Pennsylvania
LATKEPALOOZA
This celebration at the Gershman Y, Broad & Pine Sts., Phila., offers gourmet latkes prepared by chefs from Center City restaurants, including Old Original Bookbinders, Estai, Jones, Gayle, The Restaurant School and Cabot Cheese. Additional highlights include music, face painting, arts and crafts, magician and a balloon clown. Admission is $10-$15. Phila., Dec. 2, 2-4pm. 215-446-3021, www.gershmany.org

New Jersey
GRAND PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING
Chabad of Medford invites the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights at this public Menorah kindling ceremony at the corner of Main St. and Allen Ave. Afterward there will be music, latkes, donuts, raffles, Hanukkah gelt for the kids and other family fun. Medford, NJ, Dec. 4, 6pm. 609-953-3150, www.chabadmedford.com

Christmas

New Jersey
15th ANNUAL OLD FASHIONED
CHRISTMAS IN MULLICA HILL
The self-guided tour showcases homes, churches & buildings as carolers, a Town Crier & Santa spread cheer as they stroll along Main St. A trolley will be available to move visitors around town. Tickets are available at merchant stores throughout Mullica Hill. Mullica Hill, NJ, Dec. 1, 2-7pm. 856-881-6800, www.mullicahill.com

20th ANNUAL YULETIDE TOUR
OF HISTORIC SALEM
Tour visits houses, churches and museums. Military reenactments add a unique flavor to this holiday event. Tickets are $10. Salem, NJ, Dec. 1, 1-6pm. 856-935-8800, www.salemcitynj.com/events

6th ANNUAL WOODSTOWN
BY CANDLELIGHT TOUR
Tour visits homes, churches and businesses. A soup & sandwich supper is served at the Fire Hall. Musical entertainment includes The Libby Prison Minstrels, strolling carolers & the Town Crier. Woodstown, NJ, Dec. 7, 4-10pm. www.historicwoodstown.org

34th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS
CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOURS
Continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys is available for these self-guided tours, which feature homes, inns, hotels and churches decorated for the holidays, caroling and strolling musicians. Admission is $12-$24. Cape May, NJ, Dec. 1, 8 and 15, 5:30-8:30pm. 800-275-4278, www.capemaymac.org

AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS:
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
THROUGH THE YEARS
An evening trolley ride to the Emlen Physick Estate hosts this exhibit of holiday traditions, which features decorated trees and toy trains. Warm wassail punch and cookies await each tour-goer. Tickets are $7.50-$15. Cape May, NJ, through Dec. 30. 800-275-4278, www.capemaymac.org

CARRIAGE RIDES
Take a break from candlelight shopping and visits with Santa to go on a carriage ride. $2 per person. Haddonfield, NJ, through Dec. 24, Thurs. & Fri., 6-9pm and Sat. & Sun., 12noon-3pm. 856-216-7253, www.haddonfieldnj.org

CHRISTMAS AT HISTORIC SMITHVILLE VILLAGE GREENE
Every Saturday and Sunday in Dec. at the Smithville Village Greene the Magical Talking Tree awakens to talk to the young and young-at-heart, Mrs. Claus drops by for storytime while a Victorian Santa strolls the Village. Guests can also ride the Christmas Train to take in the Village’s whimsical decorations for $2. Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern offers Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 8 and 15. F\or times and reservations call 609-652-0544. Be sure to see the Puppet Theatre during your visit, call 609-652-5750 for show times and cost. Smithville, NJ, Dec. 1-31, closed on Dec. 25. 609-748-6160, www.smithvillenj.com

CHRISTMAS LANTERN TOURS
View holiday-clad Allaire Village at night on a candlelight lantern guided tour. Enter the gingerbread-fragrant bakery and blacksmith’s shop with sounds of Christmas bells. The chapel resonates with
angelic holiday music, and the carpenter’s shop is full of delightful wooden toys for children. See how James P. Allaire celebrated Christmas in the final stop of the tour, the Big House. $10 per person.
Farmingdale, NJ, Dec. 1 and 15, 5-8pm,
advance ticket purchase required.
732-919-3500, www.allairevillage.org

FISHMAS
Did you know that Santa is a certified Scuba diver? This year, before he heads out to deliver toys to good little girls and boys he’s working at the Adventure Aquarium diving into the 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit to swim with shark rays, cow nose rays and sea turtles. Guests who visit the Aquarium during Fishmas can also enjoy the 4D experience of
“The Polar Express,” and the twelve days of Fishmas scavenger hunt. Admission is $14.95-$17.95. Camden, NJ, through
Jan. 1. 866-451-2782,
www.adventureaquarium.com

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The Camden Children’s Garden’s 4.5 acres are illuminated by 100,000 holiday lights. Highlights include an Enchanted Wonderland with animated scenes, rides on the Commerce Carousel (additional fee required) and visits from Santa Claus, his elves and Mum Bear. Admission is $3.50. Camden, Fri. and Sat. through Dec. 30, 5:30-8pm.
856-365-8733,
www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

MEDFORD DICKENS FESTIVAL 2007
Annual event celebrates Christmas 19th century style. Evening is filled with the annual Christmas Tree-lighting, Santa’s arrival, children’s storytelling, a live nativity, Gingerbread contest, a brass quartet and Victorian trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides. Medford, NJ, Dec. 1, 6-9:30pm (rain date Dec. 2). 609-714-8811, www.hmva.org

OLDE STONE HOUSE VILLAGE
CHRISTMAS TOUR, THE
Tour visits five buildings decorated with the themes of Christmas carols. A Town Crier, costumed guides, hot cider and carolers add to the experience. Washington Township, NJ, Dec. 14, 5-9pm & Dec. 15,
3-9pm. 856-848-8634.

PATCONG VALLEY MODEL RAILROAD
ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
The Patcong Valley Model Railroad Club hosts this annual display, for which a new display is under construction, of an HO scale model railroad. Richland, NJ, Dec. 2, 9, and 10. 609-391-0229, www.patcongvalley.com

SANTA’S TROLLEY RIDE
Santa rides through Cape May with the kids. Treats for the kids are included. All seats $5. Advance reservation strongly recommended. Cape May, NJ, Sat. and Sun. through Dec. 22. 800-275-4278, www.capemaymac.org

THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS – A TRAIN RIDE WITH SANTA
Enjoy a train ride with Santa around Allaire State Park on Pine Creek Railroad. $5 per person. Monmouth County, NJ, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16, 11am-4pm. 732-938-5524, www.njparksandforests.org/parks/
allaire.html

Pennsylvania
13th ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
Santa arrives by helicopter on Nov. 25 at 1pm to visit and take photos with the kids. Mrs. Claus also stops by to read holiday stories. After you’ve relayed your Christmas wish list to Santa, take a ride through the Holiday Light Show with millions of lights illuminating acres of farmland. $20 per carload or $7 per person on a hayride. Yardley, through Jan. 6, 5-10pm, Hayrides 6-8pm. 215-968-1670,
www.shadybrookfarm.com

25th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS
IN MINIATURE EXHIBIT
Art created in miniature by regional, national and international artists is showcased in this exhibit at the Chadds Ford Village and Barn Shops. Chadds Ford, PA, through Dec. 31, Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 12noon-5pm. 610-459-5510, www.awyethgallery.com

A BRANDYWINE CHRISTMAS
The Brandywine River Museum’s holiday display showcases an extensive O-gauge model railroad, an elaborate Victorian dollhouse and thousands of “critter” ornaments on holiday trees. Chadds Ford, PA, through Jan. 6, 9:30am-4:30pm, (closed Dec. 25), Dec. 26-30, 9:30am-6pm. 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org

ANNUAL HISTORIC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Now in its fifth year the tour visits area homes decked out for the holidays. Several of the homes will feature a special display including miniatures, antiques and toys. Tickets are $20. Kennett Square, PA, Dec. 9, 4-7pm. 610-444-8188,
www.historickennettsquare.com

BATTLEFIELD BY CANDLELIGHT
Experience a local Quaker family’s winter preparations. Speak with soldiers about their experiences at Brandywine. Chadds Ford, PA, Dec. 8, 3-7pm. 610-459-3342, www.ushistory.org/brandywine/cal.htm

BEING JEWISH AT CHRISTMAS
The National Museum of American Jewish History hosts its annual family event featuring music with Shirlala, magic, special children’s activities and refreshments. Admission is $5. Phila., Dec. 25. 215-923-3811, www.nmajh.org

BUCKS COUNTY HOLIDAY TREE FEST
Twenty-five, eight-foot uniquely themed Christmas trees decorated are on display at the Bucks County Visitor Center. Will be accepting Toys for Tots donations. Free. Bensalem, through Jan. 6, 9am-5pm.
215-639-0300, www.buckscounty.travel

BYERS’ CHOICE ENGLISH
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Come enjoy a traditional English Christmas weekend where you can sample unique foods and enjoy the sounds of caroler music as you stroll the life-size London street scene. Free. Chalfont, Dec. 1-2.
215-822-6700, www.byerschoice.com

BYERS’ CHOICE ITALIAN
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Experience an Italian Christmas with panettone, a rich Italian Christmas bread, and meet Befana, the Italian Christmas Witch. Free. Chalfont, Dec. 8-9.
215-822-6700, www.byerschoice.com

BYERS’ CHOICE IRISH
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
An Irish Christmas celebration is held at the Byers’ Choice Christmas Museum with authentic music, food and drink. Free. Chalfont, Dec. 15-16. 215-822-6700, www.byerschoice.com

BYERS’ CHOICE CHRISTMAS MUSEUM
Visitors are invited to make their way through festive Christmas displays, a life-sized Victorian London street scene and Wintergreene Gardens. Hundreds of Carolers and Kindles and a large collection of handmade nativities are also on display. Chalfont, PA, Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 12noon-5pm. 215-822-6700,
www.byerschoice.com

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS
IN CHADDS FORD
Brandywine’s finest private homes and historic sites are open for viewing on this self-guided, drive-through tour. The 22nd annual tour includes an 18th century tenant house with 20th century addition, a 1790s stone house with ties to Chadds Ford’s artistic community, a circa 1914 Georgian Revival estate home, and an early English cottage house built in the 20th century. Tickets are $5-$20. Chadds Ford, PA, Dec. 1, 1-6pm.
610-388-7376, www.chaddsfordhistory.org

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE FARM
At Linvilla Orchards, families can cut their own Christmas trees now through Dec. 23. Drop by Sat. and Sun. through Dec. 24, 10am-4pm for a Christmas Open House to visit with Santa from 1-2pm, enjoy a train ride or stop by Christmasland. A Winter Solstice Wassailing Hayride on Dec. 8, 15 and 22 at 4:30pm recreates an English tradition. Wassailing involves sprinkling the apple trees with cider, then toasting with cider. Afterwards guests can enjoy caroling and storytelling by the bonfire. Media, PA. 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com

CHRISTMAS AT LONGWOOD GARDENS
Longwood’s annual holiday festival features festive holiday flowers, thousands of colorful lights and live entertainment such as organ sing-alongs, strolling performers and ice skating performances. Kennett Square, PA, through Jan. 6. 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Peddler’s Village lights up for this annual holiday festival. Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand arrival Sat., Dec. 1 at 1:30pm. While you’re here don’t miss the Gingerbread House Display. Admission is free. Lahaska, PA, through Jan. 3.
215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com

CHRISTMAS IN CHOCOLATE TOWN
This Holiday Dinner Musical at the Hershey Lodge is enjoyable for the whole family. Start out with caroling and hors d’oeuvres, then have a wonderful traditional Christmas meal and a decadent chocolate dessert. Now relax as the lights go down for the entertainment to begin. Call for reservations and pricing. Hershey, PA, through Dec. 28. 717-520-5401, www.hersheypa.com

DECK THE ALLEY 2007
House and garden tours of approximately 32 traditionally decorated homes on
Elfreth’s Alley, carols sung by the Philadelphia Revels and hot cider. Tickets are $10-$25, children younger than age six may enter free when accompanied by an adult. Phila., Dec. 8, 5-8pm. 215-574-0560, www.elfrethsalley.org

DICKENS VILLAGE
This world famous Dickens Village is now at Macy’s in Center City. An animated interpretation of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and authentic reproductions of period dress, furniture and more, will help you experience the sights and sounds of 1840s London. Customers can take pictures with Santa after they tour the village. Free. Phila., through Dec. 31.
215-241-9000,
www.centercityphila.org/holidayfestival

ENCHANTED COLONIAL VILLAGE
The Please Touch Museum kicks off the holiday season with a trip to this
Enchanted Colonial Village. Relive holidays past and make new memories with the 18 original scenes. Admission is $9.95. Phila., Nov. 23, 9am-4:30pm. 215-963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

FRANKLIN SQUARE HOLIDAY CAROLING
Franklin Square visitors are invited to sing along with their favorite holiday songs. Phila., Dec. 22, 12noon-2pm. 215-629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org

HERSHEYPARK CHRISTMAS CANDYLANE
Hersheypark is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than two million lights, family rides, live entertainment and Santa and his reindeer. Admission is $9.95. Hershey, PA, through Dec. 31, times vary. 800-HERSHEY, www.hersheypa.com

HERSHEY SWEETLIGHTS
The lights come on at 5pm for this two-mile drive behind the spectacular Hotel Hershey. More than one million lights form almost six hundred displays, which families can view from the comfort of their own vehicles. Holiday songs are broadcast on your car radio. $20 per car. Hershey, PA, through Jan. 1. 800-HERSHEY, www.hersheypa.com

HIBERNIA MANSION CANDLELIGHT TOURS
Costumed guides lead guests through the 19th century mansion, where silver collections and music boxes are on display. There is live music and dancing in the ballroom. Learn about holiday traditions from around the world. Tickets are $5 for adults; children age 12 and younger are free. Wagontown, PA, Dec. 7 & 8, 6:30-9pm and Dec. 9, 1-4pm. 610-383-3812, www.chesco.org/ccparks

HOLIDAY GARDEN RAILWAY DISPLAY
The Morris Arboretum’s holiday railway display returns for a seventh year. See 7
G-scale model train lines in the garden, surrounded by more than 40 miniature houses & buildings decorated for the holidays. Admission is $5-$10. Phila., through Dec. 31, 10am-4pm, closed Dec. 24 and 25. 215-247-5777, www.morrisarboretum.org

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOURS
Decorated for the holiday season, the Lemon Hill, Laurel Hill, Mount Pleasant, Strawberry Mansion, Woodford and Cedar Grove houses are open for self-guided tours. Admission is $5 at each house. Trolley service departs from the Water Works at 10am and 2pm. Your $25 fare includes admission to three houses and is payable to the Trolley Driver. Make trolley reservations at 215-389-8687. The Water Works Restaurant & Lounge will be open for lunch. Phila., through Dec. 2, 10am-4pm. 215-685-0274, www.fairmountpark.org or www.fairmountparkhouses.org

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW AND
ORGAN CONCERT
Now a Macy’s, the Wanamaker Building still hosts this hallowed Philadelphia tradition. This year’s show has a new narrator: Julie Andrews. Show features thousands of colored lights, a “magic” Christmas tree and the sounds of the Grand Organ. Free. Phila., through Dec. 24, every other hour starting at 10am. 215-241-9000, www.philadelphiaholidayfestival.com

HOLLY NIGHTS
Pennsbury Manor hosts this annual community tradition. Guests can experience the Manor by candlelight, gaze into crackling fires, sip hot-mulled cider and listen to the merry sounds of carolers. Morrisville, PA, Dec. 6 and 7, 5:30-9pm. 215-946-0400, www.pennsburymanor.org

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
Families can go for free rides around the borough. Kennett Square, PA, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 12noon-3pm. 610-444-8188, www.historickennettsquare.com

MRS. CLAUS AT STATIONERY ON STATE
Mrs. Claus will be at Stationery on State to help children write their letters to Santa. Reservations required, complimentary. Kennett Square, PA, Dec. 2, 12noon-1:15pm-2:30pm-3:45pm. 610-444-9214.

OLD FIRST LIVE ANIMAL CRÈCHE
Live animals & mannequins create a living Nativity scene in the church’s courtyard. On Christmas Eve at 6:30pm, real people replace the mannequins for a Christmas Eve service held at the Crèche. Free. Phila., Dec. 7-27, open 24/7. 215-922-4566, www.oldfirstucc.org

PEARL S. BUCK HOUSE
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TREES
Christmas trees decorated by community organizations fill every room of the Pearl S. Buck House. Admission is $7-$8. Perkasie, PA, through Dec. 31 (closed Mondays, Dec. 24 & 25), Tues.-Sat., 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and Sun., 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. 215-249-0100, www.pearlsbuck.org

READING TERMINAL HOLIDAY RAILROAD
The Reading Terminal hosts this new holiday tradition. The Railroad features four train lines running through dozens of miniature scenes including a circus, mountain ski village and gingerbread town. Free. Phila., through Dec. 30,
10am-6pm, closed Dec. 25. 215-922-2317, www.readingterminalmarket.org

SANTA IN THE SQUARE
Meet Santa Claus in Franklin Square. Phila., Saturdays through Dec. 22, 12noon-3pm. 215-629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org

SANTA’S EXPRESS
St. Nick is onboard the West Chester Railroad’s heated, lighted and decorated trains with a treat for all the kids. Fares are $10-$15. West Chester, PA, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16, trains depart Market St.
Station, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, Glen Mills at 11:45am and 1:45pm. 610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net

SANTA’S PARADISE EXPRESS
Santa is aboard trains for these 45-min. rides on the Strasburg Rail Road. Carolers and musicians stroll from car to car. At the station families can listen to storytellers, view the toy train display in the Christmas Garden and sneak a peak at Santa’s home away from home. Coach fares are $4-$15, First-class fares are $7-$18. Strasburg, PA, Dec. 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 16. 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com

SHOPPING, HOLIDAY PORTRAITS AND DINING WITH THE CHARACTERS
Sesame Place opens its gates to families who want to shop for gifts and take holiday portraits with Big Bird, Elmo and friends at the Finder’s Keepers Store. Portraits are taken from 10am-2pm. Photos will be sold in sheets. Prices have not yet been set. Dine with Big Bird & Friends on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Reservations required. $15.95-$19.95. There is no admission fee to enter the park during the Holiday Season. Langhorne, PA, through Dec. 23, 10am-3pm. 215-752-7070,
www.sesameplace.com

SLEIGH RIDES WITH SANTA
IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
Franklin Square will be decorated with white lights, a menorah, a kinara and colored balls in the trees. Meet Santa aboard the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, free if kids bring their Christmas list. Parents can purchase a photo of their child with Santa. Phila., Dec. 16, 22, 23 and 24, 12noon-3pm, weather permitting. 215-629-4026,
www.onceuponanation.org

WINTER WONDERLAND:
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
AT FONTHILL
Themed Christmas trees and
Victorian decorations adorn the Fonthill Museum. Doylestown, through Jan. 2. Reservations are strongly suggested. 215-348-9461, www.fonthillmuseum.org

YULETIDE TOURS with a Twist
Learn about the John Potts family on guided tours of Pottsgrove Manor. See preparetions for an elaborate wedding. Period holiday decorations festoon every room through Jan. 6 (closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1). Costumed historians bring the 1766 Twelfth Night holiday season to life in a traditional 18th century fashion during the free Colonial Candlelight 12th Night Wedding Celebration, Dec. 9, 1-7pm. Pottstown, PA,
610-326-4014,
www.montcopa.org/historicsites

Kwanzaa
(December 26-January 1)

SHARING THE HERITAGE
ANNUAL HOLIDAY AND
PRE-KWANZAA CELEBRATION
The African American Museum in Philadelphia offers tours, performances, audience interaction, vendors and discussions of the holiday on Dec. 15. Free.The Museum sponsors Cele-brate Kwanzaa with Mlanjeni Magical Theatre Dec. 26-30, a children’s event full of storytelling, folk music, puppets, face painting and lessons about this seasonal tradition. Free. Phila., 12noon-3pm.
215-574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org

Kara Beitzer is an editorial assistant at MetroKids.