It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our family kicked off the Christmas festivities at A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place. Located in Bucks County, PA (30 minutes from Philadelphia), Sesame Place has transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around.
Christmas shows, a holiday train ride, a visit with Santa and the fantastic Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade make this the perfect family destination to get you in the holiday spirit.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sesame Place during Christmas…
CHRISTMAS SHOWS
There is a big sign with all of the Christmas shows and times at the park entrance so be sure to take a picture on your phone when you arrive. The show times and locations are also listed on the park maps found throughout the park. You can also print a picture of the map off of the Sesame Place website, or download the Sesame Place app.
A Sesame Street Christmas Show
This show takes place in Abby’s Paradise Theatre which is an outdoor cinema near Sesame Island. Abby is not familiar with the celebrations and traditions of the Christmas season, so her Sesame Street friends share with her their favorite things about the holiday. Your kids are sure to love seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters singing all of their favorite Christmas songs.
The show is available four times each day and runs about 20 minutes long.
Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade
This Christmas parade is a must-see at Sesame Place and features ten fantastic floats decorated for the celebration. The whole family will love this energetic neighborhood Christmas block party with all of Sesame Street’s favorite monsters.
The parade was held once at 4 p.m., but be sure to check the time listing upon arrival. Depending on where you are situated on the parade route through Sesame Neighborhood, it could last as long as 30 minutes.
Two shows were enough for our group, but additional Christmas performances include Elmo’s Christmas List (Sesame Place Neighborhood Theatre) and Elmo the Musical Live! Sesame Place (Sesame Studio).
There is also a scheduled Snuffy meet-and-greet at Abby’s Paradise Theatre and the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show in Sesame Plaza.
CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS
Sesame Place’s Furry Express
Sesame Place invites you to hop aboard a train ride through the Twiddlebug’s Gingerbread factory complete with a beautiful light display and festive holiday decorations. This ride is located near Sesame Island and is a great place to start your day at the park. It’s also conveniently located right near Abby’s Paradise Theatre.
Merry Marketplace
The Sesame Place Merry Marketplace is located in Oscar’s Wacky Taxi courtyard and offers tasty treats of the season including specialty hot chocolate and kettle corn. You can also browse unique gifts and holiday items or take a family photo in the 12-foot winter wonderland-themed globe for a unique photo opportunity!
There are also opportunities to take photos with Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
RIDES
Although the water park is closed, there is plenty of fun to be had on the rides suitable for kids of all ages. Some of our favorites were:
- Oscar’s Wacky Taxi (great wooden roller coaster)
- The Count’s Cruisers (my two-year-old is still talking about how he got to drive a jeep)
- Mini Monster Clubhouse (soft play area great for younger kids)
- Flying Cookie Jars (spin around in a giant cookie 40 feet above the ground)
TICKETS
For a limited time, you can save 30% online and visit A Very Furry Christmasany any operating day now – January 1, 2020. Children under two are free.
If you’re interested in a season pass for 2020, if you purchase now you can get the rest of 2019 to experience A Very Furry Christmas FREE!
We also learned that as a general rule, you will save money but purchasing the tickets via phone versus online where you are slammed with a processing fee.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Parking is $25 per car
- If you’re looking to stay overnight, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Langhorne hotel is a short walk to the park and features an indoor pool and complimentary buffet breakfast.
- You are free to bring in small coolers with snacks and drinks, which is a great way to save money at the park. There are many restaurants in the surrounding area should you wish to eat somewhere for dinner outside the park.
- Park hours in the winter at 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sesame Place is the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center. Learn more here:
Looking for other fun holiday experiences in the NY/NJ/PA area? Check out this review on the Lehigh Valley Zoo and consider their Winter Light Spectacular until December 29.
Please share your planned holiday outings and events in the comments below.
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