Sesame Place Philadelphia announces all-new holiday experiences for 2023
If you’re headed to Sesame Place Philadelphia this winter, there are several new holiday experiences you can look forward to.
By Jenna Clark
The all-new holiday festivities will officially kick off on Nov. 18, 2023, and run until Jan. 7, 2024. Season Pass Members get a first look at this year’s offerings on Nov. 17, 2023.
On Nov. 18, 2023, Santa Claus will make his first appearance at Santa’s Grand Illumination, during which he’ll light up the park before meeting and greeting guests for the first time for the season. This year, there will be two ways for park goers to meet Santa Claus.
All-New Christmas Offerings at Sesame Place Philadelphia
Although there will be many new Christmas offerings headed to Sesame Place this holiday season, they won’t replace many fan favorites, including meet and greets at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, shopping at Merry Marketplace, and treats at Cookies and Cocoa with Cookie Monster.
Guests can also enjoy the return of Elmo’s Christmas Wish, A Very Merry Sesame Street Sing-Along, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Light Show, and the Sesame Street Christmas Parade.
Santa’s Christmas Dine
This character meal will provide diners with the opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa Claus along with Sesame Street friends on select days until Dec. 29, 2023. Reservations can be made here.
Christmas Meet & Greet at Santa’s Furry Workshop
Guests can meet Santa Claus at Santa’s Furry Workshop. This meet and greet location has been updated to include themed sections and interactive queue elements. In addition to these new elements, there will be food & beverage offerings and opportunities to snap plenty of photographs.
“We’re proud to create this quintessential holiday experience for our guests,” said PJ Schweizer, Events & Production Manager at Sesame Place Philadelphia. “Santa’s Furry Workshop is one of our most popular Christmas attractions. Our new queue will keep families engaged, and we are excited to see guests’ reactions to the magical, immersive enhancements we have planned this year.”
Christmas Storytime
Storytime is a beloved Sesame Street tradition and will be continued throughout the holiday season with Christmas Storytime at Sesame Studio Theater. As part of this experience, guests can listen to a story and meet a surprise friend.
‘Twas the Night Celebration
Guests can help send Santa back to The North Pole on Dec. 24, 2023, in the Sesame Neighborhood During Santa’s ‘Twas the Night Celebration.
More Holiday Experiences at Sesame Place Philadelphia
- Hanukkah – In addition to the Hanukkah Sing-A-Long and Menorah Lighting Ceremony, which have taken place in previous years, guests who celebrate Hanukkah at Sesame Place Philadelphia can experience an all-new Hanukkah Storytime (including meetinga surprise character) and a Hanukkah activity station.
- Kwanzaa – From Dec. 26, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024, guests celebrating Kwanzaa can join furry friends each night for the Kinara Lighting Ceremony and enjoy performances from an all-new African Dance Group.
- New Year – Guests can ring in the new year with the “C…is for Celebrate!” New Year’s Eve Fireworks’ on Dec. 31, 2023.
Click here for more information about visiting Sesame Place Philadelphia for the holidays.
