HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

With the kids home from school for the holidays, trying not to go stir crazy is as much of a
challenge for parents as it is for the kids. Here are some great family-friendly activities that’ll
combat boredom and get your little ones excited about the holidays.

Nutcracker Tea
The Bellevue Hotel’s XIX Café becomes the famed holiday ballet’s “Land of Sweets” complete with festive décor and delicious afternoon tea treats. Book a table for the December 5 tea and meet the Sugarplum Fairy in person from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m! The tea runs from November 15 to January 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $19 for children and $38 for adults. 200 S. Broad St., Philadelphia; nineteenrestaurant.com.
Or, get the best of both worlds and take the little ones to the Pennsylvania Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” on December 12 or 20 and enjoy afternoon tea afterwards at the Doubletree Hotel right across the street. Tea includes sandwiches, desserts, hot chocolate and a visit from “The Nutcracker” characters. December 12: Performances at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. and tea at 1 p.m. or December 20: Performances at 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. and tea at 2 p.m. $85-$110 for tea and performance. Paballet.org.

Kids Holiday Gift Making Workshop
There’s nothing like a homemade Christmas or Hanukkah gift. On December 6, let your kids’ creativity run wild at The Fairmount Art Center where faculty will assist your little ones (ages 5 and up) in creating the perfect holiday gifts. Craft stations are already stocked with materials and faculty at the gift-wrapping station will package your kids’ creations, so all you have to do is show up. $15 for workshop and materials. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 2501 Olive St., Philadelphia; fairmountartcenter.com.

Kids Saturday Matinees
Sure, watching a movie in front of the fire is cozy, but seeing it on the big screen with lots of other kids around is so much more fun. Every Saturday morning at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, favorite children’s films are brought to the big screen. Come by on November 28 for “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” or get in the mood for the holidays on December 12 for a screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Screenings at 11 a.m. from October through April. Admission is $4 for children and $5 for adults. 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; brynmawrfilm.org.

Countdown to Noon
Just because your kids can’t stay up til midnight to ring in the New Year doesn’t mean they should miss out on all of the festivities. That’s why the Please Touch Museum is letting kids welcome 2010 with Countdown to Noon, a “Noon Year” party with music, activities, confetti and of course, a countdown. December 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with countdowns at noon and 1 p.m. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia; pleasetouchmuseum.org.

Get Crafty at Main Line Art Center
Candy and toys are probably most kids’ two favorite things, and this December, Haverford’s Main Line Art Center is giving them the chance to get their little hands in both. The Holiday Toy Making Workshop on December 5 and 12 lets kids 8 years old and up build their own wooden car or truck. Kids will get to design, carve, color and assemble their own vehicle and take it home that same day! All of the materials are provided. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $85 for non-members, $65 for members. If something on the sweeter side is what your child is after, the Gingerbread House Workshop is just the thing. Kids will get the chance to design, build and decorate their own gingerbread house, spaceship, castle, igloo or pyramid and take it home to enjoy. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m; $55 for members, $65 for non-members, covers one child and one adult pair; mainlineart.org.