Family-friendly holiday things to do in the Philly region this week

The holiday season is upon us, whether or not you’ve made Thanksgiving plans yet. Festiveness seems everywhere this year. Twinkling lights, folks floundering about on ice skates, and more twinkling lights are here to usher in the most wonderful time of the year — why not take the kids out to frolic?

» READ MORE: Submit an event to our calendar

(Theater / multiday) Lewis Carroll’s tale, set to music and extra silly-fied, purposely asks audience members to participate — “Cheer the heroes, boo the bad guys,” the playbill says — as goaded on by a Cheshire Cat host, play by drag artist Eric Jaffe. Ages 5 and up. ($47 adult, $42 youth, Nov 16-Jan 1, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, peopleslight.org)

(Seasonal / multiday) The zoo brings out a million bulbs, including those decorating a 15-foot-tall blue gorilla. It’s a lovely nighttime walk through the former gardens. Just remember: The only animals around will be electric. Timed tickets, with member discounts. Ages 4 and up. ($25-$28 ages 12 and up, $20-$23 ages 2-11, $17 parking, Nov 17-Jan 7, 3400 W. Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org)

(Seasonal / multiday / free) The light-up kite and key return to this kid-friendly square, as do a tent serving hot chocolate and cookies and an evening fountain show set to “Feliz Navidad,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies ,” “Sleigh Ride” and other classics. As always, there’s mini golf ($15 adult, $12 ages 3-12) and a carousel ($3.50, free ages 2 and under) too. Ages 3+. (Free, Nov. 16-Feb. 26, 200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org)

(Ice skating / multiday) Of the six area Flight on Ice rinks that open this month, three open Friday. (The rest open next week.) Ages 4 and up. ($114.63 season pass, $70.96 family four-pack, single day prices TBA, multiple locations; from Nov. 18-Feb. 26 or Nov. 25-Feb. 26; visit flightonice.com for more details)

(Seasonal / multiday) Light-wrapped trees, holiday displays, and a zip line are highlights of Elmwood’s nighttime display. The animals, however, tend to be snoring on. Ages 4 and up. ($20 ages 13 and up, $16 ages 3-12, free ages 2 and under, Nov. 18-Dec. 30, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, elmwoodparkzoo.org)

(Seasonal / multiday) Bucks County’s drive-through winter ritual reopens on Nov. 18, with a two-mile, family-friendly run. Most experience the wowing, lit-up loop by car, but weather permitting, tractor-drawn wagons will make the run, too. Don’t miss Santa and s’mores at the end. ($40-$50 per car, $75 mini bus or limo, $150 bus; wagon rides, $15-$23, free ages 2 and under, 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, shadybrookfarm.com)

(Seasonal / multiday) Amusements stay open past bedtime — and the parade jingles all the way. There are dance parties, photos with friends (and Santa), sing-alongs, and theater performances. Ages 0-5. ($100, with discounts available, Nov 19-Jan 1, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, sesameplace.com)

(Seasonal / mulitday) Of all the holiday attractions, Brandywine’s 50-year tradition of toy trains feel almost joyously secular. Timed tickets. Ages 1 and up. ($18, $15 ages 65 and over, $6 student, free ages 5 and under, Nov 19-Jan 8, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, brandywine.org)