Travel back to the era of William Penn during the annual Holly Nights celebration on Dec. 6–7
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Christmas may still be a month away, but Pennsbury Manor is already decking its historic halls. Fresh trees are being brought in, wreaths have been hung, and the spacious, waterfront grounds have been adorned with more than 400 twinkling lights.
Staff and volunteers have doubled as elves for the past two weeks, prepping William Penn’s former estate for the annual Holly Nights celebration, which will take place Thursday, Dec. 6, and Friday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“We have been doing this for almost 40 years, so it’s become a holiday annual tradition, sometimes for three generations,” said Sarah Rudich, managing director at Pennsbury Manor. “So grandparents, kids and then grandkids.”
More than 2,000 people are slated to attend these two enchanting evenings, which invite visitors to travel back in time and experience the sights and sounds of a true Colonial Christmas. According to Rudich, Penn was a Quaker, which meant he didn’t believe in celebrating Christmas as a separate, special holiday. This is why the event isn’t held closer to Dec. 25.
“The Quakers valued each day in the calendar year to be special as far as religion goes,” she said.
Though the property is decorated from a Colonial Revival time period, the activities that guests can enjoy are from the era of Penn. They can participate in colonial demonstrations such as open hearth cooking, beer brewing, textiles and blacksmithing.
Additional features include a bake sale of cider doughnuts, free hot mulled cider, the joyful sound of carolers, a crackling yule log bonfire, and performances every 30 minutes at three separate locations by local students and choral groups.
During candlelit tours of the Manor House, guests can view a hearty Christmas dinner that could’ve been found on the table of the Penn family, and learn interesting tidbits about how Pennsylvania’s founder celebrated the holidays.
“It really helps put people in the holiday spirit,” Rudich said.
With the exception of a few musical performers, the majority of the activities and colonial demonstrations are offered both nights. Since most take place indoors, Holly Nights is a rain or shine event.
Rudich recommends interested attendees purchase tickets in advance online since lines can be long onsite, especially Friday evening. Tickets can be found at pennsburymanor.org/hollynights, along with a full schedule of events. They can also be purchased at Pennsbury Manor beginning at 6 p.m. on both evenings of Holly Nights.
Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for senior citizens (65-plus), $6 for children ages 3–11, and free to children under 3. Cost per ticket is per night.
Pennsbury Manor is located at 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
