Hi Neighbor,

The holiday season is full of traditions from what we cook and bake to how we decorate, who we spend our time with, and what we do in and around town during this most joyous, yet hectic, time of year. Whether we need to blow off steam or entertain our out of town guests, there is plenty to do in and around the City of Brotherly Love (or Shove, if you are an Eagles fan!).

Last month I shared my tradition of planting amaryllis bulbs in time for a Christmas bloom (while I still have a few weeks to go, my bulb is slowly making its way toward Christmas). This month, I want to share another tradition I can’t do without...

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Continuing with traditions,

Jackie

👀 Meet Jackie
​🔖 Read more of Jackie's stories
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Welcome to our newest advertiser, Berwyn Lawnmower!

The local businesses below support us through a commitment to an advertising campaign. These businesses support our community. Please click to learn more and consider giving them your business. Thank you 🫶

​Community Arts Center • Baldwin School • Lionville • Friends' Central School • Valley Forge Educational Services • Community Arts Center • Adam Mechanical • Luisa Ramondo • Wolf Performing Arts Center • Gladwyne Montessori​

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Community Arts Center & The Potters Guild Present their Annual Holiday Sale of Fine Craft & Pottery

Featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted objects by members of the Potters Guild and other local artists!

Monday – Friday 12pm to 7pm • Saturdays (12/7 and 12/14) 10am to 5pm • Sunday (12/8 and 12/15) 12pm to 5pm

​communityartscenter.org/holiday-sale​

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HISTORICAL TOURING TRADITIONS

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​Holidays in the Park

Various Hours and Days

Fairmount Park Mansions, Philadelphia

There is no better time to visit the historic mansions in Fairmount Park than when they are dressed up for Christmas. Details ​

Christmas at the Historic Grange Estate

Weekends now through Sunday, January 5

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The Grange Estate, Havertown

Experience a Victorian Christmas as this historic mansion is decked out for the season. A miniature train set is on display as well as a vintage collection of Santas and thirteen beautifully decorated trees. Details

Twelfth Night Holiday Tours

Now through Sunday, January 12

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Sunday

Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown

Colonial Yuletide is brought to life during guided tours showcasing how Twelfth Night was celebrated in the 18^th century. Details

Home for the Holidays

Saturday, December 14 and 21

Sunday, December 15 and 22

Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sunday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Stoneleigh Natural Land, Villanova

The grand Tudor Revival-style mansion is decked out for the holidays and ready to show off! Details

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FARM FUN

Winter Wonderland

Friday, December 13

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Nor-View Farm, King of Prussia

The farm will be transformed into a festive evening with live music, twinkling lights, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more. Details ​

Christmasland

Weekends in December

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Linvilla Orchards, Media

Every weekend there is a Winter Makers Market with vendors and live music plus ice skating, axe throwing, and of course, a visit with Santa. Details ​

Walking Wonderland Light Show

Now through Saturday, December 21

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings

Aradar Farm, Collegeville

Bring the family for a magical stroll through the light show. Check the calendar for special events each weekend. Details

Meet the Menagerie @ Harriton

Friday, December 27

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Harriton Farm, Bryn Mawr

Head over to the Farmyard at Harriton for a special meet and greet with the chickens and goats plus other fun activities. Details​

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WELCOMING WINTER MARKETS

Christkindlmarkt

Saturday, December 14

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Downtown West Chester

Over 100 vendors will have their wares on display and for sale. Details ​

Holiday Shopping Weekend

Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15

Wayne Art Center

Holiday shopping at its finest with beautiful wares of various forms: jewelry, ceramics, glass, soaps, and more. Details ​

Conshohocken Winter Market​

December 13-15
Plaza at SORA West adjacent to Hotel West & Main
​FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING!​
The market will feature approximately 25 vendors each weekend, offering items that make the perfect gift or something to enjoy yourself. Live holiday music, a holiday cocktail menu, hot German wine, and more. Details​

CAC Holiday Sale
​Community Arts Center & The Potters Guild Present their Annual Holiday Sale of Fine Craft & Pottery
Thru December 15
​Featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted objects by members of the Potters Guild and other local artists! Details​

Kennett Square Holiday Village Market
​Saturday, December 14-Sunday, December 15
11:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Creamery of Kennett Square
​Featuring vendors, kids activities, ice sculptor, music, food trucks and more. Details​

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GLORIOUS GARDENS

A Longwood Christmas

Now through Sunday, January 12

10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square

A perennial favorite not to be missed! New, expanded space with the same Christmas Magic. Details

Holiday Garden Railway

Now – Monday, December 30

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia

Make magical memories by visiting the train display during the holidays. Details

Winter Luminary Nights

Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM or 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Jenkins Arboretum, Devon

Enjoy a stroll through the grounds amid sparkling lights and delicious treats from local vendors. Details​

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MISCHIEF, MUSIC & MODEL TRAINS

The Grinch Visits State Street

Saturday, December 21

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

State Street, Media

A friendly version of the Grinch will be causing some mischief in Media for the day. Details ​

A Very Merry Grinchmas

Saturday, December 14

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Burkholder, Malvern

In addition to an appearance from Santa, the Grinch and Cindy Lou will also be at the Holiday Market. Details

Holidays at Brandywine

Now through Sunday, January 5

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Brandywine Museum of Art, Chadds Ford

The Brandywine Railroad is up and running for the season, featuring model trains traversing over 2,000 feet of tracks. Details ​

Caroling in Downtown West Chester

Friday, December 13 and 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 14 and 21, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Downtown West Chester

The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will be roaming through the town dressed in Victorian attire to entertain. Details

VoxAmaDeus Handel Messiah ​
Sunday, December 22, 4:00 PM
St. Katherine, Wayne
​The annual presentation of magical Renaissance Noël concerts, celebrating the glorious Renaissance seasonal music of Old Europe, with masterpieces for chorus and period instruments featuring Renaissance Consort performers exquisitely attired in lush period costumes. Details​

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Get in the spirit with a buzzy new French café in Wayne, a space-themed indoor playground, a mobile party bar, lots more! READ DECEMBER'S LOCAL BUZZ!​

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PARTNER CONTENT

​ACCTs of Love Saves Lives ​
​

Angels Retreat program “ACCTs of Love," established in August 2024, focuses on second chances for dogs suffering from Parvo virus. They are scheduled to be euthanized but ACCTs of Love provides treatment.

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The newly developed monoclonal antibody treatment is highly effective and is the difference between life and death for many dogs in our area. After successful treatment, the now healthy dogs are available for adoption and the happy ending they deserve.

To contribute to Angel Retreat's ACCTs Of Love fund to save more dogs at risk of euthanasia please donate:

​Venmo • PayPal​

Text PARVO to 53-555

​Learn more about this program and other special programs​

​Angels Retreat website​
361 Corinne Road, West Chester/ Hours by appointment

PA Kennel License NP17335

EIN 83-2810698

Contact: adoptions@angelsretreat.org 302.598.9023

​Adoptable pets ​

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THE NUTCRACKER

Philly Nutt Crak-Up 2024

Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15, 2:00 PM

Venice Island Performing Arts Center, Philadelphia

The ContempraDANCE Theater performs this comical holiday spoof for their 21st season in Manayunk. Details

A Philadelphia Nutcracker

Saturday, December 14, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM

Sunday, December 15, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Montco Cultural Center Theater, Blue Bell

The Philadelphia Dance Theater celebrates its 25^th anniversary season with this abbreviated performance of the holiday classic. Details​

The Nutcracker
​December 14-15
Wayne Ballet & Center for Dance Arts
​Come experience the magic of this holiday classic with Wayne Ballet during our 21st annual Nutcracker production! Buy Tickets Today!​ Want to try a dance class in the New Year? Check out our schedule and use promo code Winter50 to take $50 off when you register for a session of dance now through Jan 26th.
​Details​

Nutcracker on Ice Holiday Show
​Saturday, December 14 at 6:00 PM
Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society, Ardmore
​Come see the Nutcracker on ice. A great show for the whole family!
 Details​

​MORE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES​

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#SANTASLEIGHS

FREE Sensory Friendly Santa Visit

Saturday, December 14

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

A Flick of the Wrist, Malvern

For families of children of special needs. Sensory Fit.
Must sign up @ SignupGenius to secure your spot. Details​

Brunch with Santa

Saturday, December 14

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Winterthur Museum, Delaware

Santa’s sleigh will arrive at 9:30 AM for photos followed by brunch and family activities and entertainment. Register in advance. Details

Gingerbread Decorating with Santa

Saturday, December 14

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Radnor Fire Company, Wayne

Join Santa for a fun gingerbread decorating event sponsored by the Radnor Fire Company Auxiliary. Details ​

Santa on the Firetruck

Saturday, December 21, 3:00 PM

Downtown West Chester

This is the last Saturday of the season to catch Santa touring the borough on a firetruck. Details

Mini Sessions with Santa and Dominick the Donkey

Weekends now through Sunday, December 22

Northern Starr Farm, Trappe

Book a twenty minute session for pictures in Santa’s sleigh and with Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey. Bring your own camera. Details ​

Skate with Santa

​Sunday, December 15
1:45 PM-3:15 PM
Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society, Ardmore
​Bring the whole family to skate with Santa Claus! Details​

Cocoa + Photos with the Clauses & Friends
​Saturday, December 14
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Media Community Center
​Grab some fun photos, decorate and eat cookies, sip hot cocoa and make holiday cards for local seniors. Details​

​MORE SANTA SIGHTINGS​

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Check out our comprehensive holiday guide, filled with all the events in and around our area and updated daily!

​HOLIDAY LIGHTS • HOLIDAY SHOWS​

​FESTIVE FUN • HOLIDAY SHOPPING ​

​SANTA SIGHTINGS • FESTIVE RUNS​

​PARADES • HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS ​

​KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS • NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS​

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