By Jack Firneno
Wire Editor
If you haven’t made your New Year’s Eve plans, don’t worry: there’s still plenty of time to find an event that’s just right for you. Bucks and Montgomery counties have plenty of unique events to choose from. Here are some highlights.
With the kids
First Night Newtown — Newtown
If your little ones won’t make it till midnight, or you’re looking for something just for them, Newtown is the place to be. The borough is holding its annual First Night Newtown celebration from 5 to 9:30 p.m. followed by a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
The family-friendly, alcohol-free event is one of the last First Night celebrations that used to be held nationwide. It takes place in the gym, auditorium and cafeteria at Council Rock High School North. There, kids and adults can check out magicians and musicians, try out some arts and crafts, grab some dinner and capture the night in a photo booth.
There’s also a Newtown Idol singing competition with student and adult categories. Anyone can sign up on the First Night website to compete. The night ends with a fireworks display that can be seen from the high school or Newtown Middle School.
And, there’s a shuttle that runs from the high school to the Food for the Soul dinner at nearby St. Mark’s Church.
Tickets for Newtown First Night at Council Rock High School North, 62 Swamp Road in Newtown, are $10 at the door. For information, visit www.newtownfirst.org.
More events:
The Count’s Countdown, parade and fireworks at Sesame Place — Langhorne
Events run at noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Parade is at 6 p.m. followed immediately by fireworks. Tickets range from $17 to $27. For information, visit www.sesameplace.com
Bucks County Children’s Museum — New Hope
The annual New Year’s Eve party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. with balloon drop countdowns at noon and 2 p.m. There will also be crafts and appearances by Billy the Buck. Admission is free for members and $8 for nonmembers.
Dave and Buster’s Family New Year’s Eve — Plymouth Meeting
Buffet, magician, face painting, balloon art, games and DJ take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission ranges from $17 to $35.99 per person. For more information, call 610–832–9207.
KidsPark — Willow Grove
Create your own noisemaker and join the party with dancing and noise making to celebrate the New Year. KidsPark daycare center is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hourly rates for first child are $8 per hour, $4 per second sibling and $3 for each additional sibling. For more information, visit www.kidspark.com.
For the night
Dickens of a Murder at Fisher’s Tudor House — Bensalem
Wrap up the Christmas season with an air of mystery and a touch of danger. A 25-year tradition, Fisher’s Tudor House in Bensalem is hosting its New Year’s Eve dinner theater murder-mystery.
Since 2005, Without a Cue productions has been staging its show Dickens of a Murder. In this literary mashup, characters from the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s crew. Sherlock Holmes arrives at a Christmas party thrown by Fred Scrooge, Ebenezer’s nephew. It seems the old penny-pincher, who recently had a change of heart, has mysteriously been murdered.
The setup remains the same, but the twists — and the culprit — change every year.
Along with the show, guests also get a three-course meal with their choice of entrees. The event is for people 21 and over, and groups are recommended to enjoy the interactive experience. And, since it’s New Year’s Eve, Fisher’s is open well past midnight with a cash bar, DJ and champagne toast to ring in 2015.
Dickens of a Murder at Fisher’s Tudor House, 1858 Street Road in Bensalem, runs from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. For reservations, call 215–244–9777 or visit www.fisherstudor.com.
Blues Brotherhood at Sellersville Theater
You can do dinner and a show, or maybe a show and dinner, at the Sellersville Theater for New Year’s Eve.
The historic theater is hosting two shows by the Blues Brotherhood that night. A tribute to the Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi-led revue of classic blues, soul and R&B, this band also includes Tom “Bones” Malone, a member of the original Blues Brother band who also appeared in the movie.
The early show begins at 7 p.m., and the later one, starting at 10 p.m., includes a champagne toast at midnight. And, the theater is connected to the casual fine-dining Washington House. If you make reservations, be sure to tell the restaurant you’re also there for the theater and they will ensure you’re seated and have time to enjoy your meal before the show.
Tickets are $35 for the 7 p.m. show and $45 for the 10 p.m. show. The Sellersville Theater and Washington House are located at 24 West Temple Ave. in Sellersville. For information, call 215–257–5808 or visit www.st94.com.
More events:
Comedy Cabaret at Georgine’s Restaurant — Bristol
Georgine’s is offering two options for New Year’s Eve events. The “Lite” party takes place from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. for $67.50 per person. The “Late Night” party takes place from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $97.50 per person. For more information, visit www.georgines.com.
Comedy Cabaret — Doylestown
Doubler headliner comedy show with Romont Harris and impressionist Patrick O’Donnell. Tickets are available for $26 before Dec. 22 and $30 up to the day of the event. For more information, visit www.comedycabaret.com.
Parx Casino and Racing Swingin’ Soiree — Bensalem
A 1920s-themed event with live music by Bigg Romeo at Parx’s 360 Nightclub from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and include one complimentary beverage at the club. For more information, visit www.parxcasino.com.
Overnight
The Bridgeton House — Upper Black Eddy
Upper Black Eddy is a long way from Lower Bucks, but you can make a night — and a morning — of it for New Year’s. The small town, nearly an hour from spots like Bensalem and Bristol, is home to the 1836 Bridgeton House on the Delaware, Bucks County’s only riverfront bed and breakfast.
Named Philadelphia Magazine’s favorite Bucks County inn, the Bridgeton House has much to offer to people looking for a quaint, quiet way to ring in the New Year. Rooms include fireplaces and private balconies and a penthouse.
The inn itself keeps quiet at midnight, and has a champagne brunch on New Year’s Day. But, it sits in a small riverside town with a handful of restaurants within walking distance. There’s also a footbridge to Millford, N.J., home of the Garden State’s first brewpub, The Ship Inn.
For reservations at the 1836 Bridgeton House on the Delaware, 1525 River Road, Upper Black Eddy, call 610–982–5856 or visit www.bridgetonhouse.com.
More events:
Joseph Ambler Inn — North Wales
Four-course dinner for $85 per person. Menu includes champagne toast and dessert. Live piano begins at 7:30 and discount rooms are available. For more information, visit www.josephamblerinn.com.
Black Bass Hotel — Lumberville
Special menu four-course dinner served 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. for $95 per person and $40 for children under 16. Also offered is New Year’s Day Brunch for $42.50 served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.blackbasshotel.com.
