KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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The Candy Lab is a one-of-a-kind party venue in the Philadelphia area that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! At The Candy Lab, we believe candy is more than just a treat—it’s an art form. Our guests create beautiful, handmade candy crafts that are as fun to make as they are to eat. From birthdays and bar/bat mitzvahs to wedding and baby showers, The Candy Lab’s parties make every event unforgettable. We can also bring the sweetness to you with parties at your location. Perfect for ages 4 to 104, our candy-crafting experiences are a delight for kids and adults alike! Please visit our website to book your party today!
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Go cocoa for chemistry this First Friday at the Science History Institute! Relax and indulge in some free hot chocolate and cookies. Then, cozy up in the museum and learn about staying warm, whether we’re keeping our beverages hot or feeling toasty in wool clothing. Explore the technology and innovations created to keep us from getting frostbite, from synthetic materials to hand warmers. The librarians will feature some of our hottest historical books and host a fun, family-friendly craft station for making your own hand warmers!
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Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand arrival at Camelback Resort joined by their elves and friends from the Pocono Township Fire Department, who will help the jolly duo light the resort’s Christmas tree.
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The Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village will be returning for the 2025 holiday season! The Wanamaker Light Show presented by PECO is a Philadelphia holiday tradition dating back half a century, housed in the historic Wanamaker Building. The free show uses more than 100,000 LED lights to project snowflakes, ballerinas and reindeer upon a four-story-high velvet curtain in the Grand Court atrium, accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ.
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Come and experience the enchantment of Pennsbury Manor by candlelight! Enjoy crackling bonfires, the merry sound of carolers, candlelit tours of the Manor House, and colonial craft demonstrations. Let your holiday spirit burn bright with the old-world beauty of Holly Nights held on Thursday, December 5th and Friday, December 6th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Pennsbury Manor, William Penn's country estate in Bucks County, PA. This “Yuletide of yore” style celebration at historic landmark Pennsbury Manor is breathtaking and remains the favorite of all ages who love holiday magic.
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Deck the Alley, the iconic holiday fundraiser, returns to Philadelphia’s most historic street on Saturday, December 6th, 2025. The Elfreth’s Alley Association invites the public to get a glimpse of contemporary life inside 18th and 19th-century houses, tour the Elfreth's Alley Museum, and immerse themselves in seasonal decor and song. Buy your tickets today to support the work of preserving this special place and sharing its history with visitors near and far!
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Tickets start at just $10! This inclusive, 60-minute performance, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can feel at home.
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Santa is coming to Howell Farm…not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor! Visit Howell Farm this Saturday for Christmas crafts, live music, farm animal visits, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse – before meeting Santa when he arrives at 12:30. Stop by the visitor center to hear the Jugtown Mountain String Band play inside the barn...then find a spot around the craft table to recreate a paper Victorian angel ornament ($5 materials fee). Next walk up to the barnyard, where families can take selfies in the 1800s sleigh pulled by the horses on snowy days, and visit the blacksmith working in the farm’s forge. The farmhouse will be open for tours, decked out in all its Christmas finery.
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Celebrate the holidays at the Holly Jolly Weekend on Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7 with Santa Parades through the Village starting 1:30 p.m. both days. Enjoy live musical entertainment, family activities, holiday food and drink specials, and a gingerbread display. Visit our 60+ specialty shops and boutiques to find fantastic gift-giving ideas. At 4:30 pm, Peddler’s Village becomes a magical nighttime Christmas wonderland, illuminated by a million colorful lights. Shops are open until 9 p.m. on Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Free admission and parking.
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Join us for our popular Festival of Carols concert — a celebration of the season featuring vibrant new arrangements of traditional carols, seasonal favorites, and reflective readings woven throughout the program.
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Start your holiday season off right at Northwestern Stables Annual Holiday Horses and Bazaar. Visitors will find our barn festively decorated, hand-made gifts from local vendors, holiday themed games, an amazing silent auction and raffle, and seasonal food and beverages. Whisper wishes to Santa and his horse as a professional photographer snaps digital images available for purchase. Children can also experience a guided horse ride for an additional fee. All proceeds benefit the horses at Northwestern Stables.
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This 60-minute guided tour invites visitors to journey back through time to explore how the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family celebrated Christmas in their 20th-century castle.
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Get ready for a gem of a holiday season. This Christmas, our Gardens are transformed into a living jewel box as radiant as the jewels and gems that inspired it. Nature and elegance intertwine as twinkling lights dance, hues of emerald green to ruby red to bold sapphire shimmer, and every path leads to a new treasure to behold. All that glitters is here, waiting to be discovered.
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Support local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade gifts, treats and crafts galore at this year's Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market Located on the west side of Philadelphia's City Hall, this year’s Holiday Market will feature a large variety of returning favorites and new additions of local artisans, designers, crafters and jewelers offering their unique, holiday-inspired handmade goods and gifts. The Market will be open from November 15, 2025 through January 1, 2026. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
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See the Holiday Garden Railway at night for an even more spectacular experience! With laser lights in the trees and sparkling lights along the railway, HGR: Nighttime Express is a must-see. Available only with advance tickets.
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The Philadelphia area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Philadelphia area - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 5-7, 2025, see link for times
- First Friday at Cherry Street Pier - 121 N Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, December 5, 2025, 4 pm
- First Friday: Cocoa for Chemistry - Science History Institute - Science History Institute - 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, December 5, 2025, 5 to 7 pm
- Glimpse of Goldfish - Goldfish Swim School - Commerce Drive, Fort Washington, PA, December 5, 2025, 4 pm to 7 pm
- Holidays on the Hill 2025 - Chestnut Hill Visitor's Center, East Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, December 5, 2025, 9 to 10 am
- Riverbend's
Merry & Mindful Makers Market - Riverbend Environmental Education Center - Riverbend Environmental Education Center, December 6, 2025, 11:00 am
- Fall Private Lessons Recital - Wolf Performing Arts Center, Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, December 6, 2025, 6 pm and 7:30 pm
- Jingle & Mingle with Santa at Franklin Square Park - Franklin Square, North 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, December 6, 2025, 5 to 7
pm
- Stenton's Holiday Tea - Stenton, North 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA, December 6, 2025, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
- Fall Private Lessons Recital - Wolf Performing Arts Center, Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA, December 7, 2025, 11
am and 6 pm
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Philadelphia area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's best places to take kids in and around Philadelphia, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in Philly! Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! What is listed below are just the starting point: Browse
through our site and calendar to find lots more!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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