{"id":37898,"date":"2022-12-30T08:08:21","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T13:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=37898"},"modified":"2022-12-30T08:08:24","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T13:08:24","slug":"what-to-do-time-to-ring-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=37898","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Time to ring in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Kennett Mushroom Drop<\/p><\/div>\n

New Year\u2019s Eve is about partying \u2013 dining, drinking, welcoming the new year and\u2026partying.<\/p>\n

On New Year\u2019s Eve, Kennett Square will be partying in style when the Mushroom Festival and Kennett Area Restaurant & Merchant Association are again hosting the annual Mushroom Drop.<\/p>\n

The 10th Annual Mushroom Drop \u2013 a.k.a. \u201cMidnight in the Square\u201d — is being held at Broad and Union streets this year.<\/p>\n

The opening celebrations are a family event starting at 7:30 p.m. <\/p>\n

Weather permitting (no wind), the lighted Mushroom will be raised 90 feet at 8:55 p.m. Then, the brightly lit massive fungi will start drop at midnight in celebration of the arrival of 2023.
\nThere will be a laser light show, live entertainment, and a dancing exhibition. Live entertainment in the \u201cCircle\u201d (under the Mushroom) will feature Kevin Pierce, William Rose and The Robert Brothers (Ken and Jon from the Funsters).<\/p>\n

Various vendors will be on hand to serve up food and drink, including beer and wine.<\/p>\n

Parking will be available at Kennett High School and at 600 South Broad Street lot. A handicap accessible shuttle will provide transportation from parking to the event site.<\/p>\n

The event is a joint venture of the Kennett Area Restaurant and Merchants Association and Mushroom Festival.<\/p>\n

The most famous New Year\u2019s Eve \u201cdrops\u201d are the extravagant Waterford Crystal ball in Times Square in New York City, the peach in Atlanta and the orange in Miami Beach.
\nThere are quite a few \u201cdrops\u201d worth checking out that are within a short drive from Chester County including Yuengling Beer bottle in Pottsville, strawberry in Harrisburg, Pac-Man in Hanover, Lebanon Bologna in Lebanon, Marshmallow Peep in Bethlehem, Hershey\u2019s Kiss in Hershey, sled in Duncannon,<\/p>\n

Other distinctive area drops include pickle in Dillsburg, button in Carlisle, white rose in York, anchor in Shippensburg, Bucky the Beaver in Beavertown, lightbulb in Sunbury, wrench in Mechanicsburg, kettle in McClure, coal in Shamokin, and duck decoy in Havre de Grace (Maryland).<\/p>\n

Many \u201cdrops\u201d around the country have vibes of their own \u2013 key lime pie in Key West, Florida; carp in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; a doughnut in Hagerstown, Maryland; a chunk of cheese in Plymouth, Wisconsin; walleye fish in Port Clinton, Ohio; a bunch of grapes in Temecula, California; watermelon in Vincennes, Indiana; a live possum in Brasstown, North Carolina; eight-foot-tall glittering flip flops in Folly Beach, South Carolina; and a wooden flea in Eastover, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia doesn\u2019t drop anything on New Year\u2019s Eve \u2013 even though it has great options like the Liberty Bell, a Rocky statue or a cheesesteak. Instead of dropping something down, Philly sends something up. Every New Year\u2019s Eve, it sends a massive barrage of fireworks into the sky.<\/p>\n

When evening arrives in the Philadelphia area on New Year\u2019s Eve, it means that it is time for the Rivers Casino New Year\u2019s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront \u2014 a gala pyrotechnics display that explodes over the Delaware River.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Rivers Casino New Year\u2019s Eve Fireworks<\/p><\/div>\n

The Rivers Casino New Year\u2019s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront features two major pyrotechnics displays over the Delaware River.<\/p>\n

The fireworks can be viewed from either Penn\u2019s Landing on Delaware Avenue or Wiggins Park on the Camden side of the river. Traditionally, the aerial fireworks extravaganza took place at midnight. This year, there will again be a show at midnight and another fireworks display at 6 p.m. on December 31.<\/p>\n

Both fireworks displays, which last approximately 15 minutes each, will be launched from a barge in the middle of the Delaware River and will be choreographed to music played through speakers at the Great Plaza at Penn\u2019s Landing and at the riverfront area in Wiggins Park.<\/p>\n

Rivers Casino will also be hosting a \u201cBack to the 80s New Year\u2019s Eve Party\u201d starting at 10 p.m.<\/p>\n

A popular New Year\u2019s Eve destination along the Delaware River to watch the fireworks is RiverRink (Market Street and Delaware Avenue, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The rink will host its \u201cAnnual New Year\u2019s Eve Party on Ice\u201d not once but twice \u2013 from 5-8 p.m. and from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. The festive, non-alcoholic party with food, Mummers, party favors and live entertainment costs $40 for skaters and $30 for spectators.<\/p>\n

Other good riverside locations to watch the show in the sky over the Delaware River are Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Delaware Avenue; Moshulu, 401 South Delaware Avenue; Liberty Point, 211 South Delaware Avenue; and Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton Street, Camden, New Jersey.<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia Orchestra (Kimmel Center, 300 South, Broad Street, Philadelphia, www.philorch.org<\/a>) is having a special New Year\u2019s Eve concert starting at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Vocalist Nikki Ren\u00e9e Daniels joins conductor Thomas Wilkins for an evening of memorable songs.<\/p>\n

The set list includes \u201cOverture to\u00a0Girl Crazy,\u201d \u201cVoices of Spring\u201d Waltz,\u201d \u201cGiggling Rapids,\u201d \u201cLake,\u201d \u201cI Could Have Danced All Night,\u201d\u00a0\u201cBy Strauss,\u201d \u201cTritsch-Tratsch\u201d Polka, \u201cMusic of the Spheres\u201d Waltz, \u201cThunder and Lightning\u201d Polka,<\/p>\n

\u201cSummertime,\u201d \u201cOver the Rainbow,\u201d\u00a0\u201cSolitude\u201d and An American in Paris.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are annual New Year\u2019s Eve events in the area that begin long before the evening arrives.<\/p>\n

The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia and the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington offer special family-oriented matinee events on December 31 every year to celebrate the start of a new year.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Please Touch Museum (Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, 215-581-3181, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org<\/a>) is known for its traditional \u201cCountdown to Noon\u201d.<\/p>\n

Please Touch Museum has reimagined its New Year\u2019s Eve event this year as it celebrates with a smaller in-person gathering with limited capacity.<\/p>\n

Guests are invited to join the museum staff for a morning or afternoon timed ticket session that includes two-and-a-half hours of play at the Museum, art workshops, New Year\u2019s Eve party hats and glasses, a visit from Squiggles, and a dance party in Hamilton Hall.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $25. Please Touch Museum will close at 3 p.m. following this event.<\/p>\n

The event in Wilmington, which is officially called \u201cNoon Year\u2019s Eve Celebration at Brandywine Zoo\u201d, is a popular all-ages celebration that runs from 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the Brandywine Zoo (1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-571-7747, www.brandywinezoo.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The mid-day party features a celebration with games, crafts and a countdown to 12 o\u2019clock as noon approaches. And there will be a sparkling apple cider toast when the clock strikes 12. Admission is $5, and the gates open at 10 a.m. with check-in at the main admission gate. Most festivities will take place outdoors, so visitors are advised to dress for winter weather.<\/p>\n

Other New Year\u2019s Eve festivities in Delaware can be found at Delaware Children’s Museum (550 Justison Street, Wilmington,http:\/\/www.delawarechildrensmuseum.org\/<\/a>) at 11 a.m. and Delaware Museum of Nature & Science (4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, https:\/\/delmns.org\/<\/a>) at noon.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetsy\u2019s Birthday Celebration\u201d at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/historicphiladelphia.org<\/a>) is scheduled for December 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Betsy Ross was born on New Year\u2019s Day all the way back in 1752.<\/p>\n

The Betsy Ross House will celebrate her birthday\u00a0with storytelling and free cupcakes for all guests of her historic home.<\/p>\n

The Betsy Ross House\u00a0receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, laurelhillphl.com<\/a>) is hosting General Meade\u2019s Birthday Celebration on December 31 from noon-2 p.m.<\/p>\n

The annual General Meade Birthday Celebration will mark the anniversary of the birth of General George G. Meade, commander of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg.<\/p>\n

A parade of Civil War re-enactors, civilians in period attire, special dignitaries, heritage groups, and participants will advance to Meade\u2019s final resting place and memorialize his services to his nation. A 21-gun salute and toast will cap off the program at the graveside.<\/p>\n

Admission is free, but donations of any size are appreciated. Contributions will support the work of the Friends of Laurel Hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinter Encampment\u201d (Fort\u00a0Mifflin,\u00a0Fort\u00a0Mifflin\u00a0and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167,\u00a0http:\/\/fortmifflin.us<\/a>) is scheduled for December 31 at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

Visitors to the Fort can discover the hardships of wintertime in General Washington\u2019s army when they \u201cjoin the troops\u201d and send 2022 out with a blast at Fort Mifflin\u2019s annual Winter Encampment.<\/p>\n

They can step inside a \u201cwedge tent\u201d to experience for yourself the accommodations afforded soldiers encamped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78 and enjoy friendly fireside activities with the garrison to learn how they passed the time without cell phones, video games or streaming services when there were no battles to be fought.<\/p>\n

Participants will be able to learn to drill with wooden muskets, check out the camp kitchen preparing meals for the garrison with only limited supplies, learn how the soldiers cared for their muskets and uniforms and enjoy blacksmithing and black powder demonstrations.<\/p>\n

The Fort will wrap up the afternoon with a simultaneous blast from three cannons.<\/p>\n

Activities are centered in the (heated) Soldiers Barracks and adjacent fire pit.<\/p>\n

General admission is $10.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Mummers Parade<\/p><\/div>\n

New Year\u2019s Day in Philadelphia is all about the Mummers Parade (215-336-3050, www.phillymummers.com<\/a>) \u2014 a festive celebration featuring string bands, comic units and fancy divisions all strutting their stuff on Broad Street.<\/p>\n

The event is celebrating its 124th anniversary this year. The parade is always televised but you need to see it live if you want to really appreciate the sights and sounds of the annual extravaganza.<\/p>\n

The Mummers tradition dates back to 400 B.C. and the Roman Festival of Saturnalias when laborers marched in masks throughout the day. Reports of rowdy groups \u201cparading\u201d on New Year\u2019s Day in Philadelphia date back before the revolution.<\/p>\n

The practice of awarding prizes was initiated in the late 1800\u2019s and the first \u201cofficial\u201d event was held in 1901. The Mummers Parade has grown in size and stature and currently features approximately 15,000 participants.
\nThe 2023 Parade will begin at 9 a.m. with the Fancy Division, followed by the Comic Division, Comic Wench Division and then the String Band Division.<\/p>\n

The Mummers have a little bit for everyone. There are more than 10,000 Mummers broken up into five divisions \u2014 the Fancies, the Comics, the Wench Brigades, the String Bands and the Fancy Brigades.<\/p>\n

Because it is an outdoor event, inclement weather could come into play. The outdoor parade was postponed in 2003, the first time in 13 years. There have been 22 weather-related postponements since 1922. There was no parade in 1919 due to WW1 and in 1934 due to the depression and the lack of prize money.<\/p>\n

For a unique way to kick off 2023, head south to Middletown, Delaware on New Year\u2019s Day to celebrate town\u2019s 51st annual Hummers Parade (Main Street, Middletown, Delaware, 302-378-7545).
\nEvery year on New Year\u2019s Day, Middletown\u2019s Hummers Parade slowly but not very methodically moves down Main Street. The parade, which is intended as a spoof of Philadelphia\u2019s Mummers, is a loosely organized event that welcomes everyone to join in the fun.<\/p>\n

On January 1, floats and groups will assemble in the parking lot in Middletown. The parade of spoofs is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. The parade gathers on South Cass Street in the vicinity of Middletown Environmental Testing, Inc. at 100 South Cass.<\/p>\n

The parade travels from South Cass to Park Place, to Broad Street. The parade turns left onto Main Street from Broad and left onto South Scott Street, disbanding in the vicinity of South Cass.<\/p>\n

Participants in the parade arrive around noon to put the floats together. The floats should be put together on site and are spoofs of national and local events. All are welcome to join in the parade. The parade is not sponsored by the Town of Middletown or any specific group.<\/p>\n

Trophies will be awarded in categories that have yet to be determined. No registration or sign up is required and there are no rules. Actually, there are two basic unwritten rules \u2014 taste doesn\u2019t matter, and no-one is permitted to work on a float or a costume any earlier than the morning of the event (and, if they do, they must lie and say they didn\u2019t).<\/p>\n

Delaware also has some New Year\u2019s Day events that are more conventional \u2014 and definitely more on the healthy side. Delaware State Parks are celebrating the first day of the New Year with hikes in the park.
\nParks around Delaware will host a \u201cFirst State, First Day, First Hike\u201d program to celebrate the national movement sponsored by America\u2019s State Parks to have all 50 states offer First Day Hikes. Designed to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks, all 50 state park systems joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes for the first time in 2012.<\/p>\n

Nearby participating Delaware State Parks are Alapocas Run State Park, Auburn Valley State Park, Brandwine Creek State Park, Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Zoo and White Cla Creek State Park.<\/p>\n

A participating state park in Chester County will be Marsh Creek State Park (675 Park Road, Downingtown, 610-458-5119).<\/p>\n

Rosca de Reyes, which translates to \u201cKings\u2019 Ring,\u201d is an oval-shaped pastry traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany<\/a> on January 6. Epiphany is also known as El D\u00eda de Reyes (\u201cKings\u2019 Day\u201d) — a day to commemorate the arrival of the three Magi or Wise Men<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The tradition of placing a figurine of the Christ child<\/a> in the cake goes back centuries. The baby Jesus hidden in the bread represents the flight of the Holy Family as it fled from King Herod<\/a>\u2019s Massacre of the Innocents<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed and must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2 (Candlemas Day<\/a>, D\u00eda de la Candelaria). In the Mexican culture, this person also must host a dinner which includes tamales<\/a> and hot chocolate.<\/p>\n

On January 6 from 3-5 p.m., there will also be a free \u201cThree Kings and Three Queens Day Celebration\u201d at Taller Puertorrique\u00f1o (2557 North Fifth Street, Philadelphia, 215-423-6320, tallerpr.org<\/a>). Taller Puertorrique\u00f1o\u2019s El D\u00eda de Reyes comes to el Barrio on January 6 with live music, gift giving, and a parade.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget, this weekend is still a part of the 2022 Christmas holiday.<\/p>\n

A popular 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<\/a>).<\/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.<\/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.<\/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.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $19.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (ages 4-12).<\/p>\n

One of the best holiday events in the area is the annual \u201cYuletide at Winterthur.\u201d This year\u2019s 40th annual staging of the event, which runs now through January 8 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware,800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

At Winterthur, 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.
\nOne of visitors\u2019 favorites every year is the 18-room dollhouse mansion created by designer and philanthropist Nancy McDaniel over a period of 30 ears. It features amazing intricate details in each room and is even decorated for the holidays.<\/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\u2019s gardens — including the\u00a0popular Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.<\/p>\n

New 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. The display is open from 10:00 am\u20134:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and Wednesday evenings in December, 5:00\u20138:00 pm.<\/p>\n

Special holiday programs throughout the season include\u00a0\u201cWonderful Wednesdays<\/a>\u201d\u00a0in December,\u00a0evening\u00a0events featuring live\u00a0jazz performances, caroling,\u00a0and workshops. In addition to the Wednesday evening festivities, visitors can enjoy a\u00a0live one-man performance of\u00a0\u201cA Christmas Carol<\/a>\u201d\u00a0by\u00a0Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens,\u00a0wine and cocktail tastings,\u00a0and family events\u00a0with\u00a0Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.<\/p>\n

Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $15.<\/p>\n

Winterthur is also hosting its Guided Exhibition Tour \u2013 \u201cJacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White\u00a0House\u201d \u2013 which is running now through January 8,\u00a02023.<\/p>\n

Visitors can explore the friendship between the First Lady and H. F. du Pont and their work to restore the White House in this guided tour of the special exhibition.<\/p>\n

In 1961, an unusual partnership was formed when the youngest First Lady in American history, Jacqueline Kennedy, appointed a reserved octogenarian collector from Delaware, Henry Francis du Pont, to lead her project to restore the White House interiors. Du Pont brought credibility to Kennedy\u2019s efforts and vision, and her enormous popularity lifted him onto the national stage and validated his life\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

Together, they transformed the White House from a mere public residence into a museum, and along the way, they engaged with some of the most celebrated interior designers of the 20th century.<\/p>\n

For the first time, the story of this historic partnership will be told at Winterthur, the inspiration for Mrs. Kennedy\u2019s project. Through artifacts, archives, and images, this exhibition will invite visitors to experience the behind-the-scenes collaboration between the two during this captivating period in American history.<\/p>\n

Their partnership culminated in a televised tour of the White House, led by Jacqueline Kennedy, which became the most watched program in American history. The former First Lady will forever be remembered as the person who restored history and beauty to the White House.<\/p>\n

Their \u201crestoration\u201d of America\u2019s most famous house became a history lesson for the country and awakened an interest in preservation and interior design that is still felt today.<\/p>\n

Admission to Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $8 for children.<\/p>\n

Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, www.nemoursestate.org<\/a>), which is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., is presenting its \u201cHoliday Season\u201d now through December 30.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Mansion is also decorated by some of the duPonts\u2019 original decorations, including a German cr\u00e8che, which dates from the late 19th century. The figures are soft ceramic, unglazed and hand colored.<\/p>\n

Visitors can enjoy Christmas trees, wreaths, and hundreds of feet of garland on grand display in the Visitor Center, Chauffer\u2019s Garage, Mansion and grounds.<\/p>\n

All three floors of the Mansion will be decorated as well as the Chauffeur\u2019s Garage and select areas of the gardens. Decorations will coincide with the story of the Estate along with a festive Versailles-inspired motif.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Nemours was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Admission to Nemours is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for children.<\/p>\n

The annual staging of \u201cHolidays at Hagley\u201d is an event that is always one of the most eagerly anticipated holiday attractions in this area every year.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Gingerbread houses will be on display in the Hagley Barn for the annual\u00a0Gingerbread House Contest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHolidays at Hagley\u201d features the theme, \u201cAll Creatures Great and Small,\u201d celebrating stories of pets, wildlife, and other animals who made their habitat at Hagley over the last 200 years, both in the historic home and outdoors.<\/p>\n

\u201cHolidays at Hagley: All Creatures Great and Small\u201d will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the fifth-annual Gingerbread House Competition, Santa Days, evening Twilight Tours, and more.<\/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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Early du Pont family French holiday traditions are remembered with a display of gifts that were given to E. I. du Pont\u2019s children on New Year\u2019s Day as well as the Twelfth Night party illustrated by the ornate French dessert service in the Dining Room.<\/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.<\/p>\n

Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and students and $10 for children (ages 6-14).<\/p>\n

The fabulous holiday light display \u201cWest Chester Griswolds\u201d (304 Dutton Mill Rd, West Chester, www.westchestergriswolds.com<\/a>) opened on Thanksgiving night and will run through January 2.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s display features more than 133,000 lights and 800 smart pixels.<\/p>\n

Also featured is a Cosmic Color Ribbon Tree (CCR) to our display.\u00a0It is an exciting piece of technology with the ability to create any color of the rainbow. The exhibit will be playing throughout the night and \u201csinging\u201d with the bulbs, which are making their return this year.<\/p>\n

Lights will be on now through January 2 — Monday through Thursday from 4:45-9:45 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 4:45-10:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) has shifted into holiday mode with the arrival of \u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The festive holiday display at Longwood Gardens, which is running now 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.<\/p>\n

There will be towering trees adorned in amber to fiery red tones, flickering flame lanterns, and an inviting mountain retreat, complemented by icy-hued plantings, a \u201cfrozen\u201d succulent fountain, and a refreshing alpine waterway that is the ultimate winter wonderland.<\/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.<\/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.<\/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.<\/p>\n

Visitors to \u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas\u201d can also check out Longwood\u2019s Garden Railway — a whimsical display set into motion with G-scale model trains. This is the 18th year that the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $30 for adults, $27 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $23 for active and retired military and $16 for youth (ages 5-18).<\/p>\n

The holiday season at Herr\u2019s Snack Food Factory (20 Herr Drive,\u00a0Nottingham, 610-932-9330,\u00a0www.herrs.com<\/a>) has arrived. The area around the factory site will be illuminated with thousands of lights and holiday displays.<\/p>\n

Herr\u2019s \u201cHoliday Light Display,\u201d which is free and open to the public, will be open nightly now through January 2.<\/p>\n

Visitors to the site will be able to drive along a trail that is illuminated with more than 600,000 lights.<\/p>\n

The special light exhibit will be open daily from dusk to dawn.<\/p>\n

The Brandywine River Museum of Art Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org<\/a>) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Brandywine Railroad holiday train display now through January 8.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Train House, K-line and others.\u00a0Interactive components are also incorporated into the display\u00a0to allow for further engagement.<\/p>\n

The Brandywine Railroad holiday train display is included in the cost of general admission.<\/p>\n

During the dark winter month of December, Rose Tree Park (1671 North Providence Road, Media, delconew.azurewebsites.net<\/a>) 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.<\/p>\n

The 46th Annual Festival of Lights in Rose Tree Park opened on December 2 and runs through January 1 from 5-10 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n

Delaware County\u2019s annual Festival of Lights began more than four decades ago as part of the nation\u2019s bicentennial celebration and became a popular local tradition for residents of all ages.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s reindeer.<\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s 2022 Christmas Holiday Tour and Exhibit \u201cOliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy\u2019s Progress\u201d is an event<\/p>\n

with an appeal that spans generations. The tours will be presented now through December 31 in Odessa\u2019s historic district (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

This holiday season the Historic Odessa Foundation<\/a> (HOF) is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Historic Houses of Odessa\u2019s annual Christmas Holiday Tours and Exhibits inspired by works of classic children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n

For the past 35 years, Historic Odessa has celebrated children\u2019s literature by recreating scenes from the classics in one of its 18th-century museum houses. Visitors have been treated to the literary works of Louisa May Alcott, P.L. Travers, Beatrix Potter, Tasha Tudor, Washington Irving, Lewis Carroll, and Charles Dickens.<\/p>\n

The National Historic Landmark Corbit-Sharp House becomes wonderfully adapted into scenes based upon the cherished story, \u201cOliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy\u2019s Progress\u201d written by the treasured British author Charles Dickens (1812-1870) and published in 1838.\u00a0 Guests will be captivated with the classic room vignettes to include those of the chaotic streets of London, the repressive workhouse boardroom, the adored Mr. Brownlow\u2019s house, the despised Bill Sikes flat, Fagan\u2019s intriguing den, and of course the iconic workhouse.<\/p>\n

As dusk falls the National Historic Landmark Corbit-Sharp House, c.1774, along with the Foundation’s other Nationally Registered properties, will transport visitors to the seasonal festivities of yesteryear.<\/p>\n

Special events and tours will be held throughout the holiday season including \u201cCandlelight Tours\u201d at 7 p.m. on December 27 and 29.<\/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.<\/p>\n

Admission to the Historic Odessa Foundation holiday tour is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and students and free for children (under 6).<\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation is also presenting a new exhibition — \u201cPetite Exhibit: MAKING AN IMPRESSION: Early American Butter Prints.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the exhibit, which will run through December 31, visitors will encounter some relics of the past in the form of early American butter prints which are on exhibit in a display case at the National Historic Register Wilson Warner House.<\/p>\n

These notable pre-industrial 19th century objects are highlighted from the HOF museum collection of nearly 7,000 objects.<\/p>\n

These lovely little objects were created to stamp a decorative impression on home-made butter thus decorating one\u2019s butter dish.\u00a0The prints were also used to brand and identify produce from local farms thus helping consumers to associate quality and insure product loyalty for the farm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoliday Magic\u201d is in full swing at Riverfront Wilmington (Christina Riverwalk, Wilmington, Delaware, riverfrontwilm.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC) has dramatically increased that presence this season with the introduction of\u00a0\u201cRiverbright Wilmington,\u201d a full lighting of the Riverwalk and surrounding amenities.<\/p>\n

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 d\u00e9cor 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.<\/p>\n

The illumination of the Riverwalk will create a magical winter wonderland for all ages to enjoy<\/p>\n

The holiday version of\u00a0Riverbright Wilmington will be just one of the seasonal displays along the Riverwalk, with many of the lights remaining up through the year and changing seasonally.<\/p>\n

The Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular\u00a0returned to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, 484-754-3976,http:\/\/www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>) last weekend and will be open now through December 31.<\/p>\n

This brand-new event<\/a>\u00a0at the Fairground at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks invites guests to walk through a winter wonderland of light sculptures and displays, including illuminated recreations of local landmarks like the Liberty Bell. It features more than one million bulbs.<\/p>\n

Featuring over\u00a01.2 million lights, an 8000 square foot Ice Rink, a 162-foot-long Ice Slide, photos with Santa, Mistletoe Marketplace and more, Tinsetlown has something for everyone in the family.<\/p>\n

New features this year are Two-lane ice slide, new event layout, skating rink with real ice, expanded vendor village and new seasonal treats and beverages for both adults and kids.<\/p>\n

Tickets start at $17.99.<\/p>\n

Two historic sites in Montgomery County have their own traditional holiday celebrations this month.<\/p>\n

Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349, www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/a>) is hosting \u201cVictorian Holiday Tours\u201d now through January 8.<\/p>\n

For the next few 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.<\/p>\n

The event at Pottsgrove Manor (100 West King Street, Pottstown) features an 18th-Century Holiday Frost Fair, where visitors can gather, explore, find unique items, and learn about the past by immersing themselves in a historic-style market fair.<\/p>\n

The 2022 Franklin Square Holiday Festival (200 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/www.historicphiladelphia.org\/franklin-square\/holidays-in-franklin-square\/<\/a>) opens its season this weekend and it will run until December 31.<\/p>\n

The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show will be open from 4-8 p.m. daily and 4-9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.<\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions new and old at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival.<\/p>\n

Inspired by Benjamin Franklin\u2019s electrifying genius, the free\u00a0Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes. Every evening, one lucky audience member will be selected to \u201cignite\u2019 the 4:30 p.m. show.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Beginning this November, some of Philadelphia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Dilworth Park\u2019s winter season began in November with the opening of the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn and the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin.<\/p>\n

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Two popular attractions are the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market with more than 40 local vendors and Dilworth Park\u2019s Deck the Hall Light Show which illuminates the west fa\u00e7ade of Philadelphia\u2019s historic City Hall.<\/p>\n

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular (1701 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia) is back for the 2022 season.<\/p>\n

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular\u00a0is a free, interactive experience that brings the spirit of the holiday season to life. The show runs in the lobby of the Comcast Center on\u00a0The Comcast Experience, one of the world\u2019s largest LED continuous video walls.<\/p>\n

Through Comcast\u2019s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, guests can access closed captioning and audio-description devices to delight in this Philadelphia holiday tradition.<\/p>\n

A sensory-friendly version of The Comcast Holiday Spectacular will again be offered for the 2022 season. Guests who are blind or visually impaired may use their own personal mobile devices to access Audio Description (AD) of the show. AD devices will also be available upon request.<\/p>\n

This Philly favorite tradition brings the magic of the holidays to life, featuring classic holiday songs and performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet.<\/p>\n

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is running now through New Year\u2019s Day every hour, on the hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (excluding 5 p.m. on weekdays). The last show will run New Year\u2019s Day at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Comcast Center Campus\u00a0has another holiday activity at the Comcast Technology Center (1800 Arch Street), located a half block from the Comcast Center.<\/p>\n

From Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Parks & Resorts and Comcast Labs, The Universal Sphere is a free, cinematic experience exploring the power of ideas. Get inspired by stories of creative minds who shaped our world for the better.
\nThe Universal Sphere \u2014 accessible for guests of all ages \u2014 is wheelchair- and service animal-friendly. Descriptive audio and closed-captioning devices are available in English and Spanish, and full audio translations are available in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.<\/p>\n

One of Philly\u2019s premier annual events, Macy\u2019s Christmas Light Show (1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, www.macys.com<\/a>) is running now through December 31<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. The show, which has been on view since 1956, runs every two hours during store hours.<\/p>\n

Visitors can also tour\u00a0 the second floor’s vintage Dickens Village<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

Winter has arrived and the Blue Cross\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0(Delaware Avenue at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-RINK,\u00a0www.riverrink.com<\/a>) has come back to life.<\/p>\n

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks,\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of the ice. This winter,\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0takes the ice-skating experience on the Delaware River waterfront to another level by once again transforming the annual rink into a bona fide winter wonderland.<\/p>\n

For 29\u00a0seasons, Winterfest has been Philadelphia’s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting\u00a0visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under\u00a0thousands of sparkling lights in a\u00a0winter wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River. Cozy up in comforting warming cabins,\u00a0firepit stations, boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, the signature holiday tree, and, of course, ice skating on our NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a\u00a0top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.<\/p>\n

The Winterfest site is free to enter and open to the public. Amenities such as\u00a0ice skating\u00a0and\u00a0cabin and firepit\u00a0experiences\u00a0can be reserved in advance. Winterfest is open seven days a week including holidays through March 5, 2023.<\/p>\n

Now through January 7, the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia) will host LumiNature, a gigantic holiday season light experience that transforms the entire Zoo into a magical journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0LumiNature\u00a0will expand to feature 14 illuminated experience zones that will feature lively themed displays, newly-enhanced installations and thousands of twinkling lights.<\/p>\n

Highlights for 2021 include: more than one million lights and 10 miles of power cord; more than 500 colorful illuminated flamingos and a 25 feet tall flamingo holiday tree;\u00a0 200+ illuminated penguins;\u00a0 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel with enormous jellyfish; 22-feet-tall new Butterfly Tree;\u00a0 21-feet tall brilliant colored snake; glee club made from talking trees that come to life\u2019 brand new octopus tree that is sure to make you laugh\u2019 cascading blue and white meteor light showers; giant cat eyes glowing in the dark of night; and a new Wilderness Express Train.<\/p>\n

Additionally, seasonal fare, strolling performers, \u00a0hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to additionally spark the holiday spirit.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children.<\/p>\n

The Elmwood\u00a0Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown,\u00a0www.elmwoodparkzoo.org<\/a>) has a variety of special activities coming up.<\/p>\n

Elmwood Park Zoo\u2019s favorite family tradition,\u00a0Wild Lights, returned this November, 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.<\/p>\n

Wild Lights operates on select days from 5-9 p.m. — December 29 and 30. Wild Lights tickets are valid beginning at 5 p.m.\u00a0Wild Lights is held rain or shine.<\/p>\n

The Zoo\u2019s \u201cDog Days\u201d event will be held on December 30.<\/p>\n

All guests visiting the zoo with a furry friend must complete an\u00a0online waiver\u00a0and submit required documents before visiting the zoo. You must upload a copy of your most recent veterinary visit, including proof of vaccine and heartworm test here. All items will be required for you to attend\u00a0\u201cDog Days.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u201cDog Days\u201d event is slated to run from 1-5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Pricing is $10.95 per dog with each additional dog at $9.95. Regular zoo admission is required for all humans.<\/p>\n

The Lehigh Valley Zoo (5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville,\u00a0https:\/\/www.lvzoo.org\/<\/a>) is hosting its \u201cWinter Light Spectacular\u201d now through January 1.<\/p>\n

This season\u2019s \u201cWinter Light Spectacular,\u201d which runs from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, will feature more than 30 scheduled event nights.<\/p>\n

Guests are invited to bundle up and enjoy the beauty of nature as they stroll through tree-lined paths illuminated by more than 1.2 million twinkling lights and themed animated displays.<\/p>\n

They also can warm up next to the cozy outdoor fire pits while enjoying hot cocoa and s\u2019mores.<\/p>\n

Children will be delighted when they encounter Santa, Radley the Sea Turtle, The Grinch, Woody, Buzz, Elsa, Princess Belle, Olaf and friends.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $15.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Spirit Light Show<\/a>\u201d\u00a0is running now through December 31 (except December 25) at\u00a0Clipper Magazine Stadium<\/a>\u00a0(650 North Prince Street,\u00a0Lancaster,\u00a0christmasspiritlightshows.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Spirit Light Show\u201d is an exciting, one-of-a-kind Christmas light display that families can enjoy from the comfort of their vehicles.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The drive-through event is billed as a \u201cbreathtaking holiday experience that you and your loved ones will never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cost is\u00a0$25 per car with eight people or less and $35 per car with nine or more people.<\/p>\n

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

The AMT\u2019s 2022 show \u201cHome for the Holidays\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.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d is inspired by the warm, cherished memories of family Christmases spent together with loved ones. It opens on the joyous gathering of family and friends who celebrate with a rich tapestry of song, dance, and holiday traditions.<\/p>\n

Next, it visits Santa\u2019s Candy Factory where the audience will be transported to a dream world of bright colors and Candy Elves. Finally, there will be a \u201cmidnight\u201d candlelight service with songs of worship, traditional carols, and the powerful, harmony-filled rendition of \u201cO Holy Night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hear some of your favorite sacred and secular holiday songs and the outstanding musical arrangements of the AMT Orchestra. Witness the new set designs, fresh color palette, and a gorgeous array of new costumes, designed exclusively for AMT.<\/p>\n

Outside, you\u2019ll be greeted with cheery adornments of candy cane wraps, green-lit garland swags, and natural wreaths tied with bright red bows. Inside, the festive decor continues, including the larger-than-life Christmas lobby featuring three Christmas trees exquisitely designed for AMT. Then, as audience members make their way into the theatre, ushers will be handing out a special holiday gift just for the kids.<\/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 $46 for adults and $23 for children.<\/p>\n

Two popular annual attractions in Bucks County are located about 20 minutes apart.<\/p>\n

Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com<\/a>) will be presenting a lot of activity at the site over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Grand Illumination Celebration. Village shops will be open until 9 p.m. with a distinctive assortment of merchandise, special promotions and refreshments.<\/p>\n

The 20th Annual Grand Illumination 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. Santa will arrive to turn on the lights and officially mark the beginning of the event. After the lights go on, visitors will be treated to free cider and toasted marshmallows.<\/p>\n

Peddler\u2019s Village \u201cGingerbread House Competition and Display,\u201d which is slated to run through January 5, features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.<\/p>\n

A well-attended Bucks County attraction is the \u201cHoliday Light Show\u201d at\u00a0Shady Brook Farm (931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley,\u00a0www.shadybrookfarm.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The farm features a three–million-light\u00a0Holiday Light Show\u00a0with\u00a0\u201cDashin\u2019 Through the \u2026 Lights,\u201d a family-friendly two-mile drive-through on Thursday and Friday nights.<\/p>\n

The main display allows visitors to drive or (if weather permits) ride in wagons past post-sundown displays including illuminated tunnels.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0\u201cHoliday Light Show\u201d is open now through January 28.<\/p>\n

Timed tickets, which start at $40, are required.<\/p>\n

Holiday activities that are sure to please kids of all ages are train rides and amusement parks.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Candylane,\u201d which is the annual holiday event at Hersheypark (100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, 800-HERSHEY, www.hersheypark.com<\/a>), is running now through January 1.<\/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.<\/p>\n

Admission prices for \u201cChristmas Candylane\u201d start at $47.95.<\/p>\n

Dutch Wonderland\u00a0Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389, www.dutchwonderland.com<\/a>) is hosting its \u201cDutch Winter Wonderland\u201d now through January 1 on Saturdays, Sundays and select weekdays.<\/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.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices start at $29.99 at the gate. Children ages two and under are admitted free.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place\u201d (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone\u2019s favorite Sesame Street friends live and in-person at the amusement park in Langhorne.<\/p>\n

The annual event, which runs through January 8, offers a wide array of family holiday activities.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 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 \u201cElmo Saves Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tickets for \u201cA Very Furry Christmas\u201d start at $34.99.<\/p>\n

Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com<\/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.<\/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.<\/p>\n

The layout features a special Christmas display now through January 15. 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.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.<\/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, http:\/\/www.morrisarboretum.org<\/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.<\/p>\n

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

Admission to the Morris Arboretum is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for students and military.<\/p>\n

A guaranteed way to get into a Christmas mood is by visiting Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110,www.koziarschristmasvillage.com<\/a>) which began its 75th season on November 5.<\/p>\n

Koziar\u2019s 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 1 — including Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, New Year\u2019s Eve and New Year\u2019s Night.<\/p>\n

The tours of \u201cChristmas Village\u201d feature visits to a variety of displays and exhibits, including \u201cSanta\u2019s Post Office,\u201d \u201cChristmas in the Jungle,\u201d \u201cManger Scene,\u201d \u201cChristmas Beneath the Sea,\u201d \u201c\u2019Twas the Night Before Christmas,\u201d \u201cOlde Fashioned Bakery Shop,\u201d \u201cToy Maker and his Toy Shop,\u201d \u201cChristmas in Other Lands\u201d and \u201cThe Olde Church\u201d.<\/p>\n

Other attractions at Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village include a huge model train display, a toy shop, a country kitchen, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays and a place to visit with Santa and even get pictures taken with the old guy in the red suit. Admission to Christmas Village is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for children (ages 4-10).<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for ongoing events that are not holiday-related, you have some attractive choices.<\/p>\n

\u201cTreeTrails Adventures Trevose\u201d (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com\/trevose-pa<\/a>) is an adventure park\u00a0full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.<\/p>\n

Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures\u00a0as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park.\u00a0They will be able to discover the\u00a0excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor\u00a0with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.<\/p>\n

The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing \u2013 TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.<\/p>\n

General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $59; Main Park Youth Tickets (Ages 7\u201311), $51; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4\u20137), $12.<\/p>\n

For the next few months, the\u00a0American Swedish Historical Museum\u00a0(1900 Pattison Avenue,\u00a0Philadelphia, 215-389-1776, www.americanswedish.org<\/a>) is presenting an exhibit \u201cArt for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America,\u201d which just opened and will run through February 19, 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cArt for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America\u201d is\u00a0an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Swedish American artists\u00a0in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.<\/p>\n

This colorful and emotive impressionist art reflects its own time, interprets nature and landscape, and is independent of artificial conventions while keeping Swedish folk traditions alive.<\/p>\n

The American Swedish Historical Museum is proud to present\u00a0Art for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America,\u00a0an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Swedish American artists\u00a0in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. This colorful and emotive impressionist art reflects its own time, interprets nature and landscape, and is independent of artificial conventions while keeping Swedish folk traditions alive.<\/p>\n

This exhibition features many Swedish artists who studied and absorbed the democratic philosophies of \u201cart for all,\u201d espoused by Anders Zorn and the Artist\u2019s League. These young artists immigrated to America to forge new career paths.\u00a0\u201cArt for all\u201d became a catchphrase in Kansas by the 1930s, stemming from efforts of local artists to offer affordable paintings and prints so that every citizen could have original art in their own homes for a richly cultured way of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cArt for All: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America\u201d\u00a0was conceived and developed by the Birger Sandz\u00e9n Memorial Gallery and the Hillstrom Museum of Art.<\/p>\n

Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687,\u00a0www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/p>\n

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/p>\n

The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

Grim\u00a0Philly\u2019s \u201cDark Philly History Tour\u201d (www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held every evening throughout the winter.<\/p>\n

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $35.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia,\u00a0philadelphia.wonderspaces.com<\/a>) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.<\/p>\n

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona,\u00a0Wonderspaces\u00a0opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.\u00a0 The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.<\/p>\n

New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.<\/p>\n

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours.\u00a0The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times New Year\u2019s Eve is about partying \u2013 dining, drinking, welcoming the new year and\u2026partying. On New Year\u2019s Eve, Kennett Square will be partying in style when the Mushroom Festival and Kennett Area Restaurant & Merchant Association are again hosting the annual Mushroom Drop. The 10th Annual Mushroom Drop […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37894,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[6269,14275,10010,5175,12082],"class_list":["post-37898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-featured","tag-kennett-mushroom-drop","tag-mummers-parade","tag-please-touch-museum","tag-rivers-casino"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37898","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=37898"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37898\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37899,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37898\/revisions\/37899"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/37894"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=37898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=37898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=37898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}