What To Do: Celebrating the Year of the Dragon

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

The Chinese zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 years in which each year is represented by a specific animal and its characteristics — rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

2024 is the “Year of the Dragon” according to Chinese zodiac.

The Chinese Zodiac dates back to the Qin Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago and is rooted in a system of zoolatry (or animal worship). As the legend goes, the Jade Emperor challenged all of the animals in the Kingdom to a “Great Race.” Whoever arrived at his Palace first would win his favor.

Being a sacred animal in Chinese culture and mythology, everyone’s bet was on the Dragon to take home the top prize. But along the way, the Dragon stumbled upon a village suffering from drought. He took pity on them and used his powers to send them rain before finishing the race. He finished in fifth place behind the Rat, Ox, Tiger and Rabbit.

The Dragon is a majestic and lucky creature in Chinese folklore, symbolizing bravery, creativity, and innovation. According to the Chinese horoscope, 2024 is a year full of potential and opportunities for personal growth, professional success, and social impact.

Dragon people are charismatic, ambitious, adventurous, and fearless. They have confidence, independence, and vision. They are not afraid to pursue their dreams and goals.

On January 27, there will be a special event in Philadelphia to welcome in the “Year of the Dragon” when the Penn Museum  (33rd and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-898-4000, www.penn.museum) hosts its 43rd Annual Chinese New Year Celebration from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The popular annual event in Philadelphia will feature celebrations of Chinese culture and New Year traditions throughout the day with programs and activities for all ages, including children’s workshops, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibitions and martial and healing arts demonstrations.

Many communities recognize Lunar New Year, including those who identify with Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tibetan cultures. The holiday traditionally begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. This festive holiday originated as a time to rest from farm work and be with loved ones. The diverse customs of Lunar New Year include feasting, exchanging gifts, lighting exquisite lanterns, and making offerings to gods and ancestors.

Visitors can celebrate the Year of the Dragon by enjoying the traditional Lion Dance, performed by Penn Lions, the University of Pennsylvania’s premier Chinese Lion Dance troupe, as well as other traditional and contemporary music and dance performances. This celebration is perfect for all ages, with storytelling and make-and-take activities throughout the day.

There will be dance performances, Chinese music demonstrations, a Tai Chi workshop, a Kung Fu demonstration, a Family Zodiac tour and a Tangram Workshop.

The annual celebration will, as always, feature the “Lion Dance.” Lion dancers and drummers begin inside at 3:44 p.m. and, weather permitting, wind their way outside for a firecracker finale.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for senior citizens, $13 for students and free for children (under 6).

The American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-389-1776, www.americanswedish.org) is presenting a special dining event.

Bleak mid-winter days tend to make people cold and hungry. People in cold climates around the world are aware that a great way to get rid of the hunger and warm up is to sit down with a hot bowl of soup.

Sweden is definitely a cold-climate country with more than its share of bitter winter weather. As a result, the Swedish people are well aware of the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of hot soup.

In recognition of this, the American Swedish Historical Museum holds its annual Pea Soup and Punsch Supper on January 27.

Visitors to the museum in South Philadelphia are invited to shake off the chill and warm up Swedish style with an evening of steamy soup and strong drink at the midwinter event, which is also known as “Ärtsoppa och Punschin Sweden.”

Participants break bread together over a quintessential Swedish meal of pea soup and punsch, which is a sweet and strong Arrack liquor-based drink. Arrack, a strong Indian liquor, was imported from Java and became the base ingredient for making punsch, which has 25 per cent alcohol by volume and 30 per cent sugar.

This hearty meal, which also includes sharp cheese, bread and dessert, is inspired by a tradition that dates back to medieval times.

This year’s Dinner will feature the return of Arrak punsch. Due to supply chain issues, the museum has not been able to serve this distinctive drink for the past three years.

For those unfamiliar with the taste, Arrak punsch has a harmonious fusion of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes, with a hint of caramel and a warming, lingering finish. The base concentrate is mixed with Svedka vodka and is perfect to warm you up on a cold winter night! One shot is included with the meal and additional drinks can be purchased at the bar. Must be 21+ to sample.

Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Road, Oaks, phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting the Philadelphia Catstravaganza on January 27 and 28.

Discover a world of feline wonder at the family “furr-iendly” event to increase the visibility of all cats, with education and awareness for the overwhelming rescue situation. A portion of all proceeds for this event will be donated to helping cats in emergency rescue situations through The Meserve Foundation.

The event will feature Charities and Rescues, The Catwalk, International Competition, Kitty Corner, education programs and the Shopping Village.

The Catstravaganza will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.

This weekend, Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) starts its new year with one of its annual special events – “Winter Wonder.”

“Winter Wonder,” which runs now through March 24, celebrates the beauty of winter. It’s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.

Outside, visitors can find a sense of peace and tranquility as they walk past textural grasses, seed heads and the dramatic silhouettes of trees that stretch up into the sky.

Inside, they can bask in a world of warmth that features an overhead garden of hanging baskets adorned with such vibrant beauties as jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plant.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a paradise of flowers and foliage, bursting with color — all in a beautiful indoor winter wonderland with a tropical twist.

Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site’s Orchid House. There will also be rare blue poppies blooming in March but for only about 10 to 15 days.

Another popular attraction this year is Longwood Gardens’ “Science Saturdays” series.

Longwood custom grows a staggering 1,300 (and counting) types of plants each year for seasonal indoor displays and outdoor gardens … and each type has its own needs. While Longwood’s team utilizes its horticulture expertise to grow this diverse palette of plants, its innovative greenhouses further the capabilities to grow them precisely and efficiently, all while attending to each plant type’s individual needs.

Shull will present in-depth look at how Longwood’s state-of-the-art greenhouses enable it to customize growing conditions for an extremely diverse set of plants. Shull explores how greenhouses accommodate a variety of plant materials, growing methods, and environments — and how the team uses this technology to grow more and different plants for display.

Participants will be able to learn how Longwood’s greenhouses are much more than buildings – that they are opportunities to improve the efficiency and volume of the site’s production, introduce more sustainable technologies and practices, and elevate the quality of display.

Other topics for Science Saturday events are “Plant Exploration in Tanzania” on February 10, “Longwood Research, Down to a Science” on February 24, “Managing Our Natural Lands” on March 9 and “Seed Science” on April 20.

“Floral Feature: Camellia House” will be held from January 19-28.

Visitors can enjoy vibrant, fun displays with Longwood’s new Floral Features. Crafted by its floral design team, these colorful creations are on view for just a limited time and set in varying locations throughout the Gardens.

Guests can experience a textured sculpture of foliage and branches in the East Conservatory’s Camellia House. Feathery Asparagus ferns and gnarled branches form a delicate husk, revealing lush pink florals of Cymbidium orchids, amaryllis, roses, camellias, and tulips within — all complementing the neighboring blooming camellias.

The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, March 31. Hours change in the spring.

As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — 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.

You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $18 for active military and veterans and $13 for youth (ages 5-18).

Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings – Festive Faves” on select Saturdays and Sundays in January.

Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio. The selections will be paired alongside seasonal local cheeses and other accoutrements to enhance your tasting experience.

The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.

The following is the 2024 Pairing Line Up – Greeting Wine: 2022 Sparkling White; 2022 Chardonnay with Maine Crisp Buckwheat Crackers (contains nuts), Brie, and Local Smoked Fall Honey; 2021 Pinot Noir with Smoked Gouda and New Jersey Dried Cherries; Spiced Apple with Pumpkin Spice Bon Bon from Éclat Chocolate; Warm Holiday Spirit with Chocolate Cranberry Scone from OsoSweet Bakery & Café.

The “Wine, Cheese & Honey Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808,http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.

Penns Woods Winery is joining forces with local cheese makers and local honey artisans to present exclusive pairings of wine, cheese and honey. The tastings will feature four premium Penns Woods wines, each paired with various cheeses and honey from local farms.

The mouth-watering tastings will be held every weekend in January from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets cost $40 per person and reservations are required.

Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, www.harvestridgewinery.com) will present a “Chocolate & Wine Pairing” on January 28.

Local artisans Double Spiral Chocolate have become the first handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Delaware. The craft chocolatiers are located in the community of The Ardens.

Saturday’s event will pair different Double Spiral Chocolate dark chocolates with a crafted selection of Harvest Ridge wines.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 1 p.m., are $25.

One of the most popular art shows each year is Malvern Retreat House’s Art Show (McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, 610-644-0400, www.MalvernRetreat.com).

While many shows are just weekend events, Malvern Retreat House’s 2022 Art Show is a five-day event from January 31-February 4. The ambitious show will have more than 2,000 original works of art by more than 100 juried artists.

Show hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. There will be free admission every day. All proceeds support only Malvern Retreat House programs.

This is the final weekend to check out the latest feature exhibit at the Delaware Museum of Art (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, delart.org) – “The Rossettis.”

The Rossettis led a progressive counterculture, drawing on the past to reinvent art for their fast-changing modern world. The work of Pre-Raphaelite founder Dante Gabriel Rossetti, alongside that of his wife, artist Elizabeth Siddal, and his siblings, writers Christina and William Michael Rossetti, are the subject of this major international exhibition organized in partnership with Tate Britain.

“The Rossettis” presents celebrated DelArt paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, such as Found and Lady Lilith, contextualized among masterpieces from the Tate’s collection and loans from public and private collections worldwide. The show will include Rossetti’s outstanding early and late paintings, watercolors, photographs, and design, and major drawings by Siddal.

This exhibition marks the first time this material will be assembled and displayed in the United States.

“The Rossettis” is accompanied by a complimentary audio guide available via QR code on visitors’ smart phones.

The exhibit will close on January 28.

Admission to the Museum is $14 for adults, $7 for students and $6 for youth (ages 7-18). Children (6 and under) are admitted free.

If you’re looking for a fun family activity – an indoor activity unaffected by the weather — Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116,www.linvilla.com) has something just for you — the miniature golf course “Fore! the Planet.”

Linvilla Orchard’s “Fore! The Planet” is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf.

It features nine unique educational holes — explore butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rain forest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains, and more. It’s perfect for kids of all ages. The entire family will enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment – every step of the way.

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. through April 1. Tickets are $8.

On January 27, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will present “Sacred Spaces & Storied Places.”

“Sacred Spaces & Storied Places” is the perfect introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective as no tour is the same.

This week, the Tour Guide will be Joe Lex.

Admission is: $15/General Admission (Ages 13 and up); $13/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID; $7.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90; Free/Ages 5 and under.

Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Also on January 27, Peace Valley Nature Center (170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, http://www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org) is presenting a special event called “Animal Tracks.”

Participants will be able to explore the movements of the site’s resident creatures by tracking their prints in the snow or frozen ground.

This program will involve a hike followed by an indoor activity.

Trails are not suitable for strollers. Participants are encouraged to dress for cold weather.

Admission is $5.

The Seventh Annual West Reading Ice N Spice Fest (Penn Avenue, West Reading, westreadingicenspice.com) will be taking place from January 26-28.

There will be a talented group of local sculptors, sawing and carving rectangular blocks of ice into crystalline sculptures at this weekend’s Ice ‘N Spice Festival.

Sculpture locations will be the 400, 500, 600 and 700 blocks of Penn Avenue along with the Italian American Club.

Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

On Sunday, there will be an “Ice N Spice Cocktail Stroll” from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) may be closed for park rides and activities but there’s still furry fun to be had.

This weekend’s special event will be “Ernie’s Birthday Bash Dine,” the third of five themed dining experiences throughout January and February.

“Ernie’s Birthday Bash Dine,” which will be held on January 27 and 28, is approximately one hour from scheduled start time.

Advance dining reservations are required. Park admission is not required and there is no parking fee.

Other upcoming special dining events are Elmo’s Rockin’ Birthday Dine (February 3 and 4) and My Fuzzy Valentine Dine (February 10 and 11).

Tickets for the dining events are $39.99 (ages 10 and older) and $19.99 for children (ages 2-9). Advanced dining reservation is required.

A well-attended Bucks County attraction is the “Holiday Light Show” at Shady Brook Farm (931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, www.shadybrookfarm.com) and this weekend is your last chance to check it out.

The farm features a three–million-light Holiday Light Show with “Dashin’ Through the … Lights,” a family-friendly two-mile drive-through on Thursday and Friday nights.

The main display allows visitors to drive or (weather permitting) ride in wagons past post-sundown displays including illuminated tunnels.

The “Holiday Light Show” is open now through January 27.

Timed tickets, which start at $30, are required.

The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running two special “Ice Princess” excursions at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on January 27.

Riders can join the Ice Sisters and the Ice Harvester for a magical, wintry ride. Participants can sing along to favorite songs, participate in a princess and prince lesson, and even use their powers to help make a little snowstorm.

Onboard each child will receive a small prize and enjoy personal meet-and-greets with all the royal visitors.

Tickets are $28.99 for adults and $19.99 for children (ages 2-12).

A warmer way to enjoy railroads this weekend would be to head to an indoor train exhibit.

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) 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 “O Gauge” trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.

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.

The layout features a special Christmas display now through January 17. 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.

Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.

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).

Back in November, some of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions return to Dilworth Park. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn.

In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is featured, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.

Dilworth Park’s winter season began in November with the opening of the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn and the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin.

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.

Winter has arrived and the Blue Cross RiverRink (Delaware Avenue at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com) has come back to life.

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks, RiverRink features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of the ice. This winter, RiverRink takes 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.

For 29 seasons, Winterfest has been Philadelphia’s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under thousands of sparkling lights in a winter wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River. Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, firepit 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 top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.

The Winterfest site is free to enter and open to the public. Amenities such as ice skating and cabin and firepit experiences can be reserved in advance. Winterfest is open seven days a week including holidays through March.

There are also a lot of ongoing non-holiday events in the area this weekend.

Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the winter.

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.

Tickets are $35.

Wonderspaces at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona, Wonderspaces opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.

Wonderspaces features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.  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.

New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours. The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.

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.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.

The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $20.

The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.

“TreeTrails Adventures Trevose” (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com/trevose-pa) is an adventure park full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.

Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park. They will be able to discover the excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.

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