Grab & Go Planner: Deck the Yards

Enjoy the festive outdoor decorations lighting up the Malvern area. Load up the family car, bring along hot cocoa, popcorn and turn on the Christmas music for an evening of free-holiday fun only a few miles from home. Wednesday evening Suburban Square in Ardmore lights up for the second night of Hanukkah. Celebrate the first day of Winter at the Tredyffrin Public library during "Celebrate the Solstice" on Thursday. Be on the look out for Santa on top of a firetruck on Christmas Eve as he joins the before heading back to the North Pole.

Neighborhood Lights

• When/Where: Malvern, Willistown Township, Frazer, East Whiteland Township neighborhoods; evening.
  
• Why Go:  The entire family will A few recommended neighborhoods full of Christmas lights and animated decorations include Woodview, Summit, Lloyd and Harvey in Malvern.
  
• Price: Free.

Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Wonderland

• Where/When: Suburban Square, Anderson & Coulter Avenue, Ardmore; Wednesday, December 21, 6:00 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy music, hot chocolate, donuts and crafts during the second night of Hanukkah. The Hanukkah Wonderland can be found between Starbucks and Paper Source. Visit the Jewish Philly website for a complete list of Hanukkah events in the area.
  
• Price: Free.

Santa via Firetruck

• When/Where: Malvern Borough and Willistown Township; Saturday, December 24, begins at 11:00 a.m.
  
• Why Go: Before Santa heads to the North Pole for his nightly trip around the globe, he will be visiting local neighborhoods aboard Malvern Fire Company firetrucks. To learn more about the Malvern Fire Company, visit www.malvernfireco.com.
  
• Price: Free.

• When/Where: Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford; Thursday, December 22, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Children will learn about the ancient holiday celebrating the first day of winter with stories, craft and snacks. Call 610-688-7092 extension 210 or at the children's library to register. Visit Tredyffrin Library website for a list of all events.
  
• Price: Free. 

A Longwood Christmas

• When/Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square; now through January 8th, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Why Go: Over a half-million sparkling lights fill the outdoor gardens while indoors visitors will enjoy a "Gingerbread Fantasy" including the "Gingerbread Express" train. This year, guests are asked to purchase a timed admission ticket in advance with a specific date and time. Time tickets are not required for Garden Pass Members. For additional information and to purchase tickets online, visit the Longwood Gardens website. 
• Price: Adults $18, Seniors $15, Students with valid ID $8, children ages four and under are free.