10 for the Road

You can plan now to attend these weekend events, occurring within a few weeks and within a day's drive of Philadelphia.

1. Harrisburg Holiday Parade. Harrisburg. Nov. 21. The state capital's melting pot celebration, with floats, marching bands and communty groups, presents a tribute to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. 717-255-3020; www.harrisburgevents.com/Events/Parade.html.

2. Christmas at the Newport Mansions. Newport, R.I. Nov. 20-Jan. 3. A display of evergreens, thousands of poinsettias, fresh flowers and festive wreaths decorating the famous mansions. 401-847-1000; www.newportmansions.org.

3. "Fez"tival of Trees. Concord, N.H. Nov. 20-29. Fully decorated, artificial trees dressed for the holiday season. At night, the trees are lit for added elegance. 603-225-5372; www.bektashshriners.org.

4. A Christmas Carol. Washington. Nov. 23-Jan. 3. The holiday classic will be presented in the newly renovated Ford's Theatre. 202-347-4833; www.fords.org.

5. Grand Illumination Parade. Norfolk, Va. Nov. 21. A nighttime procession, with festive floats, marching bands, giant balloons, decorated vehicles, dancers, and, of course, Santa Claus. 757-623-1757; www.downtownnorfolk.org.

6. 12th Annual International Pickle Festival. Rosendale, N.Y. Nov. 22. All styles of pickled foods, including cucumber pickles, peppers, tomatoes and asparagus. Also, live music and pickle-themed games. 845-658-9649; www.picklefest.com.

7. Candy Cane-Making Workshop. Stowe, Vt. Nov. 21-Dec. 23. Celebrate the holiday season by boiling, pulling, rolling and twisting candy into festive holiday treats. 802-253-9591; www.laughingmoonchocolates.com.

8. New England Aquarium Family Sleepover. Nov. 7 and 21. Boston. The family can spend a night in the "Amazing Jellies" exhibit and wake up for a morning of fun in the aquarium before it opens. 617-973-6596; www.neaq.org.

9. Capturing Family Stories Oral History Workshop. Annapolis, Md. Nov. 21. Just in time for family gatherings, learn how to interview relatives to preserve family history for generations to come. 410-216-6186; www.bdmuseum.com.

10. Maritime Miniatures by Maritime Masters. Mystic, Conn. Nov. 21-Dec. 31. More than 125 framed paintings by national and international marine artists will be displayed and available for purchase - each no larger than 12 inches in height or width. 860-572-5388; www.mysticseaport.org/gallery.

- Erica Lamberg