Don’t Let the Holidays End. Keep the Fun Going This Weekend With These Safe Things To Do in PA: Dec. 25-27

There are things to do inside or outside. If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Weekends in Pennsylvania have no shortage of things to do, especially during the holiday season. While events might look different during the coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of ways to have fun on your own, or with the family or friends in your quarantine bubble.

Here’s a roundup of activities to enjoy during the weekend of Dec. 25-27.

If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Philadelphia 

Enjoy Christmas at the Drive-In

For many families, going to a movie theater on Christmas Day is a fun tradition. Don’t let the joy of seeing a new movie slip by this year. Head over to the Navy Yard Drive-In to see “Wonder Woman 1984” and “News of the World.” 

“Wonder Woman 1984” is showing at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 5:15 and 7:40 p.m. Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday.

“News of the World” is showing at 7 p.m. Friday, 5:15 and 8:20 p.m. Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $5-$7. Bring your own snacks and beverages.

Stream the Philly POPS Annual Christmas Show

The Philly POPS performs its annual Christmas virtually this year. The free show will feature Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez (Angelica in “Hamilton” and Elphaba in “Wicked”). The Philly POPS will play holiday music and Gonzalez will sing “Into the Unknown” from “Frozen 2” as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to 2020.

The show will run this week through Jan. 1. Visit the Philly POPS website for ticket information.

Southeastern PA

Enjoy Yuletide at Winterthur

Learn about holiday traditions from the Colonial period through World War II, including the introduction of the first Christmas trees by Pennsylvania Germans in the 1800s, during a magical tour of Henry Francis du Pont’s childhood home.

The Yuletide tour is full of winter festivities and special displays, and the tour is free for Winterthur members and is included in general admission for non-members. For more information, call 800-448-3883.

Stream a Virtual Performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’

Watch the Bucks County Playhouse’s exclusive performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Broadway director Michael Arden, and Tony-Award winning actor Jefferson Mays have adapted Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story for the stage, and Mays plays all 50 roles.

Watch it from the safety and comfort of your own living room as many times as you want within 24 hours of your ticket purchase. Tickets are $50 each.

Northeastern PA

Ride the Pocono Winter Wonderland Express

Take in the winter beauty of the Northern Pocono Mountains during a 1.5-hour train excursion over the Lackawaxen River and through the woods. Coaches are heated and have restrooms.

The train departs from Honesdale at 3 p.m. Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 2-3. Tickets are $20 per adult, $10 per child, and infants are free. You can buy tickets online. All passengers must wear masks.

Take a Stroll Through ‘The Christmas City’

Take a walk through downtown historic Bethlehem with a certified tour guide donned in historically accurate period garb. Learn about Bethlehem’s unique story, beginning in 1741, and the renowned Bethlehem Star. 

Masks are required for all tours. Tickets are $10-15 per adult, and $4-6 per child. You can buy tickets online.

South Central PA

Listen to the Factory Steam Whistle Concert

Enjoy the unique sound of the old factory steam whistle playing holiday tunes, as it does every year for 25 minutes starting at 12:15 a.m. on Christmas Day. Crowds will not be permitted to gather at the typical location on Arch Street due to the coronavirus pandemic, but residents can still enjoy the music from their homes or inside their car nearby.

Fans also can watch a livestream of the concert online at www.yorkpafactorywhistle.com or the YorkPaWhistle Facebook page.

Take a Virtual Tour of Wheatland

Tour President James Buchanan’s home virtually from the safety and comfort of your own home. A tour guide will teach you live over Zoom about the 15th president’s personal life through the lens of Christmases past.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 24, 26, and 28-30. Tickets cost $15 per Zoom connection. You can register online for a tour.

Watch ‘Home Alone’ at the Drive-In

Watch the Christmas classic “Home Alone” at Phantom Power in Millersville, and tune into the audio through your car radio. Phantom Power will have popcorn for everyone, and to-go beer for sale to adults.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 per vehicle, and are available online through Dec. 24.

North Central PA

Check out the Bowdish Model Railroad

Check out the Bowdish Model Railroad at the Jefferson County History Center in Brookville.

The display will be open from 12 to 3 p.m.

Southwestern PA

Enjoy Holidays in the Garden

Celebrate the holidays in the National Aviary’s new Garden Room. The aviary will be open late on evenings between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and visitors can enjoy the birds, their habitats, and expansive views of the adjacent gardens decorated with holiday lights. There will be festive photo opportunities and craft kits for families. Seasonal small plates, hot cocoa, and holiday cocktails will be available for purchase from Atria’s, and visitors can enjoy them from a socially distanced table.

You can book a timed ticket online.

Northwestern PA

Hit the Rink for Some Fun

Get some exercise during public skates at the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center in Erie. Masks must be worn at all times.

Admission is $6 for non-members and $5 for members. You can book tickets online or at the door.