PhillyFun4Kids

It’s a beautiful December weekend in Philly so get outside and enjoy all the holiday fun this weekend from holiday festivals to visits with Santa and so much more!! 

Winter Wonderland 2018
Saturday Dec. 8
10am – 12pm
Smith Memorial Playground
3500 Reservoir Drive
East Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA

Families are invited to take part in Winter Wonderland 2018 festivities at SMITH Memorial Playground that include a petting zoo, s’mores roasting, an ice-carving demonstration, messy arts and live music by the Emmy Award-winning Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band. $10 per child. 

Winter at Dilworth Park
Friday Dec. 7 – Sunday Dec. 9
Dilworth Park
1 S. 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin are back for another season of winter fun at Dilworth Park. And don’t miss the Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross illuminating City Hall with vibrant colors and festive scenes that are sure to get your whole family in the holiday spirit. General admission free. Ice Skating $3 kids, $5 adults. Skate rental $10.

Fishtown Freeze 
Saturday Dec. 8
Fishtown, PA

It’s the first ever Fishtown Freeze featuring 25+ Custom Ice Sculptures hand carved by Icesculpturephilly.com on display Saturday Dec. 8th from 9am – 2pm at Fishtown area businesses. Plus, families can enjoy holiday shopping, refreshments, free breakfast and photos with Santa at Sugar House Casino, crafts, hot cocoa and much more! Free.

Christmas Village 
Friday Dec. 7 – Sunday Dec. 9
Love Park
N. 15th and Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s opening weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s iconic Love Park this weekend. Christmas Village is a daily outdoor holiday market selling all sorts of gifts, food, crafts and more right in the heart of Center City. Enjoy 80 vendors amidst the magic of a German style Christmas village. Free.

BlueCross Riverrink Winterfest 
Friday Dec. 7 – Dec. 9
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

The BlueCross Riverrink Winterfest seasonal winter park includes ice skating, a beautifully lit landscape featuring a holiday tree, outdoor seating area with fire pits, warming cabins, the Franklin Fountain Confectionary Cabin, the Kids’ Lodge with arcade games and a chalet-inspired Lodge with food and beverages from local restaurants and fun theme nights and events. General admission free. Skating admission $4, skate rental $10.

Santa Fest 
Saturday Dec. 8
10am – 1pm
American Helicopter Museum & Education Center
1220 American Blvd.
West Chester, PA

The annual Santa Fest takes place on Saturday Dec. 8th when Santa will be arriving in a helicopter to hear childrens’ wish lists in his workshop. The event will feature face painting, music by Makin’ Music and mini cupcakes and water. Helicopter rides are available for an extra $60. $10 per person.

Christmas Around the Farm
Friday Dec. 7 – Sunday Dec. 9
Linvilla Orchards
137 W Knowlton Rd
Media, PA

Head to beautiful Linvilla Orchards in Media for Christmas Around the Farm. Enjoy apple cider, sing carols around a fire and choose from more than 40,000 Douglas and Canaan firs to cut down. General admission is free. Attractions are ticketed.

Parade of Lights
Saturday Dec. 9
1-6pm
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Ave
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the annual Parade of Lights along the Delaware River at the Independence Seaport Museum. Take in the illuminated views from Penn’s Landing or from the Independence Seaport Museum’s second-floor terrace. Warm up at the Holiday Hut in the second-floor terrace with warm seasonal drinks and food. And don’t miss Santa’s arrival at the museum at 2pm. Museum admission is $17 adults, $12 children 3-12, and free for under 3.

Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Friday Dec. 7 – Sunday Dec. 9
Comcast Center Lobby
1701 JFK Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy the Comcast Holiday Spectacular this holiday season. Visitors can enjoy classic holiday performances of Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, The 12 Days of Christmas  and The  Nutcracker by the Philadelphia Ballet, all shown on The Comcast Experience video wall, one of the world’s largest highest resolution LED displays. You’ll watch a magic flying sleigh ride through the Pennsylvania countryside and above the city of Philadelphia, and take part in a sing-along. Shows run daily from 10am – 8pm, excluding 5pm on weekdays. Free.

Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday Dec. 9
2-3:30pm
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd
Norristown, PA

Enjoy a Hanukkah Celebration at Elmwood Park Zoo on Sunday Dec. 9th from 2-3:30pm. The fun begins at 2pm at the Trail of the Jaguar exhibit where guests can make themed crafts and play games. At 3pm on the Eagles Deck, listen to the Temple Brith Achim Choir perform, followed by lighting the menorah.

West Craft Fest
Sunday Dec. 9
10am – 4pm
The Rotunda
40th & Walnut
Philadelphia, PA

It’s West Philadelphia’s biggest craft event of the season – West Craft Fest – happening at the Rotunda from 10am -4pm. Local artisans and crafters will have their handmade with care items available for sale making perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Free.

Happy December!! The most magical month of the year is here and there is much festive fun to be had in and around the city this weekend. Get out and enjoy all the family friendly holiday events and make some great memories together this season!

Lucia Fest and Christmas Market
Saturday Dec. 1
11am – 4pm
American Swedish Historical Museum
1900 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the annual Lucia Fest and Christmas Market at the American Swedish Historical Museum this Saturday Dec. 1st. Stroll through the Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, where Swedish delicacies, crafts, decorations, and imported gifts may be purchased, before the musical entertainment begins culminating with the procession of Lucia.  $12 for non-members/$8 for members/$5 for children.

Cricket Cringle
Friday Nov. 30 – Sat. Dec. 1
Cricket Ave.
Downtown Ardmore
Ardmore, PA

The Downtown Ardmore business community is serving up the holiday cheer at the 5th annual Cricket Cringle. Don’t miss 40 unique merchants and vendors in the style of a European holiday market offering food, gifts, crafts, beverages and lots of fun for the whole family. Free.

Promenade of Trees
Saturday Dec. 1
5- 6:30 pm
Main Street
Manayunk
Philadelphia, PA

Stroll down Main Street in Manayunk for the Promenade of Trees to vote for your favorite trees by dropping coins in the jars in front of each tree. Trees will be decorated in the themes of Christmas past, present, and future, which will be put on display outside of their storefronts all month long. At sundown, guests, celebrity judges and Welcome America representatives will be lead by Christmas carolers down the sidewalks of Manayunk for the official viewing and judging, including the “People’s Choice” award! Pick up your bag of coins and a map at Style Me in Mananyunk. Free.

Winter at Dilworth Park
Friday Nov. 30 – Sunday Dec. 2
Dilworth Park
1 S. 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin are back for another season of winter fun at Dilworth Park. And don’t miss the Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross illuminating City Hall with vibrant colors and festive scenes that are sure to get your whole family in the holiday spirit. General admission free. Ice Skating $3 kids, $5 adults. Skate rental $10.

Christmas Village 
Friday Nov. 30 – Sunday Dec. 2
Love Park
N. 15th and Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s opening weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s iconic Love Park this weekend. Christmas Village is a daily outdoor holiday market selling all sorts of gifts, food, crafts and more right in the heart of Center City. Enjoy 80 vendors amidst the magic of a German style Christmas village. Free.

Sundays on Stage: The Nutcracker by Pages to Pirouettes
Sunday Dec. 2
Parkway Central Library
Montgomery Auditorium
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s Sundays on Stage: The Nutcracker at the Free Library of Philadelphia this weekend. The story of the Nutcracker Prince and the Land of the Sweets is brought to life with the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky, plus a special ballet lesson for the audience, too. Free.


Dickens Festival 
Sunday Dec. 2
Noon – 4pm
Forrest & Haverford Aves.
Downtown Narberth
Narberth, PA

​The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth. In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840’s London, as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon engaging with families and spreading holiday cheer. Free.

BlueCross Riverrink Winterfest 
Friday Nov. 30 – Dec. 2
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

The BlueCross Riverrink Winterfest seasonal winter park includes ice skating, a beautifully lit landscape featuring a holiday tree, outdoor seating area with fire pits, warming cabins, the Franklin Fountain Confectionary Cabin, the Kids’ Lodge with arcade games and a chalet-inspired Lodge with food and beverages from local restaurants and fun theme nights and events. General admission free. Skating admission $4, skate rental $10.

Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Friday Nov. 30 – Sunday Dec. 2
Comcast Center Lobby
1701 JFK Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy the Comcast Holiday Spectacular this holiday season. Visitors can enjoy classic holiday performances of Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, The 12 Days of Christmas  and The  Nutcracker by the Philadelphia Ballet, all shown on The Comcast Experience video wall, one of the world’s largest highest resolution LED displays. You’ll watch a magic flying sleigh ride through the Pennsylvania countryside and above the city of Philadelphia, and take part in a sing-along. Shows run daily from 10am – 8pm, excluding 5pm on weekdays. Free.

We had so much fun earlier this month at the National Dog Show that I thought I would end the month of November with another post about dogs. But this time, not about watching them on display or in national competition but about finding the perfect dog for your family. In full disclosure our house is currently a cats-only house. We have three cats – two from a rescue we got together 12 years ago and one that was a “feral” cat in our neighborhood that ended up part of our feline brood, too about four years ago. But, we all desperately want a dog. We talk about getting a dog, we look at shelters and think about what dog we might get, we go to animal rescue events and hold and pet dogs and generally are dog owner wanna-bes. Someday we will proceed with getting a dog when the time is right but for now we are just dog fans, admiring them from afar and planning for when we might get our own.

It’s hard to imagine, but 7.5 million animals are put in shelters every year and 2.5 million of those are from people that had to give up their pet. Of the 7.5 million animals put in shelters, 2.6 million of the animals are euthanized. By helping keep pets needing a new home out of shelters, we can potentially save 2.5 million pets a year!

Thankfully, sites like Get Your Pet make it easy to adopt a new pet from a shelter and help give these deserving animals their forever homes.

Get Your Pet is a match-making type website offering direct rescue & adoption of pets, from one good home to another. Rehoming a pitbull or other animal keeps them safe and out of shelters. Of course, we are huge rescue fans and often support local shelters such as Morris Animal Refuge, Providence Animal Shelter, Pennsylvania SPCA, Main Line Animal Rescue, and so many others doing great work to help animals of all kinds find their forever homes.

So this season, if you are in the market for a new pet or even if you need to find a loving forever home for your current pet, be sure to check out Get Your Pet first and help rehome a pet in need.

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Nakturnal. As part of this partnership I have been provided with products and/or compensation in exchange for this post and campaign. As always, all opinions expressed about how important it is to do our part to save animals in shelters are our own. 

Enjoy holiday fun for the whole family this weekend including the annual National Dog Show, holiday family performances, and much more!

The National Dog Show 
Saturday Nov. 17 – Sunday Nov. 18
100 Station Ave
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Oaks, PA

Don’t miss the return of The National Dog Show happening this Saturday Nov. 17th from 8am – 6pm and Sunday Nov. 18 from 8:30am – 5pm at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. The National Dog Show gives families an opportunity to “go behind the scenes” and see over 2,000 dogs from 200 breeds getting ready to strut their fluff. Only at a “benched’ show like this one are the dogs at designated locations all weekend long so visitors can see and meet all the amazing breeds. And there are only four benched shows left in America – New York (Westminster), Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco. Tickets just $16 for adults, $7 for kids, ages 3 and under free.

PNC Grow Up Great
Saturday Nov. 17
11am
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

The PNC Grow Up Great  interactive program teaches kids the basics of jazz and musical theatre.  Kids learn to sing, dance, & use their imaginations and best of all, it’s free!

Chestnut Hill Circle of Trees
Saturday Nov. 17
5:30 – 7pm
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

Get in the holiday spirit at the Chestnut Hill Circle of Trees on Saturday Nov. 17th. Family and friends come together to meet Santa and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Enjoy live music, the hay maze, hot chocolate, cookies and the opening of the museum’s holiday exhibition. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a charity for underprivileged children.

The Nutcracker
Friday Nov. 16 – Sunday Nov. 18
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Ave
Upper Darby, PA

Enjoy the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet performance of this holiday classic ballet “The Nutcracker” at the Upper Darby Performing Arts stage.  This fun way for families to kick off the holiday season, the annual tradition features professional soloists and many of the region’s best dancers.  The enchanting music by Tchaikovsky is one of his best-known works and the ballet, set at Christmas time, has become an American holiday tradition. Show times Friday at 7pm, Saturday 11am and 3pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 5:30pm. Tickets $10 – $13, children under 12 save $1.

Christmas Village Preview Weekend
Friday Nov. 16 – Sunday Nov. 18
Love Park
N. 15th and Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s preview weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s iconic Love Park this weekend. Christmas Village is a daily outdoor holiday market selling all sorts of gifts, food, crafts and more right in the heart of Center City. Enjoy 80 vendors amidst the magic of a German style Christmas village. Free.

Mickey Mouse 90th Birthday Party 
Sunday Nov. 18
11am – 3pm
Franklin Mills Mall
1455 Franklin Mills Cir
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy a free Mickey Mouse Birthday party at Franklin Mills Mall on Sunday Nov. 18th from 11am – 3pm. Sponsored by Osmo, the company that sparked the New Play Movement the event will allow kids to test drive all their games at their 4-day pop-up. Games kids can play with include: Super Studio, Coding Awbie and Pizza Co. And of course, a special birthday party for Mickey Mouse which includes demos and 10 giveaways per hour of the newest game Super Studio with an Osmo base set, special guests, fun activities, balloons, and a photo opp at Mickey’s Birthday Corner. Free.

Family Arts Academy
Sunday Nov. 18
2-4pm
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
118-128 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA

Take the whole family to Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for Family Arts Academy on Sunday Nov. 18th from 2-4pm. Explore a variety of techniques used to depict space and participate in a science experiment that will test your depth perception with teaching artists Kara Rutledge and Adam Durant. Free.

Lots to do this weekend in Philly! Don’t miss lots of family fun including an early Chanukah festival, Diwali celebrations, and also a special focus on the dogs in anticipation of next weekend’s National Dog Show, too!

Diwali: Festival of Lights
Saturday Nov. 10
11am – 3pm
Reading Terminal Market
51 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA

It’s Diwali festival happening at Reading Terminal Market on Saturday Nov. 10th from 11am – 3pm. Festivities include Indian cultural dances, cooking demos at City Kitchen and art & hand-painting activities. Free.

Pets in Prison with New Leash on Life
Saturday Nov. 10 – Nov. 11
12-4pm
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
2027 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Eastern State Penitentiary partners with New Leash on Life USA for Family Weekend: Pets in Prison. Families discover unique stories about prison animals all weekend long and kids hear about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged resident, Pep the Dog. Kids can also participate in an animal-themed scavenger hunt and find out how animals continue to play a role in prisons today.

The Perfect Dog 
Friday Nov. 9 – Sunday Nov. 11
The Centre Theater
208 DeKalb St.
Norristown, PA

Don’t miss this family-friendly musical inspired by the book The Perfect Dog written by National Dog Show host, award-winning actor, host, composer and life-long dog lover, John O’Hurley running at the newly renovated The Centre Theater in Norristown, PA. The play features music and lyrics by David Abbinanti and book by Jill Abbinanti and is directed by Carmen Rossi. A portion of the ticket sales of this show will benefit To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. All shows will include a special Meet and Greet with dogs available for adoption prior to the start of each performance. Tickets $15 and up children; $20 and up adults.

Got Chanukah Festival 
Sunday Nov. 11
11am – 1pm
Or Ami Synagogue
708 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA

Head to the Or Ami Synagogue in Lafayette Hill on Sunday Nov. 11th for the Got Chanukah festival from 11am – 1pm. Enjoy games, crafts, raffles and food. Raffles are $5 for 1 and $20 for 10. Wristbands are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

PECO Family Jams: Masks as Folk Art
Sunday Nov. 11
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Second Sunday of the month means it’s time for PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia Magic Garden. This month’s program features mask-making – an evolving tradition in Mexico for thousands of years, from traditional dances to Carnival celebrations to contemporary luche libre wrestling. Depictions of masks can be found throughout Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, and within the folk art so admired by PMG-creator Isaiah Zagar. Join PMG teaching artist, Mexico City-native Nora Litz, in creating a personal mask that might be worn or displayed as art. And learn more about Isaiah’s work and his connection to Mexican folk art on a family-friendly tour at 1:00, 2:30, or 3:30 PM.

Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Nov. 9 -11
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

Dog lovers rejoice!! It’s National Dog Show Month and we’re celebrating with two great giveaways you won’t want to miss.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is again holding the annual National Dog Show presented by Purina at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th.

But thankfully, you don’t have to wait until then to get in on the dog show action. Next weekend  November 9-11th and again on Thursday November 15th don’t miss live performances of “The Perfect Dog” at The Centre Theater in Norristown presented by Starving Artist Prevention. This family-friendly musical inspired by the book “The Perfect Dog” written by National Dog Show host, award-winning actor, host, composer and life-long dog lover, John O’Hurley, features music and lyrics by David Abbinanti and book by Jill Abbinanti and is directed by Carmen Rossi. A portion of the ticket sales of this show will benefit To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. The Thursday November 15th show features a special talkback with author John O’Hurley but all shows will include a special Meet and Greet with dogs available for adoption prior to the start of each performance.

The National Dog Show features two benched, all-breed dog shows giving attendees the chance to see over 2,000 of the top American Kennel Club sanctioned dogs from across the country. Over 2014 different breeds and varieties compete for best of Breed, First in Group, and the coveted title of Best in Show. Each day brings different competitions and attractions.

Saturday is The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day by NBC. It is the most widely viewed dog show in America. Sunday’s show offers more canine competitions, enhanced athletic dog exhibitions plus family-friendly activities and hands-on fun.

Why just watch this annual event taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day by NBC when you can see it live in person?

If you go:
The Perfect Dog runs November 9-11 and November 15th at The Centre Theater in Norristown, PA. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 children. Complete info available here. Buy tickets online here.

The National Dog Show hosted by Purina takes place at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA November 17th and 18th. Tickets are $16 adults, $7 children and children under 3 free. Complete info available at nationaldogshow.com. Buy tickets online here.

Giveaways: 
And now, two lucky phillyfun4kids readers have a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to The Perfect Dog at The Centre Theater Nov. 9-11 and the National Dog Show happening at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks Saturday Nov. 17th and Sunday Nov. 18th.

To enter to win the giveaway for four tickets to see The Perfect Dog this weekend in The Centre Theater in Norristown, simply fill out this easy rafflecopter entry form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To enter to win the giveaway for four tickets to see The National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks the weekend of Nov. 17-18, simply fill out this easy rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is in partnership with The National Dog Show. I was provided with compensation and/or tickets for the purposes of this post and giveaway. As always, all opinions expressed about Philadelphia families being lucky to have The National Dog show in town are our own.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival 
Friday Nov. 2 – Sunday Nov. 4
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave.
Oaks, PA

The award-winning Sugarloaf Craft Festival show brings the best in high-quality arts, crafts and design together under one roof this weekend to Oak, PA. Find unique products and gifts by 350+ talented artisans at this special event. All things high quality and handcraftedPlus, enjoy kid-friendly entertainment such as performances by MiddleEarth Studio and costume storytelling. Tickets $8 online, $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under free

Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade
Sunday Nov. 4
12pm
16th St. & JFK Blvd
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Veterans Parade takes place on Sunday Nov. 4th at noon. The parade runs through the heart of Philadelphia, beginning at 16th & JFK, past City Hall, and then on to Market Street, where it concludes at 5th & Market Streets. There will be a “Freedom Tree” in the festival that attendees can write why they are proud to be an American on paper and hang on tree. This tree will be donated to a veteran service organization at the parade. Free.

The Johnny Shortcake Show 
Saturday Nov. 3 – Sunday Nov. 4
11am and 2pm
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

Themed around celebrating silliness, The Johnny Shortcake Show features soul music for children and teaches important life lessons. With engaging and relatable songs such as “Cupcake Tuesday,” “Brushing Your Teeth,” and “Grandma’s Whiskers,” the show aims to celebrate childhood in a way that will have parents laughing along too. $10.

Peddler’s Village Apple Festival
Saturday Nov. 3 – Sunday Nov. 4
Peddler’s Village
2400 Street Road
New Hope, PA

The annual Peddler’s Village Apple Festival takes places this weekend Saturday Nov. 3rd and Sunday Nov. 4th in beautiful Bucks County, PA. The Apple Festival is dedicated to fall’s favorite fruit – the apple and is a family-fun event bringing two days of apple-centric treats, seasonal shopping, live performances, a kids’ fun zone with bounce houses, sand art and face painting and more. Free.

The Philadelphia Oddities Expo
Saturday Nov. 3
10am – 10pm
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
8046 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Oddities Expo is an unusual Philadelphia charity event taking place Saturday Nov. 3rd from 10am – 10pm at the Insectarium.  Peruse the custom-curated oddities marketplace, dine at the food truck caravan, explore all three floors of the museum, enjoy the selection of live entertainment and interactive attractions, or sign up for one of the peculiar workshops taught by some of the industry’s finest minds. $13 admission, free for ages 12 and younger.

Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Nov. 2 -4
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

We were fortunate enough to see an advanced screening of Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms this week. This new film opens in theaters tomorrow Friday Nov. 2nd and it does not disappoint! This beloved classic is retold in a way like only Disney can and is visually a delight for the eyes and senses. The movie is beautifully done and just so fun to watch.

The performance by Mackenzie Foy as Clara was a wonderful evolution of a young girl finding her way to confidence and inner strength that left me as a mom just delighted by this heroine’s journey as it unfolded before our eyes. It made me very pleased to have my two young daughter’s watching this journey of a smart young woman come into her own. Other noteworthy performances by The Captain played by Jayden Fowora-Knight and Mother Ginger played by Helen Mirren were captivating and made the movie so much fun to watch and enjoy.

Photo Credit: Disney

My girls and I were so excited to see Misty Copeland dance and the ballet scenes were beautiful. Be sure to watch the end of the movie for more Misty Copeland too if you didn’t get enough of her remarkable dancing during her scenes in the movie. Speaking of the movie’s dance and incredible music, as a Disney fan, I was delighted by what I think was a nod to Fantasia in the orchestra scene, too.

After the movie ended and we were walking out, I asked my girls what they thought and they both exclaimed that they loved it! And that they want to go back and take Dad and see it again. I can tell you that we all enjoyed this wonderful new movie and I know you and your family will, too.

You are not going to want to miss this new take on the beloved classic in theaters Nov. 2! Check out this trailer to get a glimpse and a listen into the magic of The Nutcracker and The Four Realms.

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

The film stars Keira Knightley (Atonement, Pirates of the Caribbean), Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar, The Conjuring), Helen Mirren (The Queen, Gosford Park), Morgan Freeman (Invictus, The Shawshank Redemption) and ballerina Misty Copeland.

Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is in a theater near you tomorrow Friday Nov. 2nd. For tickets and more information, go to:  https://movies.disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms. Tickets available at https://www.fandango.com/.

Our family is so excited for the new film being released by Disney this week. This beloved holiday classic retold, as only Disney can do, THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR RELAMS arrives in theaters this Friday, November 2nd. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale The Nutcracker, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms showcases the wondrous journey of Clara, who finds herself in the mystical world of the Four Realms, home to a host of eccentric characters and no shortage of surprises. This is a story about one girl finding the courage to overcome her fears to help restore peace. This longtime beloved story will be a hit with families and a wonderful opportunity to re-visit this classic holiday tale.

The film stars Keira Knightley (Atonement, Pirates of the Caribbean), Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar, The Conjuring), Helen Mirren (The Queen, Gosford Park), Morgan Freeman (Invictus, The Shawshank Redemption) and ballerina Misty Copeland.

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.  “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” releases in theaters on November 2.

Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is in a theater near your on Nov. 2nd.
For more information, go to:  https://movies.disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms. Tickets available at https://www.fandango.com/.

Halloween weekend is finally here and while the weather isn’t quite perfect due to the wet and blustery nor’easter there is still plenty of not to be missed spooktacular family fun!!

Halloween in the Market
Saturday Oct. 27
9:30am – 1pm
Reading Terminal Market
51 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA

Head to Halloween in the Market at Reading Terminal Market on Saturday Oct. 27th. Dress up for trick-or-treating around the market and be sure to grab a map of merchants giving out candy. There will also be a Halloween-themed storytime in the Book Nook and a spooky demo in City Kitchen. Free.

Trick-or-Treat at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Saturday Oct. 27 – Sunday Oct. 28
10am – 5pm
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA

Trick-or-treat through the galleries of The Academy of Natural Sciences. At the exhibits Outside In, Butterflies!, Xtreme Bugs and The Big Dig, visitors will receive a treat to take home and see Halloween-themed specimens from the collections. Wear a costume and get $2 off museum admission.

Halloween in Manayunk
Saturday Oct. 27
11am – 4pm
Main Street
Manayunk, PA

Don’t miss Halloween in Manayunk this Saturday Oct. 27th. Take the kids trick or treating at local businesses, enjoy the pets costume parade in Pretzel Park, and a variety of other fun activities for families to celebrate Halloween. Free.

Boo at the Zoo 
Saturday Oct. 27 – Sunday Oct. 28
10am – 4pm
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Set out on a not-so-spooky adventure at the annual Boo at the Zoo through “Extinction Graveyard” and run wild at the trick-or-treat stations situated around the zoo. Dress up in costume and enjoy fall offerings available for purchase. $19.95 – $24.95.

CultureFest: Dia de los Muertos 
Saturday Oct. 27
1-5pm Family Festival, 5-8pm Outdoor Evening Festival
Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

The Penn Museum celebrates Día de los Muertos as we honor our departed ones through music, dance, and art. The centerpiece of the afternoon is a traditional ofrenda (altar) created for the celebration. After 5:00 pm, the festival continues outdoors with entertainment, cash bar, dancing, and more! Free with Museum Admission $15 adults, $10 children ages 6-17, free for 5 and under.

Brick or Treat 
Saturday Oct. 27 – Sunday Oct. 28
10am – 6pm
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 W. Germantown Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA

It’s the final Brick or Treat Weekend at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia. Don your favorite kooky costumes and get ready for frightening family festivities. The center will feature different fall activities every weekend including meet & greets and other fun. $19.

South Street Fall Pumpkin Festival 
Saturday Oct. 27
12pm – 5pm
South Street Headhouse District
2nd and Lombard Streets
Philadelphia, PA

The South Street Headhouse District has plenty of tricks and treats for children and adults of all ages during the neighborhood’s annual Halloween festivities. On Saturday, October 27th from Noon to 5:00pm, Fall PumpkinFest returns to Headhouse Square with circus performances,  live music, crafts for kids, seasonal bites, Pumpkin Putt-Putt golf, a straw bale maze, face painting and costume contests. There will even be a pumpkin pie eating contest. Free. 

East Passyunk Fall Fest & Spooky Sunday
Sunday Oct. 28 (rescheduled from Oct. 27)
11am – 5pm
East Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA

East Passyunk Avenue Business District invites you and your family for a double dose of spooktacular fun! Bring the whole family out for a Fall Fest and Spooky Saturday on Sunday October 28th. Enjoy free activities for kids, adults, and Fido too all along East Passyunk Avenue. Free.

Witches of Narberth
Sunday Oct. 28
1pm – 5pm
Haverford Ave.
Narberth, PA

Don’t miss this free family event that’s become a Main Line kid favorite – The Witches of Narberth! On Sunday, October 28th at 1pm, on the corner of Forrest and Haverford Avenues, Halloween kicks off with this popular annual scavenger hunt. Children of all ages are invited to join in this free event, where kids search downtown Narberth high and low for thirteen of the witchiest witches around. Kids collect treats along the way and then return to the start to collect a Halloween prize. Free.