Nation by nation, peace on earth
Penn Museum celebrates holidays and cultures.
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It's a celebration of Peace Around the World Sunday as the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology hosts its 13th annual family event from 1 to 4 p.m.
The theme once again is "Holiday Passport to Cultures." The museum will be divided into sections representing countries, and visitors will receive "passports" to the countries. Speakers will talk about history, language, social customs and holiday traditions.
Hasan Ayaz from Izmir, Turkey, a Drexel University graduate student, will speak on Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's first president, and how he revolutionized culture and policies. Kashan Ahmed from Karachi, Pakistan, a Temple University freshman, will talk about the Muslim festival of Eid, and Sharmin Farana, from Bangladesh, will explore the Bengali new year.
Also, Marta Garriga will share the Spanish traditions of a Catalonian Christmas. And Prema Deshmukh from Hirehonnihalli, India, will speak on Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
Music will be performed by the Episcopal Academy Middle School Singers and the 30th Street Postal Employees Choir, and the Peanutbutter's troupe will do face painting. Tokyo's Mitsuyo Kimura and Mika Nakatani will demonstrate origami; guests can create figures. Participants who collect stamps from four "countries" will receive a small prize in the museum's Pyramid Shop.
Holiday happenings at the zoo
At the Philadelphia Zoo, Santa's Animal Surprises is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Santa will be giving animals, including penguins, tiger cubs and polar bears, toys and treats.
The Holidoze Pajama Prowl, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday only, will show how animals are celebrated around the world. Guests can meet animals up close at an indoor animal house and make winter-themed crafts.
Christmas in Lahaska
Peddler's Village in Lahaska will host its annual Christmas Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The festival will feature shopping, a giant light display, and the 28th Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display in the Village Gazebo. Hot cider and marshmallows for toasting can be purchased.
An Old Fashioned Christmas Parade will be held from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, led by the Central Bucks East Marching Band, accompanied by local Girl Scout troops. Also performing will be the Season's Greetings Eagles Pep Band, the Spiced Punch Singers, Stiltwalker, and Nassau Brass. Santa and Mrs. Claus will launch the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, then meet children in the Giggleberry Fair area.