holiday music.
Building on a wildly successful debut, “Illumination” has added various new entertainment options in addition to the spectacular lights show to help create the greatest holiday experience in the Lehigh Valley.
Guests will now be able to take part in a traditional carousel ride or even take a hayride with Mrs. Claus during their visit. For those with a competitive side, or even those looking for a truly unique experience, curling lanes have been added and are available for rent.
Joining Mrs. Claus as nightly new characters will be the Grinch and Cousin Eddie. Guests will have even more opportunities to snap the perfect flick for their holiday cards with additional sELFie stations.
Building on a successful debut, the food menu at Illumination will also feature new additions with even more holiday treats. Plus, a new large heated dining tent will be available for guests to relax and enjoy their food.
Admission prices start at $11.
Koziar’s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110, www.koziarschristmasvillage.com) began its 77th season on last week.
Koziar’s Christmas Village is truly a holiday wonderland — a wintertime spectacle that delights young and old alike with a huge amount of holiday displays and special attractions. It will remain open every night through January 3 — including Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Night.
The tours of “Christmas Village” feature visits to a variety of displays and exhibits, including “Santa’s Post Office,” “Christmas in the Jungle,” “Manger Scene,” “Christmas Beneath the Sea,” “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Olde Fashioned Bakery Shop,” “Toy Maker and his Toy Shop,” “Christmas in Other Lands” and “The Olde Church”.
Other attractions at Koziar’s Christmas Village include a huge model train display, a toy shop, a country kitchen, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays. There will be a place to visit with Santa and even get pictures taken with the old guy in the red suit. Admission to Christmas Village is $13 for adults, $12 for seniors (65 and older) and $11 for children (ages 4-10).
A popular Bucks County attraction is the “Holiday Light Show” at Shady Brook Farm (931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, www.shadybrookfarm.com)
The farm features a three–million-light Holiday Light Show with “Dashin’ Through the … Lights,” a family-friendly two-mile drive-through on Thursday and Friday nights.
The main display allows visitors to drive or (if weather permits) ride in wagons past post-sundown displays including illuminated tunnels.
The “Holiday Light Show” is open now through January 27.
Timed tickets, which start at $40, are required.
“Christmas Spirit Light Show” is running now through December 31 (except December 25) at Clipper Magazine Stadium (650 North Prince Street, Lancaster, christmasspiritlightshows.com).
“Christmas Spirit Light Show” is an exciting, one-of-a-kind Christmas light display that families can enjoy from the comfort of their vehicles.
As participants make the journey through the mile-long track, they get immersed and surrounded by hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights that are animated and dancing in harmony with favorite Christmas classics.
The drive-through event is billed as a “breathtaking holiday experience that you and your loved ones will never forget.”
Ticket prices start at $25 per car.
