5 family-fun weekend activities to kick off the holidays

     Head to the Woodmere Art Museum on Saturday for the annual tree lighting. (NewsWorks file)

    Head to the Woodmere Art Museum on Saturday for the annual tree lighting. (NewsWorks file)

    It’s starting to happen. Like it or not, the holidays are sneaking up, so why not embrace it with these fun weekend events around the city.

     

    Friday: Gingerbread houses

    Friday is the final day for the Fairmont Park Holiday Gingerbread House Display at the Shops at Liberty Place. See how many of the historic Philadelphia landmarks you and your children can recognize. Can you spot the Laurel Hill Cemetery? Smith Playground? And you’ll notice Bredenbeck’s own handiwork showcased for the Laurel Hill Mansion gingerbread house. 

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    Friday and Saturday: Holiday fair

    Get a jumpstart on the holiday spirit with a craft bazaar at the Waldorf School of Philadelphia. Enjoy an adults-only evening on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., or bring the whole family on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wonderful artisan vendors, live music, homemade food, and children’s activities create a charming backdrop for some fun shopping. 

    Saturday: Tree lighting at Woodmere

    Kick off the holiday season on The Hill with a tree lighting and “The Circle of Trees.” This annual tradition starts at 5:30 p.m., and includes live music, hot chocolate, treats, and a surprise guest! Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need.

    Saturday: Fort day!

    The cooler weather brings out the fort-maker in all of us, so why not enjoy some collective fort-making at Smith Playground & Playhouse? Bring your own boxes, sticks and blankets or enjoy those scavenged by others.

    Sunday: Hess truck mobile museum

    Have you or your kids grown up collecting Hess trucks? This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic toy, and the Please Touch Museum will be hosting the Mobile Museum to celebrate! Fans can enjoy the entire collection, outdoor activities, a kids zone and more, all day Sunday. 

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