Poof! Museum's a magic Potter-ville

Penn Museum will present "Harry Potter and the Magical Muggle Museum," a wizardry event for families, on Sunday.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., children and adults can enjoy an extravaganza designed for Harry Potter fans, magic lovers, and loyal readers of author J.K. Rowling's novels.

Families are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Harry Potter character, or this year as their favorite character from Twilight, the vampire-based fantasy novels by author Stephenie Meyer.

The event, in its third year, will feature new festivities and more than 30 activities. The museum will open two hours early.

New are the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) exams, with cram classes and "tests" conducted by Hogwarts and University of Pennsylvania professors. The classes and tests will teach wizard essentials such as Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Latin for Wizards, and the History of Magic, which includes a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Visitors can earn extra credit by attending the end-of-the-world lecture "2012: Maya Divination." Joining in will be Elmwood Park Zoo's traveling wizards with their "Cabinet of Curiosities" and some magical creatures at an ongoing O.W.L. exam program.

Potter fans can enter and experience life-size re-creations of the storefronts and props of Diagon Alley, created by Harry Potter enthusiasts Betsy Coe and Jeannine Ginsburg, who will speak on the history of their project and more.

Families can commence the holiday season tonight at the Peddler's Village Grand Illumination Celebration and 29th Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display from 6 to 10.

At 6:15 Santa Claus "switches on" a display of one million jewel-colored lights to start the holidays and his weekend visits with children at Giggleberry Fair. Santa's helper for the evening will be CBS3 anchor Lesley Van Arsdall. Kids and adults can enjoy the festivities, music and free refreshments including hot cider and toasted marshmallows, and strolling musicians will perform.

At 10 this morning, the Gingerbread House Competition and Display in the Village Gazebo will debut featuring more than 100 creations of gingerbread and confections. Admission is free and the display will be open through Jan. 2.

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts will present its Circus Day for Kids Student Showcase on Sunday.

Beginning at 2 p.m., families can watch students doing trapeze acts, juggling, group performances, unicycle stunts, rolla bolla, and more. Also featured will be the Youth Performing Troupe of youths ages 8 to 15.