If you follow my blog you probably I really enjoy exposing my kids to the arts. This December was no different, The Arden open a new play Han Brinker and the Silver skates and they invited us to preview it because my daughter was part of the drama school. The Play is Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates the script has been in the works at the Arden for 2 years, It was well worth the wait.
I took my daughter and her friends to experience the play. The play is a lovely story age appropriate for 5 and up. There is a little music and the actors are moving the entire play.

The story is of a family Hans, His Sister Gretel, and parents have fallen on hard times. The people of their town dismiss them because of poverty except for one kind girl who looks past the poverty and treats them with Humanity. It is the story of hardships, kindness, and how people can learn from each other presented in a lovely way that is appropriate for the plays young patrons.

The Stage is set up as a frozen river and is wonderful the actor with the felt pad shoes actually skate on the stage it is lovely to watch. They make it look so realistic you think you are outside. The choreography and the use of the stage is amazing, makes for a fast moving play that the kids and adults.
The Arden does a wonderful job with educating kids. After the play the actors sit down on the stage and answer questions
I think this plays is great for the winter not only is a winter time play but the message is wonderful. As an adult I was touched and felt tears coming at certain parts of the play. The actors are truly magical.

I would recommend taking the kids to a Matinee show. We went to The Continental for lunch after (tip they offer 10% with The Arden ticket stubs). It is a little pricier for kids about (10-$20 for a meal) no kids menu. I go because of my favorite appetizer The Onion Soup Bites (my copycat recipe is here). Which if you had them you will understand the splurge for the kids.

After lunch we walked up to and walked through City Hall. I did not know they have a amazing tree in the middle of city hall. All the girls remarked the center of city hall looked like Hogwartz. Next to City hall is Dilworth Park for Made In Philly market which will be there for the Holidays featuring many local Artisans. I loved the frosted cookies yummy. They also had soap makers, wonderful handmade clothes, and jewelry, that was all locally made in Philly. Dilworth Park also has an Ice skating rink.

Diagonal from city hall is Love Park where the Christmas Village is set up featuring great vendors from around the world. The girls loved shopping. It was a little tight in some sections of the market I would not recommend the Village for strollers. They did have a mulled wine you could purchase a commemorative cup for $8 and do refills for $6. It smelled good. They also had many different food.

Before heading back to the car we check out the Macys windows, If the girls were not complete tired I would have stayed for the organ and light show. The organ plays twice a day, the light show is every hour call the store to double check times.