Family fun abounds this weekend as we launch into Thanksgiving week and the official start of the holiday season! Grab the kiddos and head out to enjoy some of the amazing festivities happening in and around Philadelphia this weekend that will be sure to get you and your family in the holiday spirit.
The Nutcracker
Friday Nov. 18 – Sunday Nov. 20
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Ave
Upper Darby PA
Kick off your holiday season with the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center in this production that will delight everyone ages 4 and up. Stay after the Saturday shows (November 19) for holiday photos with the cast! Shows Friday Nov. 18th 7:30pm, Saturday Nov. 19th 11am and 3pm, and Sunday Nov. 20th at 1:30pm and 5:30pm. Tickets $9-$22.
The National Dog Show
Saturday Nov. 19 – Sunday Nov. 20
100 Station Ave
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Oaks, PA
Don’t miss the return of The National Dog Show happening this Saturday Nov. 19th from 8am – 6pm and Sunday Nov. 20th from 8:30am – 5pm at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. The National Dog Show gives families an opportunity to “go behind the scenes” and see over 2,000 dogs from 200 breeds getting ready to strut their fluff. Only at a “benched’ show like this one are the dogs at designated locations all weekend long so visitors can see and meet all the amazing breeds. And there are only four benched shows left in America – New York (Westminster), Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco. Tickets just $16 for adults, $7 for kids, ages 3 and under free.
Christmas Village Preview Weekend
Saturday Nov. 19th – Sunday Nov. 20th
City Hall
1400 JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
The ever popular Christmas Village will open early for a special preview this Saturday Nov. 19th and Sunday Nov. 20th at City Hall. There will be 80 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world! Enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds as City Hall is transformed into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market. Admission is free, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go.
Philadelphia Marathon Kids Fun Run
Saturday Nov. 19
Onsite registration opens at 10am/kids dash and runs starting at 12pm
24th and Pennsylvania Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Don’t let the kids miss out on the Philadelphia Marathon fun! The Kids Fun Run will take place on Saturday Nov. 19th where children of all ages are encouraged to join the Marathon Day fun with the Kids Fun Run event. Onsite registration will take place at 10:00 a.m. Family activities include face painting, balloon artists, games, and more. All children receive a prize for participation. $15.
Thanks & Giving Children’s Benefit Concert
Saturday Nov. 19th
4:30 – 6pm
The Creative Living Room
9 Brinton Avenue
Media, PA
Clap, stamp, sing and swing along in this fun filled 12th Annual World of Song Children’s Holiday Benefit music festival for the whole family on Saturday Nov. 19th from 4:30-6pm at The Creative Living Room in Swarthmore. The festival celebrates the season and benefits The William Trippley Youth Development Foundation’s “Camp Encouragement“supporting children grieving the loss of a loved one. Perfect for ages 2-7. All are welcome. $8.
Holiday Festival
Friday Nov. 18 – Sunday Nov. 20
Franklin Square
200 6th St
Phila., PA
Dazzle in the lights of the Holiday Light Show spectacle that illuminates Franklin Square with more than 50,000 lights to a soundtrack of holiday classics. The show runs every 30 minutes beginning at 4:30pm daily, with a final show at 8pm Sundays – Thursdays, 9pm Fridays and Saturdays. Festival is free. Some attractions ticketed.
Mary Poppins
Saturday Nov. 19
Wayne United Methodist Church
210 S. Wayne Ave.
Wayne, PA
The Upper Main Line YMCA Theatre presents the Disney classic tale of Mary Poppins this Saturday Nov. 19th at Wayne United Methodist Church.The mix of catchy tunes, stellar dance numbers and bewitching moments will be sure to draw plenty of smiles. Performances at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets $12, adults; $8, kids.
UniverSoul Circus
Nov. 19 – Nov. 20
Fairmount Park (Next to the Mann Center)
52nd & Parkside Ave.
Phila., PA
A big-top spectacle of global proportions, the 2016 production of UniverSoul Circus takes fans of all ages on a journey of light, sound and soul. Get ready for edge-of-your-seat performances including extreme motorsports, mind-bending acrobats, back-flipping canines, disco-dancing pachyderms, free-flying aerial acts and more. Hailed as the most interactive circus in the world, UniverSoul Circus promises to be a show you won’t soon forget. Tickets $19-$30.
Santa’s Grand Illumination
Saturday Nov. 19th
5pm
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA
New this year at Sesame Place is Santa’s Grand Illumination happening on Saturday Nov. 19th at 5pm. Don’t miss this special Christmas celebration as Santa illuminates the night to kick-off A Very Furry Christmas! After some holly jolly singing and dancing with Santa’s trusty elves and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends, Santa will arrive on a horse-drawn carriage to light up the night with millions of twinkling lights! Enjoy special live holiday shows and plenty of festive decor. Plus visitors get to enjoy Christmas menus, holiday shopping and even a visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop. Tickets $27.
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