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Holiday Season

Take the family and head on out to see some holiday-related events and Christmas displays—even if you don’t celebrate Christmas these light spectaculars are grand NO matter what religion you practice. Check out our Cool Happenings Calendar for even more events—this is just a sampling!

The Holiday Light Show & Organ Concert Nov. 24-Dec. 24
Macy’s, 1300 Market Street
215.241.9000
Admission: Free.

This Philadelphia tradition features 1000s of flashing lights. Several generations have grown up with this tradition, one of the most beloved in the Delaware Valley, delighting families since 1955 with a “magic” Christmas tree and the sounds of the famous Grand Organ. This year’s show has a new narrator: Julie Andrews.

Christmas Candlelight House Tour Dec. 1, 8 & 15 - 5:30-8:30pm
Tickets are available online or at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth
609.884.5404 or 800.275.4278 or www.capemaymac.org
Admission: $24 adults, $12 children (ages 3-12)                                                                
                                                                                                                                           Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
This tour takes place in December but you better sign up now to reserve your spot to see some beautifully decorated Victorians in Cape May. The shore doesn’t have to be just a summer thing; you can enjoy it year-round. These self-guided tours, the main attractions of Cape May’s festive holiday season, feature: Homes, inns, hotels & churches specially decorated for the holidays; Christmas caroling and strolling musicians, trees and garland & good old-fashioned cheer; hospitality centers with warm beverages & home-baked goodies; admission to the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, and to the holiday exhibit in the Carriage House Gallery; continuous shuttle service on heated trolleys.

Christmas City
Events Occur All Over Bethlehem, Pa.
610.332.1300 or www.christmascity.org 

During the holiday season, the entire city of Bethlehem is ablaze in a beautiful display of Christmas lights and decorations. Scores of events like walking tours, carriage rides, and performances like Christmas City Follies VIII that runs from Nov. 28–Dec. 23 make Bethlehem the perfect place to celebrate the season. Make sure you get there for the Grand Illumination ceremony on Nov. 23, sure to be one of the most magical holiday celebrations in the area. The evening starts with the official tree lighting ceremony at the city government center followed by a beautiful holiday procession to the Colonial Industrial Quarter, which will be illuminated in white lights to signify the start if the holiday season.

Lights in the Parkway Nov. 24-Jan. 7
Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, Pa.
www.allentownpa.org/lights
Admission: $9 per vehicle.

Now in its 11th season, don’t miss the chance to travel through a parkway lit like never before: stunning animations, light tunnels, and beautiful Christmas displays. The ride lasts about 20 minutes but afterwards you can stop at the Lights In The Parkway Gift Barn, which features fine crafts and unique gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list as well as refreshments and Lights In The Parkway souvenirs. Santa will be visiting the barn Thursday through Sunday evenings during the display and photos with Santa are available for $5.
 

Holidays Around The World Nov. 18-Jan. 6
Monmouth Museum, 765 Newman Springs Rd. Lincroft, N.J.
732.747.2266 or www.MonmouthMuseum.org.
Admission: $6.

This holiday exhibition will explore holiday traditions from around in the world in trees decorated by local garden clubs and the Friends of the Museum. As usual, the ever expanding train layout will play a prominent role in the holiday festivities. Stories, activities and arts and crafts associated with the exhibition are scheduled during the holidays.

Longwood Gardens Christmas Display Nov. 22 – Jan. 6
Longwood Gardens, Route 1, Kennett Square, Pa.
Admission: $16 for adults, $6 students (5-22), and FREE for children under age 4.
610.388.1000 or  www.longwoodgardens.com