Events for the family

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Holiday lights, Christmas tree, Santa Claus & food, drink & craft vendors. Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd.

» READ MORE: 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 12/7.

Jewish Family Day Jewish families can learn about the Jewish roots in Philadelphia. Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008-2010 Delancey Pl.; Reservations required: 215-732-1600. 12/6. 12:30-4 pm.

Living With Pancreatic Cancer Cancer help. Wellness Community of Philadelphia, 1 Chamounix Dr.; Reservations required: 215-879-7733. 12/5. 9:30-12 pm.

Morning Stroll/Tour Awbury Arboretum, One Awbury Rd. www.naturefind.com. Closes 12/5.

Paper Scissors Book Fair Artists' book fair. Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5372. 12/5. 10 am-4 pm.

Stag & Doe Nights Chestnut Hill stores will offer wine & cheese, cookies & hot cocoa, sounds of the season & more. Chestnut Hill, Historic Germantown Ave. Closes 12/23.

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. Closes 12/27.

White-Tailed Deer in the Wissahickon You might have seen deer wandering around the Philadelphia area. Did you ever wonder why a fawn has spots on its upper coat or why males rub their antlers on tree bark? If so, then you should join us for a program based on the white-tailed deer, which is the state animal of Pennsylvania. Discover some fun facts about deer and learn how the species that inhabits this area differs from reindeer. Play a game called Oh Deer. Search for signs of deer in the forest and meadows of the Andorra Natural Area. Maybe we will even get lucky and see deer along the way! Cobbs Creek Environmental Education Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy. www.naturefind.com. 12/5. 10-11:30 am.

White-Tailed Deer in the Wissahickon You might have seen deer wandering around the Philadelphia area. Did you ever wonder why a fawn has spots on its upper coat or why males rub their antlers on tree bark? If so, then you should join us for a program based on the white-tailed deer, which is the state animal of Pennsylvania. Discover some fun facts about deer and learn how the species that inhabits this area differs from reindeer. Play a game called Oh Deer. Search for signs of deer in the forest and meadows of the Andorra Natural Area. Maybe we will even get lucky and see deer along the way! Cobbs Creek Park, 6400 Market St. www.naturefind.com. 12/5. 10-11:30 am.

Wok 'N Walk Tour of Chinatown Learn about the history, culture & food of Philadelphia's Chinatown. Joseph Poon Chef Kitchen, 1010 Cherry St.; Reservations required: 215-928-9333. $60; $30 children 6-10; free for children 5 and under. Closes 12/6.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

All are welcome to participate in the tree lighting ceremony with carolers, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, music, & refreshments. Lower Providence Township, 100 Parklane Dr., Norristown; 610-635-3543. Donations of canned goods encouraged. 12/4. 7 pm.

Dog Adoption Day Presented by Loli's Place, a non-profit organization established to make changes in the way the world treats animals. Buzzy's Bow Wow Meow, 701 Montgomery Ave., Narberth; 610-617-3300. buzzysbowwowmeow.com. 12/6. 12-3 pm.

Pet Adoption Day Cares4Pets will be bringing dogs that are available for adoption. Buzzy's Bow Wow Meow, 701 Montgomery Ave., Narberth; 610-617-3300. Closes 12/5.

The Lights of KI: A Hanukkah Celebration Lunch, storytime with the KI puppets & Shir Joy Hanukkah music. Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; Reservations required: 215-887-8700. $10; $5 children 12 and under. 12/6. 12 pm.

Timeless: A Family Christmas Celebration Free Christmas fun for the family, including crafts, petting zoo, live Nativity, food, music & more. Branch Creek Community Church, 100 Main St., Harleysville; 215-256-0100. Closes 12/5.

Candlelight House Tour

Tour of several decorated homes, train exhibit, music & Historical Society of Riverton display. Historic Riverton, Main St., Riverton; 856-829-2476. $15. 12/5. 4-9 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.

Holiday Open House Enjoy a cup of tea, delectable treats and tour the beautiful campus. Cadbury at Cherry Hill, 2150 Route 38, Cherry Hill; 856-667-4550. 12/9. 2-4 pm.

Kids of Hope: Christmas in Reverse You won't want to miss watching the children in this musical production as they relate the story of Christmas going backwards in time. Hope United Methodist Church, 700 Cooper Rd., Vorhees; 856-753-7355. 12/6. 6:45 pm.

Merchantville Holiday Home Tour Tour begins at Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave. Main Street Merchantville, Main St., Pennsauken; Tickets available at Foam Cafe. $12 advance; $15 day of event. 12/5. 12-7 pm.

Pet Photos with Santa Holiday photo session for local cats & dogs to pose with Santa. Moorestown Mall, 400 Rt-38, Moorestown. Closes 12/6.

Toddler Make & Take Stories, crafts & interesting animal information. Registration required: 732-899-1659 Jenkinson's Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant; Registration required: 732-899-1659. $18 parent-child pair; $8 each additional child. Closes 12/8.

Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration Tree lighting after the parade on Friday & fun for the family all day Saturday. Wildwoods Convention Center, 5401 Boardwalk, Wildwood; Box Office: 609-729-9000. 12/5. 10 am-5 pm.

Wildwoods Family Holiday Celebration: Greater Wildwood Jaycees Holiday Parade Parade ends at Wildwoods Convention Center. North Wildwood Recreation Center, 900 Central Ave., Wildwood. www.WildwoodHoliday.com. 12/4. 7 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.

First Saturdays in the First State: Cracking the Numbers Code Phonographs, data plates, numbers and letters provide background about different machines. The day includes a number-driven scavenger hunt for children. Museum Square - Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Closes 12/5.

First Saturdays in the First State: From the Spanish Main to Hollywood From the Spanish Main to Hollywood: The Evolution of Pirate Dress is where visitors wlil learn how Howard Pyle created the romanticized version of pirates that has pervaded popular culture for more than 100 years. Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York St., Dover. Closes 12/5.

First Saturdays in the First State: Guided Tours of Legislative Hall Legislative Hall has been the seat of Delaware's General Assembly, the supreme lawmaking body in the state, since 1933. Tours of the House and Senate Chambers feature the history of the legislature and of Delaware. Legislative Hall, Court St. and Legislative Ave., Dover. Closes 12/5.

First Saturdays in the First State: Voices of Dover's Past Historical interpreters portray real people from Dover's 18th-century past. Members of the Battell and Ridgely families discuss the struggles of business and family life. Legislative Hall, Court St. and Legislative Ave., Dover. Closes 12/5.

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 Advent There will be crafts & story times for the kids to enjoy. Hope United Methodist Church, 700 Cooper Rd., Vorhees; 856-753-7355. Closes 12/16.

Everyone Loves a Parade Post-parade holiday celebration w/Mayor Al E. Gator & photos w/Santa. Fantasy Island Amusement Park, 320 Seventh St., Harvey Cedars; 609-492-4000. 12/5. 2-5 pm.

Family Concert: Holiday Sing Sing-along concert with Early Childhood faculty & performance by the Wilmington Youth Chorale. Wilmington Music School, 4101 N. Washington St., Wilmington; 302-762-1132. 12/6. 3 pm.

First Friday Live entertainment & crafts for the kids. James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Closes 12/4.

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.

Glad Tidings: A Celebration of Christmas Learn how Christians around the world have adapted the Nativity scene to represent their own cultures. Glencairn Museum, 1001 Cathedral Rd., Bryn Athyn. 12/6. 1-5 pm.

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

Holiday Delights Family Workshop Make and decorate special luminaries or treats to keep or give as gifts. The Clay Studio, 139 N. 2nd St.; 215-925-3453. 12/5. 10 am-12 pm.

Holiday Gift Making Workshop Make a craft, wrap it up & make a greeting card to go with it. James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; Registration required. $25. 12/5. 1-3 pm.

Holiday Open House Gallery viewing, live music & family activities. James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. 12/8. 7-9 pm.

Holiday Open House Visitors can enjoy special holiday activities & tasty refreshments for the whole family. Seasons Garden Center, 1069 River Rd., Washington Crossing. 12/5. 10 am-5:30 pm.

Kidiscovery Wednesdays Preschool program w/a hands-on science activity, storytime, music & more. Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown; 484-664-1002. Included in admission. 12/9. 12 pm.

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.

Parish Make & Take Sundays Make a work of art inspired by the 'Fanatsies & Fairy-Tales' exhibition. Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. Included in admission. Closes 1/3.

Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust Christmas Party Annual Christmas party w/Santa Claus. Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; Tickets required. www.phoenixfed.com. 12/5. 2 pm.

Photos With Santa Kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus. Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Closes 12/24.

Photos With Santa Kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus. Willow Grove Park, 2500 Moreland Rd., Willow Grove; 215-657-6000. Closes 12/24.

Photos With Santa Kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus. Springfield Mall, 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield. Closes 12/24.

Photos With Santa Kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus. Moorestown Mall, 400 Rt-38, Moorestown. Closes 12/24.

Photos With Santa Kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus. Exton Square Mall, 260 Exton Square Mall, Exton. Closes 12/24.

Pillow & Pajama Story Time Interactive storytime featuring stories, songs, movement activities, special guest artists & cultural themes. 1st. Fri. of the month. Creative Living Room, 15 South Chester Rd., Swarthmore. 12/4. 6:30 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.

Polar Express Pajama Party Storytime featuring the popular story authored by Chris Van Allsburg. Barnes & Noble Market Fair, 3535 Rte. 1, Princeton. 12/4. 7 pm.

Print Out: Family Day Children 3-12 will learn to make relief prints. Reg. req. 215-546-3267. Projects Gallery, 629 N. 2nd St.; Pre-registration required: 215-546-3267.

Santa Claus Opportunity for kids to visit Santa Claus. Chestnut Hill, Historic Germantown Ave. Closes 12/20.

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.

Skate With Santa Ice skating session with Santa Claus & various holiday activities. Blue Cross RiverRink Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. $8; $3 skate rental. 12/6. 1-5 pm.

Sunday With Santa Buffet Breakfast, storytelling & pictures with Santa. Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd.; Reservations suggested. $39; $25 children. Closes 12/20.

The Cat's Pajamas Group whose dynamic vocals & madcap theatrics carry messages of self-esteem with a hefty dose of humor. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. $10; $7 children 1-12; free for children under 1. 12/5. 11:30 am.

The Lara & Joe Show Fun & educational music program for kids. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave. $5. 12/5. 12 pm.

Tot Shabbat Program Sing, march with Torahs & hear stories about Shabbat with area tots & their parents. Call 910-337-2222 for information. Temple Brith Achim, 481 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia; 610-337-2222.

Trout Fishing in America The duo of Keith Grimwood & Ezra Idle. Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville. www.troutmusic.com/. $20-$22. 12/6. 3 pm.

Two of a Kind Husband & wife duo who's concerts feature songs, puppets, movement & stories. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.twoofakind.com. 12/5. 11 am-12 pm.

Victorian Tea With Father Christmas Children's gallery tour, Victorian-inspired holiday craft making, stories, caroling, tea with light lunch & a visit from Father Christmas. Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Ave. $25. 12/5. 11 am.

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. 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. 12/4. 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. Breakfast With Big Bird and Friends. $17; $15 children 2-11. 12/5. Character Portrait Sessions at Mr. Hooper's Emporium. 12/5. Lunch Buffet. $22; $16 children 2-11. 12/5. 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.