What To Do: Warm up with fun winter options

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times

If you’re able to block out the winter weather and want to get out of the house and do something fun this weekend, you do have some interesting options.

The first Friday of the month is a good time to spend an evening in Kennett Square or Lancaster – a time to enjoy special First Friday activities.

Kennett Square will celebrate First Friday with its Art Stroll (downtown Kennett Square, http://historickennettsquare.com) from 6-9 p.m. on January 5.

The event celebrates the local art scene with special activities in the galleries, shops and restaurants throughout town.  Many of the town’s businesses and galleries will stay open late for First Friday.

Kennett Square’s Art Stroll is a monthly celebration of the local art scene as it is showcased in the galleries, shops and restaurants throughout town.  Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to wander along the tree-lined streets and browse the many businesses that stay open late.

Lancaster also has a lively First Friday celebration very month. This month’s edition of First Friday Lancaster (http://www.firstfridaylancaster.com/) will run from 5-9 p.m. on January 5 in downtown Lancaster.

The event will feature attractive exhibitions at art galleries, artisan studios and museums. There will also be live performances presented in a variety of genres — professional theater, symphony orchestra and performing groups.

Every Friday and Saturday in January, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) will present “Wild West Murder Mystery Nights” from 6:30-9 p.m. each night.

Here is the scenario.

The year’s 1880, and there’s an effort underway to resurrect the once-booming Chaddsford Saloon.  A series of murders from a decade back sent the town of Chadds Ford into disrepair, but a certain cowboy reckons the time has finally come to get the town back on its feet.

Guests are invited to head on down to the “Grand Reopenin’” to see what all the fuss is about. The event is billed as “sure to be a gun-slingin’ good time.”

Along with an exciting evening of mystery and suspense, visitors can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an array of Chaddsford Winery wines.

The “Menu and Pairing Lineup” features Texan Picnic Charcuterie Board with Proprietors Reserve White and Barrel Select Chardonnay, Mushroom Tart with Artisan Series Traminette and Chaddsford White, Steak & Ale Chili with Corn Bread with Artisan Series Fusion Chaddsford Red, Rigatoni in a Spicy Sherry Cream Sauce with Sunset Blush  Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork Sliders with Horseradish Slaw with Proprietors Reserve Red and Sangria, Pecan Pie Tart and Banana Cream Parfait with Spiced Apple wine and Coffee.

Tickets are $60 and reservations are required.

The “Wine, Cheese & Honey Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http://www.pennswoodsevents.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.

Penns Woods Winery is joining forces with local cheese makers and local honey artisans to present exclusive pairings of wine, cheese and honey. The tastings will feature five premium Penns Woods wines, each paired with various cheeses and honey from local farms.

The mouth-watering tastings will be held every weekend in January from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. As an added attraction, live music will be featured on January 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 2-5 p.m. each day.

Tickets cost $28 per person in advance and reservations are required. Cancellations must be made within 72 hours or ticket holders will be charged the full amount of the tasting. Reservations are made and kept on the hour.

If you’re interested in repairing, refurbishing or upgrading your home, you should plan a visit to the Greater Philadelphia Spring Home Show this weekend at the Valley Forge Casino Resort (1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, 888-433-3976, www.acshomeshow.com).

The annual show, which is produced by American Consumer Shows, will open on January 5 and continue through January 7. Hours are from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 10a.m.-6p.m. on Sunday. The event features free admission and parking.

The event is geared for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Visitors to the show will be able to check out new products and receive expert advice from professionals. The show’s “Kitchen Showcase” features the latest styles and trends installed by knowledgeable, professional, local contractors.

At the popular annual event, homeowners will find a wide array of ideas and inspiration for enhancing their home’s functionality, aesthetic appeal, comfort and overall value. The show offers hundreds of exhibits featuring product demonstrations, sample displays of interior and exterior vignettes and a wide variety of related merchandise.

There will be exhibitors representing a huge range of categories, including architects, masonry, lighting, painting, roofing, floors, air conditioning, lighting, home theaters, financing, appliances, plumbing, heating, paving, waterproofing, siding and even spas.

Some of the featured exhibitors will be Acre Window Replacement, A Plus Metal Roofing Specialists, Affordable Weaver, American Kitchen Refacing, AquaGuard Waterproofing Corp., Homespire Windows, Install America, JC Woodworking, Kitchen Solvers of West Chester, Lifetime Metal Roof Systems

Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing, R.E.M. Sleep Solutions, Sandberg’s Custom Hardwood Floors, Bath Fitter, Closets By Design, Code Green Solar, and Floor And Décor.

Also featured will be Gorgeous Wall Finishes, Granite Transformations, Homespire Windows, Install America, JC Woodworking, Kitchen Solvers of West Chester, Lifetime Metal Roof Systems, Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing, R.E.M. Sleep Solutions, Sandberg’s Custom Hardwood Floors, Solid Wood Cabinet Company, Spa, Hearth and Home Pool Center, USA Insulation and Victory Closets.

The Kimmel Center (Broad and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-731-3333, www.kimmelcenter.org) is teaming up with the Consulate of Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Center to present a special “Three Kings Day” celebration on January 6 at 5 p.m.

Together, they are offering an invitation to partake in one of the most widely-celebrated holidays among Hispanics and Latinos – to join in a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men.

Visitors will be able to enjoy an evening of activities, piñatas and a piece of traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread, which will be the largest one ever made in Philadelphia.

Rosca de Reyes, which translates to “Kings’ Ring,” is an oval-shaped pastry traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany on January 6. Epiphany is also known as Día de Reyes (“Kings’ Day”) — a day to commemorate the arrival of the three Magi or Wise Men.

The tradition of placing a figurine of the Christ child in the cake goes back centuries. The baby Jesus hidden in the bread represents the flight of the Holy Family, fleeing from King Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents.

Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed and must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2 (Candlemas Day, Día de la Candelaria). In the Mexican culture, this person also must host a dinner which includes tamales and hot chocolate.

Also, this weekend, Kimmel Center Presents “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: King for a Day!” on January 5 and 6 at the Merriam Theater (250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia).

The “grr-ific” musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back with an all-new show for 2017-2018. The hugely-popular “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE!” based on the PBS KIDS TV series, has delighted live audiences on stages across the country.

Daniel and all of his friends invite fans to join in a brand-new adventure in Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be King. The beloved characters come alive on stage to captivate young audiences with new songs to sing along to, magical moments, and surprise guests.

Show times are 6 p.m. on January 5, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on January 6. Ticket prices range from $29.50-$80.

On January 5 from 3-5 p.m., there will also be a free “Three Kings Day Celebration” at Taller Puertorriqueño (2557 North Fifth Street, Philadelphia, 215-423-6320,tallerpr.org).

The celebration will feature a musical procession filled with song and merriment. After the performance, children will receive gifts in tradition of the holiday. In keeping with the tradition, the children must bring a small box with grass. Because this activity is for children, the child must be present to receive the gift.

January 6 is a special day in the Latin world – not just Mexico. It is the height of Christmas season when the three Magi — Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar — parade into town bearing gifts for the children.  Taller Puertorriqueño’s El Día de Reyes comes to el Barrio on January 5 with live music, gift giving, and a parade. It is mandatory that children pre-register.

After a highly-successful debut last year, “Philadelphia Loves Bowie Week” (https://phillylovesbowie.wordpress.com/) is back.

From January 5-14, Philadelphia once again shows its love for David Bowie night after night after glorious night. More than a dozen activities will be happening across the city to celebrate and remember a man who changed the world.

There has always been a connection between Bowie and Philadelphia because Philly embraced him from the very first tour. Ziggy Stardust’s shows at the Tower Theater sold out in record time.

Bowie recorded three albums – “David Live,” “Young Americans,” and “Stage” and filmed the video for “Modern Love” in the City of Brotherly Love.

The organizers of “Philadelphia Loves Bowie Week” also use this week as a portal to raise awareness and funds to help benefit cancer research in Bowie’s memory — to benefit the children at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

On January 6, the Lancaster County Park Environmental Center (1 Nature’s Way, Lancaster, https://apm.activecommunities.com/LancasterCountyParks, 717-295-2055) will present a special program titled “Animal Survival During Winter.”

Visitors to the site will be able to join Naturalist Nate Alter to learn how animals survive the harsh conditions of winter – conditions such as they are experiencing right now.

After a brief PowerPoint presentation, participants will explore Lancaster County Central Park trails and look for signs of wildlife and winter food sources.

Attendees are urged to dress for the weather — and to wear comfortable walking shoes.

The event will run from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are $2.

Over the next few days, Norristown Farm Park (2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, 610-270-0215, https://www.montcopa.org/874/Norristown-Farm-Park) is shifting into an aviary vibe.

On January 7, the educational park site will host an event called “The Owls of Pennsylvania” at 2 p.m.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the natural history of Pennsylvania owls at this informative indoor program.

A slide show will be followed by a visit from an educator with Elmwood Park Zoo who will be accompanied by a real owl. This is a great way to see a wild owl at close range. Suggested donation is $3 per person.

On January 10 at 1 p.m., the park in Norristown will host an event titled “Little Hoots.”

Participants will be able to touch an owl feather, examine an owl skull, and look at an owl pellet.

The program provides guest with a way to learn about these mysterious birds — how they hear, see, call, and hunt. They can also listen to a story, make an owl craft and meet one of Elmwood Park Zoo’s owls. Suggested donation is $5 per person.

Every year, the Garden State Discovery Museum (2040 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 856-424-1233, www.discoverymuseum.com) presents a special program called “Passport to Discovery.”

The opening event is the “Passport to Discovery Kickoff,” which is scheduled for January 6 and 7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Children will be able to participate in an array of activities to introduce them to the cultures of other countries.

On January 27, the event will be “Passport to Discovery: Japan” with an educational look at the customs of the Asian island country.

Other activities in the series are “Passport to Discovery: A Frosty Weekend” on February 10 and 11, “Passport to Discovery: Africa” on February 17 and 18 and 19, “Passport to Discovery: Ireland” on March 3 and 4, and “Passport to Discovery: Polynesia” on March 17.

Admission to the Garden State Discovery Museum is $13.95 for adults and children 12 months and over and $12.95 for seniors.

It is usually rather difficult to find ponds around Chester County that are frozen solidly enough to attempt outdoor skating but that might change this winter. But, skating outdoors means dealing with the elements that make the conditions almost unbearable.

Fortunately, there are quite a few very good indoor locations for ice skating in the area.

One of the best local skating sites is Power Play Rinks (701 Haywood Drive, Exton, 610-458-9160, www.powerplayrinks.com). The site offers weekday public skating Mondays through Fridays from noon-1:30 p.m. Added weekend hours are from 8:35-10:05 p.m. on Fridays and 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is $7.

Another Chester County site for public skating is Ice Line Quad Rinks (700 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, 610-436-9670, www.iceline.info). Hours for public skating are Mondays-Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m.; Fridays, 1-2:30 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2-3:30 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m. and Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m. Fees are $5 on weekdays and $8 from Friday-Sunday. Skate rental is $2.

The Horizon Riverfront Rink (308 Justison St., Wilmington, Delaware, 302-425-4890, www.riverfrontwilm.com) is entering its sophomore season this year. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $8.50 (ages 13 and older) and $.505 (ages 12 and younger). Skate rental is $4.

Ice Works Twin Rinks of Aston (701 West Dutton Mill Road, Aston, 610-497-2200, www.iceworks.net) is open to the public every day. Hours for public skating sessions are Mondays-Thursdays, noon-1:30 p.m.; Fridays, noon-1:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m.; and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children (four and under) while the skate rental fee is $2.

Haverford Skatium (1004 Darby Road, Havertown, 610-853-2226, www.havtwpparksandrec.com) offers public sessions Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon, Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon and 7-8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:15-3:15 p.m. and 8:45-10:45 p.m. Regular admission is $8 while admission for children under six is $6 and for seniors is $3. Skate rental is $2.

Oaks Center Ice (87 Brower Avenue, Oaks, 610-650-9690, www.oakscenterice.com) has public skating on weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Skating sessions cost $7 and skate rental is $2.

Wintersport Ice Sports Arena (551 North York Road, Willow Grove, 215-659-4253, www.wintersporticearena.com) features public skating Monday through Friday from 12-1:30 p.m. Weekend sessions are 8:30-10:10 p.m. on Fridays, 5:50-7:40 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:50-2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Fees are $10 and include skate rental.

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks, RiverRink (Delaware Avenue at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com) features public skating and that’s all. At RiverRink, ice skating is the featured attraction — and the only use of the ice.

The outdoor rink’s hours are 1-11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1 p.m.-1 a.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Sundays. Skating admission prices are $3 and skate rental is $10.

Rizzo Ice Rink (1101 S. Front Street, Philadelphia, 215-685-1593, www.rizzorink.com), which is located along the banks of the Delaware River, offers public skating times from 3:30-5 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. There are also weekend sessions on Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free and skate rental is $4.

Wissahickon Skating Club (650 W. Willow Grove Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-247-1759, www.wissskating.com) is a private club that has guest member sessions each Friday from 8:30-10:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 12:45-2:15 p.m. Admission is $9. Skates can be rented for $3.

Class of 1923 Ice Arena Ice Skating Rink (3130 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-898-1923, http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/icerink) is open for public skating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30-2 p.m. and Saturdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fees are $6 while skate rental is $3.

The Rink at Old York Road (8116 Church Road, Elkins Park, 215-635-0331, http://www.rinkoyr.com) hosts public sessions on Fridays from 8:30-10 p.m., Saturdays from noon-2 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. and Sundays from noon-2 p.m. Fees are $8 and the cost to rent skates is $2.

Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, http://peddlersvillage.com) started its holiday celebrations in November and will wrap them up this weekend.

November 18 marked the start of Peddler’s Village “Gingerbread House Competition and Display.”

The “Gingerbread House Competition” features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.

The Gingerbread Competition & Display is a feast for the eyes with more than 50 creative and whimsical entries on exhibit in the Village Gazebo. Admission is free and the display will be open during shopping hours through January 6.

Now that we’re well into January, most people are ready to close the curtain on the 2017 Christmas holiday.

But, there are also some people who love the holiday season so much that they want to cling to it for as long as they can before having to say good-bye. Fortunately for them, there are still a few holiday activities still running through this weekend.

One of the best holiday events in the area every year is “Yuletide at Winterthur.” This year’s 39th annual staging of the event, which runs now through January 7 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware,800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org).

Revel in the beauty and warmth of the holidays as Winterthur explores treasures of Christmases past with displays of holiday traditions from the 1800s to the early 20th century, including displays of: the earliest types of colorful lights decorating house exteriors; a full-room scene of Clement Moore’s Christmas classic “A Visit from St. Nicholas;” the du Pont family holiday celebrations; and the evolution of Christmas trees over the decades from the 1880s to 1960s.

In celebration of the exhibit “Royal Splendor: The Coronation Gown from The Crown,” which showcases the magnificent coronation gown worn on the popular Netflix series “The Crown,” the Yuletide Tour will re-create trees enjoyed by Queen Victoria’s family at Windsor Castle, inspired by a painting depicting the queen’s celebration in 1851.

One of visitors’ favorites every year is the 18-room dollhouse mansion created by designer and philanthropist Nancy McDaniel over a period of 30 years. It features amazing intricate details in each room and is even decorated for the holidays! A tree decorated with 458 needlework ornaments, all crafted by Nancy McDaniel will also be on display.

In addition, two of Winterthur’s own iconic rooms designed by H. F. du Pont will be on display in miniature form—the Cecil Bedroom and the Queen Anne Dining Room. These rooms were created by the renowned miniature artists Eugene J. Kupjack.

As always, the rooms will be enhanced with the floral displays so essential to du Pont’s decorating, and with special Christmas trees inspired by the beauty of the Winterthur garden – including the popular Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.

Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required. Admission to Yuletide at Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 62 and older) and $5 for children (ages 2-11).

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) is down to the final weekend of its 2017 edition of “A Longwood Gardens Christmas.”

The festive annual event, which is running through January 7, features spectacular lights, lavish decorations, holiday music and colorful displays featuring thousands of brilliant poinsettias, brightly-decorated trees and fragrant flowers — all inside the heated Conservatory.

The colorful annual event, which appeals to the entire family, also has a lot of outdoor attractions such as fountain shows and nighttime light displays. Longwood’s Christmas celebration also includes a wide array of seasonal music — holiday concerts, organ sing-alongs and carillon performances.

The organ sing-alongs will be featured in the Ballroom either three or six times a day. There will also be performances by choirs and musicians almost every evening throughout December.

When darkness arrives at Longwood, a night-blooming garden of more than a half-million lights strung on close to 100 trees with approximately 40 miles of wire comes to life. A carillon with 62 cast bells plays holiday music every half hour during daylight hours. Longwood’s Open Air Theatre fountains dance to holiday music each half hour — temperature permitting.

As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience. There are different prices for “Peak” and “Off Peak” times.

Visitors to “A Longwood Gardens Christmas” can also check out Longwood’s Garden Railway — a whimsical display set into motion with G-scale model trains. This is the 16th year that the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $23 (non-peak), $30 (peak) for adults, $20/$27 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and $12/$16 for students (ages 5-18).

“A Brandywine Christmas”, which runs now through January 7 at the Brandywine River Museum (Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywinemuseum.org), is an annual event that is fun for the entire family.

The museum’s ever-popular “critter” ornaments will be used to decorate holiday trees, wreaths and diorama settings throughout the museum. The intricately designed ornaments are made from all-natural materials by museum volunteers and have found homes on trees at the White House and the Smithsonian Institution.

“A Brandywine Christmas” also features an extensive O-gauge model. Five moving trains operate at all times and include a 60-car freight train winding past a village, stone quarry, oil refinery, mountains, Herr Foods plant, running waterfall and animated skating scene.

As always, the museum will host “Carols Concerts” throughout December.

Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older) and $6 for children.

Several of Montgomery County’s scenic historic sites are great places to visit for the 2017 Christmas holiday season.

Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) is hosting “Victorian Holiday Tours” now through January 7 while “Twelfth Night Tours at Pottsgrove Manor” (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) is also running now through January 7.

For the next six weeks, Pennypacker Mills will offer free tours of the 18-century mansion used by General George Washington as temporary headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The home will be decorated for an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas and will feature the warm glow of oil lamps, festive decorations and a candy-making demonstration.

The event at Pottsgrove Manor features guided tours through an elegant 18th-century Georgian mansion that is decked out in period holiday decorations. Tour guides will discuss Twelfth Night celebrations and Christmastide traditions.

Visitors will be able to view the parlor and kitchen as it would have been during colonial times when the Potts family prepared for their holiday guests. They will also be able to check out the servants’ quarters and see the rustic holiday celebrations as enjoyed by the household staff.

Suggested donations for these events is $2.

The Glencairn Museum (1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, 267-502-2600, www.glenca“irnmuseum.org) is a Bucks County museum featuring religious art and area history museum.

The museum, which was formerly the home of the fabled Pitcairn family, is presenting its “Christmas at Glencairn” holiday celebration now through January 7.

Glencairn was built almost a century ago for the family of Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn, members of a congregation of a Christian denomination known as the New Church. Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 19th century as a New Church religious community.

“Christmas at Glencairn” features special exhibitions, a “Christmas in the Castle” tour, a Christmas concert and other holiday activities. The “World Nativities” exhibition is on display in Glencairn’s North Porch, Great Hall, Upper Hall and Bird Room.

The 45-minute “Christmas in the Castle” guided tours focus on the way Christmas was celebrated at Glencairn during the Pitcairn couple’s 4o years in the house. Guided tours cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The suggested donation for self-guided tours is $5.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com) presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains. The majority of trains that are running in the display are “O Gauge” trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.

Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.

The layout features a special Christmas display now through January 16. The homes and businesses along the tracks have been decked out with holiday trim. And, there are 55 hidden Santas — one for each year the site has been open — located around the display for visitors to find.

Tickets are $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for children Ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.

A popular holiday attraction is America’s Garden Capital Maze at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park), a holiday-inspired Garden that was created in partnership with Greater Philadelphia Gardens and is part of the Center City Parks District.

Located on the Greenfield Lawn, the maze features vibrant plantings, topiaries, twinkling lights, and décor that showcases all of the public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes that are located within 30 miles of Philadelphia. A “Welcoming gazebo” will be at the center of the maze.

The Wintergarden and Maze is billed as “a way to celebrate in William Penn’s original center square and the 32 regional gardens and arboreta that make this region America’s Garden Capital.”

Dilworth Park Wintergarden participants are Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, The Barton Arboretum & Nature Preserve of Medford Leas, The Gardens at Mill Fleurs, The Highlands Mansion & Garden, The Philadelphia Zoo, The Woodlands, Tyler Arboretum, Tyler Formal Gardens at Bucks County Community College, Welkinweir, Winterthur, and Wyck.

The roster also includes Ambler Arboretum, Arboretum at the Barnes Foundation, Awbury Arboretum, Bartram’s Garden, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Brandywine River Museum of Art, Camden Children’s Garden, Chanticleer, Hagley Museum and Library, Haverford College Arboretum, Henry Botanic Garden, Henry Schmieder Arboretum, Hortulus Farm Garden & Nursery, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Longwood Gardens, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Mount Cuba Center, Nemours Estate, PHS Meadowbrook Farm, and Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.

America’s Garden Capital Maze will be open now through February 25 – 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.