After you’ve checked into your hotel, stroll over to Macy’s, located in the former Wanamaker building. Join the locals who gather around the iconic Eagle sculpture in the middle of the Grand Court and look upward for the several-stories-tall Holiday Light Show.

First installed in 1956, the updated show includes more lights than ever and narration by Julie Andrews. There are more magical moments to be had in this historic building, and they’re just an escalator ride away. Head to the third floor to see the delightful Dickens Village. They’re all there —Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future—and scaled down so the whole family can walk through a real-life Christmas Carol.

Dinner depends on your mood. A casual dinner at Marathon Grill is budget-friendly, and their wide selection of menu items is also picky-eater friendly.

For a white-tablecloth dining experience, head to McCormick & Schmick’s. While the kids order from a special children’s menu, mom and dad can satisfy their tastes with seafood specialties, grilled items, micro-brewed beers and international wines.

Once the last nibble of dessert is done, plan to take in some family-friendly entertainment. Follow Elle Wood’s Harvard adventures in the Broadway hit Legally Blonde (December 2-7) or the Pennsylvania Ballet's The Nutcracker (December 12-31), both at the Academy of Music.

Over at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra performs seasonal favorites and classical compositions (December 14 – 31). And speaking of classics, the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Snow Queen gets the full musical treatment on stage at the Prince Music Theater (December 2 – January 4).

You have a busy day ahead of you, so make breakfast at the historic Reading Terminal Market your first stop of the day. Watch the kids’ faces light up when you tell them they can take their pick from more than 80 food stands and vendors. They can pour syrup over homemade buttermilk pancakes at the Down Home Diner, nibble crisp hickory-smoked bacon at the Dutch Eating Place or savor light, fluffy crepes at Profi’s Crepes.

While the kids are finishing up breakfast, you can pick up some fresh fruit to snack on later. And it’s the holidays, so go ahead and treat them to the classic chocolate chip masterpieces at the Famous 4th Street Cookie.

You can burn off the extra calories at the Blue Cross RiverRink, which has special morning skate sessions between December 22 and January 2. Hit the skate rental booth, then lace up and join Olympic wannabes for a few laps around this outdoor riverfront ice rink. If it gets too nippy, slip into the warming pavilion and order a cup of hot chocolate. In a few minutes, you’ll be ready to join the rest of the family back out on the ice.

Make sure you are dressed warmly because your next stop is Franklin Square. One of William Penn’s original squares, it has become a real hot spot—even in cold weather. With appearances by Santa and Elfreth the Elf, story time with Mrs. Claus, rides on the carousel and Philly-themed mini-golf, weekends here turn into a holiday party aglow with thousands of twinkling lights.

Take the short drive to Fairmount Park and spend the afternoon at the Please Touch Museum® in its newly renovated historic Memorial Hall location. Before you turn the kids loose to explore, you may want to have a light, healthy lunch at their no-nuts-zone café.

Once you’re finished eating, go explore the museum in all its colorful, hands-on glory. Don’t miss the supermarket, hospital, transportation center, shoe store and dozens of other interactive displays. And be sure to allow time for a visit to the animated toymaker, clockmaker, bake shop and other scenes from the Enchanted Colonial Village. Nine scenes from the long-time holiday fantasyland have been restored, and the animated figures, dressed in velvets and lace, are set to delight new generations of wide-eyed visitors. The long-standing traditional display will be up through January 1.

Let the kids take a much-needed power nap during the 45-minute drive to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. When you arrive, grab a quick bite at Longwood’s Yuletide Buffet or treat the family to their special multi-course holiday dinner. Then, head outside where hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights outline the trees, adorn the bushes and seem to float in the evening sky.

Even the fountain shows are lit up in brilliant colors. Indoors, the Conservatory and the Children’s Garden are all wrapped up in holiday style with even more lights and holiday floral displays. The shimmering, glittering spectacle is up and running from November 27 through January 11.

Depending on your mood, you could brunch at Sabrina’s Café in the Italian Market, where you’ll meet other locals who line up for their hearty omelets, waffles and other daily homemade specials.

A whole different vibe awaits at Di Bruno Bros. in Rittenhouse Square, where the casual second-floor café setting features many of the gourmet items they sell in the seriously large first-floor upscale grocery.

Now that everyone is fueled up for the day, make your way to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You’ll dig The Dinosaur That Changed the World (November 22 – April 19, 2009) at The Academy of Natural Sciences, where plenty of other really cool creepy-crawlies are also on display.

Then cross the street and cross into the magical world of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition (November 28 – April 19, 2009) on display at The Franklin. More than 100 original characters, scenes and props from the hit movie are featured in this hands-on, interactive exhibition.

Before you head home, there is one more not-to-be-missed holiday tidbit — chocolate. You’ll find it in every form — including candy, cakes, hot cocoa, cookies and more — at Naked Chocolate Café. Treat the family to a box of their hand-made goodies to nibble on the way home.

Transportation

If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy. And you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use the special discount code: V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Driving

If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, most of these places can be reached on foot. Parking regulations are strictly enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.

Accommodations

The bustling Holiday Inn Philadelphia Historic District is right in the thick of everything and is very kid-friendly.

The Sheraton Society Hill is just four blocks from Independence Hall and a block from Penn’s Landing in residential Society Hill. It has a bit more greenery than most city hotels and a heated indoor pool.

The Hyatt Regency is one of the historic area’s newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. You can sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.

The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is a popular getaway — and a terrific deal. It’s available throughout the year and gives you free parking (worth $50 or more) and special offers and discounts - in addition to deluxe accommodations in Center City Philadelphia. Check out the package, then pick your favorite hotel.

More food and drink, please!

Of course, this itinerary is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at our Dining and Nightlife opportunities and chart your own course across the city!