Top Events in Philadelphia's Countryside this Winter

October 5, 2019 – February 29, 2020 (select dates)

Live Nation’s interactive pop up enjoys an extended run in the King of Prussia Mall this season, adding a burst of color to the long winter days. The immersive, photo-worthy exhibit features dynamic, hands-on fun, including a confetti-filled space, a ball pit big enough for adults and an enchanting flower-filled display. The space is open Fridays through Mondays, with timed tickets available in advance.

More than 15 restaurants in this charming Montgomery County borough offer appetizing deals to welcome 2020 during Ambler Restaurant Week. Highlights include multi-course meals at Bridget’s Steakhouse for as little as $20; a tasting menu at Cantina Feliz that starts with bacon and butternut squash huarache; four courses of Japanese fare at Sushi Hatsu; and a Spanish feast at BYOB restaurant Vida & Comida. Restaurants set their own price points and specials, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal at any budget.

Spend two enchanting winter evenings in Peddler’s Village at Fire & Frost Fun, coinciding with the final weekend of the attraction’s holiday light display. Visitors stroll through the winterscape and enjoy seasonal games and family activities, plus appearances by costumed characters. Marshmallow-roasting pits and intricate ice sculptures greet guests along the way. The weekend also marks the beginning of the Find Jack Frost scavenger hunt, where families who collect 15 to 30 stickers before February 17, 2020, can claim fun prizes!

Taste more than 50 different craft beers from breweries like Goose Island Beer Company, Tired Hands Brewing Company, Fat Head’s Brewery and more while enjoying live music and small bites at this seasonal beer fest at The Ardmore Music Hall.

Warm up while enjoying the beautiful grounds of the Brandywine River Museum of Art at the free-to-attend Arctic BBQ. The outdoor affair features a hot chocolate bar and ready-to-roast marshmallows. Barbecue food (available for purchase) and heated tents keep everyone toasty.

This year marks the 23rd annual Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival, a nine-day celebration located about one hour from Center City that helps raise funds for community nonprofit organizations. Events for the 2020 fest include an oldies-music dance party, a Revolutionary-themed pub crawl, a chili cook-off featuring local chefs and restaurants, self-guided art gallery tours and more.

During this event, Longwood Gardens creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora in conservatories and outdoors. Oncidium, Phalaenopsis and more elegant varieties — artfully arranged by the attractions’ skilled horticulturists — delight visitors looking to experience the beauty of nature during the wintertime.

Ponstingl: Dreams of Past Futures is the Michener Museum of Art’s first solo exhibition of works by Franz Joseph Ponstingl, a little-known Pennsylvania-born artist who often painted abandoned future civilizations, landscapes with alien-like creatures and abstract works based off of his own dreams. The exhibition features some of Ponstingl’s never-before-seen paintings and drawings.

Indulge for a good cause at the annual Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival, a beloved community event that benefits the United Way of Southern Chester County. Six samples of cakes, brownies, candies, cookies and more sweet treats are yours for the tasting with the cost of a ticket, and additional tickets are available for purchase for those with an insatiable sweet tooth. Pro tip: Same-day tickets are limited, so purchasing online in advance is strongly recommended.

Opening February 1, 2020

The Brandywine Museum of Art’s dual winter exhibitions commemorate iconic moments in United States history. Votes for Women: A Visual History (February 1 – June 7, 2020) commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote using drawings, illustrations and posters expressing the message of the suffragists, as well as costumes, clothing, sashes and emblems worn by the women activists. In Witness to History: Selma Photography of Stephen Somerstein (February 1 – June 14, 2020), the museum exhibits stunning photos by 24-year-old student photographer Stephen Somerstein of the historic 54-mile march for civil rights in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

Touted as the perfect way to spend a post-football season mid-winter weekend, Bucks Brewfest 101 doesn’t disappoint. With as many as 70 different draft beers for sampling, the second annual event, run entirely by volunteers, rivals the more establish beer festivals in the Philadelphia region. Almanac Beer Company, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company and Tim’s Lair are part of the beer-maker lineup this year. Bonus: 100% of event proceeds benefit educational scholarships for Bucks County Community College.

Guests can test the latest smart-home advancements, stroll through 7,500 square feet of beautiful flower and plant arrangements, and shop for special decor items at this home and garden show featuring more than 250 exhibitors and bursting with both indoor and outdoor inspiration. Celebrity guests this year include Eric and Lindsey Bennett of HGTV’s Desert Flippers.

The site of one of the most storied struggles of the American Revolution pays tribute to Gen. George Washington with a fun-filled birthday party. Indoor and outdoor activities at Valley Forge National Historical Park take place around the visitor center and include games and crafts for kids, as well as a chance for the little ones to join the Continental Army. Washington stops by for a visit, and all guests can enjoy a slice of celebratory birthday cake.

The West Chester County Chamber of Commerce hosts this free public event focused on all things home improvement and decor. Visitors can meet contractors, electricians and design experts ready to offer tips or contract their services, and browse displays of repair and design projects for DIY inspiration.

Lagers, stouts, hazy IPAs, hard ciders and more are available for endless sipping at the annual Kennett Winterfest, an afternoon-long celebration of beer in Chester County. Tickets include all-you-can-drink brews from breweries like 2SP Brewing Company, Cape May Brewing, Levante Brewing Company and more, plus a live music lineup and pay-as-you-go food.

Shopping destination King of Prussia turns its attention to food for the return of its Restaurant Week. More than 40 restaurants offer prix-fixe lunches for $10, $15 or $20 and prix-fixe dinners for $20, $30 or $40. Highlights: Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse offers a meat-forward menu with seasonal sides like butternut squash soup; Savona’s Italian lunch menu features veal, eggplant and homemade gelato; and Tiffin Indian Cuisine lets diners choose any appetizer, entree, naan and dessert on the dinner menu for just $20. The event continues its five-year tradition of raising money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Philly’s hometown soccer team is back for a new season and ready to deliver another round of excitement. Following last year’s record-breaking number of regular-season wins, points and goals, the franchise returns to Subaru Park — formerly Talen Energy Stadium — on Saturday, March 14 to face the San Jose Earthquakes. The stakes are high: The Union are undefeated in five of their last six home openers.