Weekend Fun for Philly Kids Dec 6/7: Zoo Noel, Latkepalooza and Lucia Fest

12/4/14 - By Kristen Sullivan

It's the first full weekend in December and the holidays are in full swing. Predictably, houses are decorated with twinkling lightsChristmas music seems to be on every radio station and children are on their best behavior as Santa's elves are ready to send reports back to the North Pole.

Just as predictable, many families partake in holiday rituals like cutting down the Christmas tree or eating Brunch with Santa. Perhaps this year, consider incorporating a new tradition. Go to a holiday parade, see a Live Nativity, attend the Dickens Festival, sample potato pancakes at Latkepalooza or watch reenactors at the Washington Crossing the Delaware Dress Rehearsal.

Traditions make the holiday feel special but trying something new can be exciting and fun... and could even help create a new tradition making memories for years to come.

For a complete list of things to do, see the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar.

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Weekend

Zoo Noel- Philadelphia, PA
Beginning this weekend, the Philadelphia Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland during Zoo Noel. Enjoy a visit to the zoo while Santa travels the globe encountering wildlife along the way.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells- Bristol, PA
It's time for First Graders in Room One to pick their Secret Santa. However, Junie B. is quite disappointed when she draws her arch nemesis, Tattletale May. Or, should she be? Watch the drama unfold at Bristol Riverside Theatre.

Christmas Festival- Lahaska, PA
Peddler's Village is decorated in all its holiday glory as it hosts this annual Christmas Festival all weekend long. Children can participate in many holiday activities like writing letters to Santa in the mail room, decorating Christmas cookies in Mrs. Claus' kitchen and making Christmas sand art.

Santa Claus Special-  Kempton, PA
Families climb aboard the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad for a holiday trip like no other. Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and the elves are ready to delight children during this special journey. Train rides depart every hour. 

Saturday

Lucia Fest- Philadelphia, PA
The American Swedish Historical Museum hosts this family-friendly event complete with two Lucia processions. Sweet treats, gifts, decorations and more are available for purchase in the Christmas market.

Woodland Winter Wonderland- Media, PA
Get into the holiday spirit while enjoying the outdoors at Tyler Arboretum's Woodland Winter Wonderland. Join in a scavenger hunt, climb aboard the antique sleigh for some family photos and create unique ornaments by using items found in nature.

PNC Grow Up Great- Philadelphia, PA
Lucas Brown is featured at this week's PNC Grow UP Great concert located at the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza. Geared towards preschoolers, children are exposed to different types of jazz music through interactive play.

Full Moon Night Hike and Campfire- Gladwyne, PA
Learn about the phases of the moon while sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallow at Riverbend Environmental Education Center's Full Moon Night Hike.

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes The Cat's Pajamas- Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to dance and sing to the music of The Cat's Pajamas at World Cafe Live.  

Jingle Fest Holiday Craft Bazaar and Family Fun Festival- Oaks, PA
Load up the kids and the dog and head to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center for this fun-filled holiday event. Guests can expect balloon animals, crafts, a moonbounce and more. Santa and Olaf appear on the scene to visit with boys and girls. If bringing the dog, it is important to note that dogs must be on a leash.

Thanks & Giving Concert- Swarthmore, PA
The Creative Living Room hosts Allison DeSalvo's 10th Annual World of Song Children's Holiday Benefit Concert. Expect to sing, dance and jingle to the sounds of Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa. Children can enjoy games, puppets, crafts, face painting and more sure to get everyone excited about the holiday season.

Sunday

Latkepalooza- Philadelphia, PA
Children and grown ups alike enjoy this annual festival complete with crafts, games and magic for the kids. Don't forget to enjoy tasting the variety of gourmet potato pancakes from Philly's top chefs.

Fresh Beat Band- Upper Darby, PA
The band from the Emmy Award Winning show, Fresh Beat Band, makes its way to The Tower Theater ready to entertain the crowd. Kids can look forward to hearing their favorite tunes which teach them music appreciation and how to express their feeling through movement and music.

Washington Crossing the Delaware Dress Rehearsal- Washington Crossing, PA
Every year, hundreds of reenactors dress in Continental Military uniforms and cross the Delaware River on Christmas Morning. But, if you can't make the Christmas Day event, attend the dress rehearsal which happens this Sunday.

Upper Perk Hometown Christmas Parade and Santa Land- Pennsburg, PA
This one-of-a-kind animal parade is among the largest in all of Pennsylvania. The fun begins at the Red Hill Fire Company. Guests  watch animals like llamas, horses and sled dogs march down Main Street entertaining the crowds. Afterwards, children can visit Santa Land for lots of holiday fun.

Greccio Live Nativity Celebration- Aston, PA
Enjoy the spirit of the season at Neumann University as it hosts the reenactment of the Franciscan tradition of the crib. In addition, listen to beautiful Christmas music performed by Holy Family Regional School Bell and Children's Choir. 
 

Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Zoo