The holiday season is here! Kathy Romano traveled up the Turnpike and down the Parkway to find ten new activities for you to experience this season. From a new spin on wreath making, to candy cane cupcakes, festive parades and epic light shows, there is something for everyone!
It’s such a magical time of year, Kathy creates this list so that you can take part in fun, unique, festive activities throughout the region.
Watch the list reveal live on The Preston & Steve Show:
If you choose to try an activity from the list, please share your experience with me by tagging @kathyromano11 and follow along with her winter adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2024!
Kathy Romano’s Holiday Activities 2024
1. West Chester Sparkles: Parade, Festive Cocktails, and Holiday Shopping
West Chester launches its holiday season with a festive tree lighting and the cherished Christmas Parade on Friday, December 6! 6ABC’s Adam Joseph and I will be hosting the parade and will kick off the event at 6:30 pm with a 25-foot Christmas tree lighting. This special night includes live music, the parade at 7:00 pm, and a lineup of over a dozen marching bands, towering floats, dance troupes, and holiday surprises—including a visit from Santa. Celebrating West Chester’s 225th anniversary, this event is part of Chester County Hospital’s Lights Up Holiday Weekends, where historic downtown West Chester transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with 80,000 twinkling lights adorning the streets.
From Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s, each weekend brings new events like the Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, a professional gingerbread house competition, and free photos with Santa. You can also explore nearly 150 unique shops and restaurants offering holiday deals, making it a perfect spot for festive shopping. On Saturday, December 14, the Christkindlmarkt returns to Gay Street from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, where over 100 vendors showcase handcrafted gifts, from art to jewelry and homewares. After a day of shopping, stop by Sleigh Bar upstairs at Slow Hand, a fun, Christmas-themed lounge decked in twinkling lights and holiday décor. Sleigh Bar elevates the holiday experience with expertly crafted cocktails that taste as festive as they look. It’s a highlight you won’t want to miss this holiday season! 
📷 Kathy Romano
2. Craft Holiday Magic with Bygone Flowers
Bygone Flowers is hosting fresh and preserved greens workshops where you can craft stunning holiday décor. Led by the talented owner Nicole, these workshops offer on-trend, gorgeous creations you’ll love for your home.
- December 3: Enjoy an evening of beer and crafting at Rec Room by Conshohocken Brewing Company in Phoenixville, PA! Create two crafts: A Kissing Ball, a modern take on the classic mistletoe and a Preserved Greens Candle Wreath using moss, dried flowers, and seasonal greenery. All ages are welcome!
- December 10: Head to Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville for a Fresh Wreath-Making workshop. Craft a beautiful wreath with locally sourced greens while enjoying holiday treats from the Bistro.
Nicole’s guidance ensures you’ll leave with stunning, personalized holiday pieces. Don’t wait—spots fill quickly!
Coupon Code: “933WMMR” for 10%. While at the workshop, you’ll also receive coupons for some local shops in Phoenixville.
📷 Kathy Romano
3. Experience the Holidays in Downtown Lancaster: A Mini City Escape
Here’s a cozy mini holiday getaway right in Downtown Lancaster! Start with an overnight stay at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, ideally located in the center of the city, where you’ll be surrounded by holiday lights and festive energy. From here, you’re in walking distance to all the best spots in town!
Begin your day at Lancaster’s Central Market, America’s oldest farmer’s market, brimming with unique finds and local treats. Stroll the charming streets lined with shops and boutiques, perfect for picking up gifts or just taking in the holiday decorations. Don’t miss a stop at Gallery Grow Plant Bar on Prince Street, where you can create a custom holiday terrarium, shop for unique holiday décor and find the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life.
As the evening sets in, go to The Belvedere Inn for an unforgettable dinner on their patio, where cozy holiday igloos await. Remember to book in advance, as these igloos are highly sought after! Even if you dine indoors, the restaurant’s ambiance is just as charming.
For an after-dinner cocktail, head to Proof Lancaster, a hidden gem with a chill, speakeasy vibe. Their menu features exquisite spirits and world-class wines, making it a great spot to end the night. Stop by Passenger Coffee for a cup of specialty-roasted coffee or fine teas in the morning, or visit Square One Coffee, an award-winning, family-owned micro-roaster.
Before heading home, enjoy breakfast at Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie. Their menu is entirely devoted to delicious and festive crepes and drinks special for the holidays. Arrive hungry because you’ll want to try more than one crepe! This little Lancaster getaway is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
📷 Kathy Romano
5. Seasonal Fun for Families at Art in the Barn
Art in the Barn invites everyone to get creative this holiday season with a lineup of seasonal workshops for all ages held in a cozy, heated 1700s barn in Doylestown, PA. Starting December 5 with Holiday Cookie Decorating and running through December, they offer activities like Christmas Tree Paint & Sip, Fresh Evergreen Wreath Workshops, Holiday Mommy & Me partner paints, candle making, and a Winter Day Camp for kids. With over a dozen options, Art in the Barn is the perfect place to gather with friends and family and embrace the holiday spirit creatively!
Coupon Code: “Kathyslist” for 10% off when you join us for a holiday painting or pottery workshop in December!
6. Sip, Shop, and Celebrate at Pennswood Winery’s Holiday Market
Pennswood Winery is hosting its first Holiday Market on November 30 and December 1 at the Vineyard—a perfect chance to kick off the season with local flavor and festive cheer! Enjoy a cozy glass of hot mulled wine as you browse various local vendors featuring handcrafted soaps, candles, jewelry, holiday treats, and unique gifts. The shopping experience is sure to offer something special for everyone on your list.
Adding to the magic, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on-site both days from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for free photos with families! Plus, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, enjoy live holiday tunes performed by Adam Mcue, perfect for a singalong or two.
This outdoor event will have fire pits to keep you warm, but dress for the winter weather! For more holiday fun, don’t miss their Christmas movie trivia night and holiday succulent workshop in December.
Coupon Code: “LOCALLOVE” FOR 10% OFF wine purchases
📷 Pennswood Winery
7. Bake, Decorate, and Celebrate This Holiday Season
Have you ever wanted to create those picture-perfect holiday cakes and cupcakes? A Whisk Worth Tasting is here to help with festive decorating workshops for kids and adults! Learn step-by-step buttercream techniques to craft holiday designs like Rudolph, snowflakes, candy cane swirls, or a holiday wreath cake. Each participant gets all the supplies, sprinkles, and a take-home box to proudly showcase their creations.
- Adult Workshops: These sessions, held at From The Boot in Lafayette Hill, include lunch or dinner. To register, email [email protected].
- Kids Workshops: Hosted at Cedar Grove Barn in Conshohocken, these workshops are perfect for little bakers.
It’s fun, delicious, and easier than you think—don’t miss this chance to sweeten your holiday season!
📷 Kathy Romano
8. Winter Magic in Cape May: A Holiday Season Getaway
While Cape May is often considered a summer escape, the holiday season transforms this charming beach town into a festive wonderland! Cape Resorts, an award-winning luxury hospitality brand in Cape May, offers everyone an unforgettable holiday experience with festive events. Congress Hall, America’s oldest seaside resort, hosts its 13th annual Winter Wonderland, transforming into a winter paradise complete with Santa breakfasts, train rides on the Congress Hall Express, a holiday carousel, and a Vendor Village for holiday shopping. The “Cape May Christmas” package includes overnight accommodations, welcome cocktails, and a buffet Christmas dinner for a cozy getaway. Beach Plum Farm also offers farm-to-table holiday dinners featuring homegrown ingredients, a scenic hayride tour, and a candlelit Woodland Trail stroll. Their Holiday Home package includes hands-on wreath making and candle-making, a stay at a scenic cottage, and farm-fresh meals. The Virginia Hotel adds elegance with its ‘Twas the Night Before package, offering welcome cocktails, a candlelight Christmas dinner, and continental breakfasts in a refined Victorian setting.
The Washington Street Mall also transforms into a holiday wonderland, beautifully adorned with festive lights, as shops and restaurants reopen to celebrate the season. On Saturday, December 7, The 56th annual West Cape May Community Christmas Parade brings holiday cheer to the streets. This cherished tradition lights up the town from 5–8 pm.
Make sure you stop by Harry’s Jingle Bar, a holiday-themed restaurant offering festive cocktails. Don’t miss their creative holiday cocktails, including the Blue Christmas, Mistletoe Margarita, and a delightful Espresso Martini Tree. Plan your visit after 4 pm to experience the full glow of the lights! Special events include live music every weekend, Santa Brunches, and an Ugly Sweater Party. Whether sipping festive drinks or enjoying lively entertainment, Harry’s Jingle Bar is the place to make holiday memories.
As one of the 25 Best Christmas Towns in America according to Travel & Leisure Magazine Cape May will provide visitors with holiday memories that they will talk about for years to come.
📷 Dan Shustack
THREE BONUS ACTIVITIES:
Colebrookdale Railroad is the most comfortable and best-decorated holiday train ride!
📷 Kathy Romano
West Chester Railroad Santa Express is the most entertaining and best traditional holiday train ride!
📷 Kathy Romano
Holiday Festive Experience at Yuletide at Liberty Hill: Enjoy the new location in Lafayette Hill with dazzling holiday décor, an ice-skating rink, free parking, and Eagles game screenings for a fun-filled seasonal celebration. Coupon Code: “Kathy20” for 20% off your tickets.
📷 Kathy Romano
