Events for the family

Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas Tree will be lit to kick off the holiday festivities. Canal View Park, Intersection of Main St. and Gay St. 11/27. 6 pm.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia Holiday lights, Christmas tree, Santa Claus & food, drink & craft vendors. Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd. www.philachristmas.com. Closes 12/24.

Drunken Spelling Bee Rogerio Brothers & guests are the judges of this event. Bob & Barbara's Lounge, 1509 South St. sweetbreadstudios.com. $5. Closes 12/1.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Tour Independence Park & Society Hill while hearing tales of the city's haunted history. Signers Garden, 5th St.; 215-413-1997. www.ghosttour.com. $15-$17; $8 children 4-12. Closes 11/28.

Haunted Trolley Tour Tour of approx. 20 "haunted" locations in the city, with 3 stops where passengers can disembark & look around. The Bourse Building, 400 Ranstead St. www.ghosttour.net. $30; $20 children 4-12. Closes 11/28.

In Memoriam: Horace Pippin's John Brown Going to His Hanging This event marks the 150th anniversary of the hanging of Harpers Ferry raid leader John Brown. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.; 215-972-7600. 12/2. 12-1 pm.

Long Night Moon Hike Join us for an evening walk through the park on the first full moon in December. Hunt for animal signs, listen for nighttime noises, and enjoy the peacefulness of the forest after dark. Cobbs Creek Park, 6400 Market St. www.naturefind.com. 12/1. 6-7:30 pm.

Long Night Moon Hike Join us for an evening walk through the park on the first full moon in December. Hunt for animal signs, listen for nighttime noises, and enjoy the peacefulness of the forest after dark. Cobbs Creek Environmental Education Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy. www.naturefind.com. 12/1. 6-7:30 pm.

My Lord What a Mornin': A Vigil for John Brown Vigil recognizing the anniversary of the hanging of Harpers Ferry raid leader John Brown. Shiloh Baptist Church, 2040 Christian St. 12/1. 6 pm.

Origami Animals - The Art of Paper Folding After the class, an "animals in art' family gallery guide will help visitors search out more animals in the museum galleries. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.; 215-972-7600. Included in admission; free for members. 11/28. 11 am-12:30 pm.

Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour Travel the cobblestone streets of Old City to hear ghost stories about the Spirits of '76. Cosi Restaurant, 325 Chestnut St.; 215-525-1776. spiritsof76.com. $17.50; $12.50 children 3-12. Closes 11/28.

Sunday Karaoke Sunday is Fun Day at Mar Bar with this weekly event features great drink specials and lots of karaoke tunes. Marathon Bar - 10th & Walnut, 929 Walnut St.

Tertulia This monthly program presents lectures and discussions on cultural topics. Please be aware that most of the speaking is in Spanish, but have staff available to interpret for English-speakers. At the end of each "tertulia," the microphone is open to individual or group who would like to share their talents in music, poetry and dance. Raices Culturales Latinoamericans, 2757 N 5th St.; 215-425-1390. Donation suggested: $5. Closes 11/27.

The Yum! Show Art exhibit by Mark T. Mattson who creates protraits of food out of recyled materials. High Point Cafe, 602 W. Carpenter Lane; 215-849-5153. www.mattsonstudio.blogspot.com. Closes 11/30.

World AIDS Day Event commemorating lives lost to AIDS & celebrating those still living with it. Live performances, art, counseling & free pasta dinner. Broad Street Ministries Presbyterian Church, 315 S. Broad St.; 215-731-9255. www.aidsfundphilly.org. 12/1. 5:30-7:30 pm.

An Open, Honest & Controversial Examination of the Ethics of the Torah

Rabbi Sim Prystowsky presents this lecture for adults. Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park. $10; free for Adult Education registrants. 12/3. 7:30 pm.

Holiday Tree Lighting Residents will be gathering at Mill Street and Radcliffe Street to see the holiday tree bring lit to kick off the holiday season. Downtown Bristol, Radcliffe St., Bristol. 11/27. 6 pm.

New Hope Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This event takes place in front of the Logan Inn at Main and Ferry Streets. Enjoy refreshemnts and 'Meet the Mutts' from the popular YouTube series, 'It's Todd's Show.' Santa will arrive at 6 pm. Downtown New Hope, Main St., New Hope. 11/29. 5:30 pm.

Come as You Are, Leave as You Want to Be

Every Sun. 8:30 am. St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 327 Marlton Pike W., Cherry Hill; 856-429-4469.

Lights of Love Community Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Holiday music & tree lighting. Help the Friends of the West Deptford Library by purchasing lights in honor of loved ones. West Deptford Free Public Library, 420 Crown Point Rd., Thorofare; 856-845-5593. www.westdeptford.lib.nj.us/friends.htm. Free; $3-$15 to purchase lights. 12/3. 6:30 pm.

Talk to the Animals Biologist & educator William Moore will introduce animals & speak about their needs over the coming winter. Reservations required. Organic Green Cafe, 1101 Cooper St., Beverly; Reservations required: 609-871-9555. 11/27. 11 am-2 pm.

ABC: An Exhibition of Alphabet Books

Alphabet-themed 18th & 19th-century children's books, fine press books, typographic specimen books & similar. Closes 12/18. University of Delaware, 114 College Sq, Newark; 302-831-6589.

Historic District Walking Tours Learn about Dover's history as you visit various sites. First State Heritage Park, 152 South State St., Dover; 302-739-9194. Closes 11/28.

16th Season Re-Opening Celebration - Fire and Ice

Give & Take Jugglers, juggling workshops, magic shows, pantomimes, puppetry, face-painting, illusionists and more. Blue Cross RiverRink Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. 11/27. 12 pm.

2nd Annual Valley Square Holiday Event - Rockin' Around the Tree This family-friend event features pictures with Santa, a tree lighting, holiday music, raffle prizes and more. Valley Square, Street Rd., Warrington. 11/28. 6-8 pm.

Annual Young People's Exhibition Work from over 400 students in the Saturday Young People's Programs will be exhibited. Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St.; 215-922-3456. Included in admission. Closes 12/18.

Can-Do Playground Integrated playground where both children with disabilities & enabled children can play together. Alapocas Run State Park and Blue Ball Barn, 1914 West Park Dr., Wilmington. www.candoplayground.org.

Children's Storytime Stories & crafts. Barnes & Noble - Rittenhouse Square, 1805 Walnut St.; 215-665-0716.

Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi Feats of strength & balance paired with contemporary dance & martial arts moves. Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr., Trenton; Box Office: 609-984-8400. $37-$52. 11/29. 7:30 pm.

Drawing Together Open sketching time for families. Ongoing; dates vary. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-763-8100. Included in admission. Closes 11/29.

Ellis Paul Paul's urbane, literate style helped ignite the folk revival of the 1990's. Kennett Flash, 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square; 484-732-8295. www.ellispaul.com/. $22; $25. 11/27. 8 pm.

Gift of Giving VIII Annual exhibit featuring work by area grade school students. All artwork will eventually be distributed to area residents affected by HIV/AIDS. James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Included in admission. Closes 12/9.

Giggle Gang Twice-monthly programs featuring live entertainment, crafts or nature classes. Springfield Mall, 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield.

Glory of Stories Children's storytime & craft activity. Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. $3. Closes 12/18.

Kids Care 16: Radiance Work by area children created for people coping with terminal illness. Opening reception 11/8. Closes 12/20. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.; 215-247-0476.

Latin Fiesta Latin music/dance ensemble headed up by pianist Maria del Pico Taylor & her violinist husband Raymond Taylor. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. www.latinfiestainc.com. $18; $6 children. 11/29. 3 pm.

Lights On! The lighting ceremony and holiday concert is accompanied by awards being given at the 5th Annual Gingerbread House contest. Grounds for Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Mercerville; 609-586-0616. 11/28. 2 pm.

Make Your Own Gingerbread House A gingerbread house making class. Easttown Library & Information Center, 720 First Ave., Berwyn. $10. Closes 12/3.

Photos With Santa Photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-399-1412. 11/28. 12-3 pm.

Please Touch Museum - Play Patrol & Kids' Store Play Patrol features interactive playtime, visits with Santa & more. Kids' Store features unique gifts, stocking stuffers & more. Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Closes 12/20.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: National Tour The famous Christmas Show adapted for large-scale venues. Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-339-7600. www.radiocitychristmas.com/. $59.50-$99. Closes 12/2.

Santa Claus Takes the Train: North Pole Express Passengers will enjoy a sing-along led by Santa's elves & complimentary hot chocolate. Black River & Western Railroad, Rte. 12, Flemington; Reservations required: 908-782-6622. $20; $14 children; free for children under 3. Closes 12/12.

Santa Claus Takes the Train: Santa Express Passengers will enjoy a sing-along led by Santa's elves & complimentary hot chocolate. Black River & Western Railroad, Rte. 12, Flemington. $14; $7 children; free for children under 3. Closes 12/13.

Suzi Shelton NY-based family performer who sings songs about animals, dreams & delicious treats. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. $10; $7 children. 11/28. 11:30 am.

We Kidz Rock Children's Show Kennett Flash, 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square; 484-732-8295. $8; $10. 11/29. 2:30 pm.

Youth Lounge Workshops, martial arts, open studio time & more. Asian Arts Initiative, 1219-1223 Vine St.; 215-557-0455. Closes 12/18.

Camden Children's Garden

3 Riverside Dr., Camden; 856-365-8733.

» READ MORE: www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Garden State Discovery Museum 2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill; 856-424-1233. www.discoverymuseum.com. Little Discoveries. Down the Shore. Fleet Backstage Theater. Arts & Imagination. Inky's Newsroom. Best Friends on Main Street. Recycled Rhythm Shack. The Discovery Diner. The Rock Climbing Wall. News & Weather. Storybook Castle. Got Leftovers?. 11/27. May-Sept.: Daily 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Oct.-Apr.: Sun.-Fri. 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-8:30 pm.

Insectarium 8046 Frankford Ave.; 215-335-9500. www.myinsectarium.com. Working Beehive. Cockroach Kitchen. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm.

Kix & Giggles Children's Playground 9356 Old Bustleton Ave.; 215-677-4140. www.kixandgiggles.com. Tue.-Thu. 10 am-5 pm; Fri.-Sat. 10 am-7 pm; Sun. 10 am-6 pm.

Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic; 215-581-3181. www.pleasetouchmuseum.org. Enchanted Colonial Village. 11/27. Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 11 am-5 pm. 7/23-9/3: Mon.-Wed. & Fri.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Thu. 9 am-8 pm; Sun. 11 am-5 pm.

Sesame Place 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne; 215-752-7070. www.sesameplace.com. Holiday Party With Elmo and Friends. $9.95; free for 2010 season pass members. 11/28. Breakfast With Big Bird and Friends. $17; $15 children 2-11. 11/28. Character Portrait Sessions at Mr. Hooper's Emporium. 11/28. Lunch Buffet. $22; $16 children 2-11. 11/28. Weekends only thru 10/31.

Smith The Kids' Play Place in the Park 33rd St.; 215-765-4325. www.smithplayhouse.org. Smith The Kids' Playground & Playhouse. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.