Right after giving out the last of the Halloween candy, it seems like we are already to kick off the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all we have and to start ringing in the holidays. And, spending time with family and friends is a big part of that. Luckily there are lots of fun Thanksgiving events going on to bring everybody together.
Here are 14 Thanksgiving events happening in the Hatboro Area:
Hatboro Annual Thanksgiving Parade
On Sunday, November 19, 217, the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce will present the 57th annual Thanksgiving Parade. This year’s theme is “Holiday Hoedown” and the parade route will be along York Road in Hatboro. Get more information here.
Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
This year is the 98th annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown Philadelphia. The oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, it will feature gigantic balloons, celebrity appearances and lots of creative floats along a 1.4 mile parade route. Get more information here.
Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Running from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular is a 15-minute show on the lobby’s LED display in the Comcast building in Center City. Bring the children down and they will love seeing dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet as well as Santa’s sleigh all in the lights. Get more information here.
Christmas Village
Opening on Thanksgiving Day, this German-style holiday market located in LOVE Park in Center City Philadelphia will be home to 80 wooden booths of both local and international merchants selling handmade toys and winter clothing and Christmas Eve. Get more information here.
A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens in Delaware County brings in the holidays with their large Christmas trees and over 500,000 twinkling lights. Inside their heated Conservatory they also offer wreaths, poinsettias, Christmas fruit as well as holiday music and performances. Opening on Thursday, November 23 it will run until January 7, 2018. There will be breakfasts with Santa in the Terrace Restaurant. Get more information here.
Christmas Light Show at Macy’s
Delighting families for generations, Macy’s downtown still holds its Christmas Light show in National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building on Market Street in Philadelphia. Narrated by Julie Andrews, the show included dancing sugarplum fairies and snowmen and even Rudolph and Santa make an appearance. Performances are free and run every two hours during the hours of the store.
On the second floor, you can also stop by the Dickens Village where you can revisit a time of old. Opening November 25, it runs until December 31, 2017. Get more information here.
Franklin Square’s Annual Holiday Festival
From November 9 through December 31, 2017, Franklin Square on North 6th St. in Center City is home to the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show with its festive display of holiday lights and music. There will be free shows between 4 and 8 p.m. during the week and 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There will also be Saturdays with Santa and rides on the holiday train and carousel. Get more information here.
Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
If you are looking for a fun physical activity to do with family and friends, then you will definitely want to check out the Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park in Center City Philadelphia. Ice Skating is a favorite winter activity they everyone can enjoy and of course get hot chocolate afterwards. Get more information here.
Gingerbread Competition and Display at Peddler’s Village
After everyone is stuffed with Turkey, make one of your stops over the Thanksgiving Weekend be to Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, PA. Get some Christmas shopping in and have a delicious meal while checking out the gingerbread house display. The display will be running until January 1, 2018. Get more information here.
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
If you have little ones, you won’t want to miss the Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place in Bucks County. You and your family will get to tour the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory and meet Lightning, the reindeer from Elmo Saves Christmas as well as see some holiday shows and stay for the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. Get more information here.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Another great place to go ice skating is the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the Delaware Riverfront. Other special amenities include fire pits to warm you up, a Kids Lodge arcade and a chalet-style Lodge Restaurant and Bar. They also show 12 nights of Christmas movies. The rink will be open from November 24, 2017 through March 4, 2018. Get more information here.
Manayunk Tree Lighting
Manayunk will be holding its annual tree lighting on Saturday, November 25, 2017, just after Thanksgiving. Santa will be there and there will be plenty of sing-alongs, hot chocolate and other warm wintry treats. While there stop into one of the many delicious Manayunk restaurants for something to warm your innards. Get more information here.
Dashin’ thru the…Lights! 2 mile run/walk
If you are a runner or even if you just enjoy a brisk walk, you won’t want to miss Shady Brook Farm’s Dashin’ thru the…Lights! 2 mile/run/walk. The route takes you through their holiday light show filled with magical creations. It starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2017 so don’t be late. Make sure you dress warm and bring some water. Shady Brook Farm is located in Yardley, PA. Get more information here.
3rd Annual North Wales Turkey Trot
Always feel guilty after stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving Day? Take away the guilt by participating in one of the many runs happening on Thanksgiving morning. The 3rd annual North Wales Turkey Trot in North Wales, PA will include an 8K, & 5K and ½ Kid’s Fun Run and 2 mile Walk. The festivities start at 8 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. so you won’t be missing out on family time. Make sure you dress warm and bring some water. Get more information here.
With all these fun family-friendly events coming up, there is no excuse for not getting out there and celebrating the holidays. Don’t let the stress of gift-giving and party-planning keep you from what matters most: enjoying time with family and friends.
