Holiday Weekend Happenings in Swarthmore and the Surrounding Area
The holiday spirit kicks into high gear this weekend in Swarthmore and the surrounding area, beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. Here’s your guide to what’s happening when, all in one place.
3:00 PM
Kandy Kids Toys & Gifts
5 S. Chester Road
Swarthmore
3:00-7:00 PM
Children are invited to make a Christmas craft.
4:00 PM
Occasionally Yours
10 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
Last seating at 7:00 PM
Join us for Jumbo lump crab cakes, chicken marsala, baked salmon fillet with citrus and soy, and our Italian Delight — pasta with sweet Italian sausage, meatballs, and gravy. Gluten free pasta and children's portions are available. BYOB! Eat-in or take-out. For details or to place a takeout order, call (610) 328-9360.
4:30 PM
Swarthmore College Dance Concert
Lang Performing Arts Center
Swarthmore
4:00-6:00 PM
The Fall Dance Concert will feature student performances by faculty and guest choreographers from the Dance Program's repertory courses in ballet, modern dance, taiko, and tap. This concert will feature 2019-2020 Featured Artist Samir Chatterjee, guest performer Ani Gavino, and the Cooper Series performance choreographed by Doug Varone.
5:00 PM
Harvey Oak Mercantile
102 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
5:00-8:00 PM
Let's get festive! Come to see our holiday-themed windows Into the Winter Woods and designed in collaboration with Bethany Formica Bender of Sawdust Siren and co-founder of the Annual Swarthmore Handmade Holiday Sale. All purchases of $50 or more will receive a free gift made by Sawdust Siren.
5:00 PM
Holiday Window Stroll
Various locations
Swarthmore
5:00-8:00 PM
Stroll around Swarthmore Town Center on First Friday, December 6 for the unveiling of holiday window displays! A partnership between shop merchants and local community organizations & pre-schools:
The Co-Ed Hair Salon & The Walden School: And a Party in a Pear Tree!
Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia & Swarthmore Horticultural Society: It’s a Wonderful Life
Executive Cleaners & Swarthmore Friends Nursery School: The Hazy Shades of Winter
Gallery on Park & Swarthmore Friends of the Arts: Gnome Holiday Home
Harvey Oak Mercantile (H.O.M.) & Sawdust Siren: Into the Winter Woods
Kandy Kids & The Creative Living Room: The Polar Express
Move Well PT & Swarthmore Senior Citizen Association: Let it Snow
Open Sky Energy & Swarthmore Environmental Advisory Council: Give the Gift of a Better Future
Pilates Connexion & Swarthmore Recreation Association: Running in a Winter Wonderland
Swarthmore Campus & Community Store & Chester Children’s Chorus: Joy to the World
Swarthmore Co-Op & Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School: Winter Welcome
Vicky’s Place & Trinity Cooperative Day Nursery: Winter Wonderland
5:00 PM
Swarthmore Fire Company & Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. Christmas Tree Sale
121 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
5:00-8:00 PM
The Swarthmore Fire Company & the Morton-Rutledge Fire Company are again selling fresh cut trees for the Holidays, starting Friday, December 6th. Our location will be at 121 Park Ave, in front of the Library. Sales of the trees will continue through each weekend beginning Friday, Dec. 6th and ending on Sunday, Dec. 22th.
Delivery of your tree is available, but because of the high volume of deliveries last year, we are asking for a voluntary donation of $5 to help us offset the costs.
Proceeds of our tree sale benefits the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association and the Morton-Rutledge Fire Company, both 501c3 charitable organizations, whose volunteer and career firefighters provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the Swarthmore, Rutledge, & Morton Boroughs and surrounding communities.
5:30 PM
Swarthmore Campus & Community Store
4 S. Chester Road
Swarthmore
5:30-8:00 PM
Join us from 5:30-6:30 pm for a holiday benefit children's concert featuring Allison DeSalvo's World of Song. Allison and friends will lead a concert and playtime for children ages 2-7 and their parents. Suggested donation of $15 per adult and child, $5 for additional child. Proceeds raised will benefit Cityteam Ministries in Chester, PA.
Puzzled about what to give? All puzzles are 20% off! Help us complete a jigsaw puzzle in the Store.
And finally, be sure to admired our holiday window display entitled Joy to the World, and designed in collaboration with the Chester Children's Chorus. The Store will stay open late until 8 pm and serve cider and cookies.
6:00 PM
Gallery on Park
104 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
6:00-8:00 PM
Gallery on Park will be hosting a celebration for their represented artists. Meet the artists, enjoy complimentary refreshments, peruse what is new and enjoy the company of friends, neighbors and appreciators of The Arts. All are welcome!
7:00 PM
Swarthmore Public Library
121 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
7:00-8:00 PM
Holiday readings of poems and stories from different faith traditions or selections that simply brighten these darkest days of the year. Songs will be sung. Refreshments will be served. Please register for the event.
7:00 PM
Festival of Lights at Rose Tree Park
Rose Tree Park
1671 N. Providence Road
Media
Rose Tree Park sparkles during the holiday season with the annual Festival of Lights. Dozens of decorated lit trees and festive displays draw visitors back each year to stroll the glimmering walkways and grounds, linger in the festive atmosphere, and pay a visit to childhood figures such as Charlie Brown & the Peanuts Gang and Santa & his Reindeer. The Festival of Lights opens in early December with a tree lighting ceremony featuring choral performers and the arrival of Santa Claus. The trees are lit nightly from 5:30 - 9:30 for public enjoyment.
7:30 PM
The Lion King, Jr.
Swarthmore-Rutledge School
100 College Ave.
Swarthmore
7:30 PM
Young People’s Theatre Workshop brings the African savannah to life with a cast of 67 actors in grades 1-8. Tickets available at the door.
7:30 PM
Media Chamber Chorale Presents "Miracles Can Happen"
Wallingford Presbyterian Church
110 East Brookhaven Road
Wallingford
7:30 PM
Media Chamber Chorale, a 45-voice choir under the direction of John Stroud, will present its holiday concert, “Miracles Can Happen,” on December 6 and 7. The concert will feature Part I of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio plus other music of the season, accompanied by organ, piano, and an instrumental ensemble. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (62+) and students.
8:00 PM
Spotlight Theatre Presents Beauty and the Beast
Swarthmore United Methodist Church
129 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
8:00 PM
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that played a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway and has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
7:45 AM
Frosty 5K Run and Walk Check-in
Swarthmore Presbyterian Church
727 Harvard Ave.
Swarthmore
Dressing up to run in festive gear/apparel is 100% encouraged. Not dressing up is extremely frowned upon.
This race is the kick-off for Swarthmore’s very festive annual event — performances, activities, carriage rides, caroling, and the lighting of Augustine Village. The funds from the race will help support all of the day’s events. The Swarthmore Farmer’s Market will be open and will be located near the finish line, so please stick around after the race. Awards will be announced at the end of the race in the Central Park Amphitheater. Pre-register for the race here.
8:30 AM
Frosty 5K Run and Walk Race Start
Swarthmore Presbyterian Church
727 Harvard Ave.
Swarthmore
We’re so excited to have Terry Lynch – also known as Mr. Town Soccer – join us at the finish line! Coach Terry will bring his famous Town Soccer energy and enthusiasm to help motivate all participants through the final stretch of the course.
Dressing up to run in festive gear/apparel is 100% encouraged. Not dressing up is extremely frowned upon.
This race is the kick-off for Swarthmore’s very festive annual event — performances, activities, carriage rides, caroling, and the lighting of Augustine Village. The funds from the race will help support all of the day’s events. The Swarthmore Farmer’s Market will be open and will be located near the finish line, so please stick around after the race. Awards will be announced at the end of the race in the Central Park Amphitheater. Pre-register for the race here.
9:30 AM
Swarthmore Farmers Market
Central Park
Swarthmore
9:30 AM-1:30 PM
The finale for the season!
The Lineup
Check out our fruit and vegetable growers and weekly vendors who are here:
Beechwood Orchards
Berry Patch Produce
Ironstone Creamery
Linden Dale Farm
Davidson Mushrooms
Big Sky Bakery
Firehouse Donuts
Good Spoon Soups
Waffles for Tourette
Riverside Blooms with their handmade wreaths
Our big bunch of bi-weekly, monthly, and occasional vendors includes:
Market Day Canele
Melmos Dog Treats
Nether Providence Soaps
One Village Coffee
Taste of Puebla.
Food Truck is Schmear It
Musicians: Our musician will be Simon Purchase James at 9:30 and Out of Order at 11:30.
Kids Activity: (Autumn) Bendy Stix
Featured Artist: Karen Heenan, Beautiful and Useful Handmade
Community Participants
Swarthmore Town Center, with winners announced of the Home for the Holidays Frosty 5K Walk & Run
The Swarthmorean
9:30 AM
Holiday Window Stroll
Various locations
Swarthmore
9:30 AM-5:00 PM
Stroll around Swarthmore Town Center on First Friday, December 6 for the unveiling of holiday window displays! A partnership between shop merchants and local community organizations & pre-schools:
The Co-Ed Hair Salon & The Walden School: And a Party in a Pear Tree!
Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia & Swarthmore Horticultural Society: It’s a Wonderful Life
Executive Cleaners & Swarthmore Friends Nursery School: The Hazy Shades of Winter
Gallery on Park & Swarthmore Friends of the Arts: Gnome Holiday Home
Harvey Oak Mercantile (H.O.M.) & Sawdust Siren: Into the Winter Woods
Kandy Kids & The Creative Living Room: The Polar Express
Move Well PT & Swarthmore Senior Citizen Association: Let it Snow
Open Sky Energy & Swarthmore Environmental Advisory Council: Give the Gift of a Better Future
Pilates Connexion & Swarthmore Recreation Association: Running in a Winter Wonderland
Swarthmore Campus & Community Store & Chester Children’s Chorus: Joy to the World
Swarthmore Co-Op & Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School: Winter Welcome
Vicky’s Place & Trinity Cooperative Day Nursery: Winter Wonderland
12:00 PM
Children’s Play Group Christmas Party
Wallingford Presbyterian Church
10:00 AM-12:00PM
110 E Brookhaven Rd.
Wallingford
Join us for our annual Christmas party. We'll meet in the MMO room on the lower level for crafts, special Christmas activities and snacks and lots of fun! Playgroup is free and best for children 5 and under. Siblings are welcome. Questions? Contact Leah at (484) 832-1235.
11:00 AM
The Nutcracker Ballet
Swarthmore Ballet Theatre
118 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
Advance tickets are required.
12:00 PM
Holiday Celebration
Indigo Healing Arts Collective
110 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
12:00-5:00 PM
Join us for this open house celebration on December 7th from 12-5pm. We have a plethora of practitioners available to guide you through a healing session of your choice. We will also be sampling a selection of organic teas, tonics and artisanal quality full-spectrum CBD products from our apothecary. You are welcome to schedule your spot for Gua Sha, Energy Healing and/or Tarot Readings, otherwise all reservations are honored on a first come, first serve basis.
1:00 PM
Music by Randy Williamson, Erin & Steve Cochran
waR3house 3
100 Park Ave. (alley)
Swarthmore
1:00-2:00 PM
Join us for holiday music, Celtic and American folk songs featuring the hammered dulcimer, guitar, and vocals.
1:00 PM
Scott Arboretum Selections: Holiday Sale
Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore
1:00-3:00 PM
Gorgeous greens, holiday accents, long-lasting wreaths, living gifts, and fun for the whole family! In addition to locally collected greens, berries, and cones for decorating, we will have free festivities throughout the day. Our site for this event allows for creative winter displays and educational information about the greens being sold.
Entrance is free and the public is welcome!
1:30 PM
S’mores by the fire pit
waR3house 3 alley
100 Park Ave. (alley)
Swarthmore
1:30-4:00 PM
Join us for holiday music, Celtic and American folk songs featuring the hammered dulcimer, guitar, and vocals.
1:30 PM
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Bryn Mawr Trust
330 Dartmouth Ave.
Swarthmore
1:30-5:00 PM
Tickets will NOT be available for walk up purchase on the day of event. Only a few seats left. Check availability here.
Only 6 people per carriage
A baby or small child counts towards the carriage's capacity (even if s/he is sitting in your lap or in your arms) and must purchase a seat. No exceptions will be made by 76 Carriage Co.
Please have your reservation confirmation email ready to present at the ticket booth
Please arrive 15 minutes BEFORE your reservation time. Latecomers will be served only if time and availability permits.
All rides will proceed in rain, snow, or shine! No cancellations and no refunds.
Price: $10 per person. Price includes face painting by Stacey's Face Painting.
2:00 PM
Stretchy McHandsome Book Reading & Signing
The Inn at Swarthmore
Sycamore Room
10 S Chester Road
Swarthmore
2:00-2:45 PM
Children’s book author Judy Schachner, creator of the popular Skippyjon Jones series, will read from her new book, Stretchy McHandsome, which tells the story of a “totally fetching cat with a penchant for trouble.” Schachner’s picture books will be available afterwards for purchase and signing. This event is co-sponsored by the Campus & Community Store and the Swarthmore Public Library.
2:00 PM
Gingerbread House Competition
Swarthmore Co-op
341 Dartmouth Ave.
Swarthmore
2:00-4:00 PM
You could win a $25 gift card! All you have to do is bring your wonderful creative gingerbread house into the Swarthmore CO-OP beginning on Dec. 4th. Judging will take place on Dec. 7th from 2 to 4 PM.
2:00 PM
SSCA Grand Opening & Holiday Open House
Swarthmore United Methodist Church
129 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
2:00-6:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy warm beverages and treats as we celebrate the new Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association space at The Gathering Place. There will be displays and take-away information on all our programs. This will be a great stopping (and warming) spot for your Home for the Holidays outing in downtown Swarthmore. Visit all the merchants and other attractions in town and then come see us!
2:30 PM
Music Performance by Cooper Fenton and Badd Kitti
Swarthmore United Methodist Church
129 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
2:00-3:15 PM
Holiday classics with a funky, soul vibe. Guest drummer 9 year old Swarthmorean Cooper Fenton.
2:30 PM
Food from Local Eateries and Pop-up Vendors
Central Park
Swarthmore
2:30 - 5:30 PM
Including: Rafiki Africa, Dos Gringos, and Waffles for Tourette. Shane Candies for sale in front of H.O.M.
3:00 PM
Music by Out of Order
Hobbs Coffee
1 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
3:00-4:00 PM
Brothers from other mothers Herb Mondros and Scott Kropnick, on guitar and percussion respectively, with Neil Berg on bass and mellophone, Billy Lott on Harmonica and Mary Cappillino on trumpet are completely Out of Order.
3:30 PM
Learn to Play the Dreidel Game
Swarthmore Co-op
341 Dartmouth Ave.
Swarthmore
3:30-4:15 PM
With the Rappaport Family
3:30 PM
The Strath Haven Silvertones
Around the ‘Ville
Swarthmore
3:30-4:30 PM
Founded in 1985, The Silvertones are a select choral group from Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, Pennsylvania. Under the direction of John Shankweiler, they perform at a variety of functions and locales within the Wallingford Swarthmore School District, Philadelphia and its surrounds, New York and Italy.
4:30 PM
Kwanzaa Celebration
The Inn at Swarthmore
Gathering Room
10 S Chester Road
Swarthmore
4:30-5:15 PM
With Jeannine Osayande and Dunya Performing Arts
4:30 PM
Holiday Wine Tasting
Village Vine
6 Park Avenue
Swarthmore
4:30-7:00 PM
5:29 PM
Santa Claus Comes to Swarthmore!
SEPTA Station & Park Avenue
Swarthmore
Parade with Santa Claus and Frosty, Swarthmore Fire Department, and Dunya Performing Arts
6:00 PM
3,2,1… Happy Holidays!
Augustine Winter Wonderland
Across from Central Park - 104 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
An annual Swarthmore tradition
6:15 PM
Rotary Club Hot Chocolate and Chamber Choir Performance
Swarthmore Fire House
121 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
With Ensemble Companio
7:00 PM
"Swukestra Christmas" w/Swarthmore Ukelele Orchestra
waR3house 3
100 Park Ave. (alley)
Swarthmore
The holiday concert! Tickets $10, BYOB
8:00 PM
Spotlight Theatre Presents Beauty and the Beast
Swarthmore United Methodist Church
129 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
8:00 PM
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that played a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway and has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
12:00 PM
Lunch with Santa
Swarthmore Pizza
601 S Chester Rd.
Swarthmore
Stop by and grab lunch and see Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they visit with all the families. No reservations needed.
2:00 PM
Spotlight Theatre Presents Beauty and the Beast
Spotlight Theatre
Swarthmore United Presbyterian Church
129 Park Ave.
Swarthmore
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that played a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway and has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
7:30 PM
Cassandra: A Chamber Opera in Two Acts
Lang Concert Hall
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore
She tells the truth, but no one believes her.
She foresees disaster, but no one hears her warnings.
These circumstances, so pertinent to our times, describe the situation of Cassandra, the Trojan seeress, cursed by Apollo -- after she rejected his advances -- to know the future but not be able to persuade anyone of the validity of her prophecies.
Cassandra's dilemma is the subject of an opera, with libretto by Nathalie Anderson and a score by Thomas Whitman, to be produced this weekend at Swarthmore College, with a superb cast and impeccable orchestra -- all Swarthmore students, who have completed a course in opera production this semester, directed by Elizabeth Stevens of the Theater Department.
We hope you'll be able to join us!
