By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
The Coatesville Christmas Parade
Finding a holiday event to check out is difficult around here.
That is finding which one, two, three or more that you want to check out.
This area provides a Smörgåsbord of Christmas activities to whet your appetite.
The Coatesville Christmas Parade (www.coatesvillechristmasparade.com), which is Chester County’s largest hometown parade, will move down the historic Lincoln Highway on December 7 starting at 10 a.m. at Strode Avenue and Lincoln Highway. It will conclude at the performing and judging area at 11th Avenue and Lincoln Highway.
Automobiles, police and emergency vehicles will be judged in their respective pre-parade line-up areas beginning at 9:20 a.m. Judging for all other competitions will take place between 10th and 11th Avenues during the parade.
Originally a community project in the 1950s, the parade was then taken up by the Jaycees back in the 70s. In the early 1990’s, missing the spectacle and sense of community spirit the parade inspired, this group of former JAYCEES along with other members of the Coatesville community and with the support of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust and the City of Coatesville, decided it was time to revise the parade tradition.
This year, more than 150 entries will participate in the parade including dancers, fleets of tow trucks, police cars and fire trucks and a variety of custom-crafted floats.
Bringing up the rear of the parade will be Santa Claus riding on a Coatesville Fire Department truck.
Holiday Home Tour
On December 7, the West Chester Public Library (https://www.wcpubliclibrary.org/holidaydoortour) will hold its annual 12th Annual Holiday Home Tour, featuring eight homes in the Northeast and Southwest quadrants of the Borough decked out for the holidays. Ranging from petite to grand, the homes blend original details with modern updates and display the homeowners’ art, collectibles, and antiques.
The perennially popular Holiday Home Tour will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tickets for the tour, which runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., are $40. Tour tickets will also include admission to the Chester County Art Association.
Tour attendees will also be welcomed at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center for some
special holiday events and will receive free admission during the Tour at the Chester County History Center.
From December 6-8, Hibernia Mansion (Hibernia County Park, off route 340, Wagontown, 610-383-3812, http://dsf.chesco.org/ccparks) will host its 41st Annual Candlelight Tours. This year, the theme is “Toys We Grew Up With.”
The tours will be presented from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 p.m. on Sunday.
The event at Hibernia Mansion features costumed tour guides portraying former mansion owners and their families. The 19th-century mansion will be decked out for the holidays.
Live music will be performed in the Ballroom and Santa will entertaining friends each day. Also, the Friends of Hibernia will greet visitors with refreshments.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
On December 7, Santa Claus will drop in using a totally different method when he visits the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (1220 American Blvd., West Chester, 610-436-9600, www.helicoptermuseum.org) for “Santafest.”
Children will be able to stand outside and watch with amazement when Santa arrives in a helicopter.
Activities get underway at 10 a.m. and then Santa and Mrs. Claus land at 11 a.m. accompanied by one of Santa’s very special elves.
Inside the museum, children will also be able to enjoy refreshments and Christmas activities — including visiting Santa and telling him what items are on their holiday wish list.
Refreshments will be provided, along with crafts for the kids, holiday movies and special four-legged visitors from Paws for People.
On December 7, Historic Sugartown (609 Sugartown Road, Malvern, 610-640-2667, www.historicsugartown.org) will host “Holiday Craft Market.” The event, which runs from noon- 4 p.m., will feature local crafters and artisans.
Guests can stop by food trucks and the site’s hot cocoa bar to warm up.
As an added attraction, Santa will be on-hand to greet shoppers.
Admission is $10 with children (17 and under) admitted free.
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, 484-754-3976, http://www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting one of its most popular events this weekend — Winter Blast Dog Shows.
On December 7 and 8, the Expo Center is going to the dogs with an All-breed conformation show.
Other activities include National Owner-Handled Series, 4–6-month Beginner Puppy Competition, Open FSS Show, Junior Showmanship and Obedience Trial (open to All-American dogs).
Also featured will be TWO Rally Trials, Scent Work Trial, and Health Clinics
The show is open now through December 8 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.
Another event this weekend at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is the Oaks Christmas Market.
The inaugural Oaks Christmas Market will be held on December 7 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and December 8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Expo Center.
This year’s event will host nearly 300 crafters and vendors in Hall C.
Admission is free.
“Claymont Christmas Parade and Holiday Happenings” (www.claymontchristmasparade.com) are slated for December 7 in nearby Claymont, Delaware from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visitors can see Santa arrive on a fire truck, hear high school bands, see Mounted Police horses, and look at lots of fire trucks, floats and more. And they are invited to help decorate the infamous “Claymont Christmas Weed.”
The parade route is along Philadelphia Pike from Maple Lane to Darley Road in Claymont.
Ascension Church (3717 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont) will host “The Blessing of the Christmas Weed Ceremony” after the parade.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served, and craft items will be for sale.
From 11 a.m-12:30 p.m., the 14th annual Gingerbread House Contest will be held at Claymont Stone School (3611 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont).
During the daylight-deprived month of December, Rose Tree Park (1671 North Providence Road, Media, delconew.azurewebsites.net) sparkles at night with its annual “Festival of Lights” display.
Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere.
The “Festival of Lights” is running now until January 4 from 5-10 p.m. each night.
Delaware County’s annual “Festival of Lights” began more than four decades ago as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration and became a popular local tradition for residents of all ages.
Over time, the outdoor displays have grown from 50 decorated trees (one for each municipality and one large one to represent the county) to more than 75 lighted trees and dozens of festive figures, including toy soldiers, a gingerbread family and Santa’s reindeer.
There are two churches in the area that are presenting interesting Lucia Fest pageants this weekend. Both have the same name — Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church.
At Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church (606 Church Street, Wilmington Delaware, 302- 652-5629, www.oldswedes.org), the Sankta Lucia Celebration is scheduled for December 8.
Sankta Lucia is a Swedish festival that features a Lucia procession with traditional songs and dances. Lucia, wearing a white gown and a crown of candles, leads the procession, followed by girls dressed in gowns who act as her attendants. Boys also join the festivities as starboys.
Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church in Delaware will present its traditional celebration of the Feast Day of Sankta Lucia on Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, which sponsors the annual December celebration, will also have its Hendrickson House Museum open to the public. The museum, which has been decorated for a Swedish Christmas will be open for tours and shopping from noon-3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students (ages 6-17) and free for children (5 and under).
The American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, www.americanswedish.org) will present its Lucia Celebration and Julmarknad (Christmas Bazaar) on December 7 and 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Light, warmth and Christmas songs have been hallmarks of the Lucia celebration at ASHM since 1939. Each year families pour through the magnificent bronze doors of the museum to be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pastries, meatball dishes and strong Swedish coffee.
Guests can stroll through the Christmas Market, or Julmarknad, where Swedish delicacies, crafts, decorations, and imported gifts may be purchased, before the musical entertainment begins.
The Swedish Christmas Café will be selling favorite sweet and savory holiday foods and the SWEA bakery tables will be open all day.
At 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., the lights will dim, and the doors will close for the duration of a performance of Swedish Christmas songs and dances.
Children from toddlers to teens dressed in costume entertain the crowds, culminating with the procession of
Lucia, wearing her crown of candles, surrounded by her white gowned attendants and star boys.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
On December 6 and 7, Rockwood Park (4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, Delaware, www.nccde.org/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum) is hosting its annual “Winter Nights at Rockwood.”
The popular family event, which runs from 5-8 p.m. each night includes tours of the holiday display in the museum and a joyous light display in the gardens surrounding the Mansion and Carriage House.
Holiday Open House features exceptional entertainment, fun festive crafts, costumed characters, refreshments, food trucks and free photos with Santa.
The event also includes the Holiday Shoppe selling gifts for the whole family.
This is a free event.
“Christmas Candylane,” which is the annual holiday event at Hersheypark (100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, 800-HERSHEY, www.hersheypark.com), is running now through January 1.
Visitors to Hershey can also experience the winter wonderland called “Hershey Sweet Lights, A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular.” The attraction is a two-mile drive through wooded trails featuring approximately 600 illuminated, animated displays.
Admission prices for “Christmas Candylane” start at $39.99.
“A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place” (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends live and in-person at the amusement park in Langhorne.
The annual event, which runs through January 1, offers a wide array of family holiday activities.
Visitors to the park can sing along at three special Christmas shows and a spectacular music and light show at our giant 1-2-3 Christmas Tree, take a train ride tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory on the Sesame Place Furry Express, take part in the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade, and have the opportunity to meet Lightning, the adorable reindeer from the movie “Elmo Saves Christmas.”
As an added attraction this year, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is spending the holiday season at Sesame Place. The lovable reindeer along with his friends Clarice and Bumble, will be available for photos with guests.
Tickets for “A Very Furry Christmas” start at $39.99.
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389, www.dutchwonderland.com) is hosting its “Dutch Winter Wonderland” now through January 1 on Saturdays, Sundays and select weekdays.
Visitors are invited to celebrate the magic of the season at Dutch Winter Wonderland with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show, a spectacular display of thousands of twinkling lights dancing to music.
Ticket prices start at $29.99 at the gate. Children ages two and under are admitted free.
At Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, www.adventureaquarium.com), which is running now through December 24, visitors can discover an incredible world of seasonal under-the-sea fun.
Scuba Santa is back in Ocean Realm, sharing Christmas cheer with kids (and animals) of all ages. The event features more holiday decor than ever before, including underwater light displays, and festive new shows.
The World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree returns — stretching 18 feet tall and decorated with colorful, custom-sculpted corals.
More than 15,000 incredible animals are getting in on the festive fun with eight underwater light displays spread throughout the exhibits.
Admission fees start at $27.99 for adults.
A popular Christmas activity every year is taking a train ride with Santa Claus. Fortunately, there are quite a few very good options in our area.
One of the best train rides with Santa Claus is the one presented by the West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, www.wcrailroad.com).
The special “Santa’s Express” trains (which feature heated cars decorated for the holidays) will run on December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.
The 75-minute journey on the trail line’s heated decorated train travels through Chester Creek Valley. Santa Claus will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills.
Adult fare for the West Chester Railroad trips is $40. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $30 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $15.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193, www.wwrr.com) will run its “Santa Claus Express” on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding along with passengers on the steam-powered 90-minute round trip to Ashland Station. They will be greeting everyone on board and offering chocolate treats to the youngsters. Santa will also be posing for pictures with his fans.
Steam locomotion will return to the Wilmington & Western for its annual Santa Claus Express. The rail line’s 0-6-0 switcher No. 58 has returned to service after a multi-year restoration and will power Santa’s train through the Red Clay Valley this season.
Tickets for these trains, which run now through December 23, are $27 for adults, $26 for senior citizens and $25 for children.
The tourist rail line will also be running special “Holiday Night Express Trains,” featuring a peaceful evening ride in the railroad’s 1929 Doodlebug rail car. Tickets for these trains, which are running now through December 30, are $19 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and $17 for children.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Paradise Express” now through December 24. Santa will be the featured guest on each ride from Strasburg to Paradise and back.
The rotund guy in the red suit will be greeting passengers, shaking hands, posing for photos and giving a treat to each child. After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.
Tickets start at $29.
Other “Christmas Experiences” offered by the rail line are “Santa Claus Limited,” “Night Before Christmas,” and “Breakfast or Dinner with Mrs. Claus.”
The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s North Pole Express Train — The Magical Journey Begins Here” now through December 30.
Riders can join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they depart New Hope Station for a train ride through the historic
Bucks County countryside on the way to the North Pole.
The journey begins when the Conductor calls “All Aboard!”
Passengers will experience the sounds and tastes of the holiday season as they sing along with roaming musicians playing Christmas carols, sip warm cocoa and enjoy a freshly baked cookie.
Each child will receive his or her own sleigh bell gift from Santa himself. Children and adults alike are encouraged to indulge in the season’s spirit by wearing pajamas and settling in for a relaxing ride with family and friends aboard the festive railway cars adorned with holiday decorations.
Ticket prices start at $66.
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Santa Express Train” excursions now through December 22.
On a 45-minute train ride to Glen Rock, passengers can listen to Christmas music while enjoying the scenery of southern York County and Heritage Rail Trail County Park. And Santa Claus to appear with a special gift for each child.
After the ride, passengers can visit the NCR Engine House for a mini-Winter Wonderland, for magic-filled family photo ops and complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie.
Tickets are $39.99 for adults and $26.99 for children.
The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (Reading Outer Station, Reading, www.rbmnrr-passenger.com) is running its 2024 “Santa Claus Special” Excursions from a variety of locations — Tunkhannock, Tamaqua, Minersville and Reading.
Santa Claus will be visiting with each of the children and there will be live holiday music performed throughout the ride.
Tickets start at $20.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Polar Bear Express” now through December 23.
Kids can join Santa on a magical adventure into “Christmas Past” on an exciting train journey. They will be able to sip complimentary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and, on some trains, sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by the window. Santa will bring a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him.
The rail line also is running “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” excursions now through December 23.
These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life. Kids are invited to wear pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as the train crew reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Ticket prices start at $40.
The Allentown and Auburn Railroad (35 Railroad Street, Kutztown, 570-778-7531, https://allentown-and-auburn-railroad.square.site/) is running special “Santa Claus Train Rides” on December 7, 8, 14 and 15.
Guests will be able to visit with Santa during the scenic train ride and have some pictures done.
The train will make a brief stop at the railroad’s picnic grove where riders will have the option to purchase “holiday evergreens with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.”
When they get back to the Kutztown Train Station, visitors can also do some holiday shopping in the Allentown & Auburn Gift Shop, which features handmade and antique items.
Trains depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 for children and $.01 for toddlers.
The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (136 Brown Street, Middletown, 717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com) will be running its “Santa Surprise Trains” and “Polar Bear Express Trains” throughout December.
It is an 11-mile round-trip train ride along the Swatara Creek. Passengers board 1920’s vintage Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coaches at the 1891 Station in Middletown, which was originally built as a freight station and in more recent years converted for use as a passenger station. The Station contains a ticket window, gift shop and modern ADA restrooms.
Santa Claus will have a special present for all kid riders.
On December 7 and 14, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Route 741, Strasburg, 717- 687-8628, www.rrmuseumpa.org) is hosting its annual “Home for the Holidays” event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Costumed interpreters — engineers, conductors, ticket agents, and railroad passengers –will recreate scenes of holiday travel from the past. Visitors will also be able to ride the Museum’s Cab Simulator.
Children will be able to send a message to Santa Claus with the help of a railroad telegrapher who will send their personal telegrams from Steinman Station to the North Pole. And they can visit Santa in person at the Steinman Station passenger depot.
Cookies and hot chocolate will be offered in the Museum lobby.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for youth (ages 3-11).
