Philadelphia-area holiday activities for families

Penn Museum open house

Visit the mummies and other artifacts from around the world, free during a 12-hour open house from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. The special event celebrates the museum's 125th birthday. 3260 South St., www.penn.museum.

Hanukkah bowling party

Festive event 2-4 p.m. Sunday for children 10 and under. Please bring a new, unwrapped book or toy to donate. North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd St., $3.95 per person per game to bowl, plus a $4 shoe rental. For details, call 215-320-0376.

Longwood Gardens Christmas

The lavish Christmas lights twinkle on at 3:30 p.m., and there are daily sing-alongs to holiday songs at the organ in the ballroom. Free for children under 5, $8 ages 5-18, $15-$18 for adults. Timed admissions. Reservations recommended. (Some times sell out quickly.) Through Jan. 6., 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org.

Holiday railroad

Reading Terminal Market's model railroad is back for the season, with 12 trains running through miniature city, country and "holiday village" settings. Trains run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (until 5 p.m. Sundays) through Dec. 31. Closed Christmas Day.

A Christmas Carol

The Walnut Street Theatre's hour-long production of the Dickens classic plays on select days now through Dec. 22 - all as matinee performances. $10-$16, 825 Walnut St., walnutstreettheatre.org.

- Becky Batcha