{"id":14155,"date":"2014-12-12T10:42:43","date_gmt":"2014-12-12T15:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=14155"},"modified":"2014-12-12T09:56:30","modified_gmt":"2014-12-12T14:56:30","slug":"what-to-do-its-holiday-excitement-from-wall-to-wall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=14155","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: It’s holiday excitement from wall to wall"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ballet, candlelight tours, shows, music \u2014 everything to get you in the holiday spirit<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By Denny Dyrof<\/strong>f,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Nutcracker-image-2014\"<\/a>

The Brandywine Ballet\u2019s \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d will have eight performances now through Dec. 21 at West chester University.<\/p><\/div>\n

For families as well as fans of the arts, one of the most popular annual holiday activities each year is attending a performance of the classic ballet \u201cThe Nutcracker.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the best productions in the Delaware Valley is the annual presentation by the Brandywine Ballet. The 2014 production marks the 35th year the local company has been presenting its version of \u201cThe Nutcracker.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Brandywine Ballet\u2019s \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d is a professional show that features skilled dancers, lively choreography, colorful costumes and sparkling sets. The show will have eight performances now through December 21 at West Chester University\u2019s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall (700 South High Street, West Chester, 610-696-2711,\u00a0www.brandywineballet.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman\u2019s tale \u201cThe Nutcracker and The Mouse King\u201d and set to a score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. With its familiar music and energetic dance numbers, \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d is a show that appeals to audiences of all ages.<\/p>\n

The original version of the timeless classic was first presented in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1892. The Brandywine Ballet\u2019s annual staging of \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d features original choreography by Brandywine Ballet Artistic Director Donna Muzio along with Tim Early, Richard Hoskinson and Nancy Page.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year, we have new sets for Act II — the Land of the Sweets,\u201d said Muzio, during a phone interview Wednesday evening. \u201cAnd, we have new costumes for two of the divertissements in Act II.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery year, we work on one or` two divertissements to keep it fresh and new. This year, it\u2019s \u2018Chinese\u2019 and \u2018Spanish.\u2019 We also have new choreography for the \u2018Snow\u2019 pas de deux. The whole \u2018Snow\u2019 scene is more theatrical.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Brandywine Ballet\u2019s production features 60 company members along with 65 students from the Dance Center, which is the Brandywine Ballet\u2019s school.<\/p>\n

Performances of the ballet are scheduled for December 12 at noon, December 13 at noon and 4 p.m., December 14 at 6 p.m., December 19 at 10 a.m., December 20 at noon and 4 p.m., December 21 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25, $32 and $42 with the morning performances priced at $18.<\/p>\n

Each year, the Brandywine Ballet also hosts a special event in conjunction with the ballet performances — the \u201cNutcracker Tea.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Three sessions have been scheduled for this year — December 13, 20 and 21.<\/p>\n

This special event, which will be held in the library of Asplundh Hall, is an opportunity for youngsters to join Clara, The Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters of \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d for a special pre-performance brunch featuring tea sandwiches, fruit tray, cookies and favors. Tickets for the tea event are $25.<\/p>\n

This Saturday will be the last sequentially-dated day (12.13.14) in any of our lifetimes so it\u2019s a good day to get out and celebrate — a day to take advantage of the many holiday events on the area\u2019s schedule of activities.<\/p>\n

Santa Claus will make an arrival by air on December 13 when he visits the American Helicopter Museum (1220 American Blvd., West Chester, 610-436-9600,\u00a0www.helicoptermuseum.org<\/a>). Children will be able to stand outside and watch when Santa arrives in a helicopter — at 11 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person.<\/p>\n

Inside the museum, youngsters can get to visit with Santa and tell him what items are on their holiday wish list. Children will also be able to enjoy refreshments and Christmas activities such as cookie decorating, face painting, storytelling and sipping on hot chocolate.<\/p>\n

The event also features special appearances by Elsa and Olaf the Snowman from Disney\u2019s movie \u201cFrozen.\u201d If you come dressed as a \u201cFrozen\u201d character, you\u2019ll be eligible to win a prize. Additionally, there will be door prizes — tickets to Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey or a DVD of Disney\u2019s film \u201cPlanes.\u201d<\/p>\n

As an added attraction for the entire family, helicopter rides will also be available throughout the day — weather permitting. Tickets for the ride are $40 per person.<\/p>\n

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Downingtown’s annual Good Neighbor Christmas event takes place Dec. 13.<\/p><\/div>\n

Downingtown has to be considered a neighborly town — especially with an annual event schedule that includes Good Neighbor Day each summer and Good Neighbor Christmas every December.<\/p>\n

On December 13, Downingtown will host its annual Good Neighbor Christmas event beginning at 1 p.m. at the Hospitality Suite. Activities at the Hospitality Suite include free refreshments, music by Brother Bob and friends and a visit from Santa Claus from 1-2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas includes a variety of events but the main focus is always on the Downingtown Christmas Parade which will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The parade will run along Lancaster Avenue. Last year, the event had to be cancelled because of a snowstorm.<\/p>\n

All activities featured in Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas are free.<\/p>\n

\"coaesville<\/a>

Coatesville’s \u201cHoliday House Tour,\u201d is Dec. 13.<\/p><\/div>\n

Coatesville will be the site of a special Christmas event on December 13 — the \u201cHoliday House Tour,\u201d which is presented by the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum (50 South First Avenue, Coatesville, 610-384-9282,\u00a0http:\/\/www.steelmuseum.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to stroll through candlelit grounds, enjoy holiday refreshments and listen to live music performed by carolers and the Lukens Band. They can also tour lavishly-decorated, historic buildings, shop at the museum store and check out an interesting model train display.<\/p>\n

Admission is $5 or a donation of a canned good for the Coatesville Emergency Food Cupboard.<\/p>\n

\"kennett<\/a>

Kennett Square\u2019s 2014 \u201cCandlelight Holiday Home Tour\u201d is Dec. 14.<\/p><\/div>\n

Kennett Square and Oxford, which are two of the oldest towns in Chester County, each have special holiday events slated for this weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cDowntown Oxford Country Christmas\u201d\u00a0(various locations around downtown Oxford,\u00a0www.downtownoxfordpa.org<\/a>) will be held on December 12 from 5-9 p.m. and Kennett Square\u2019s 2014 \u201cCandlelight Holiday Home Tour\u201d\u00a0(various locations around downtown Kennett Square, 302-559-0923,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettsquarehistory.org<\/a>) will take place on December 14 from 4-7 p.m.<\/p>\n

The event in Oxford will get underway with the \u201cTree Lighting Ceremony\u201d at 6 p.m. after which Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures until 8:30 p.m. Carriage rides and hayrides will be available from 6:30-8:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Live entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Andrea\u2019s Academy of Dance, Avon Grove Theater Company, ProSound Entertainment, local singer-songwriter Jamie Marie and a bagpiper.<\/p>\n

The Kennett Square tour will feature a varied selection of the town\u2019s historic homes — each decorated in the personal style of the owners. The tour is self-guided and the brochure will have a brief history of each home and what you can expect to see there. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

Another Kennett Square holiday tradition will go on all month. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered on December 14 and 21 from noon to 3 p.m. The rides begin on State Street at the Genesis walkway and tickets are $5.<\/p>\n

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Herr’s \u201cChristmas Snacktacular,\u201d kicks off Dec. 13 and runs through Dec. 24.<\/p><\/div>\n

December 13 marks the start of the annual multi-day holiday event at Herr\u2019s Snack Food Factory (20 Herr Drive, Nottingham, 610-932-9330,\u00a0www.herrs.com<\/a>). Formerly known as \u201c12 Days of Christmas at Herr\u2019s,\u201d the event now is called \u201cChristmas Snacktacular.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Snacktacular,\u201d which runs from December 13-24, features a variety of activities nightly for 10 days rather than 12 days. The area around the factory site will be illuminated with thousands of lights and holiday displays.<\/p>\n

The entertainment schedule features the Quarter Ringers Bell Choir from Oxford United Methodist Church on December 15 and the Oxford Area High School Choral Ensemble on December 16. On December 17, it will be time for the Christmas Pickle Tradition & the Pickle Squad.<\/p>\n

Live music on December 18 will be presented by students from Oxford Hopewell School and bagpipers Sharon and Kyle Grasty. The real star on December 18 will be \u201cStarr the Reindeer.\u201d Visitors can meet the live reindeer and have their pictures taken with Starr from 5-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

On December 13, the Mill at Anselma (1730 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, 610-827-1906,\u00a0www.anselmamill.org<\/a>) will offer \u201cChristmas Lantern Tours\u201d from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

The Mill has been decorated for the holidays and is ready for an old-fashioned winter event. On Saturday, Santa Claus will be the featured guest and will be meeting and greeting his fans throughout the day.<\/p>\n

As an added attraction, the Mill at Anselma, which was built in the 1740s, will present an interesting and educational flour milling demonstration in its historic grist mill. Special technology tours will be available that focus on how different parts of the mill works.<\/p>\n

There are also hands-on interactive activities for children. Additionally, the site\u2019s newly-expanded holiday gift shop will be open throughout the event. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children (ages 4-14).<\/p>\n

\u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas,\u201d the festive holiday display at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000,\u00a0www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>), is running now through January 11. It 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

A special attraction at the 2014 \u201cA Longwood Christmas\u201d is the botanical tourist site\u2019s bird-inspired display. The colorful annual event 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 the sun goes down 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. There are different prices for \u201cPeak\u201d and \u201cOff Peak\u201d times.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $20 (non-peak), $27 (peak) for adults), $17\/$24 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and $10\/$13; students (ages 5-18).<\/p>\n

A fun — and somewhat different — way to celebrate the holidays is to go on a \u201cHoliday Hayride\u201d at Arasapha Farm (1835 Middletown Road, Gradyville, 610-459-2944,\u00a0www.holidayhayride.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Arasapha Farm is featuring its \u201cHoliday Hayride\u201d on December 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27 and 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. each night — weather permitting. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children (ages 2-8).<\/p>\n

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

After the wagon ride, guests are encouraged to gather around the bonfire to enjoy hot beverages. There also will be opportunities to have pictures taken with Santa and check out the live nativity scene that features real animals and actors.<\/p>\n

Two of Montgomery County\u2019s historic sites — Pennypacker Mills and Pottsgrove Manor — will be celebrating the holidays with special events this weekend.<\/p>\n

On December 13, Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349,\u00a0www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/a>) is hosting a \u201cVictorian Christmas Open House\u201d from 2-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Governor-elect and Mrs. Pennypacker will be receiving guests to view the splendor of Christmas in the early 1900s. The mansion is hosting a holiday party and the d\u00e9cor of each room tells a different story of Christmas. The house will feature Victorian era decorations, costumed historians, a Victorian Santa Claus and a clear toy candy demonstration.<\/p>\n

On December 14, Pottsgrove Manor (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014,\u00a0www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/a>) will present \u201cPottsgrove Manor by Candlelight\u201d from 2-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to tour the manor house by candlelight as costumed interpreters portray the 18th<\/sup>-century residents of Pottsgrove Manor as they were when celebrating Twelfth Night.<\/p>\n

Kids will be able to make kids make seasonal crafts that they can then take home with them. The event will also include festivities in the parlor, hearth cooking in the kitchen and the serving of tasty refreshments.<\/p>\n

Both events are free but there is a suggested donation of $2 per person.<\/p>\n

On December 13, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Route 741, Strasburg, 717- 687-8628,\u00a0www.rrmuseumpa.org<\/a>) is hosting its annual \u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Cab Simulator.<\/p>\n

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 with Santa in person at the Steinman Station passenger depot.<\/p>\n

Cookies and hot chocolate will be offered in the Museum lobby. There will be hands-on activities in the Stewart Junction railway education center for rail fans of all ages. There will also be live holiday music performed by Elite Brass Brass from noon-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for youth (ages 3-11).<\/p>\n

If you want to get started on building your own holiday rail display for the future or if you want to expand one you already have, then you should check out \u201cGreenberg\u2019s Train and Toy Show\u201d at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Road, Oaks, 484-754-3976,\u00a0www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Greenberg\u2019s Train & Toy Show, which will be held December 13 and 14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, has been around since 1976. Over the years, it has evolved into the largest traveling model train and toy show to serve the northeastern United States.<\/p>\n

The huge annual show offers one-stop shopping at a competitive hobby marketplace featuring model and toy trains, die-cast action figures, parts and accessories, highly collectible toys, the latest hobby books and large and intricate operating layouts from HO and N scale to O and G gauge<\/p>\n

The Hobby Marketplace will feature dealers with thousands of model and toy trains, including American Flyer, Lionel, K-Line, LGB, MTH, HO and N scale and more. Also on sale will be a wide array of train parts and accessories<\/p>\n

The show will also feature a number of free workshops and demonstrations. Additionally, there will be hourly door prize giveaways. Tickets are $8 and are good for both days. Children under 12 will be admitted free.<\/p>\n

The Delaware Art Museum\u2019s 29th Annual Holiday House Tour will be held on December 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at various locations in northern Delaware (302-571-9590,\u00a0www.delart.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of event.\u00a0The Museum will be open from\u00a09 a.m.-4 p.m. with free admission.\u00a0Each Holiday House Tour ticket will include one holiday raffle ticket. Prizes will be drawn at 3:30 p.m. in the museum and winning ticketholders need not be present to win.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s tour will focus on five historic Brandywine Valley barns that have been decorated for the holiday season. Three\u00a0barns are historic properties that have been fully renovated with modern amenities while keeping many of the original features intact.<\/p>\n

Featured barns include a stylish guest house barn built in the 1790s, an imaginative \u201centertainment\u201d barn built in 1821, a newly-built \u201cgreen\u201d barn with a western flair and a rustic 1870 barn made of wood and \u201cWilmington Blue Rock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Live entertainment on Saturday will be provided by Gabriella Stout, the Cathedral Choir of Delaware, Cab Calloway Middle School Choir and\u00a0Cab Calloway Jazz Choir.<\/p>\n

There will also be artisan shopping at the Museum on December 12 as part of the museum\u2019s \u201cArt is After Dark\u201d program and on December 13 in conjunction with the tour.<\/p>\n

On December 13 from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Historic New Castle (Fourth Street, New Castle, Delaware, 302-328-3279,\u00a0http:\/\/www.newcastlepreschurch.org\/spirit<\/a>) will be the site of a special event — \u201cThe Spirit of Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The free event, which is celebrating its 14th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary this year, is sponsored by the New Castle Presbyterian Church and the New Castle Visitors’ Bureau. Activities include tours of many historic homes decorated for the season, museum tours, events at the New Castle Court House (part of the First State National Monument) and musical performances and entertainment throughout the town.<\/p>\n

The Amstel House has been decorated for a traditional holiday celebration in colonial times and showcases traditional 18th<\/sup>-century customs during the period of Governor Nicholas Van Dyke\u2019s residency. The Dutch House features a celebration of St. Nichols\u2019 Eve, a tribute to the legend of Holland\u2019s patron saint — Saint Nicholas.<\/p>\n

As an added attraction, the New Castle Presbyterian Church will hold an all-day sale of crafts, used books, homemade soups and breads, and gift items. Shops and restaurants throughout Olde New Castle will be open as well, welcoming visitors with special discounts<\/p>\n

The festivities conclude at 5 p.m. with the town\u2019s annual tree lighting ceremony accompanied by caroling in the Market Square. Proceeds generated by the New Castle Presbyterian Church will be donated to support the Friendship House, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, ministry to the homeless.<\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s 2014 Christmas Holiday Tour will be presented now through January 4 in Odessa\u2019s historic district (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119,\u00a0www.historicodessa.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

This year, the Historic Houses of Odessa\u2019s\u00a0Corbit-Sharp House (c. 1774) will be the focal point for the literature-inspired Christmas Holiday Tours.\u00a0The exhibit is inspired by the classic fairy tale \u201cSnow White.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delaware will also have another type of holiday event this weekend\u00a0when the\u00a0DuPont Theatre (10th<\/sup>\u00a0and Market streets, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-656-4401,\u00a0www.duponttheatre.com<\/a>) hosts \u201cCirque Dreams Holidaze\u201d through December 14.<\/em><\/p>\n

The show, which was created and directed by Neil Goldberg, is a stage spectacular that has an\u00a0<\/em>international cast of over 30 talented performers performing old and new Christmas numbers. It features acts such as gingerbread men flipping mid air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, puppets dancing and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment.<\/p>\n

The touring spectacle, which played the DuPont three years ago, also features an original music score along with some seasonal favorites, over 300 super colorful costumes and a stage setting with a 20-foot tall tree, gigantic gifts, colossal candy canes and 30-foot towering soldiers.<\/p>\n

Tickets range from $20-$79. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. from December 9-11 and 8 p.m. on December 11 and 12. There are also 2 p.m. matinees on December 10, 13 and 14.<\/p>\n

The Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware,\u00a0302- 475-2313,\u00a0www.nctstage.org<\/a>) is presenting the holiday classic show \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d now through December 23. Tickets, which include a tasty buffet dinner, are $59 for adults and $33 for children (ages 4-12).<\/p>\n

\u201cA Christmas Carol,\u201d a novella by Dickens that was first published in 1843, tells the tale of an old miser name Scrooge who gets transformed from a curmudgeon to a likable old soul after visits from his deceased partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.<\/p>\n

The Barley Sheaf Players\u2019 (810 North Whitford Road, Lionville, 610-363-7075,\u00a0www.barleysheaf.org<\/a>) production of \u201cIt\u2019s A Wonderful Life\u201d\u00a0is running now through December 14. The production has performances scheduled for December 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students (18 and under) and seniors (60 and over).<\/p>\n

The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-0 648-4102,\u00a0www.AMTshows.com<\/a>) has its holiday show running now through December 30. The show features spectacular vocal harmonies, lively musical arrangements, impressive dancing, elaborate scenery, elegant costumes and the music of the AMT Orchestra. Tickets are $42.<\/p>\n

The Rainbow Dinner Theatre (3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 800-292-4301,\u00a0www.RainbowDinnerTheatre.com<\/a>) is presenting its holiday production \u201cBurglar\u2019s Holiday\u201d now through December 28. Ticket prices range from $48-$54.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Brandywine Christmas,\u201d which is running now through January 4 at the Brandywine River Museum (Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700,\u00a0www.brandywinemuseum.org<\/a>), is a family-oriented annual holiday event. Visitors to \u201cA Brandywine Christmas\u201d this weekend get an extra bonus because the museum\u2019s annual \u201cCritter Sale\u201d is being held on December 6 and 7.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Brandywine Christmas\u201d features thousands of natural \u201ccritter\u201d ornaments on holiday trees.\u00a0The \u201ccritter\u201d ornaments are used to decorate holiday trees, wreaths and diorama settings throughout the museum. The intricately designed ornaments are made from all-natural materials by museum volunteers and have found homes on trees at the White House and the Smithsonian Institution.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Brandywine Christmas\u201d also features an array of interesting holiday displays, including an extensive O-gauge model railroad and thousands of natural \u201ccritter\u201d ornaments on holiday trees.<\/p>\n

The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail\u2019s \u201cHoliday Open House\u201d (www.bvwinetrail.com<\/a>) is several years old and well on its way to becoming a Chester County tradition. The event will be held this year on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28<\/p>\n

Five local wineries from the BVWT will be hosting special holiday celebrations including Kreuz Creek Vineyards (553 South Guernsey Road, West Grove, 610-869-4412,\u00a0www.kreuzcreekvineyards.com<\/a>) and Paradocx Vineyard (1833 Flint Hill Road, Landenberg, 610-255-5684 or\u00a0www.paradocx.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The other three are Black Walnut Winery (3000 Lincoln Highway, Sadsburyville, 610-857-5566,\u00a0www.blackwalnutwinery.com<\/a>), Penns Woods Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808,\u00a0www.pennswoodswinery.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Borderland Vineyard (332 Indiantown Road, Landenberg, 215-436-9154,\u00a0www.borderlandvineyard.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

One of the best ways to hang with Santa Claus for a few hours is to ride along with him on an excursion train rides.<\/p>\n

The West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233 or\u00a0www.westchesterrr.net<\/a>) is running its \u201cSanta\u2019s Express\u201d trains on December 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. There will be additional departures at 5 p.m. on December 13, 14, 20 and 21.<\/p>\n

The 90-minute journey on the trail line\u2019s heated decorated train travels through the 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 $22. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $16 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $6.<\/p>\n

The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193,\u00a0www.wwrr.com<\/a>) will run its \u201cSanta Claus Express\u201d on Saturdays and Sundays now through Christmas. Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for senior citizens and $16 for children (ages 2-12).<\/p>\n

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding along with passengers on the steam-powered 90-minute round trip to Ashland Station. He will be greeting everyone on board and offering chocolate treats to the youngsters. Santa will also be posing for pictures with his fans.<\/p>\n

The tourist rail line will also be running special \u201cHoliday Night Express Trains\u201d, featuring a peaceful evening ride in the railroad\u2019s 1929 Doodlebug rail car. Tickets for these trains, which run from December 12-30, are $12 for adults, $11 for senior citizens and $10 for children.<\/p>\n

The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522,\u00a0www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cSanta\u2019s Paradise Express\u201d now through December 20. Santa will be the featured guest on each ride from Strasburg to Paradise and back. Tickets for rides on the Strasburg Railroad are $17 for adults, $11 for children (ages 3-11) and $3 for toddlers (under age 3).<\/p>\n

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332,\u00a0www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) is operating its \u201cNorth Pole Express\u201d now through December 23. Tickets are $45.95 for adults, $43.95 for children (ages 2-11) and $12.95 for toddlers.<\/p>\n

One of the best model railroads in the area is at the Morris Arboretum (100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, 215-247-5777,\u00a0www.business-services.upenn.edu\/arboretum\/index.html<\/a>). The display, which is open to the public now through January 4 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. Philadelphia-area landmarks are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle. Admission to the Morris Arboretum is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (65 and older) and $8 for students and military.<\/p>\n

The Mount Hope Mansion (Route 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021,\u00a0www.parenfaire.com<\/a>) features an annual holiday celebration honoring one of the most respected authors in the English language \u2013 Charles Dickens. The event, which is set in the mid-1800s, is called \u201cDickens of a Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Various rooms in the mansion have been temporarily converted into mini-theaters which will host performances of some of the most popular holiday tales, including Dickens\u2019 \u201cA Christmas Carol.\u201d Tickets for adults are $16.95 on weekdays and $18.95 on weekends. Children\u2019s tickets are $9.95 for all shows.<\/p>\n

The popular annual event \u201cHolidays at Hagley,\u201d which is included with regular admission, is running now through January 6 at Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400,\u00a0www.hagley.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The 2014 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 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., feature decorations in a combination of styles from both the 19th and 20th centuries.<\/p>\n

The 1803 du Pont family ancestral home, Eleutherian Mills, will feature holiday decorations and interpretation on the French traditions of exchanging gifts on New Year\u2019s Day and the celebration of Twelfth Night.<\/p>\n

Dried flowers, greenery, fruits, and other natural materials create a beautiful holiday ambiance accentuated by soft lights and Christmas music. This year\u2019s exhibit is inspired by the winter pastimes and pursuits of the property\u2019s former residents.<\/p>\n

Admission is $14 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6-14).<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s 36th annual staging of \u201cYuletide at Winterthur\u201d is running now through January 4 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883,\u00a0www.winterthur.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

It highlights the winter celebrations of H. F. du Pont and his family at Winterthur in the first half of the 20th century. It also ties in with Winterthur\u2019s \u201cCostumes of Downton Abbey\u201d\u00a0<\/em>exhibition.<\/p>\n

Special family activities include \u201cDownton Afternoon Tea Buffet\u201d (December 28 and January 4), \u201cFamily Workshops\u201d (December 14),\u00a0\u201cBrunch with Santa\u201d (December 13, 14, 20 and 21) and\u00a0the \u201cYuletide Touch-It Room\u201d (Monday\u2013Friday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; weekends, 12:30-4:30 p.m.).<\/p>\n

Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required.\u00a0<\/strong>Admission to Yuletide at Winterthur is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students and $5 for children.<\/p>\n

Nemours Mansion & Gardens (Route 141 South, Alapocas Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-651-6912,\u00a0www.nemoursmansion.org<\/a>)\u00a0is celebrating the Christmas season now through December 31with special three-hour holiday-themed tours.<\/p>\n

During the holiday period, the guided tours will include several stories of the house and part of the gardens. Many of the rooms featured in the tour will be decorated as they would have been when DuPont resided there in the early 1900s while some will retain their traditional period decorations. Tickets for the tour at Nemours are $15.<\/p>\n

Amusement parks have also become a favorite holiday attraction for families.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Candylane,\u201d which is the annual holiday event at Hersheypark\u00a0(100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, 800-HERSHEY,\u00a0www.hersheypark.com<\/a>), is running now through December 31. Tickets are $12 per person.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Hershey can also experience the winter wonderland called \u201cHershey Sweet Lights, A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular.\u201d The attraction, which has an admission fee of $24.15 on Fridays and Saturdays and $19.15 the rest of the week, is a two-mile drive through wooded trails featuring approximately 600 illuminated, animated displays.<\/p>\n

Now through December 31, \u201cA Very Furry Christmas\u201d will be presented by<\/p>\n

Sesame Place\u00a0(100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, 215-752-7070,\u00a0www.sesameplace.com<\/a>).\u00a0The event is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration with everyone\u2019s favorite furry friends — Grover, Oscar and the rest of the gang from Sesame Street. Admission is $24.<\/p>\n

Dutch Wonderland\u00a0Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389,\u00a0www.dutchwonderland.com<\/a>) is hosting its \u201cDutch Winter Wonderland\u201d now through December 30 on Saturdays, Sundays and select weekdays (December 26, 29 and 30). Tickets are $12.99.<\/p>\n

In many of Europe\u2019s larger cities, it is a common sight to see Christmas villages erected in downtown locations. These villages are temporary sites that feature live music, a variety of holiday attractions and a large number of specialized vendors.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia has its own version which is open now through December 28. \u201cChristmas Village in Philadelphia\u201d (Broad and Market streets, Philadelphia, 215-391-3017,\u00a0www.philachristmas.com<\/a>) is set up each holiday season in Love Park on the west side of City Hall.<\/p>\n

Vendors selling\u00a0traditional European food, sweets and drinks\u00a0are set up in 60 wooden booths and timber houses that form a medieval village. They will also offer a unique shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts.<\/p>\n

Bethlehem, which is known as the \u201cChristmas City,\u201d presents Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem (PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 East First Street, Bethlehem, 610-332-1300,\u00a0http:\/\/www.christmascity.org<\/a>) every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through December 21.<\/p>\n

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation\u2019s finest artisans. The market also features live performances of Christmas music and vendors with an amazing variety of tasty food items<\/p>\n

Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110,\u00a0www.koziarschristmasvillage.com<\/a>), which is now in its 67th<\/sup>\u00a0annual season, will be open every night through January 1 — including Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, New Year\u2019s Eve and New Year\u2019s Night.<\/p>\n

The village is a visual wonderland with a large amount of holiday displays and special attractions such as a huge model train display, a toy shop, a country kitchen, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays. Admission to Christmas Village is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (65 and older) and $7 for children (ages 4-10).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ballet, candlelight tours, shows, music \u2014 everything to get you in the holiday spirit By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times For families as well as fans of the arts, one of the most popular annual holiday activities each year is attending a performance of the classic ballet \u201cThe Nutcracker.\u201d One of the best productions in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14150,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,4],"tags":[4550,370,706,5639,16,84,1582,5638],"class_list":["post-14155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-brandywine-ballet","tag-coatesville","tag-downingtown","tag-herrs-foods","tag-kennett-square","tag-longwood-gardens","tag-oxford","tag-west-chester-helicopter-museum"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14155"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14155\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14156,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14155\/revisions\/14156"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}