Sesame Place Philadelphia is launching its popular "A Very Furry Christmas" holiday celebration, which runs into January. (Sesame Place Philadelphia)
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Sesame Place Philadelphia kicks off "A Very Furry Christmas," the park's fan-favorite annual holiday celebration, on Saturday.
From Saturday through Jan. 3, the park transforms into a sparkling Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, special events, seasonal treats, unique photo opportunities with Sesame Street friends, and family-friendly rides and attractions.
These are the events planned during the celebration:
ALL-NEW The Nutcracker with Elmo and Tango – This all-new show, featuring Elmo and Tango, tells the whimsical and heartwarming story of Tango's first Christmas on Sesame Street.
ALL-NEW Winter Warm-Up Lounge – Guests can step out of the cold and into the Winter Warm-Up Lounge, a cozy holiday retreat where families can recharge and relax with festive music and delicious warm treats like hot chocolate. Kids can test Santa's newest toys at interactive play stations, and the whole family can enjoy indoor games and photographs with Sesame Street friends.
ALL-NEW Elf Training with Big Bird and Snuffy – Guests become honorary elves-in-training in this interactive experience as Big Bird and Snuffy learn what goes into being an elf at Santa's Workshop. Plus, guests can take a picture with Big Bird and Snuffy!
In addition, Cookies and Cocoa with Cookie Monster offers a new and enhanced experience. Guests can celebrate a very "Cookie" Christmas with festive music, crafts, cookie-decorating, hot chocolate, and photos with Cookie Monster in his Christmas baker attire.
Another enhanced experience is Letters to Santa. Guests can visit Mr. Hooper's Gift Shop to get creative with coloring supplies and drop their holiday wishes in the festive mailbox located inside the store.
Returning fan-favorite highlights of A Very Furry Christmas include:
Meet & Greets with Santa Claus at Santa's Furry Workshop, with a Virtual Queue available so guests spend more time enjoying rides than waiting in lines
Santa's Christmas Dine with Elmo & Friends
Meet & Greets with Rudolph & Friends at Rudolph's Winter Wonderland
The Sesame Street Christmas Parade
Holly jolly entertainment, including the Furry Friends Holiday Dance Party and Elmo's Christmas Wish
The celebration begins with Santa's Grand Illumination on Saturday, Nov. 14, when Santa Claus arrives at Sesame Place and illuminates the park's millions of twinkling lights.
Additional special events include:
Hanukkah Celebration, Dec. 4 – 12: Guests can celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Hanukkah Storytime, an activity station, and Meet & Greets with Baby Bear.
Santa's 'Twas The Night Celebration, Dec. 24: For one night only, guests can gather at the Sesame Street Neighborhood for a spirited Christmas Eve send-off for Santa Claus on the night of his Big Ride!
Kwanzaa Celebration, Dec. 26, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027: Each night of Kwanzaa, guests are invited to join their favorite furry friends for a Kinara Lighting Ceremony each night.
New Year's Eve Fireworks, Dec. 31: Sesame Place Philadelphia will ring in 2027 with its dazzling "C…is for Celebrate!" New Year's Eve Fireworks on Dec. 31. For an extra special treat, guests can celebrate at The Count's Countdown to New Year's Celebration Dine at Dine with Elmo & Friends from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3.