What To Do: Dia de Reyes celebrations top local events

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

The list of holiday celebrations in November and December seemingly is larger than that of the other 10 months combined.

Now it’s January and the list looks like it has been decimated by outside forces.

Three Kings Day, known as “Día de Reyes” in Spanish, is celebrated on January 6 in Mexico.

The holiday is sometimes referred to as the Twelfth Night because it falls twelve days after Christmas, but is also known as Epiphany, and marks the day the Wise Men or Magi, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar, are believed to have visited the Christ Child.

On this day, Mexican children receive gifts from the three kings, sometimes placed in shoes that the children have left out overnight and placed hay in as a gift of food for the kings’ animals.

Rosca de Reyes is an oval-shaped pastry traditionally eaten to celebrate Three Kings Day.

“Rosca” means wreath and “Reyes” means kings, so a direct translation of Rosca de Reyes would be “Kings’ Wreath.”

The sweet bread is shaped in the form of a wreath and usually has candied fruit on top, and a figurine of a baby baked inside (now made of plastic but previously they were porcelain or tin).

This special treat is often simply called “Rosca.” The traditions surrounding this sweet bread are similar to the custom of eating King Cake in New Orleans during Carnival season.

In Mexico, it is customary for friends and family to get together on January 6 to eat Rosca, usually accompanied by hot chocolate or another warm drink such as coffee or atole.

Usually, each person cuts their own slice and the one who gets a piece of Rosca with the baby figurine is expected to host a party on Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas), which is celebrated on February 2.

On that day, the traditional food is tamales. In recent times, bakers tend to put several baby figurines in the Rosca, so the responsibility for making (or buying) the tamales can be shared among several people.

The symbolism of the Rosca de Reyes speaks of the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from the slaughter of the innocents.

The shape of the Rosca symbolizes a crown, in this case, the crown of King Herod from whom they were trying to hide the infant Jesus. The dried fruit placed on top are jewels on the crown. The figurine in the Rosca represents baby Jesus in hiding.

Ensemble Arts Philly (Broad and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, 215-731-3333, www.ensembleartsphilly.org) will present a “Three Kings/Dia de Reyes” celebration two days early. The event will be held on January 4 at 3:30 p.m. at the Kimmel Center.

Three Kings Day is a free event celebrating a meaningful holiday in the Hispanic community and allowing all city residents to participate in this cherished tradition.

Attendees will enjoy an evening filled with fun activities and surprises, including Mexican hot chocolate, traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread, a reenactment of the tale of the Three Kings, and piñata-breaking for the youngest family members.

On January 6, there will be a free Three Kings and Three Queens Day Celebration – “Toys & Tales: A Three Kings & Three Queens Day Celebration for Kids” at Taller Puertorriqueño (2557 North Fifth Street, Philadelphia, 215-423-6320, tallerpr.org).

Taller Puertorriqueño’s El Día de Reyes comes to el Barrio on January 6 with live music, gift giving, and a parade.

Taller Puertorriqueño in collaboration with HACE invites children and families to join a heartwarming holiday event with its annual Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway.

Held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 3-6 p.m., this beloved tradition brings joy to the community with a celebration rich in culture, family, and festivity.

Attendees will have the chance to receive a special gift, participate in creative arts and crafts activities, and meet the Three Kings themselves in an afternoon that wraps up the holiday season with warmth and cheer.

Each child registered for this event will receive one toy, bringing a smile to their face and creating memories to cherish. Join us for an afternoon of joy and tradition at Taller Puertorriqueño’s Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway!

If you want a rosca for your own, there are several good Mexican bakeries in Kennett Square and southern Chester County who will be glad to take care of you.

The roster of holiday events was like a blazing bonfire up until two weeks ago. Now, it is like a firepit with just a few burning embers.

For those who like to extend their holiday season (and probably still have their Christmas lights shining at home), there are still many holiday events on the calendar.

This is the final weekend to catch a popular holiday attraction at the Brandywine Museum of Art Route 1, Chadds Ford 610-388-2700, www.brandywine.org).

The museum is celebrating the Brandywine Railroad with its special annual train display now through January 5.

A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival.

A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are also incorporated into the display to allow for further engagement.

The Brandywine Railroad holiday train display is included in the cost of general admission, which is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for children (ages 6-18).

One of the best holiday events in the area is the annual “Yuletide at Winterthur.” This year’s 41st annual staging of the event, which runs through January 7 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, www.winterthur.org).

Visitors can revel in the beauty and warmth of the holidays and explore 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; the du Pont family holiday celebrations; and the evolution of Christmas trees over the decades from the 1880s to 1960s.

A new feature is a Christmas tree covered in lime green, electric orange, and shocking pink silk-screens — images depicting items found in the room.

“Pop! Goes the Collection” by Mack Truax and Bob Trent is one of seven holiday trees inspired by the current exhibit, “Transformations: Contemporary Artists at Winterthur,” highlighting the museum’s Maker-Creator Fellows.

The current exhibit features the work of more than 30 nationally recognized contemporary artists inspired by Winterthur’s collections, grounds, and history.

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.

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 Winterthur’s gardens — including the popular Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.

Returning this year is a toy train display, featuring Standard Gauge toy trains. The display is presented by the Standard Gauge Module Association, whose members will construct the display at Winterthur. The display is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in December.

Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required.

Admission to Winterthur is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $8 for children.

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) will present “A Longwood Gardens Christmas” now through January 12.

It features more than 500,000 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.

A new attraction this year is the “Taste of Christmas” at The Fountain Room in the Gardens. The Fountain Room recently opened as part of “Longwood Reimagined.” In addition to tasty food, it also offers a premier view of the Main Fountain Garden.

The restaurant has 240 seats and features new dining options, new seasonal menus, and a private dining room, plus a bar and lounge.

There will be stations featuring gourmet entrees, a wide array of sweet treats, non-alcoholic beverages and hot chocolate. Special tickets are required.

Tickets for “Taste of Christmas” at The Fountain Room, which include gardens admission, are $178.74 for adults (ages 21+), $117.34 (ages 13-20); and $74.94 (ages 5-12); members $136.74 (21+), $94.34 (ages 13-20), $51.94 (ages 5-12). Kids aged 4 or younger are free.

The highlight of “Longwood Reimagined” is the new West Conservatory. The 32,000-square-foot glasshouse was designed by Weiss/Manfredi while the gardens and water features were put together by Reed Hilderbrand.

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.

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.

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 18th year that the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.

Tickets are $42 for adults and $23 for youth.

How would you like to get rid of your Christmas tree in a sustainable and extremely adorable way?

A great way is to gift it to a goat.

The Philly Goat Project’s annual Christmas Tree-Cycle festival/fundraiser (www.phillygoatproject.org) returns with three events this month where you can donate your tree to local goats to enjoy.

The first two are at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum and the last will be at Laurel Hill West Cemetery. The family-friendly events, which start this weekend, run from noon-2 p.m. all three days.

On January 4 and 11, the event will be held at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum (6336 Ardleigh Street, Philadelphia) and January 20 at the Conservatory at Laurel Hill West Cemetery (225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd).

The event features free s’mores, hot cocoa and all the goat cuddles you want. There is a suggested donation of $20 per Christmas tree which helps support community programs. And you don’t need a tree to join in the fun.

This month’s edition of First Friday Lancaster (https://visitlancastercity.com/first-friday) will run from 5-9 p.m. on January 3 in downtown Lancaster.

The event will present attractive exhibitions at art galleries, artisan studios and museums.

One of the featured attractions will be First Friday Concert – “Epiphany: Season of Light” at 8 p.m. at First Reformed Church (40 East Orange Street, Lancaster, www.firstreformedlancaster.org).

Organist Larry Hershey will play a free 30-minute concert at First Reformed Church in downtown Lancaster. Selections will include “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” by Max Drischner, “Praeludium in E Minor” by Nicolaus Bruhns, and Bruce Simmond’s “Prelude on “lam sol recedit igneus” (As fades the glowing orb of day).

The concert will conclude with “Grand Choeur in D Major – Alla Handel” by Alexandre Guilmant.

If you’re a handyman and are interested in repairing, refurbishing or upgrading your home, then 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, http://www.greaterphillyhomeshows-vf.com.

The annual show, which is produced by American Consumer Shows, will open on January 3 and continue through January 5. Show hours are from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

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.

The event features free admission and parking.

The “Wine, Cheese & Honey Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http://www.pennswoodswinery.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 four 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.

Tickets cost $40 per person and reservations are required.

The holiday season at Herr’s Snack Food Factory (20 Herr Drive, Nottingham, 610-932-9330,  www.herrs.com) is drawing to a close. The area around the factory site will be illuminated with thousands of lights and holiday displays.

Herr’s “Holiday Light Display,” which is free and open to the public, will be open nightly now through January 5.

Visitors to the site will be able to drive along a trail that is illuminated with more than 620,000 lights.

Two historic sites in Montgomery County have their own holiday celebrations.

Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) is hosting “Victorian Holiday Tours” now through January 5 while “Twelfth Night Tours” at Pottsgrove Manor” (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, www.historicsites.montcopa.org) will be held now through January 5.

For the next five 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 an event based on history.

Visitors can witness the transformation of Pottsgrove Manor for the yuletide season and the traditions of an 18th-century Twelfth Night party. Twelfth Night marked the end of the Christmastide season, celebrated on Epiphany.

Guided tours of the manor explore all aspects of the festivities, from the intense preparations to the differences between the way elite families like the Potts and their household staff experienced the season.

The 2025 Winter in Franklin Square holiday festival (200 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, http://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/holidays-in-franklin-square/) opens its season this weekend and it will run until February 25.

It will be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show will be open from 4-8 p.m. daily and 4-9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Visitors are invited to experience the magic of the holidays and celebrate traditions new and old at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival.

Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s electrifying genius, the free Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO is the key to holiday fun in Franklin Square.

Attendees can marvel at more than 50,000 lights as they shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes. Every evening, one lucky audience member will be selected to “ignite’ the 4:30 p.m. show.

A popular annual Philly holiday tradition can be found at the Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park),

Beginning this November, some of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions return to Dilworth Park. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn.

In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.

Dilworth Park’s winter season began on November 3 with the opening of the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn presented by TD Bank. On November 4, the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin made its annual return.

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.

A popular Bucks County attraction is the “Holiday Light Show” at Shady Brook Farm (931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, www.shadybrookfarm.com)

The farm features a three–million-light Holiday Light Show with “Dashin’ Through the … Lights,” a family-friendly two-mile drive-through on Thursday and Friday nights.

The main display allows visitors to drive or (if weather permits) ride in wagons past post-sundown displays including illuminated tunnels.

The “Holiday Light Show” is open now through January 5.

Timed tickets, which start at $40, are required.

Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com) will have plenty of Christmas activities over the next few weeks.

Visitors to the Village can join special guest Mrs. Claus for festive fun and mini-lightings in a different Village neighborhood each night leading up to the Village-wide Grand Illumination Celebration. Village shops will be open until 9 p.m. with a distinctive assortment of merchandise, special promotions and refreshments.

“Enchanted Evenings” will showcase thousands of tiny white lights outlining the Village’s buildings, colorful lights with less-than-common colors (teal, peach, and fuscia) adorning the trees and shrubs and a landscaped backdrop featuring a group of reindeer glowing in white light. Santa will arrive to turn on the lights and officially mark the beginning of the event. After the lights go on, visitors will be treated to free cider and toasted marshmallows.

“Gingerbread House Competition and Display,” which is slated to run through January 5, the “Gingerbread House Competition” features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.

“Holiday Magic” is in full swing at Riverfront Wilmington (Christina Riverwalk, Wilmington, Delaware, riverfrontwilm.com).

Riverfront Wilmington has always been one of the centerpieces of the greater Wilmington area during the holiday season with festive events and activities throughout the area.

The Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC) has dramatically increased that presence with the introduction of “Riverbright Wilmington,” a full lighting of the Riverwalk and surrounding amenities.

At the end of November, the Christina Riverwalk was transformed into a walk-through holiday light display, with trees and archways wrapped in holiday lights, holiday décor throughout the area, and holiday-themed events throughout the season. The almost two-mile Riverwalk from Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park to the DuPont Environmental Education Center will be lit, offering guests a chance to stroll along the river and enjoy the festive display.

The illumination of the Riverwalk will create a magical winter wonderland for all ages to enjoy.

Now through January 4, the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, www.philadelphiazoo.org) will host LumiNature, a gigantic holiday season light experience that turns the entire Zoo into a magical journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises.

The giant-sized holiday extravaganza will transform the entire Zoo into a nighttime winter wonderland. Guests will experience a magical journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises.

LumiNature will expand to feature 16 illuminated experience zones that will feature lively themed displays, newly enhanced installations and thousands of twinkling lights on a breathtaking journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet.

Highlights this year include two brand-new illuminated zones, Shimmer River and LumiNature Lane, along with the return of fan favorites like Penguin Prismatic featuring a 40 ft. tall penguin glimmering with 40,000 lights, our iconic 25 ft. tall tree made entirely of 1,500 lit flamingo lawn ornaments and so much more.

At Shimmer River, take a journey through the jungle and enter a 100 ft. long tunnel filled with 4,000 lights, creating dynamic scenes from growing vines, to blooming flowers, multicolored kaleidoscopes and more.

LumiNature will feature more than a million lights and 10+ miles of power cord, 20 ft. tall coral reef and under the sea-inspired holiday tree featuring a giant sea turtle, sparkling waterfall and vine wall featuring 20,000 lights, 150,000 sparkling pink and aquamarine lights, 200,000 lights shining above the Septa PZ Express Train, over 1,500 illuminated flamingos and 200 illuminated penguins, 22 ft. tall butterfly tree covered in 4,000 butterflies, 20 ft. tall snake shimmering with 5,000 lights, 15 ft. tall blue gorilla wearing a glowing lei and 20 giant, floating jellyfish.

Additionally, seasonal fare, strolling performers, hot chocolate and ever-warming adult beverages promise to additionally spark the holiday spirit.

Tickets start at $25 for adults and $20 for children.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo (5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, https://www.lvzoo.org/) is hosting its “Winter Light Spectacular” now through January 4.

This season’s “Winter Light Spectacular,” which runs from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, will feature more than 30 scheduled event nights.

Guests are invited to bundle up and enjoy the beauty of nature as they stroll through tree-lined paths illuminated by more than 1.2 million twinkling lights and themed animated displays.

They also can warm up next to the cozy outdoor fire pits while enjoying hot cocoa and s’mores.

Children will be delighted when they encounter Santa, Radley the Sea Turtle, The Grinch, Woody, Buzz, Elsa, Princess Belle, Olaf and friends.

Ticket prices start at $15.