Santa will light up Peddler's Village - and probably the faces of small fry as well - on Friday night.
The Grand Illumination Celebration, and the annual gingerbread house display, is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. At 6:15, Santa Claus will switch on the village's million jewel-colored lights. After the lighting ceremony, which also begins Santa's weekends at his indoor workshop at Giggleberry Fair, continuing through Dec. 23, kids can meet Santa and give him their wish lists. Merchants will provide refreshments and the vendors will begin extended holiday hours.
The village's 31st annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display will debut on Friday at the Village Gazebo with 100 gingerbread and confection creations exhibited through Jan 7.
Music festival
On Saturday, WXPN brings its popular Kids Corner Music Festival to the World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington.
The concert will feature some of the latest music heard on WXPN's Kids Corner radio program. The Philadelphia-based band the Plants will perform its kid-friendly music beginning at 11 a.m. Singer-songwriter Shawana Kemp and guitarist John Heagle of Shine and the Moonbeams will perform at noon. Indie rock group Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs will hit the stage at 1 p.m.
The Kids Corner Music Festival debuted at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia in the spring. Its popularity prompted its addition to the cafe's Wilmington location.
Daddy-daughter dance
Dads and daughters can have a Friday night out and make a gift for mom at the Greater Plymouth Community Center's Daddy and Daughter Dance.
Fathers and their daughters can get dressed up for the special affair designed for girls ages 2 to 10. There will be snacks and dancing with music played by a DJ. Kids can make a gift for mom at the dance's arts and crafts table. Guests will receive a complimentary photograph as a memento of the event.