Looking for a break from the Black Friday madness at the typical mall? Kick off the holiday shopping season with light shows, charming villages and other festive shopping experiences in and around Philadelphia.
The Christmas Light Show at The Grand Court in Macy's Center City (1300 Market St.), a Philadelphia tradition since 1956, dazzles with its first show of the season this Fri., Nov. 25 at 10am. The show runs at the top of the hour through Dec. 31. The third floor of the department store features the classic Dickens Village and photos with Santa along Holiday Lane.
At the German-style Christmas Village in Philadelphia, vendors set up a holiday market at LOVE Park with handmade ornaments, gifts and international foods. Bring the kids for face painting, balloon artists and carousel rides on Family Sundays, starting this Sunday, Nov. 27. The Village is open Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve.
Byers' Choice offers an Old World Christmas Market, now through Dec. 31. Famous for its Caroler dolls, the Chalfont, PA company welcomes Mrs. Claus this Fri., Nov. 25, who will help kids make "reindeer food." Kids can write letters to Santa and enter to win a 25-lb. chocolate Santa all weekend long.
Another Bucks County attraction, Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA, offers quaint boutique shopping and a gingerbread house competition and display. (Weekend visits with Santa begin next weekend, Dec. 3-4, with the Christmas Festival.)
Candlelight Shopping on Friday nights in Haddonfield, NJ starts this Fri., Nov. 25 with a tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa. Also enjoy live music, luminary-lined streets and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Other delightful shopping experiences include the world-famous Christkindlmarket in the "Christmas City" of Bethlehem, PA, as well as Kitchen Kettle Village in Lancaster County, PA, which features Friday night and Saturday food and entertaining demonstrations, musicians and other holiday festivities.
For more weekend events, search hundreds of activities on our calendar or browse all holiday-themed events. Receive weekend event highlights directly in your inbox each week! Sign up for MetroKids' e-newsletter today.
Stephanie Halinski is calendar editor of MetroKids.
