5 family-fun activities for the weekend
Elves on Germantown Avenue. (Courtesy of Chestnut Hill Visitors Center)
Here’s a look at what is happening this weekend for families.
Friday through Sunday: Winterfest
The fabulous Blue Cross River Rink has been transformed into a wintry wonderland. Saturdays offer a fun opportunity to skate with Santa. Kids and adults can enjoy the skating (lessons available if needed), check out the winter garden and forest and warm up in the cozy lodge with food, drinks, arcade games and shopping. Stay until dusk, and you can enjoy the dancing light show.
Head to the docks for a light show like no other! The Philadelphia Seaport Museum will offer a festive day of maritime fun with a spectacular light show on the water at dusk. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with ornament and ginger boat making, a warship ice sculpture, lighted model and silver ship displays, snacks and selfies with Santa. The Parade of Lights starts at 5 p.m.
Saturday: Family day at Woodmere
Discover the beauty of Victorian holiday cards and enjoy creating your own unique designs and holiday messages from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. While you’re there, browse the Kids Care 21 exhibition. This Walter Elmer Schofield-inspired exhibition showcases landscapes made by Philadelphia-area children as a holiday present for children at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
Saturday: Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade and afterparty
This Saturday, Germantown Avenue be jingling with the Chestnut Hill Community Holiday Parade from 9 to 10 a.m. Beginning on Rex Avenue, musicians, community groups, and antique cars will parade down the Avenue. Led by Philadelphia’s Mounted Police Unit, highlights include Chestnut Hill’s Fire Company Engine 37, Wyndmoor Volunteer Fire Hose #1 and the Phillie Phanatic! Come cheer on the 325 marchers representing local schools, sports groups, scout troops and sporting clubs carrying banners, throwing candy and waving to spectators along the route.
After the parade, Market at Fareway will host musical performances around their outdoor fireplace. Join in the caroling and hymns with the choir from St Paul’s Episcopal Church, the University of the Arts bucket drum corps and the New Orleans Jazz Marching Band. Enjoy treats and the chance the chance to take photos with Santa.
Saturday: Dickens Christmas Party
Have a Dickens of a time at the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion in Germantown. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. Families can enjoy reading from Christmas classics and watching a one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Children can wrap gifts, create cards, and enjoy cookies and punch while surrounded by sights and sounds of the season.
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