Top Holiday Events in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne

Now in December, with the holidays fast approaching, we've put together a guide with some of the best events in town. If we've missed any, please let us know in the comments below or email danielle.vickery@patch.com.

Tree Lighting and Santa's Arrival in Bryn Mawr

• When/Where: Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at gazebo next to 
• Why Go: Get into the holiday spirit this weekend with a tree lighting, carolers and Santa's arrival in Bryn Mawr. The lighting of Bryn Mawr's Christmas tree takes place at the gazebo next to the Ludington Library at 7 p.m. Friday. At 7:30 p.m., Santa will arrive on a  truck. Beforehand,  Carolers and 's Middle School Singers will be caroling throughout Bryn Mawr from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

White Christmas Matinee at Bryn Mawr Film Institute

• When/Where: 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 
• Why Go: Enjoy a Christmas classic at Bryn Mawr Film. Santa will be right across the street at on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, so say hi to Santa before heading over to the film for a double dose of Christmas cheer. 
• Cost: $5 adults, $4 kids

Other holiday movies at BMFI, on successive Saturdays, same time and price:

• A Christmas Story (Dec. 10)
• Miracle on 34 th Street (Dec. 17)

Christmas Sale

• When/Where: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 at Parish Hall in Gladwyne
• Why Go: Shop for gifts for everyone on your list—there will be toys, books, linens, Christmas decorations and ornaments, jewelry, treasures and collectables. All proceeds will go to Outreach to help the less fortunate.
• Cost: Varies

Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Gladwyne

• When/Where: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the
• Why Go: Join in the fun at the second annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremony. Song books will be provided for carol singing around the 20-foot Christmas tree. You can drink cider, eat cookies and shop for trees and wreaths, and there will also be some kid-friendly surprises.
• Cost: Free

The Nutcracker (11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18)

• When/Where: 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute
• Why Go: The Nutcracker ballet is being broadcast from the Bolshoi Theatre for the second year at BMFI. With music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and choreography by Yuri Grigorovich, the ballet tells the story of Marie and the Nutcracker Prince
• Cost: General admission is $20, admission is $18 for BMFI members and $10 for students.

Other nearby events:

Narberth Dickens Festival

• When/Where: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 in downtown Narberth. There's also a free screening of A Muppet Christmas Carol at the Narberth Movie Theater at 11 a.m.
• Why Go: This popular free event "has become the fastest-growing holiday festival in the Philadelphia area," in the words of the Narberth Business Association. Narb-land gets transformed into 1840's London, as Ebenezer Scrooge (played by the fabulous former Inquirer food writer Rick Nichols) and all the characters from "A Christmas Carol" roam the borough's downtown streets for the afternoon. Includes a scavenger hunt for the kids, as they seek out the Dickens characters (dressed head-to-toe, made up, and in character to the nines) in order to win a prize. Lots more, too—read it , and click  for coverage of last year's festival.
• More Information: info@narberthonline.com

• When/Where: Friday (Dec. 2; 10 a.m.—9 p.m.); Dec. 3 & 4 (10 a.m.—5 p.m.); Dec. 5-8 (10 a.m.—7 p.m.); Dec. 9-10 (10 a.m.—5 p.m.) and Dec. 11 (10 a.m.—3 p.m.) at the , 746 Panmure Road, Haverford
• Why Go: The Main Line Arts Center will have an assortment of one-of-a-kind fine crafts including handmade jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, fabric and more—all handcrafted by professional artists from the region.
• More Information: (610) 525-0272

And don't forget...

Free Parking Saturdays in Lower Merion Township Dec. 10, 17 24, courtesy of the township.

-- Ardmore Patch Editor Tom Walsh and Patch reporter Amanda Mahnke contributed to this report.