For locals and visitors alike looking to enjoy some holiday cheer in Bucks County this season, check out the following events and activities:
All Is Bright
27th Annual Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm: Opens Nov. 20. Remember the season with a photo of Santa. Don’t leave without a car or open-air wagon ride through the Holiday Light Show. With more than 3 million lights illuminating the vast farm, this 2-mile ride is something to behold on a chilly, wintry night. Finally, bundle up and toast some s’mores at a private or public fire pit. Click here for more information.
Gingerbread House Competition and Display at Peddler’s Village: Runs Nov. 19-Jan. 8. A holiday tradition at Peddler’s since 1984, the Gingerbread Competition and Display is a feast for the eyes with more than 75 creative and whimsical entries in several categories. Admission is free. Click here for more information.
Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler’s Village: Dec. 4-5. The holiday season celebrations at Peddler’s culminate with the Holly Jolly Weekend, which includes, among other happenings, a Santa Parade through the village on both days, at 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Jingle Bell Rock
Holiday Shows at Bucks County Playhouse: These include The Everly Brothers Experience Christmas Show, featuring The Zmed Brothers (Dec. 10-12); Melissa Errico and Billy Stritch – Welcome To Our Holiday Party: Swinging and Broadway Songs (Dec. 15); Holiday Specials presented by Downstage Center Dance Studio (Dec. 16); and Christmas with the Coasters (Dec. 17-19). Click here for more information.
Christmas with the Celts at Sellersville Theater: Dec. 6. This is an uplifting and spirited holiday celebration guaranteed to start your holiday season off right. Stars an international cast of musicians and dancers. Launched as a live concert attraction after several successful seasons as a PBS-TV special, the show combines fiery arrangements of modern seasonal classics, such as John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas,” plus traditional carols. With its foot-stomping step dancers and a selection of both modern and indigenous instruments, Christmas with the Celts is more than just a concert – it’s a celebration of the holiday and common connections to celebrate this special time of year. Click here for more information.
Gerald Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Performance at Byers’ Choice: Dec. 11-12. Byers’ Choice in Chalfont has been handcrafting Caroler figurines for more than 40 years. Stop in the factory to see how they are made and tour the Christmas Museum. This year, A Christmas Carol, performed by Gerald Dickens, Charles Dickens’ great-great-grandson, will be performed on Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Dec. 12, at 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Create Your Own Mrs. Claus Caroler Figurine at Byers’ Choice: Now through Dec. 19. Stop in to create your own Mrs. Claus caroler figurine. From baking cookies to wrapping presents, she adds a festive flair to the festivities. Click here for more information.
An American Christmas Songbook at Bristol Riverside Theatre: Dec. 9-19. The chill of winter is in the air as Keith Baker and the Bristol Riverside Theatre Concert Band, along with entertainers, take the stage to perform favorite carols and heartwarming holiday songs. Click here for more information.
Yuletide Cheer
The North Pole Express and Santa’s Steam Spectacular at New Hope Railroad: Nov. 26-Dec. 26. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy a freshly baked cookie while singing along with the railroad’s roaming musicians as they play Christmas carols on these two rides. Meet with Santa on the steam locomotive pulling Santa’s Steam Spectacular and share your Christmas wishes with him. The North Pole Express offers similar amenities, but is pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive instead. Gear up in pajamas and enjoy the relaxing holiday ride through historic Bucks County. Rent a private caboose or coach car for your group. Trains begin running on Friday, Nov. 26 and continue on weekends leading up to Dec. 18. The rides will operate every day the week of Dec. 19, except Christmas Day. Click here for more information.
Deck the Halls
Christmas at Aldie Mansion: Dec. 5. With gilded hallways, sparkling decorations, festive music and delicious cuisine, Christmas at Aldie will be a magical evening starting at 5 p.m. Delight in a holiday-themed cocktail and a dinner from Jeffrey A. Miller Catering. Limited capacity to 160 guests. Reservations required. Click here for more information.
Festival of Trees at Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site: Runs through Jan. 9. The rooms of Pearl S. Buck’s iconic Bucks County stone farmhouse come alive with the glow of holiday decorations. The event showcases beautiful trees and vignettes designed by Bucks County’s best artists, decorators and local community groups to convey the spirit of Pearl S. Buck’s legacy as an author, humanitarian and activist. Visitors have the opportunity to vote for their favorite display. Click here for more information.
Joy to the World
The Crossing Reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park: Dec. 12 and 25. Experience a reenactment of the treacherous crossing. Narrator is Peter Hegseth. Enjoy special colonial-era activities and demonstrations in the Historic Village. The park will be decked out in period wreaths, candles and holiday trees. Click here for more information.
Holiday House and Grinchmas Food Truck Fest at Bolton Mansion: Dec. 4-5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa Claus and The Grinch are coming to town. Family-friendly. This event features the arrival of Santa via firetruck, visits and photos with Santa and The Grinch (free with your own camera), food trucks, children’s activities, a DJ, beer/cocktail garden, vendors/crafters for holiday shopping and more. Click here for more information.
Krampus is Coming to Town at Bolton Mansion: Dec. 19. Have you been bad this year? This is your chance to sit on Ol’ Krampy’s lap and tell him why you should be on Santa’s nice list, and not on The Krampus’ naughty list. There will be various Krampus and Creepy Christmas items available for purchase, including personalized ornaments to hang on your tree. Click here for more information.
Holiday Hustle at Peddler’s Village: Dec. 2. Guests can run, jog or simply walk during this event. The evening event, presented in partnership with Scoogie Events, is designed so that participants can enjoy the holiday lights, as well as outdoor exercise and socializing. Participating is limited to 1,000 people. Online registration available. Click here for more information.
Drink and Be Merry
Bucks County Ale Trail: Grab a brew (or two) at one of the many breweries along the trail. Relax and kick back with seasonal brews as you complete your passport to win a limited-edition T-shirt. Click here for more information.
Bucks County Distilleries: Take-out is being offered this holiday season. Warm up and sip on aged spirits, such as whiskey with a port wine finish from Dad’s Hat, or Sunday Morning Stout Corn Whiskey from Triple Sun Spirits Co. A bottle of one of their hand-crafted spirits makes the perfect holiday gift. Click here for more information.
