December brings light shows, educational events and plenty of ways to get in the festive spirit. There’s no shortage of fun happening in the Delaware Valley this month, despite the cold.
The Gardens After Dark
Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 6:30-9 p.m.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Families can experience the beautiful mosaicked labyrinth illuminated by colored lights during these special evening events at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Faces
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Enjoy free admission to the Barnes Foundation exhibitions, art activities and a storytime for ages 2 and older.
Family Art Workshop: Winter Card Making
Dec. 5, 1-3 p.m.
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Bask in the peaceful wintry setting of Southwest Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden while creating a seasonal card for you or a loved one at this outdoor event.
Warm Up By The River
Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.
Pennypack On The Delaware Park, 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Enjoy hot chocolate, a guided educational walk along the Delaware River, geocaching and s’mores at this fun winter outdoor event. Co-hosts are Let’s Go Outdoors, a family-friendly outdoor programming organization, and RiverFront North, an organization that restores parks along the Delaware River.
The Crossing Reenactment
Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & Dec. 25, NOON-3 p.m.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
Your family has two chances to witness the reenactment of George Washington’s 1776 crossing of the Delaware River this month. The First Crossing will be performed on Dec. 12 with colonial-era activities and demonstrations, with a second one on Christmas Day.
18th-Century Holiday Frost Fair at Pottsgrove Manor
Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pottsgrove Manor, 100 W. King St., Pottstown, PA 19464
Your family will enjoy this 18th-century winter market with living history demonstrations, period games and holiday gifts for sale.
Santa’s Wild Home
Dec. 15, 4-5:15 p.m.
Schiff Nature Preserve, 339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, NJ 07945
Children ages 5-10 will learn about the differences between reindeer and local white-tailed deer, create edible ornaments for wildlife and play games at this program.
Meet Aspen the Reindeer
Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-noon
East Goshen Township Park, 1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
Kids can find out what a real reindeer looks like up close at this event. They’ll have the chance to meet and pet Aspen the Reindeer and take a photo with Santa.
History Explorers Club: Unboxing the Hessians
Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Learn facts about the Hessians and make your own Hessian helmet during this event. The History Explorers Club is suited for ages 7-11 but is open to kids of all ages.
Winter Water World
Dec. 28-30, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Adventure Aquarium’s winter programming will include visits to aquarium exhibits, science experiences and animal meetups for young people.
