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Holiday Events & Deals That Won’t Break Your Budget in Greater Philly
With the holiday season upon us, people are gearing up for the most joyous, and often most expensive, time of the year. While the holidays are a great way to bring friends and families together, navigating all the festive activities can be overwhelming at times, both mentally and financially.
As a community-chartered credit union, Citadel invests heavily into the Greater Philadelphia region we serve, and we proudly support local events and charities throughout the entire year. If you’re looking for some fun, low cost (or free) things to do during Christmas in Philly, or if you’re looking for some local donation opportunities, here are a few activities in our area this December:
Holiday Events in Bucks County
The North Pole Express
The North Pole Express offers a fun ride with hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies, and plenty of singing from the railroad’s roaming musicians. Gear up in pajamas and enjoy the relaxing holiday ride through historic Bucks County. Rent a private caboose or coach car for you and your close ones.
When: Weekends November & December. Ticket prices vary.
Peddler's Village
Browse unique gifts from more than 60 locally owned specialty shops and experience over 1 million twinkling lights, a free festival and parade, gingerbread displays, visits from Santa and so much more.
When: November 2023 to January 2024
Itineraries for Families, Couples, & Friends
The folks at Visit Bucks County have put together custom ideas and itineraries for all types of holiday outings this year. Find tips on where to stay, eat, and play no matter who you're celebrating with.
When: All season long
Bucks County Tree Farms
If you're looking to chop down your own tree or find one that's freshly pre-cut, here's a list of 10 local Bucks County farms you can explore.
When: All season long
Other Holiday Happenings
Visit Bucks County has compiled a full list of holiday happenings throughout the season.
When: November 2023 to January 2024
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 brings the Christkindlmarkt experience to Southern Chester County. Dozens of artisan 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 to enter.
When: December 2nd -3rd & December 9th -10th from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Brandywine Christmas Village
$10 general admission includes photos with Santa, holiday shopping with artisan vendors, Santa’s Toy Shop, food trucks, beer garden and take-out beer, holiday light display, fire pits, hot chocolate. Pre-cut Christmas trees also for sale.
When: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th from 12 - 7 p.m.
Chester County Library Holiday Craft Show
Shop with local crafters and artisans! Dozens of local crafters will be selling unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
When: December 11th, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downingtown Second Annual Cookie Crawl & Christmas Parade
Bring the family for a cookie (and treat) crawl along Lancaster Ave. Collect all the free and delicious treats that main street merchants have to offer while you save your seat for Downingtown's Annual Christmas Parade at 3 p.m.
When: December 9th, 1 - 3 p.m.
Wine Wonderland Winter Festival
When: December 10th, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phoenixville Firebird Festival - 20th Anniversary
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 be performing at the Festival site throughout the event. Free to the public.
When: December 9th, 4 - 11 p.m.
Holiday Events in Delaware County
Holiday Village Festival of Lights
Visit the vendor village at the Rose Tree Festival of Light during the first three weekends in December, and shop local this holiday season. Unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.
When: December 1st – 16th, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
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 a of timeless holiday decorations, children’s toys and collectibles you won't find anywhere else, plus enjoy winter food options including, Wood Fired Pizza, Holly Jolly Doughnuts, and more!
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is 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.
When: November 24th to December 30th
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 24th to December 31st
View full details & get tickets here
Annual Christmas Light Drive Thru
Celebrate the traditions of Christmas with your loved ones from the comfort of your vehicle. The Star Bard at Stone Gables Estate invites you to experience a spectacular 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru which features over 800,000+ brilliant LED lights.
When: November 25th to December 30th
Discover Lancaster Events
Check out a full list of events and dates from Discover Lancaster to explore fun things to do for Christmas in Lancaster, PA. Check out light displays, a holiday-themed amusement park and so much more!
Holiday Events in Montgomery County
East Norriton Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Start with the parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. and return on Sunday for the tree lighting from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
When: December 3-4
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 4th, 12 - 3 p.m.
View details & RSVP on Facebook
Elmwood Park Zoo Wild Lights
Wild Lights presented by Taphouse 23 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. Plus, warm up in the indoor exhibits, including the Trail of the Jaguar and Habitat HQ.
When: November 17th to December 30th
Saturdays With Santa in Suburban Square
Every Saturday in Ardmore's Winter Wonderland between noon and 5pm, located across from the fire pit on Coulter Avenue. Get your picture taken with Santa from 1 - 4p.m. & 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.View full details
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 with thousands of lights and the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine will bring you and your family into the perfect Christmas spirit.
When: November 18th to December 24th
Winter at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park’s popular winter attractions have returned this year. The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink will again offer skating seven days per week, the Greenfield Lawn will host reindeer topiaries in the Wintergarden, the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will round out the park’s seasonal transformation.
When: November 10th to February 25th
The Miracle on South 13th Street Holiday Light Display
Located in South Philadelphia is one of the city’s most iconic Christmas destinations: The Miracle on South 13th Street (or sometimes called just Miracle on 13th Street). From 5 – 11 p.m. each day the 1600 Block of South 13th Street (between Tasker & Morris) becomes the Miracle on South 13th St. Take a stroll down and enjoy Philadelphia's favorite community holiday display!
When: Daily throughout December
Other Things to Do During Christmas in Philly
Uncovering PA has compiled a full list of things to do in Philadelphia throughout the season.
Happy Holidays from Citadel Credit Union!
