{"id":18606,"date":"2016-12-23T09:12:29","date_gmt":"2016-12-23T14:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=18606"},"modified":"2016-12-23T09:12:39","modified_gmt":"2016-12-23T14:12:39","slug":"what-to-do-celebrate-christmas-by-stepping-back-in-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=18606","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Celebrate Christmas by stepping back in time"},"content":{"rendered":"

Also: Fun for those who don’t celebrate Christmas<\/em><\/h2>\n

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Reacting of George Washington crossing the Delaware.<\/p><\/div>\n

For those of us who celebrate Christmas (more for those who don’t below), there is the the anticipation and excitement of the coming holiday, followed by the thrill of Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

But what to do after, when there is often a lull between the early morning hours when presents are exchanged and the late afternoon when a multi-course holiday meal is served.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something different to do during this time gap, consider taking a trip to Washington Crossing State Park (1112 River Road, Washington Crossing,<\/span><\/p>\n

215- 493-4076, www.ushistory.org\/washingtoncrossing<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

In a tradition that has existed for more than a half-century, the park\u2019s rangers and associates present a program which features a re-enactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River with his troops.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s 64th annual staging of the free event, which will be held weather permitting, will take place at 1 p.m. at Washington Crossing State Park. Activities will get underway at noon with George Washington delivering an address to his troops.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be presentations of other famous speeches as well as a display by re-enactment groups of what military camp life was like during the era.\u00a0The focal point of the free event will be when Washington and his men recreate the crossing of the Delaware River in a small group of wooden Durham boats.<\/span><\/p>\n

River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, ceremonies, speeches and commemorative activities still occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valley Forge National Historical Park (Route 23, Valley Forge, 610-783-1074, www.nps.gov\/vafo<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is presenting special Holiday Trolley Tours from December 26-30.\u00a0 Park guides will offer three tours each day — 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 90-minute guided tours, which feature a ride in a comfortable, old-fashioned Trolley, depart from the front of the Visitor Center and travel throughout the Park. Each excursion features extended stops at Muhlenberg\u2019s Brigade and Washington\u2019s Headquarters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valley Forge National Historical Park is nationally significant as the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington. It was here that the Continental Army under Washington’s leadership emerged as a cohesive and disciplined fighting force.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tours, which are both fun and educational, give visitors the opportunity to observe many of the park\u2019s most significant historical sites. Tickets are $17.50 for adults, $14.50 for students, seniors (62 and over) and active military and $9 for children (11 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Everyone may be impacted by the Christmas holiday season but not everyone celebrates Christmas. Actually, there are many people who choose not to celebrate Christmas for a variety of valid reasons — most commonly because they are of a different religion.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Muslims, Christmas is not a religious holiday. Fortunately for them, there is a special event in Philadelphia at Christmastime created for people who do not celebrate Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long-running annual event is held each year on December 25 at the National Museum of American Jewish History (101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, 215- 923-3811, www.nmajh.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

For years, the event was known as \u201cBeing Jewish at Christmas.\u201d Now, the name of the one-day celebration, which will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on December 25, is called \u201cBeing \u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad_ _ _ _ _ _ at Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The museum\u2019s website offers the following invitation — \u201cSnowy…Jewish\u2026Happy\u2026Caring…Buddhist\u2026Generous\u2026Family\u2026Creative\u2026Friendly\u2026Sparkly. Fill in your own blank and join us for our annual day of family fun!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The event will feature music, comedy, children\u2019s activities and refreshments. Alex & the Kaleidoscope will be playing songs guaranteed to get guests dancing and moving. Performance times are 10:30 a.m., noon and 1 and 2 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be \u201cStorytime\u201d sessions at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Visitors to the Clay Studio will be able to make a self-drying clay dove — a universal symbol of peace. Other activities include face painting and balloon art.<\/span><\/p>\n

As an added attraction, there will be screenings of short films by the Rugrats and The Three Stooges. At 4:45 p.m., there will be a special \u201cHanukkah Candle Lighting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a>At the end of each year, the Delaware Museum of Natural History (4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-9111, www.delmnh.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) presents a special event geared for families for the week between Christmas and New Year.<\/span><\/p>\n

From December 27-30, the children-oriented museum in northern Delaware will be presenting its \u201cDiscovery Days: Extreme Habitats.\u201d The event, which is scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day, features four days of activities highlighting some of the planet\u2019s extreme habitats, the rainforest and the Arctic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Activities\u00a0include themed children\u2019s movies, scavenger hunts, food trucks and more,\u00a0ending with an early New Year\u2019s Eve celebration at a time perfect for families. The program will focus on the rainforest and the Arctic with activities including children\u2019s movies, face painting by Dori Fostok, scavenger hunts, live animal presentations, food trucks and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

December 27 is \u201cTropical Rainforest Tuesday\u201d with Outlandish Food Truck, live bird shows from Animal Behavior and Conservation Connections, and activities from Longwood Gardens. December 28 is \u201cArctic versus Antarctic: What\u2019s the Difference Wednesday\u201d with Woody\u2019s on Wheels food truck.<\/span><\/p>\n

December 29 is \u201cTheoretical Thursday\u201d with Delicious Craving food truck, live bird shows from Animal Behavior and Conservation Connection, and activities from the Delaware Valley Paleontological Society and the Delaware Art Museum. December 30 is \u201cFrozen Friday\u201d with Outlandish food truck, Mr. Mike\u2019s Dinorific Poetry and the movie \u201cFrozen\u201d — with an appearance by the princesses themselves, Anna and Elsa.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event on December 30 will end with an early New Year\u2019s celebration at 3:30 p.m. featuring music, a snowball drop and countdown to 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discovery Days is a special event\u00a0with specific admission prices during the four days — $9 for adults, seniors and children and free for children under three.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Lantern Tours<\/p><\/div>\n

An interesting and educational special event will be presented at the Ephrata Cloister (632 West Main Street, Ephrata, 717-733-6600, www.ephratacloister.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) from December 27-30 \u2013 the 2016 edition of the Cloister\u2019s annual \u201cLantern Tours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ephrata Cloister or Ephrata Community was a religious community, established in 1732 by Johann Conrad Beissel at Ephrata. The grounds of the community are now administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tours take guests back in time to visit the Cloister as it may have appeared in the 1700s. Each year\u2019s story offers a cast of junior and senior high school students playing the roles that bring history to life. A different story is presented each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s tours will lead visitors through four of the historic buildings on site as the story unfolds to offer differing views of Conrad Beissel.\u00a0 Refreshments and a chance for conversation will end the evening.\u00a0 Each of the one-hour tours is limited in attendance, and begins each half-hour starting at 6:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (717) 733-6600. Tours will depart the visitor center every 30 minutes from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (65 and older) and youth (ages 6-11) and $5 for children (ages 3-5).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Yuletide Wreaths at Rock Ford.<\/p><\/div>\n

Rock Ford Plantation (881 Rockford Road, Lancaster, 717-392-7223, www.rockfordplantation.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>), which was the home of plantation owner Edward Hand, presents its Yuletide Candlelight Tours during the days following Christmas. This year\u2019s events will be staged from December 26-28.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yuletide was celebrated in the late 1700s during the 12-day period between Christmas (December 25, the day Christ was born) and Twelfth Night\/the Feast of the Magi (January 6, the day the Magi offered their gifts to the infant Christ).<\/span><\/p>\n

Back then, Christmas Day did not mark the culmination of the holiday but rather its beginning with a variety of old English traditions — decorating the home with greens, baking a Twelfth Night cake, enjoying the wassail bowl and burning the Yule log.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year, candlelight tours will be held on December 26, 27 and 28 from 4-8 p.m. each night. There will also be a special Yuletide Daylight Tour on December 29 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the candlelight tours, the Georgian-style mansion will be decorated with holiday greenery and illuminated by the glow of lighted candles.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the evening tours, visitors will be able to listen to live performances of period music and watch early American dancing in the great hall. Authentic 18th-century music of the season will be performed during the candlelight tours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (65 and older) and children (ages 6-12).<\/span><\/p>\n

Another popular annual holiday event in Lancaster County is Yuletide at Wheatland (President James Buchanan\u2019s Wheatland, 1120 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, 717-392-4633, http:\/\/www.lancasterhistory.org\/events\/yuletide-at-wheatland<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to join LancasterHistory.org<\/span><\/a> for a historical performance that captures a moment in time and takes them back to the holiday of 1867 when President James Buchanan celebrated the holidays with friends and family at his beloved Wheatland.<\/span><\/p>\n

A letter reveals, \u201cSoon after the sprightly and agreeable Miss Emily Baker arrived, she asked Old Buck\u2019s permission to organize and hostess a holiday party. Mr. Buchanan found her offer delightful…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Wheatland and lancasterHistory.org<\/span><\/a> are teaming up to present a festive way to celebrate a Lancaster Victorian Christmas!<\/span><\/p>\n

Performances run Fridays and Saturdays now through December 30 (daily from December 26-30) and are limited to 20 visitors each performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children (ages 6-13) and free for children (5 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n

Another Lancaster County attraction is \u201cMagic Lantern Show: A Victorian Christmas,\u201d which is running through December 31 at the Amish Experience Theater at Plain & Fancy Farm (3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, 717-768-8400, http:\/\/amishexperience.com\/magic-lantern-shows\/christmas-show<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors are taken back in time and become part of a Victorian family\u2019s traditional Christmas Eve celebration. The family is very excited as Grandpa tells fabulous Christmas stories with the help of the amazing Magic Lantern.<\/span><\/p>\n

The surprises and joys of the season are brought to visual delight with this collaboration between the Amish Experience and the American Magic Lantern Theater featuring classic Christmas stories and poems.<\/span><\/p>\n

The presentation includes sing-alongs and a narrator delivering iconic stories and poems like \u201cThe Night Before Christmas\u201d and \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d with stunning visual images, heartfelt music and legendary storytelling.<\/span><\/p>\n

New in 2016 is the rarely seen or performed Dickens tale of \u201cGabriel Grub and the Goblins,\u201d a precursor to the story of Scrooge. It will be shown with rare antique images recently secured from England.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children (ages 4-12).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Winter Wonderland<\/p><\/div>\n

The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-0 648-4102, www.AMTshows.com<\/span><\/a>) has its holiday show running now through December 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

The AMT\u2019s 2016 show \u201cWinter Wonderland\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also featured will be elaborate scenery, elegant costumes and a theater decked out with holiday decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show will have both matinee and evening performances each week with the addition of 10:30 a.m. performances on Saturdays throughout December. Show length is two hours and 15 minutes with a short intermission. Tickets are $42.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rainbow Comedy Playhouse (3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 800-292-4301,\u00a0www.Rainbowcomedy.com<\/span><\/a>) is presenting its holiday production \u201cGreen Holly & Gray Potatoes\u201d now through December 28.<\/span><\/p>\n

Matinee performances are every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and selected Saturdays with an 11:30 a.m. lunch and a 1 p.m. curtain. Evening performances are every Friday, Saturday and selected Thursdays with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show following at 8 p.m. There will also be \u201cTwilight Performances\u201d on selected Sundays with dinner at 2:30 p.m. and the show at 4 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25-$56.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two always-popular attractions in Lancaster County at this time of year are Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) and the National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum (3427 Lincoln Hwy East, Paradise, 717-442-7950, www.nationalchristmascenter.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Located in the heart of Amish Country, the National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum takes visitors on a journey through Christmases past and present. It features 20,000 square feet of life-sized, walk-through, indoor exhibits including more than a dozen main galleries and a variety of ever-changing smaller exhibits.<\/span><\/p>\n

The galleries examine both the secular and the religious aspects of Christmas. The religious galleries are \u201cO Holy Night,\u201d \u201cThe Art of the Nativity\u201d, and \u201cThe First Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the secular galleries are \u201cYes, Virginia, There is a Santa,\u201d \u201cAnother Successful Night,\u201d \u201cTudorTowne Animated Storybook Village,\u201d \u201cToyland Train Mountain,\u201d \u201c1950\u2019s Woolworth’s 5 & 10,\u201d \u201cAntiques Emporium,\u201d \u201cImages of Santa,\u201d, \u201cChristmas around the World,\u201d \u201cSanta\u2019s North Pole Workshop and Reindeer Barn,\u201d \u201cA Pennsylvania Christmas,\u201d \u201cStreet of Memories\u201d and \u201c1950\u2019s Night Before Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $5 for children at the <\/b>National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Choo Choo Barn<\/p><\/div>\n

Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A., which is located in Strasburg just a stone\u2019s throw from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg Railroad, has been a destination for train fans for decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains. The majority of trains that are running in the display are \u201cO Gauge\u201d trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The layout features a special Christmas display now through January 16. The homes and businesses along the tracks have been decked out with holiday trim. And, there are 55 hidden Santas — one for each year the site has been open — located around the display for visitors to find.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for children Ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also several holiday events featuring bigger trains — full-sized trains, many of which are powered by steam locomotives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193, www.wwrr.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will run its special \u00a0\u201cHoliday Night Express Trains,\u201d featuring a peaceful evening ride in the railroad\u2019s 1929 Doodlebug rail car. Tickets for these trains, which are running now through December 30, are $12 for adults, $11 for senior citizens and $10 for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Santa on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.<\/p><\/div>\n

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is operating its \u201cNorth Pole Express\u201d now through December 31. Tickets are $48.95 for adults, $46.95 for children (ages 2-11) and $14.95 for toddlers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Passengers can ride the rails with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a group of holiday revelers. Children and adults of all ages can sip hot cocoa and enjoy cookies while Santa visits with each child and presents them with a special gift. Local musicians will be on board to play and sing Christmas carols. Additionally, children are encouraged to come dressed in the pajamas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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, www.business-services.upenn.edu\/arboretum\/index.html<\/i><\/span><\/a>). The popular Garden Railway Display that has become a summer fixture at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum returns again for a special holiday display.<\/span><\/p>\n

The display, which is open to the public now through December 31 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special \u201cFriday Night Lights\u201d events are scheduled for December 23 and 30 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. each night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to enjoy the Holiday Garden Rail all lit up and decorated for the season with white lights sparkling along the rails and miniature greens adorning the buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission to the Morris Arboretum is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older) and $9 for students and military.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A Brandywine Christmas at the Brandywine River Museum.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cA Brandywine Christmas\u201d is running now through January 8 at the Brandywine River Museum (Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>). The attraction features an extensive O-gauge model.\u00a0Five moving trains operate at all times and include a 60-car freight train winding past a village, stone quarry, oil refinery, mountains, Herr Foods plant, running waterfall and animated skating<\/span><\/p>\n

Special events include \u201cCarols Concerts\u201d on December 18, \u201cBreakfast with the Trains\u201d on December 17, \u201cChristmas with the Dolls\u201d on December 17, and \u201cTerrific Trains Family Program\u201d on January 7. Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 and older) and $6 for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is in full holiday mode with its annual presentation of \u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas\u201d \u2013 an event that also features model trains.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Christmas at Longwood Gardens<\/p><\/div>\n

Visitors to \u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas\u201d can check out Longwood\u2019s Garden Railway — a whimsical display set into motion with G-scale model trains. This is the 15th year that the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.<\/span><\/p>\n

The festive holiday display at Longwood Gardens, which is continuing through January 8, features 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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. Longwood\u2019s Christmas celebration also includes a wide array of seasonal music — holiday concerts, organ sing-alongs and carillon performances. There will also be performances by choirs and musicians evenings through December 20.<\/span><\/p>\n

When darkness arrives at Longwood, a night-blooming garden of more than a half-million lights strung on close to 100 trees with approximately 40 miles of wire comes to life. A carillon with 62 cast bells plays holiday music every half hour during daylight hours. Longwood\u2019s Open Air Theatre fountains dance to holiday music each half hour — temperature permitting.<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, admission by \u201cTimed Ticket\u201d — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience. There are different prices for \u201cPeak\u201d and \u201cOff Peak\u201d times.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $23 (non-peak), $30 (peak) for adults, $20\/$27 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and $12\/$16 for students (ages 5-18).<\/span><\/p>\n

A fun but cold way to celebrate the holidays is to go on a \u201cHoliday Hayride\u201d at Arasapha Farm (1835 Middletown Road, Gradyville, 610-459-2944, www.holidayhayride.com<\/span><\/a>) \u2013 an event that wraps up tonight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guests will ride on sound-equipped hay wagons through a six-acre holiday wonderland featuring huge light displays, decorated trees and buildings, a variety of Christmas scenes, live reindeer and a beautifully animated Santa\u2019s workshop. The hayride last about 20 minutes and is choreographed with all the favorite songs of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the wagon ride, guests are encouraged to gather around the bonfire to enjoy hot beverages. There also will be opportunities to have pictures taken with Santa and check out the live nativity scene that features real animals and actors. And, kids can take a ride on the Arasapha Express — a kiddie train ride through light displays and tunnels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children (ages 2-8). Train ride tickets are $5. Pictures with Santa are $15.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another event that concludes on December 23 is \u201cChristmasland at Linvilla\u201d — a colorful winter wonderland at Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116,\u00a0www.linvilla.com<\/span><\/a>), is running now through December 23.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to cut their own Christmas trees, or, if not so inspired, purchase them at the shop\u00a0— 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\u2019s toys and collectables.<\/span><\/p>\n

Santa and his elves will be stopping by and guests can enjoy the winter night by sitting around a campfire and roasting marshmallows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to experience the magic of the holidays at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival (Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets, Philadelphia, www.historicphiladelphia.org<\/span><\/a>). Now through December 31, there will be an amazing display of lights at the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspired by Benjamin Franklin\u2019s electrifying genius, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show features more than 50,000 lights that shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics performed by\u00a0The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The festival will also offer comfort food, authentic German beers, and hot beverages at Ben’s Bites & Brews and gift shopping at the Holiday Market.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Village in Philadelphia\u201d (Broad and Market streets, Philadelphia, 215-391-3017, www.philachristmas.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is a free outdoor holiday market event that captures the vibe of the traditional European Christmas markets. Christmas Village in Philadelphia will have a new home in the City Hall Courtyard and Northern Apron.<\/span><\/p>\n

The attraction, which runs through December 24, is modeled after traditional German Christmas Markets.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the Village in Philadelphia, vendors selling traditional European food, sweets and drinks are set up in 80 wooden booths and timber houses that form a medieval village. They will also offer a unique shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the center of the market, an ornate and grand old-time carousel will be operating to give children of all ages a new holiday tradition while visiting the authentic German Christmas Market. The carousel features 20 wood-carved horses that will twirl around for an unforgettable view of the new market inside City Hall\u2019s courtyard.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the best premier Christmas-themed events in the area is the annual \u201cYuletide at Winterthur.\u201d This year\u2019s 38th annual staging of the event, which runs from November 19 through January 8 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware,800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

With the arrival of\u00a0the\u00a0extraordinary dollhouse recently gifted to Winterthur by the McDaniel family, Yuletide at Winterthur 2016 will highlight the holidays through a child\u2019s eyes in the 19th and 20th centuries and feature the exquisite house-in-miniature as\u00a0a central attraction. The 18-room house is fully decorated with wreaths, candles, trees, and more miniature delights.<\/span><\/p>\n

In celebration of the house\u2019s debut, Yuletide at Winterthur will highlight the holidays as experienced by children from 1850-1950 and feature museum room displays that include Winterthur\u2019s own collections of miniature objects. As an added attraction, Winterthur’s current exhibition\u00a0\u201cLasting Impressions: The Artists of Currier & Ives, Yuletide\u201d will explore\u00a0why a\u00a0\u201cCurrier & Ives Christmas\u201d is so beloved and still resonates with people today.<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, the rooms will be enhanced with the floral displays so essential to du Pont\u2019s decorating, and with special Christmas trees inspired by the beauty of the Winterthur garden \u2013 including the\u00a0popular Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required. <\/b>Admission to Yuletide at Winterthur is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (age 62 and older) and $2 for children (ages 2-11).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHolidays at Hagley,\u201d a popular Brandywine Valley exhibit that 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<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s edition of \u201cHolidays at Hagley\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The theme this year at Eleutherian Mills residence is \u201cA Child\u2019s Delight.\u201d Toys, games, and dolls are the decorative theme in the annual \u201cHolidays at Hagley\u201d exhibition at Eleutherian Mills. \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prominently displayed in the Parlor is a large early 20th-century decorated Christmas tree with tinsel. Underneath, toys and dolls are waiting to be admired by children of all ages. Scattered throughout the room are more toys, including two charming monkey toys\u2014a puppet and a swinging toy monkey. Also featured is a small display of child-related items, including a large wicker baby carriage, doll beds, and a stroller called an \u201cOriole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Well-loved displays returning include the elaborate Twelfth Night celebration in the dining room and the Victorian library\u2019s Christmas for children with its table-top tree surrounded by toys and games. Of course, there will be warm glowing lights and poinsettias. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for children (ages 6-14).<\/span><\/p>\n

Nemours Mansion & Gardens (Route 141 South, Alapocas Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-651-6912, www.nemoursmansion.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is welcoming visitors for the Christmas holidays with special holiday-themed tours. The three-hour tours are held Tuesdays through Sundays and run now through January 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Originally constructed in 1910, Nemours Mansion is one of Delaware\u2019s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the holiday period, the guided tours will include several stories of the house and part of the gardens. Many of the rooms featured in the tour will be decorated as they would have been when DuPont resided there in the early 1900s while some will retain their traditional period decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets for the tour at Nemours are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7 for children (under 16).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s 2016 Christmas Holiday Tour will be presented now through December 31 in Odessa\u2019s historic district (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>). The Historic Houses of Odessa\u2019s National Historic Register Wilson-Warner House has been transformed into vignettes inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann\u2019s \u201cThe Nutcracker and The Mouse King.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Historic Odessa will celebrate the bicentennial of this classic tale as the National Historic Register Wilson-Warner House is transformed into the home of the Stahlbaums on Christmas Eve. There will also be story vignettes beautifully recreated throughout the 247-year old Wilson-Warner\u2019s period rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another popular attraction is the \u201cStorybook Trees Exhibit,\u201d which is a festive display of Christmas trees that reflect books and works of children\u2019s literature. The trees have been decorated by local families, schools and organizations. All the Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s museum properties, collectively known as the Historic Houses of Odessa, are open and on display for the 2016 holiday season.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Historic Houses of Odessa are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The last full tour of the Historic Houses starts at 3 p.m. The Houses will be closed on December 24 and 25. Admission to the Historic Odessa Foundation holiday tour is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and students and free for children (under 6).<\/span><\/p>\n

Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349, www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is hosting \u201cVictorian Holiday Tours\u201d now through January 8 while \u201cTwelfth Night Tours at Pottsgrove Manor\u201d (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) are running now until January 8.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the next three 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event at Pottsgrove Manor features guided tours through an elegant 18th-century Georgian mansion that is decked out in period holiday decorations. Tour guides will discuss Twelfth Night celebrations and Christmastide traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to view the parlor and kitchen as it would have been during colonial times when the Potts family prepared for their holiday guests. They will also be able to check out the servants\u2019 quarters and see the rustic holiday celebrations as enjoyed by the household staff.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors to Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, http:\/\/peddlersvillage.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) can get in the holiday spirit at the Village\u2019s Grand Illumination, which showcases thousands of tiny white lights outlining the Village\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Illumination is accompanied by the Giggleberry Fair, which features attractions for kids including for \u201cPhotos with Santa.\u201d The Giggleberry Fair will be open through December 23. The Peddler\u2019s Village \u201cGingerbread House Competition and Display,\u201d which runs through January 2, features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.<\/span><\/p>\n

Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110, www.koziarschristmasvillage.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) has started its 68th annual season and it will remain open every night through January 2 — including Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, New Year\u2019s Eve and New Year\u2019s Night.<\/span><\/p>\n

The village is a visual wonderland with a large amount of holiday displays and special attractions including \u201cSanta\u2019s Post Office,\u201d \u201cChristmas in the Jungle,\u201d \u201cToy Maker and his Toy Shop\u201d and \u201cChristmas in Other Lands. Other attractions are a huge model train display, a toy shop, a country kitchen, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays. Admission to Christmas Village is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (65 and older) and $8 for children (ages 4-10).<\/span><\/p>\n

Now through January 1, \u201cA Very Furry Christmas\u201d will be presented by Sesame Place (100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, 215-752-7070, www.sesameplace.com<\/span><\/a>). The event is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with everyone\u2019s favorite furry friends — Grover, Oscar and the rest of the gang from Sesame Street. Admission is $27 online and $32 at the gate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Candylane,\u201d which is the annual holiday event at Hersheypark (100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, 800-HERSHEY, www.hersheypark.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>), is running now through December 31. Tickets are $19 per person. Children age two and under are admitted free.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visitors to Hershey can also experience the winter wonderland called \u201cHershey Sweet Lights, A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular.\u201d The attraction is a two-mile drive through wooded trails featuring approximately 600 illuminated, animated displays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission is $24.15 on Fridays and Saturdays and $19.15 the rest of the week,<\/span><\/p>\n

Dutch Wonderland\u00a0Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389, www.dutchwonderland.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) is hosting its \u201cDutch Winter Wonderland\u201d now through December 30 on Saturdays, Sundays and select weekdays.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $11.99 in advance and $13.99 at the gate. Children age two and under are admitted free.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Also: Fun for those who don’t celebrate Christmas By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times For those of us who celebrate Christmas (more for those who don’t below), there is the the anticipation and excitement of the coming holiday, followed by the thrill of Christmas morning. But what to do after, when there is often a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[109,3970,8409,6269,8408,3924,8407],"class_list":["post-18606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-brandywine-river-museum","tag-delaware-museum-of-natural-history","tag-ephrata-cloister","tag-featured","tag-longwoodgardens","tag-rock-ford-plantation","tag-washing-crossing-the-delaware"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18606"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18607,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18606\/revisions\/18607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}