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Holiday Events & Deals That Won’t Break Your Budget in Greater Philly
Bring on the twinkling trees, crackling fire, cookies, and eggnog! Another holiday season has arrived, ushering in the most joyous—and often most expensive—time of year.
Are you searching for some holiday activities that won’t break your budget this year? If so, you’re in luck. Our local Southeast Pennsylvania communities offer plenty of fun-packed, low-cost, and free events appropriate for all ages. Here are some guaranteed crowd-pleasers to put on the calendar:
Holiday Events in Bucks County
The North Pole Express Train
The North Pole Express offers a fun ride with hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies, and plenty of carol singing from the roaming railroad musicians. Start a fun new tradition and enjoy a relaxing holiday ride through historic Bucks County. Each child receives a sleigh bell from Santa. Rent a private caboose or coach car for you and your loved ones.
When: Mid-November through December. Ticket prices vary.
Peddler's Village
Browse unique gifts in 65 locally owned specialty shops and experience the holiday magic of the Grand Illumination celebration, free festival and parade, gingerbread displays, visits from Santa, and so much more.
When: November to January
Festival of Trees
Each year during the Annual Festival of Trees, Pearl S. Buck’s iconic Bucks County stone farmhouse comes alive with holiday cheer. Marvel at the rooms displaying beautiful trees and vignettes designed by Bucks County artists, decorators, and local community groups. Evening candlelight tours are also available on select dates.
When: November 14th to January 5th
Bucks County Tree Farms
Deck the halls with a freshly cut Douglas Fir or Blue Spruce. Whether you want to chop down your own tree or pick up one ready-to-go, here's a list of 10 local Bucks County farms to explore.
When: All season long
Christmas, Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Celebrations at Sesame Place
Celebrate all season long with your favorite Sesame Street friends! Enjoy kid-friendly activities with special events and festivities for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. And, you can get serious discounts on tickets for the whole family during the Black Friday sale.
When: Christmas: November 16th - January 5th | Hanukkah & Kwanzaa: December 26th to January 1st
Holiday Events in Chester County
Kennett Square Holiday Village Market
For the first two weekends in December every year, the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market at The Creamery brings the Christkindlmarkt experience to Southern Chester County. Dozens of artisans and vintage vendors are at the heart of the event, as well as live music, ice sculpture demonstrations, fire pits, s’mores, food trucks, and more. Free admission.
When: December 7th - 8th & December 14th - 15th from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
West Chester’s Annual Tree Lighting & Parade
Embrace the holiday spirit with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Chester County Courthouse, followed by one of the area’s largest downtown parades featuring area bands, local celebrity appearances, and Santa on his sleigh. Enjoy shopping and sampling a variety of food and drink from local establishments.
When: December 6th at 6:15 p.m.
Christmas Village at Thornbury Farm
$10 general admission will get you access to many local vendors, live music from local groups, a selection of fresh-baked market goods, drinks, farm animals, and—of course—a visit with Santa.
When: November 23 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & November 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brandywine Christmas Village
Hosted by Brothers Kershner Brewing Company, this annual event features dazzling holiday lights, cozy firepits, local vendors, kids’ activities, a beer garden, and a wine and cider bar, among other delights. Don’t miss your photo session with Santa!
When: December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd from 1 - 6 p.m.
Chester County Library Holiday Craft Show
Shop with local crafters and artisans! At this popular annual event, dozens of local crafters come together to offer unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
When: December 14th, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Phoenixville Firebird Festival
The Firebird Festival is an annual celebration of the borough’s namesake – the Phoenix. Celebrate the winter solstice and the burning of the Phoenix with craft and food vendors in the Festival Village. Firebird dancers, fire spinners, and more will perform at the Festival site throughout the event. Free to the public.
When: December 14th
Holiday Events in Delaware County
Rose Tree Festival of Lights
Rose Tree Park sparkles throughout December with its annual Festival of Lights display. Dozens of illuminated trees and displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere. This beloved tradition starts with a Tree-Lighting Ceremony featuring festive music, food trucks, and a visit from Santa.
When: December 5th to January 5th
Christmas Around the Farm at Linvilla Orchards
During the holiday season, the Garden Center is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, Featuring Santa and his elves, handmade wreaths, greens and holly, and a sea of poinsettias. Shop timeless holiday decorations, children’s toys, and collectibles you won't find anywhere else, plus enjoy winter food options like wood-fired pizza, Holly-Jolly Doughnuts, and more! This year, be sure to visit the new on-site Maker’s Market.
When: November 24 – December 23
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it’s transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages. Free with general admission. And this year, you’ll also want to catch the new Nighttime Express, debuting December 12th. Ticket prices vary.
When: November 23rd to December 30th
Home for the Holidays
Start the day sporting your ugliest Christmas sweater, an elf costume, or any festive apparel, and prepare to run or walk the spirited 1-mile Reindeer Dash through the streets of Swarthmore. Afterward, relax and enjoy the town’s annual Home for The Holidays tradition featuring music, a firetruck parade, a visit from Santa, trolley rides, and more holiday fun.
When: December 7th, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Events in Lancaster County
Christmas Spirit Light Show
The Christmas Spirit Light Show is an exciting, one-of-a-kind Christmas drive-thru light display that you and your loved ones can enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle. The mile-long track features hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights synced to classic Christmas songs.
When: November 29th to December 31st
View full details & get tickets
Annual Christmas Light Drive Thru
Celebrate the traditions of Christmas with your loved ones from the comfort of your warm car. The Star Bard at Stone Gables Estate invites you to experience a spectacular 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru featuring over 1 million brilliant LED lights.
When: November 29th to January 4th
View full details & get tickets
Strasburg Railroad Christmas Trains
Hop aboard for a memorable ride on one of many special holiday-themed trains through picturesque Lancaster County. Choose from experiences including Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas, or Santa Claus Limited, or charter your own private caboose.
When: November - December
View full details & get tickets
Holiday Events in Montgomery County
East Norriton Holiday Parade & Community Event
Gather at Hillcrest Plaza and join in the festivities at the animated East Norriton Holiday Parade, which features local businesses and a special appearance by Santa.
When: December 7th, 11 – 1:00 p.m.
Ryerss Annual Holiday Open House
Take your photos with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while visiting the horses, and stop by the Ryerss gift shop for holiday gifts and decorations. The Giving Tree will also be on display to help the horses celebrate the season! Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
When: December 8th, 12 - 3 p.m.
Elmwood Park Zoo Wild Lights
Wild Lights returns on select nights this holiday season. Stroll through dazzling light displays, meet the animals, snap photos with Santa, enjoy carousel rides, and be captivated by live entertainment.
When: November 22nd to December 30th, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays With Santa in Suburban Square
Every Saturday in Ardmore's Winter Wonderland between noon and 5 p.m., located across from the fire pit on Coulter Avenue, enjoy holiday fun. Take your picture with Santa and write him a letter to put in the Santa Express post office so he doesn't forget your wish! There will be sweet treats & shopping from local vendors as well.
Holiday Events in Philadelphia
Christmas Village in LOVE Park
The authentic outdoor German Christmas Market in Philadelphia’s LOVE Park is open all season long. Vendors in wooden booths set up shop to sell a variety of international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and high-quality arts and crafts, as well as traditional European food, sweets, and drinks. The unique atmosphere and the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst, and mulled wine will surely spark the Christmas spirit.
When: November 23rd to December 24th
Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park’s popular winter attractions have returned this year. Check out the City Hall Christmas Tree and watch the Deck the Hall Light Show while ice skating. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market rounds out the park’s seasonal transformation.
When: November to March
Kwanzaa Celebration at AAMP
Take part in unity building, community and family activities, and live performances at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Enjoy a curated family-friendly market experience featuring Black-owned businesses from across the region, plus Kwanzaa-themed quizzo, food trucks, music, and more.
When: December 26th - January 1st
The Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display
One of the city’s most iconic Christmas destinations is located in South Philadelphia: The Miracle on South 13th Street (or sometimes just Miracle on 13th Street). From 5 – 11 p.m. each day, the 1600 Block of South 13th Street (between Tasker and Morris) becomes the Miracle on South 13th St. Take a stroll and enjoy what USA Today voted “one of the best light holiday light displays in the country.”
When: Daily throughout December
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
LumiNature is a unique nighttime holiday light show featuring over a million lights across 16 illuminated zones. The event includes performers in animal-themed costumes, food and drink, and a sparkling light waterfall. The animals housed at the Zoo are not part of this event.
When: November 17th through January 6th
Note:There are so many festive, affordable celebrations happening across the Greater Philly area. This is not a complete list - check your local county, neighborhood, and visitor websites or social media pages for more budget-friendly holiday happenings around town!
