Christmas Events for Kids in Philadelphia (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Philadelphia area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO in Philadelphia on November 19 to A Longwood Christmas in Kennett Square, which runs through January 10. 8 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Pennsylvania, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Philadelphia for 2026, in Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Ardmore, Paoli, Ridley Park, Southampton, Upper Darby, Wayne and Yeadon
  • First: Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, Philadelphia, November 19. Runs latest: A Longwood Christmas, Kennett Square, through January 10
  • Free: Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft, Tree Lighting Celebration 2026, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts, Winter Fest, Interactive Movie Night - Elf, Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen and Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert!
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Pennsylvania Christmas train rides page.

Philadelphia Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Ardmore, Paoli, Ridley Park, Southampton, Upper Darby, Wayne and Yeadon
Season
November 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027
Free events
8
Kinds of events
holiday lights, holiday crafts, holiday story time and holiday show
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Philadelphia Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO in Philadelphia on November 19; the last runs to January 10. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Philadelphia? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Philadelphia

5 confirmed events for kids in Philadelphia, soonest first.

Philadelphia: Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO

Holiday lightsHistoric Philadelphia, Inc. · Philadelphia

Host
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
Where
Franklin Square, 200 N 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When
Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26, Dec 25 and Jan 1; closes at 8 pm Dec 24 and Dec 31), 5 to 9 pm
Cost
See host page for attraction pricing
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Each evening from November 19 through January 3, Franklin Square in Old City hosts the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to classic seasonal music. Shows run every 30 minutes from 5 pm until closing, so families can arrive when it suits them and catch the next one.

The square also offers Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling and seasonal treats at Frosty's Fireside Lodge in the evenings. The Parx Liberty Carousel and the playgrounds stay open during the day, which makes it easy to pair an afternoon of play with an early evening show. The square is closed November 26, December 25 and January 1, and closes early at 8 pm on December 24 and 31. Pricing for the light show and the other attractions is listed on the host page.

Parent tip: The light show starts at 5 pm and repeats every 30 minutes, so an early show works well for younger kids. Winter Garden area and heated tent open at 3 pm on weekends.

See dates and details from Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)

Philadelphia: Jingle & Mingle with Santa

Holiday lightsHistoric Philadelphia, Inc. · Philadelphia

Host
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
Where
Franklin Square, 200 N 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When
Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Not stated
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa makes several evening appearances at Franklin Square during Holidays in Franklin Square. Families can meet him and take a picture on November 27 and 28 and on December 5, 12 and 19, from 5 to 7 pm each night.

The visits overlap with the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, which runs every 30 minutes starting at 5 pm, so a Santa visit and a light show fit easily into one outing. Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling and the seasonal treats at Frosty's Fireside Lodge are also running in the evenings. The square is in Old City at 6th and Race Streets, a short walk from the Historic District. Check the host page for any costs before you go, since the listing does not state pricing for the Santa visits.

Parent tip: Santa is only there from 5 to 7 pm on the listed nights, so plan to arrive early in that window.

See dates and details from Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)

Philadelphia: Gift-Making Night

Holiday lightsHistoric Philadelphia, Inc. · Philadelphia

Host
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
Where
Franklin Square, 200 N 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Not stated
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Gift-Making Night brings The Clay Studio to Franklin Square on Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 pm. Children can make gifts for family and friends with guidance from the studio, a nice way to give kids something of their own to wrap and give this season.

The same evening is also one of the Jingle and Mingle with Santa nights, when Santa is in the square from 5 to 7 pm for photos, so families can combine both. The Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO runs every 30 minutes starting at 5 pm. The listing does not give a price for the craft session, so check the host page before you go. Franklin Square is at 6th and Race Streets in Old City.

Parent tip: Santa is also in the square that night from 5 to 7 pm, so you can pair crafting with a Santa photo.

See dates and details from Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)

Philadelphia: Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia

Breakfast with SantaDave & Buster's · Philadelphia

Host
Dave & Buster's (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dave & Buster's Philadelphia, 325 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 9 to 11 am
Cost
$27.94 food only, $33.01 food plus play, per person
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Dave & Buster's on Columbus Boulevard opens early for a holiday breakfast on Sunday, December 6. The buffet includes pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit with unlimited soda and juice, and kids can take a photo with Santa, make a holiday craft and write a letter to Santa.

Food only tickets are $27.94 per person. Food plus play tickets are $33.01 and add a $10 Power Card with three hours of unlimited video game play. Prices include tax and gratuity, and tickets are sold through Fever. The breakfast runs from 9 to 11 am, before the restaurant opens to the public. Children must be with an adult.

Parent tip: Tickets are per person, adults included, and cover tax and tip.

See dates and details from Dave & Buster's (opens in a new tab)

Philadelphia: Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa

Story time with SantaHistoric Philadelphia, Inc. · Philadelphia

Host
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
Where
Frosty's Fireside Lodge, Franklin Square, 200 N 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm
Cost
Tickets required, price not stated
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

On Saturday, December 19, Santa settles into Frosty's Fireside Lodge in Franklin Square to visit with families and tell stories. The event runs from 11 am to 1 pm and includes hot chocolate, festive snacks and time to pose for photos.

Tickets are required, so this is one to book ahead rather than drop in on. Because it is a daytime event, families can also enjoy the Parx Liberty Carousel, the playgrounds and Chilly Philly Mini Golf in the square, which are open during the day. If you stay into the evening, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show begins at 5 pm and repeats every 30 minutes. Franklin Square is at 6th and Race Streets in Old City. It is a cozy, indoor way to see Santa.

Parent tip: Tickets are required; book through the host page. Bring a camera for photos with Santa.

See dates and details from Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Kennett Square

2 confirmed events for kids in Kennett Square, soonest first.

Kennett Square: A Longwood Christmas

Holiday lightsLongwood Gardens · Kennett Square

Host
Longwood Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Where
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (near Philadelphia)
When
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (daily)
Cost
Timed tickets required, prices on Longwood ticket site
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

A Longwood Christmas runs from November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027 at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. The gardens and conservatory are dressed for the holidays with lights and seasonal displays, and the page lists extended event hours into the evening.

For families, miniature model trains run during regular garden hours, weather permitting, and outdoor Christmas musicians play on select dates at no extra cost with admission. Entry is by timed ticket bought in advance, and members reserve through the member portal. The page shows two different sets of hours, so check the hours page before you plan your visit. The gardens are at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square, and the season stretches past New Year's Day into January.

Parent tip: Buy timed tickets ahead of time and confirm hours on the Longwood hours page, since the event page lists both day and evening hours.

See dates and details from Longwood Gardens (opens in a new tab)

Kennett Square: Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen

Holiday story timeFreeKennett Library · Kennett Square

Host
Kennett Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kennett Library, 320 N Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (near Philadelphia)
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free library program
Ages
Preschool, school age, family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Kennett Library hosts a holiday storytime with local author Lydia Cohen on Monday, December 21, from 10 to 11 am in the Children's Area. The story follows a little boy who meets a lost elf on Christmas Eve and wonders whether the elf will ever make it back to Santa and the North Pole.

After the reading, kids can stay for color crafts. The program is listed for preschoolers, school age children and families, which makes it a good fit for siblings of different ages during the first days of winter break. The author will have copies available for purchase at the event. No fee is listed for the storytime. Kennett Library is in the center of Kennett Square, close to shops and cafes for an easy morning out.

Parent tip: This falls during many school breaks, so it may be busy; arriving a few minutes early helps with seating in the Children's Area.

See dates and details from Kennett Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Ardmore

1 confirmed event for kids in Ardmore, soonest first.

Ardmore: Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft

Holiday craftsFreeArdmore Library, Lower Merion Library System · Ardmore

Host
Ardmore Library, Lower Merion Library System (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ardmore Library, 108 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003 (near Philadelphia)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Preschool and younger
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ardmore Library's Sensory Fun program on Friday, December 4, from 11 am to noon is built for toddlers and preschoolers, an age when playing with materials matters more than a finished product. This session features a variety of winter themed sensory bins plus a craft that children can give as a holiday gift.

Registration is required, and the library asks families to register the children only, with a separate registration for each child. The program is in person in the Ardmore Program Room. The library notes that the bins include small parts such as uncooked rice and beans that could be a choking hazard, so close supervision is needed. Expect a little mess. The Ardmore Library is part of the Lower Merion Library System on the Main Line, a short drive from the city.

Parent tip: Register each child separately. Bins include small choking hazards like rice and beans, so stay close to very young toddlers.

See dates and details from Ardmore Library, Lower Merion Library System (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Paoli

1 confirmed event for kids in Paoli, soonest first.

Paoli: Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts

Holiday story timeFreePaoli Library · Paoli

Host
Paoli Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli, PA 19301 (near Philadelphia)
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 4 to 8
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Paoli Library offers a festive art program on Thursday, December 17, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the library meeting room. Children follow the Elf on the Shelf on a story journey to the North Pole, discovering famous paintings along the way, then create a winter craft to take home.

The class is taught by artist Svetlana Gazman and is designed for ages 4 to 8. Registration is required, and spaces are limited, so it is worth signing up early. The library notes that food allergens may be present during the program. It is an early evening time slot, which works well for children in school or preschool during the day. Paoli Library is part of the Chester County Library System and sits just off Darby Road.

Parent tip: Register ahead, since seats are limited. Let staff know about allergies, as food allergens may be present.

See dates and details from Paoli Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Ridley Park

1 confirmed event for kids in Ridley Park, soonest first.

Ridley Park: Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Story time with Mrs. ClausFreeRidley Park Public Library · Ridley Park

Host
Ridley Park Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ridley Park Borough Hall, 105 E Ward Street, Ridley Park, PA 19078 (near Philadelphia)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Children, families, all ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Ridley Park Public Library and the Friends of the Ridley Park Library host Storytime with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 12, from 3 to 5 pm. The afternoon includes stories with Mrs. Claus, crafts, snacks and hot chocolate, along with a holiday photo backdrop where families can take their own pictures.

The event is held off site at Ridley Park Borough Hall rather than in the library building. Space is limited, so registration is required, and the library asks for a separate registration for each child attending. The listing is aimed at children and families and is open to all ages. Attendees are expected to follow the library's programming policy and code of behavior. Ridley Park is in Delaware County, southwest of Philadelphia.

Parent tip: Register each child separately, since space is limited. Bring a phone or camera for the photo backdrop.

See dates and details from Ridley Park Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Southampton

1 confirmed event for kids in Southampton, soonest first.

Southampton: Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert!

Holiday showFreeSouthampton Free Library · Southampton

Host
Southampton Free Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Southampton Free Library, 947 Street Road, Southampton, PA 18966 (near Philadelphia)
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am
Cost
Free library program, register children
Ages
Best for ages 3 and up, siblings welcome
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Southampton Free Library welcomes children's performer Lolly Hopwood for a winter concert on Tuesday, December 22, from 10:30 to 11:15 am in the Large Meeting Room. Kids are invited to sing and dance along through the show, which makes it a lively outing for little ones home on winter break.

The concert is listed as best for ages 3 and up, and siblings are welcome. The library asks families to register only the children, not the adults coming with them. No fee is listed. At about 45 minutes, the program is a manageable length for preschoolers and early elementary kids, and the morning time leaves the rest of the day free. Southampton Free Library is part of the Bucks County Free Library system on Street Road.

Parent tip: Register the children only; adults do not need their own registration.

See dates and details from Southampton Free Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Upper Darby

1 confirmed event for kids in Upper Darby, soonest first.

Upper Darby: Interactive Movie Night - Elf

Holiday showFreeUpper Darby Township & Sellers Library · Upper Darby

Host
Upper Darby Township & Sellers Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sellers Memorial Library, 76 S State Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082 (near Philadelphia)
When
Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost
Free library program
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Upper Darby's Sellers Memorial Library closes out its interactive movie series with Elf on Friday, December 18. The program runs from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in the programming room. Rather than sitting quietly, attendees follow along with a provided script full of prompts and callbacks and join in at key moments in the film.

Elf is rated PG and runs 97 minutes. It follows Buddy, who was raised among Santa's elves at the North Pole and travels to New York to find his father. The series is listed for all ages, including children, teens and adults, so it suits a family night out. No fee is listed, and seating in the room is limited. Sellers Memorial Library is on South State Road in Upper Darby, close to the 69th Street Transportation Center.

Parent tip: The film is rated PG; seating is limited, so arrive early.

See dates and details from Upper Darby Township & Sellers Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Wayne

1 confirmed event for kids in Wayne, soonest first.

Wayne: Tree Lighting Celebration 2026

Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeTredyffrin Township · Wayne

Host
Tredyffrin Township (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Rd, Wayne, PA 19087 (near Philadelphia)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Tredyffrin Township lights its tree at Wilson Farm Park in Wayne on Saturday evening, December 5, with a rain date of Sunday, December 6. Special guests flip the switch to light the tree while a DJ plays holiday music.

Kids can take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and drop off letters to Santa at a dedicated spot. The Tredyffrin Parks Foundation hands out sweet treats. The event is free and runs from 5 to 7 pm, so dress warmly for an evening outdoors. Wilson Farm Park is at 500 Lee Road in Wayne, and the celebration lasts two hours.

Parent tip: Bring a finished letter to Santa to drop off, and check the township site for weather updates on the rain date.

See dates and details from Tredyffrin Township (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Yeadon

1 confirmed event for kids in Yeadon, soonest first.

Yeadon: Winter Fest

Holiday craftsFreeYeadon Public Library · Yeadon

Host
Yeadon Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Yeadon Public Library, 809 Longacre Boulevard, Yeadon, PA 19050 (near Philadelphia)
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free library program
Ages
Children, teens, family
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Yeadon Public Library hosts Winter Fest on its Family Night, Thursday, December 17, from 6 to 7:30 pm in the community meeting room. The evening includes arts and crafts activities, games and what the library calls a few special surprises.

The event is listed for children, teens and families, and all are welcome. Registration is not required, but the library asks families to register so staff can prepare for the number of guests. No fee is listed. The early evening schedule makes it easy to stop by after school and work, and the 90 minute window lets families come and go. The library is on Longacre Boulevard in Yeadon, just over the city line from West Philadelphia, so it is an easy trip from many city neighborhoods.

Parent tip: Registration is optional but helps the library plan supplies.

See dates and details from Yeadon Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Pennsylvania Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Pittsburgh. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Philadelphia Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Philadelphia in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Philadelphia for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO in Philadelphia (November 19), A Longwood Christmas in Kennett Square (November 20), Jingle & Mingle with Santa in Philadelphia (November 27), Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft in Ardmore (December 4), Gift-Making Night in Philadelphia (December 5), Tree Lighting Celebration 2026 in Wayne (December 5), Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia in Philadelphia (December 6), Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Ridley Park (December 12), Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts in Paoli (December 17), Winter Fest in Yeadon (December 17), Interactive Movie Night - Elf in Upper Darby (December 18), Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa in Philadelphia (December 19), Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen in Kennett Square (December 21) and Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert! in Southampton (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Philadelphia, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO (Nightly, Nov 19 to Jan 3, 5 to 9 pm, see host page for attraction pricing); Jingle & Mingle with Santa (Nov 27 and 28, Dec 5, 12 and 19, 5 to 7 pm, not stated); Gift-Making Night (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 7 pm, not stated); Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia (Sun, Dec 6, 9 to 11 am, $27.94 food only, $33.01 food plus play, per person); Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to 1 pm, tickets required, price not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Philadelphia section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Kennett Square, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: A Longwood Christmas (Daily, Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, timed tickets required, prices on longwood ticket site); Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen (Mon, Dec 21, 10 to 11 am, free library program). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Kennett Square section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Ardmore, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Ardmore, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft (Fri, Dec 4, 11 am to 12 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Ardmore section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Paoli, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Paoli, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts (Thu, Dec 17, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Paoli section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Ridley Park, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Sat, Dec 12, 3 to 5 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Ridley Park section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Southampton, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Southampton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert! (Tue, Dec 22, 10:30 to 11:15 am, free library program, register children). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Southampton section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Upper Darby, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Interactive Movie Night - Elf (Fri, Dec 18, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, free library program). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Upper Darby section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Wayne, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Wayne, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Tree Lighting Celebration 2026 (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 7 pm (rain date Dec 6), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wayne section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Yeadon, Pennsylvania?

For families in and around Yeadon, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Fest (Thu, Dec 17, 6 to 7:30 pm, free library program). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Yeadon section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Philadelphia?

Yes. 8 of the 14 events here are free: Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft in Ardmore, Tree Lighting Celebration 2026 in Wayne, Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Ridley Park, Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts in Paoli, Winter Fest in Yeadon, Interactive Movie Night - Elf in Upper Darby, Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen in Kennett Square and Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert! in Southampton. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Philadelphia this December?

Santa appears at Jingle & Mingle with Santa in Philadelphia (November 27), Gift-Making Night in Philadelphia (December 5), Tree Lighting Celebration 2026 in Wayne (December 5), Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia in Philadelphia (December 6) and Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa in Philadelphia (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Philadelphia?

Holiday story times on this page: Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Ridley Park, Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts in Paoli, Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa in Philadelphia and Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen in Kennett Square. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Philadelphia?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia in Philadelphia (Sun, Dec 6, 9 to 11 am) and Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa in Philadelphia (Sat, Dec 19, 11 am to 1 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Philadelphia Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft in Ardmore (Preschool and younger) and Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen in Kennett Square (Preschool, school age, family).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Philadelphia on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO in Philadelphia (through January 3) and A Longwood Christmas in Kennett Square (through January 10).

How much is Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO in Philadelphia?

See host page for attraction pricing. Holidays in Franklin Square: Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO is on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26, Dec 25 and Jan 1; closes at 8 pm Dec 24 and Dec 31), 5 to 9 pm at Franklin Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Longwood Christmas in Kennett Square?

Timed tickets required, prices on Longwood ticket site. A Longwood Christmas is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (daily) at Longwood Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Jingle & Mingle with Santa in Philadelphia?

Not stated. Jingle & Mingle with Santa is on Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Franklin Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft in Ardmore?

Free, registration required. Sensory Fun: Winter Sensory Bins and Holiday Craft is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 11 am to noon at Ardmore Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gift-Making Night in Philadelphia?

Not stated. Gift-Making Night is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Franklin Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tree Lighting Celebration 2026 in Wayne?

Free. Tree Lighting Celebration 2026 is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Wilson Farm Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia in Philadelphia?

$27.94 food only, $33.01 food plus play, per person. Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 9 to 11 am at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Ridley Park?

Free, registration required. Storytime with Mrs. Claus is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Ridley Park Borough Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts in Paoli?

Free, registration required. Elf on Shelf & Winter Paintings: Art with Crafts is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Paoli Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Fest in Yeadon?

Free library program. Winter Fest is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Yeadon Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Interactive Movie Night - Elf in Upper Darby?

Free library program. Interactive Movie Night - Elf is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Sellers Memorial Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa in Philadelphia?

Tickets required, price not stated. Stories, Cookies, & Milk with Santa is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm at Frosty's Fireside Lodge, Franklin Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen in Kennett Square?

Free library program. Holiday Storytime with Local Author Lydia Cohen is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Kennett Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert! in Southampton?

Free library program, register children. Lolly Hopwood! - Kids Winter Concert! is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am at Southampton Free Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Philadelphia?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Philadelphia Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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