{"id":30336,"date":"2018-11-23T18:03:26","date_gmt":"2018-11-23T23:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=30336"},"modified":"2018-11-23T18:03:32","modified_gmt":"2018-11-23T23:03:32","slug":"what-to-do-kicking-off-the-christmas-season-in-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=30336","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Kicking off the Christmas season in style"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

\"\"<\/a>Thanksgiving 2018 is now in the rear-view mirror. Black Friday, which unofficially started about two weeks ago, has \u201cofficially\u201d arrived. The Christmas holiday season is here — complete with non-stop over-played holiday songs emanating from everywhere, incessant bell ringers and an amazing amount of traditional holiday events and activities.<\/p>\n

The holiday season will officially arrive in Kennett Square on November 23 when Downtown Kennett Square hosts the town\u2019s annual Holiday Light Parade (Downtown Kennett Square, 610-444-8188<\/a>, www.historickennettsquare.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with dance performances by Longwood Dance Studio and the parade scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

The parade, which features the Kennett High Marching Band, will travel up past the Market at Liberty Place toward Union Street (heading east) on State Street.\u00a0 It goes onto the 100 Block of East State Street and then turns down S. Broad Street.\u00a0 Santa and Mrs. Claus are slated to arrive at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Santa Claus and his wife will serve as grand marshals for the parade which will be followed by the lighting of the town Christmas tree. There will be holiday music on the streets and many of the borough\u2019s shops will stay open late and offer refreshments.<\/p>\n

Music by a DJ will be filling the air near the corner of Union and State Street. Anchor Life + Fitness will have face painting and hot cocoa.<\/p>\n

Small Business Saturday is the day Kennett Square celebrates the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the United States.<\/p>\n

Visitors on November 24 are invited to enjoy Kennett Square\u2019s downtown area featuring locally owned small businesses.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Tree Lighting<\/p><\/div>\n

The 2018 Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade will take place on November 25 starting at 6 p.m. The event was originally slated to be held on November 24 but has been rescheduled to Sunday due to forecasted rain on Saturday.
\nThe parade will get underway at 3 p.m. The parade will start in the area of Beaver Creek Elementary School, 601 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, travel south on Gable Avenue to Business Rt. 30.\u00a0 The parade will turn left and head east on Rt. 30 continuing to Whiteland Avenue\/Rt. 113. (East Ward Elementary School), where it will end.<\/p>\n

Santa Claus will arrive around 6:20 p.m. to light the Christmas Tree. The Christmas Tree sits along Business Route 30 right next the Log House. The event is held in the Log House field, below the Christmas Tree.<\/p>\n

Last year, Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas, Inc. celebrated the unveiling of the new 17-foot Giant Everest Christmas Tree — along with a record turn out from the community. This year, the organizers have purchased a 3-foot extension for the tree making it a 20-foot tree with a 3-foot star on top.<\/p>\n

Special activities include DJ Dre Money from 50\/50 LG Entertainment with Christmas music, a performance by St. Joseph\u2019s Choir, face painter Gaillyn Giles, small craft activities and \u201cChristmas Trivia\u201d for the kids, a booth by WOGL 98.1 with games and prizes, and a food area with free cookies, hot chocolate and a \u201cS\u2019mores Station.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

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

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000<\/a>, 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 opened on Thanksgiving Day and is continuing through January 6, 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

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

The organ sing-alongs will be featured in the Ballroom either three or six times a day. There will also be performances by choirs and musicians almost every evening throughout December.<\/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. There are different prices for \u201cPeak\u201d and \u201cOff Peak\u201d times.<\/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 16th 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 $23 (non-peak), $30 (peak) for adults, $20\/$27 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and $12\/$16 for students (ages 5-18).<\/p>\n

\u201cA Brandywine Christmas\u201d, which runs from November 23-January 6 at the Brandywine River Museum (Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700<\/a>, www.brandywinemuseum.org<\/a>), is an annual event that is fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

The museum\u2019s ever-popular \u201ccritter\u201d ornaments will be 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

The well-attended annual \u201cCritter Sale\u201d is scheduled for November 29 and 30 and December 1 and 2.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Brandywine Christmas\u201d also features an extensive O-gauge model.\u00a0Five moving trains operate at all times and include a 60-car freight train winding past a village, stone quarry, oil refinery, mountains, Herr Foods plant, running waterfall and animated skating scene.<\/p>\n

Special events include \u201cCarols Concerts\u201d throughout December, \u201cMuseum Store Sunday\u201d on November 25, \u201cThe Polar Express Read-Aloud Pajama Night\u201d on November 29, \u201cChildren\u2019s Christmas Party\u201d on December 5, \u201cBreakfast with the Trains\u201d on December 8 and 15, and \u201cTerrific Trains Family Program\u201d on January 5.<\/p>\n

Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older) and $6 for children.<\/p>\n

The activity calendar for the weekend does feature a few non-holiday events worth checking out.<\/p>\n

Every year, there are numerous celebrations around America to honor patriots.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Brandywine Valley has \u201cPatriot\u2019s Day\u201d — a special celebration that will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on November 24 at the Brandywine Battlefield (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-459-3342<\/a>,http:\/\/brandywinebattlefield.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On September 11, 1777, approximately\u00a030,000 thousand British and American soldiers fought in the Chadds Ford area in what is known as the Battle of the Brandywine. On that warm day, musket and cannon fire echoed over the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley and changed the landscape and views of its inhabitants for years after.<\/p>\n

This\u00a0historically-rich\u00a0environment located\u00a0in Delaware County, Pennsylvania represents many aspects of\u00a0American life, especially in the 18th century.\u00a0Today, the Brandywine Battlefield historic site sits on\u00a046.5 acres of the location\u00a0that was the\u00a0Continental encampment and offers many different programs and tours to the public to foster the appreciation for historical thinking and preservation.<\/p>\n

Visitors to the park on \u201cPatriots\u2019 Day\u201d are given the opportunity to step back in time to a small outpost in the area in the winter of 1777. The event will feature Colonial soldiers along with sutlers and period interpreters. There will be a presentation by General George Washington in the afternoon.<\/p>\n

Activities include musket firing demonstrations, tours of Washington\u2019s Headquarters (Ring House), 18th-century period interpreters and children\u2019s activities including Colonial toys, \u201cMake a Flag\u201d and Colonial games<\/p>\n

Tickets for the Patriot\u2019s Day event are house tour, museum and film are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for youth (ages 6-17).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>From November 23-25, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University\u00a0(1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, 215-299-1000<\/a>,\u00a0www.ansp.org<\/a>) is hosting a special event called \u201cWild Wizarding Weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors will be able to explore the magical world of the Academy\u2019s phenomenal beasts with a weekend of spellbinding, hands-on activities \u2013 including meeting the Academy\u2019s own live beasts and learning about the real animals that inspire favorite wizarding stories.<\/p>\n

Kids of all ages can take in a Bunny and Broomsticks game, make a magical wand, and take home a dragon\u2019s egg during this wild weekend where wizards are welcome. Anyone wearing a costume will get a $2 discount at the door.<\/p>\n

The list of special activities includes \u201cCastle Classes,\u201d \u201cMagical Myths,\u201d \u201cBunnies and Broomsticks\u201d and \u201cMagical Crafts.\u201d There will also be several special shows in the auditorium.<\/p>\n

Museum admission is $19.95 for adults and $15.95 for children.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a music fan that is looking for hard-to-find collectibles such as out-of-print CDs, rare 45s, vintage music posters or albums that have been deleted from record company catalogs years ago, there is an answer other than e-Bay.<\/p>\n

That answer is the annual \u201cNot Just\u2019 Rock Record Expo 2018\u201d which is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year. The event will take place on November 23 and 24 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Station Avenue, Oaks, 484-754-3976<\/a>,\u00a0http:\/\/www.notjustrockexpo.com\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n

There will also be a variety of autograph guests including author Jim Santora, Jr.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the special holiday weekend event are $5 for either day. Show hours are from noon-6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.<\/p>\n

When the Christmas season arrives in Europe, it is common to see Christmas villages erected in downtown locations of big cities. These villages are temporary sites that feature live music, a variety of holiday attractions and a large number of specialized vendors.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia is keeping pace with the European cities with a Christmas village of its own — a special site that springs to life this weekend and continues until December 24. It will be officially opened by the original Christkind from Nuremberg, Germany on November 25.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Christmas Village in Philadelphia<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cChristmas Village in Philadelphia\u201d (Love Park, 1400 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, 215-391-3017<\/a>, www.philachristmas.com<\/a>) is a free outdoor holiday market event that captures the vibe of the traditional European Christmas markets.<\/p>\n

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is modeled after traditional German Christmas Markets.\u00a0The history of Christmas markets in Germany dates to the late Middle Ages. One of the oldest and most famous ones is held each year in Nuremberg in the state of Bavaria.<\/p>\n

It has been passed down from generation-to-generation ever since the\u00a0area\u2019s farmers started selling their crops in a farmers\u2019 market during the Advent time in the mid-16th century. The goods presented in wooden booths include a rich variety of holiday gifts including Christmas ornaments, arts and crafts, toys, sweets, as well as German food and drinks. People stroll around, meet friends, and enjoy live performances of Christmas music.<\/p>\n

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

The Village will feature the sights and sounds of the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights, giant glowing stars, festive decorations, a musical stage and children\u2019s activities. All the event\u2019s annual fan favorites will be back, including Photos with Santa, K\u00e4the Wohlfahrt, Herrnhuter Stars, the German Grill and the event\u2019s main stage.<\/p>\n

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

The primary travel itineraries for Santa Claus are riding in parades and traveling by sleigh. But these are far from the jolly old guy\u2019s only means of transportation. He also makes visits using a variety of modes such as helicopters, horse-drawn carriages, fire trucks, open-air convertibles, speed boats, hot air balloons and trains.<\/p>\n

There is something special about riding on a train that is being pulled by a steam locomotive. Almost everyone enjoys the experience — even Santa Claus. This year, Santa will be visiting several of the area\u2019s tourist railroads to take special rides with his friends.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

West Chester Railroad<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the best train rides with Santa Claus is the one presented by the West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233<\/a> or www.westchesterrr.net<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The special \u201cSanta\u2019s Express\u201d trains (which feature heated cars decorated for the holidays) will run on November 23, 24, 25 and December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. There will be additional departures at 5 p.m. on December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23.<\/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. Once at Glen Mills, passengers can disembark, explore the historic station and take advantage of photo opportunities on Santa\u2019s lap inside the station. Live music will be provided by Greg Wright.<\/p>\n

Adult fare for the West Chester Railroad trips is $25. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $18 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $8.<\/p>\n

The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193<\/a>, www.wwrr.com<\/a>) will run its \u201cSanta Claus Express\u201d on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Steam locomotion will return to the Wilmington & Western for its annual Santa Claus Express. The rail line\u2019s <\/a>0-6-0 switcher No. 58 has returned to service after a multi-year restoration and will power Santa\u2019s train through the Red Clay Valley this season.<\/p>\n

Tickets for these trains, which run now through December 23, are $19 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and $17 for children.<\/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 are running now through December 30, are $13 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $11 for children.<\/p>\n

The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522<\/a>, www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/a>) is running its \u201cSanta\u2019s Paradise Express\u201d from November 24 until December 17. Santa will be the featured guest on each ride from Strasburg to Paradise and back.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $19.50 for adults, $13.50 for children (ages 2-11) and $4 for infants.<\/p>\n

The Strasburg Railroad will also be running its \u201cNight Before Christmas\u201d train on November 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.<\/p>\n

This very special train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. A reader dressed in a Victorian nightshirt and cap will read Clement Clarke Moore\u2019s classic poem\u00a0\u201cThe Night Before Christmas\u201d as the train rolls along. After the poem is read, passengers can enjoy a treat of milk and cookies.<\/p>\n

Children are also treated to storybook readings of holiday classics aboard the stationary heated caboose and visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car. In the spirit of the season, kids may come dressed in pajamas.<\/p>\n

Tickets for these rides on the Strasburg Railroad are $19.50 for adults, $13.50 for children (ages 3-11) and $4 for toddlers (under age 3).<\/p>\n

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332<\/a>, www.newhoperailroad.com<\/a>) is operating its \u201cNorth Pole Express\u201d now through December 31. Tickets are $94.98 for adults, $84.98 for children (ages 3-11) and $15.95 for infants (ages 0-2).<\/p>\n

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

Christmas trains also come in a smaller variety. Model railroad displays and the Christmas holiday season have been linked together since a time before even your parents were even kids.<\/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<\/a>,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 31 in the winter garden of the Morris Arboretum, has a quarter-mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under) and bustling model trains.<\/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 $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for students and military.<\/p>\n

There are plenty of reasons to take the short drive to Delaware this holiday season with tax-free shopping on everything at the top of the list. Another major reason is the annual staging of \u201cHolidays at Hagley\u201d — 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, opens today and continues through January 1 at Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400<\/a>, www.hagley.org<\/a>).<\/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-nineteenth-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 $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and students and $6 for children (ages 6-14).<\/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 from November 17 through January 6 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware,800-448-3883<\/a>, www.winterthur.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Revel in the beauty and warmth of the holidays as we 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; a full-room scene of Clement Moore\u2019s Christmas classic A Visit from St. Nicholas; 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 years. It features amazing intricate details in each room and is even decorated for the holidays! A tree decorated with 458 needlework ornaments, all crafted by Nancy McDaniel will also be on display.<\/p>\n

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

Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required. Admission to Yuletide at Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 62 and older) and $5 for children (ages 2-11).<\/p>\n

Nemours Mansion & Gardens (Route 141 South, Alapocas Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-651-6912<\/a>, www.nemoursmansion.org<\/a>) is welcoming visitors for the Christmas holidays with \u201cHolidays at the Estate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Originally constructed more than a century ago, Nemours Mansion is one of Delaware\u2019s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.<\/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. 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. New this year, the mechanical wing of the basement will feature holiday displays made from metal, glass and industrial elements sure to inspire any inventor or engineer.<\/p>\n

The Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s 2018 Christmas Holiday Tour is an event with an appeal that spans generations. The tours will be presented now through December 30 in Odessa\u2019s historic district (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119<\/a>, www.historicodessa.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

This holiday season the Historic Odessa Foundation<\/a> (HOF) is celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Historic Houses of Odessa\u2019s annual Christmas Holiday Tours and Exhibits inspired by works of classic children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n

This holiday season the Historic Odessa Foundation will be having a Dickens of a Christmas as it celebrates the 175th anniversary of Charles Dickens\u2019 indelible classic \u201cA Christmas Carol, In Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas,\u201d first published in 1843.<\/p>\n

Visitors will be transported into Charles Dickens\u2019 powerful Christmas tale of redemption as the 244-year old Corbit-Sharp House is transformed into the world of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge with vignettes to include depictions of his counting house, his lodgings, the festive Mr. Fezziwig\u2019s ball, the austere house of Tiny Tim, the parlor of Scrooge\u2019s nephew Fred, and the cemetery.<\/p>\n

All of the Historic Houses of Odessa are open and on full festive display for the 2018 Holiday Season, including special school and family tours and events celebrating \u201cA Christmas Carol, In Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas\u201d and special exhibit in the National Historic Landmark Corbit-Sharp House (c. 1774), and the Storybook Trees exhibit in the Wilson-Warner House (1769).<\/p>\n

Special events and tours will be held throughout the holiday season including \u201cCandlelight Tours\u201d at 7 p.m. on November 27 and 29 and December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, and 27; \u201cChristmas in Odessa\u201d on December 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; \u201cStorybook Time\u201d on December 5 at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; \u201cFestive Foods\/Hearth Cooking Demonstration\u201d on December 8, 15, and 29 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; \u201cChildren\u2019s Holiday Tea Party\u201d on December 9 at 2 p.m.; and \u201cCurator Candlelight Tour\u201d on December 20 at 5 and 7 p.m.<\/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

A popular Philadelphia attraction is the Center City Parks District\u2019s Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park along with the Rothman Institute 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 wintry fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.<\/p>\n

Now that Christmas activities have begun, Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000<\/a>, http:\/\/peddlersvillage.com<\/a>) is starting its celebration and that means there will be 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 Grand Illumination will showcase 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

The 2018 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

Additionally, visitors can enjoy comfort foods, seasonal snacks, and hot beverages\u00a0at\u00a0Ben’s Sweets & Treats and SquareBurger, festive beers and cocktails presented by Cooperage at the Winter Beer Garden,\u00a0special holiday events on #FranklinSquareFridays,\u00a0Santa Saturdays, and\u00a0Seasonal Sounds on Sundays.<\/p>\n

Now that Christmas activities have begun, Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000<\/a>, http:\/\/peddlersvillage.com<\/a>) is starting its celebration and that means there will be a lot of activity at the site over the next few weeks. Peddler\u2019s Village\u2019s\u00a0\u201cKick Off to the Holidays\u201d\u00a0will take place on November 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.<\/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 Grand Illumination Celebration, which is scheduled for November 16, will showcase 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

November 16 also marks the start of Peddler\u2019s Village \u201cGingerbread House Competition and Display.\u201d Slated to run through January 5, the \u201cGingerbread House Competition\u201d features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.<\/p>\n

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

Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349<\/a>, www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/a>) is hosting \u201cVictorian Holiday Tours\u201d now through January 6 while \u201cTwelfth Night Tours at Pottsgrove Manor\u201d (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014<\/a>, www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/a>) are running now through January 6.<\/p>\n

For the next six 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 features guided tours through an elegant 18th-century Georgian mansion that is decked out in period holiday decorations. Tour guides will discuss Twelfth Night celebrations and Christmastide traditions.<\/p>\n

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

Suggested donations for these events are $2.<\/p>\n

If you really want to get into a Christmas mood in a big way, visit Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110<\/a>, www.koziarschristmasvillage.com<\/a>) which begins its 71st season on November 3.<\/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

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

The AMT\u2019s 2018 show \u201cThe First Noel\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

The Rainbow Comedy Playhouse (3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 800-292-4301<\/a>,\u00a0www.Rainbowcomedy.com<\/a>) is presenting its holiday production \u201cChristmas in Paradise\u201d now through December 29.<\/p>\n

Matinee performances are every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and selected Saturdays with an 11:30 a.m. lunch and a 1 p.m. curtain. Evening performances are every Friday, Saturday and selected Thursdays with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show following at 8 p.m. There will also be \u201cTwilight Performances\u201d on selected Sundays with dinner at 2:30 p.m. and the show at 4 p.m. Ticket prices range from $27-$63.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas Candylane,\u201d which is the annual holiday event at Hersheypark (100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, 800-HERSHEY<\/a>, www.hersheypark.com<\/a>), is running now through December 31.<\/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 to \u201cChristmas Candylane\u201d is $26.95.<\/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 1, 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 are $34.99.<\/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<\/a>,http:\/\/www.christmascity.org<\/a>) every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through December 23.<\/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

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Thanksgiving 2018 is now in the rear-view mirror. Black Friday, which unofficially started about two weeks ago, has \u201cofficially\u201d arrived. The Christmas holiday season is here — complete with non-stop over-played holiday songs emanating from everywhere, incessant bell ringers and an amazing amount of traditional holiday events and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30338,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[6518,10780,84,6838,6377,10781],"class_list":["post-30336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-featured","tag-kennett-holiday-parade","tag-longwood-gardens","tag-patriots-day","tag-west-chester-railroad","tag-wild-wizarding-weekend"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30336","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=30336"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30336\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30337,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30336\/revisions\/30337"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30336"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30336"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30336"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}