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25 Awesome Santa Claus Activities for Philly Kids

Scuba Santa returns to Adventure Aquarium.
Scuba Santa returns to Adventure Aquarium.
11/17/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

One crucial part of getting ready for Christmas is visiting Santa Claus. After all, Philly kids have to give him the report on whether they have been naughty or nice. Naturally, breakfast with Santa, visits to the mall, and holiday train rides with the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole come to mind. However, there are many other options to catch a glimpse of the big man, and maybe even Mrs. Claus too! Mommy Poppins has the lowdown on where Philly families can find St. Nick throughout the Delaware Valley, both in the city and in the suburbs. So take a look at some of our favorite options and make time for Santa Claus this holiday season.

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Photo courtesy of Franklin Square
Photo courtesy of Franklin Square

Santa in the City

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Select dates from November 28- December 24, 2019
Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Visitors can expect booths featuring conventional European food, sweets, drinks, and shopping. Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, ferris wheel, and train. READ MORE

Jingle & Mingle with Santa

November 29, 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 2019
Children can visit with Santa near the fountain at Franklin Square to share their wish lists with him. Be sure to bring a camera or photo to capture the moment. READ MORE

Macy's Center City Holiday Traditions

November 29-December 31, 2019 (excluding Christmas Day)
A Philadelphia tradition, the Macy's Christmas Light Show is back. The department store's lineup of holiday events also includes Dickens Village–a 6,000 square-foot walk-thru experience, pictures with Santa, and its iconic holiday window displays.  READ MORE

Milk and Cookies with Santa

November 30, 2019
Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa at Franklin Square. Santa shares some of his favorite holiday stories in the indoor, heated Pavilion. Tickets are required and can be purchased either online or by calling. READ MORE

Independence Seaport Museum Parade of Lights

December 7, 2019
The most nautical light show around takes place at Independence Seaport Museum, where a fleet of boats all dressed up for the holidays will parade down the Delaware River. Before the parade at sundown, kids can make crafts and participate in other seasonal activities. READ MORE

Santa at MARKET at the Fareway

December 7, 14, and 21, 2019
Share your super secret wishlist with Santa himself on select Saturdays in December at MAKRET at the Fareway. READ MORE

Skate with Santa at Palace Roller Skating

December 14, 2019
Lace up your roller skating and hit the rink with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are two sessions of fun. The first is from 11 AM- 1 PM and is geared towards children 10 and under. The second session is from 1 PM- 7 PM and is for all ages. READ MORE

Santa Visits the Market

December 21, 2019
Visit Reading Terminal Market for some seasonal fun as Santa stops by to spread holiday cheer and take photos with families. Santa can be found in Piano Court behind Miller's Twist. READ MORE

Santa Paws

December 21, 2019
Four-legged friends are invited to Franklin Square for some holiday fun and a photo with Santa. Puppies can wear their best holiday outfit or ugly sweater for a pic with St. Nick. READ MORE

Santa Meet and Greet

TBD
Santa Claus is coming to the Please Touch Museum. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11am - 1pm and 2:30 - 4pm. In addition, visitors can enjoy a holiday story time, train-themed activities, and an end-of-day parade. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Peddlers Village
Photo courtesy of Peddlers Village

Santa in the Suburbs

Santa Photos at King of Prussia Mall- The Court

Now through December 24, 2019
Santa is waiting to visit with all the good little boys and girls in the Court at King of Prussia Mall. Families must reserve a time slot in advance online to avoid lines.  READ MORE

Santa at Feeney's

Select dates from November 15- December 24, 2019
Are you on the naughty or nice list? Children can find out by visiting Santa Claus at Feeney's. Hours vary by date so be sure to refer to the website for specific details. READ MORE

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

November 23, 2019- January 5, 2020
Experience the magic of more than 3 million bulbs illuminating acres of farmland at Shady Brook Farm's holiday light show. Drive through in the comfort of your car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. Then, set off on foot through Candy Cane Lane, where dancing lights are set to music. Visit Santa and tell him about your wishes before or after enjoying the Holiday Light Show.  READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Select days from November 23, 2019- January 1, 2020
Sesame Place hosts A Very Furry Christmas celebration, featuring a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and whirling rides. See Santa, Rudolph, and the whole Sesame Street gang. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show featuring holiday music and lights. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler's Village

November 30-December 1, 2019
To kick off the holiday season, Santa Claus arrives parade-style to Peddlers' Village. Live entertainment is provided to get everyone into the spirit of the season. READ MORE

Dutch Winter Wonderland

Select days from November 23-December 30, 2019
Take a ride to Dutch Wonderland and experience a Winter Wonderland complete with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show. Santa can be found in Merlin's Restaurant to hear wish lists. READ MORE

Annual Media Santa's Christmas Parade

December 1, 2019
The entire family can walk or run in this untimed annual event held on State Street in Media. Feel free to dress up in holiday gear. Then, sit back and enjoy the parade to catch a glimpse of Santa. READ MORE

Santa House

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in December
Bring your camera or phone and your wishlist to visit Santa at his house located across from the Railroad Plaza on W. Main and Madison Streets. READ MORE

Santa in Collingswood

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December
Visit Santa at ExtraordinaryED to share your wish list with this jolly old elf from the North Pole. Families can take pictures too! READ MORE

Christmas Around the Farm

December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2019
Linvilla Orchards celebrates the season with wagon rides to cut your own Christmas tree, visits with the Linvilla barn animals, caroling hayrides, and photos with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. READ MORE

A Visit with Santa

December 8, 2019
Celebrate the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Highlands. Guests can make a craft project, decorate gingerbread cookies in the shape of the mansion, and enjoy a reading of that seasonal classic, The Night Before Christmas. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the magic! READ MORE

Santa Arrives by Tractor

TBD
Santa arrives on John Deere tractor to visit children at Charlann Farms. Guests can expect free photos with Santa. READ MORE

Children's Christmas Party

December 11, 2019
Children are invited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at this beloved family tradition. Enjoy holiday entertainment, costumed characters, face painting, Cookie Land, and more during this special party. READ MORE

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