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Discover the timeless classics that make the holiday season magical. From Mariah Carey’s hit to Bing Crosby’s classic, explore some of the most beloved Christmas songs ever sung.
The holiday season is here, and Bucks County is merry and bright with a full calendar of winter and holiday celebrations this year.
As you bring out the puffy jackets and hot cocoa, you can embrace the holidays with festive events around the county.
Here’s a list of holiday events and some of the favorite festive activities in and around Bucks County.
Holly Nights, Pennsbury Manor
When: Dec. 5-6 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Pennsbury Manor State Park, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville.
Visit historic Pennsbury Manor lit by candlelight at their “Holly Nights” celebration Dec. 5-6. Enjoy crackling bonfires, the merry sound of carolers, candlelit tours of the Manor House, colonial craft demonstrations and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $8 for children ages 4 and older. The tickets are to be available at the door for purchase. Visit the website to purchase tickets in advance.
Dublin Holiday Gathering & Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Dublin Town Center, 123 North Main St., Dublin.
Santa is to be available throughout the night for photos while horse and carriage rides can take you on ride through Dublin Town Center. Living Hope Church is to host a live nativity scene while carolers serenade the community.
The Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony is to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Attendees may cast their votes in the Gingerbread Display Competition while shopping from holiday vendors, food trucks and more.
There’s also plenty of things scheduled for kids, including balloon animals and face painting.
More information is available on the Dublin Town Center website.
16th annual Dickens Night in Langhorne
When: Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Corner of Maple and South Bellevue avenues.
Come out for a festive street party and watch Santa light the borough’s Christmas tree at 7:30 p.m.
South Bellevue Avenue between Maple Avenue and Richardson Avenue is to be closed from 5-10 p.m. Friday evening. Parking is not to be allowed on the street during this time. Those who visit are asked to follow the direction of the officers and fire police volunteers who are working at the barricades, as safety is a concern.
Christmas in Doylestown House Tours
When: Dec. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 12-3 p.m.
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 84 E. Oakland Ave., Doylestown.
There are four homes decorated for the holidays on the tour, and tea and refreshments are to be offered at St. Paul’s Epsicopal Church parish hall.
According to organizers, tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased online from Nov. 11 through Dec. 4. Tickets are also to be available at the church office starting Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays except Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving.
“Prepurchased tickets can also be picked up in person at the church office on the above dates so you will not have to wait in line at the church parish hall to pick them up on the tour dates,” they said. “Tickets at the door on tour dates will be $45.”
Purchase online at stpaulsdoylestown.org/cid-2024. Call 215-348-5511, extension 10, for more information.
Kringle Christmas Shoppe
When: Dec. 6-8.
Where: The Haycock Community Center, 1014 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown.
Join the Kringle Christmas shop sponsored by members of the Haycock Historical Society at the Haycock Township community center in Quakertown.
Shop for creations made by local artists, craftsmen and hand workers while enjoying musical holiday performances and a quick lunch. Visit the kringlechristmasshoppe.org for more details.
Holiday Market & Wreath Making at Plumsteadville Grange
When: Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 5927 Easton Road (Route 611, Pipersville).
Admission is free for this market that features local vendors selling unique gifts, treats and more, a perfect solution for gift-givers ahead of the holidays.
Spaces are limited for the wreath workshop. Registration in advance is encouraged.
America’s Oldest Tree Lighting in Perkasie
When: Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m.
Where: 620 W. Chestnut St. Perkasie.
For the 116th time, Santa is to light the tree in Perkasie at 7 p.m., officially kicking off the Christmas season. There are to be several road closures around the event including both Arch Street and North 7th Street as they host a new family fun zone and horse and carriage rides, respectively.
Visitors may use the park and ride bus service running a loop between South Middle School and the town center from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
This year’s event also features a new Christmas singalong at the Methodist Church at 5th and Market streets, as well as stories and singalongs with Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen” at 7th and Arch streets.
More information about the tree lighting and other attractions can be found on the borough’s website.
Grinchmas Food Truck Fest at Bolton Mansion
When: Dec 7-8, 11 a.m. to 4p.m.
Where: Bolton Mansion, 85 Holly Drive, Levittown.
Both Santa Claus and the Grinch are set to head to the historic Bolton Mansion this weekend for a holiday event perfect for the whole family.
Visitors may take photos with Santa and the Grinch, make stuffed animals, ride ponies, jump on bounce houses and more. The event is also to feature dozens of food trucks, plus a beer and cocktail garden.
More information is available on the Bolton Mansion website.
Victorian Christmas in Doylestown
When: Dec. 8 and Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
Where: James-Lorah Memorial Home, 132 N. Main St., Doylestown.
Christmas has arrived at the James-Lorah Memorial Home, “the Finest House in the Borough,” built by Henry Mercer’s grandfather in 1844, announced the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown.
“Visitors to the historic mansion this holiday season will be able to visit more than ten exhibition areas within the house, each decorated for an unforgettable Victorian Christmas. Along the way they will learn about Victorian holiday customs and see period fashions once worn by the women who lived in the home,” organizers said in a news release.
Public tours are scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. Tickets, which must be reserved in advance, are priced at $15 and are available on an Eventbrite page.
Newtown Holiday Parade
When: Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.
Where: South State Street, Newtown.
Hosted annually by members of the Newtown Business Association, the holiday parade is to kick off at 2 p.m. from South State Street at the Stocking Works. Its route continues north to Washington Avenue, makes a left turn and then turns right onto Sycamore Street. The parade is to end at the corner of Sycamore Street and Durham Road.
Face painting, balloons, warm drinks, candy and more are to be available before the parade.
Organizers are also attempting to break the world record for the largest group doing the macarena outside the Green Parrot after the parade.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
When: Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dec. 25, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing.
Washington Crossing Historic Park hosts the annual reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing each December. Enjoy holiday decorations, colonial-era activities and demonstrations in the Historic Village.
This year, the public has two opportunities to view the reenactment.
First Crossing: Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the actual crossing at 1 p.m. In addition to the crossing reenactment, special colonial-era activities and demonstrations in the Historic Village are to offer a full day of family fun and learning. Tickets are required, and cost $5 to $9.
Second Crossing: Dec. 25, noon to 3 p.m., with the actual crossing at 1 p.m. Several hundred Continental military-dressed actors row across the river in Durham boat replicas following a speech from a Gen. George Washington impersonator. This event is free to attend.
For tickets and details, visit washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Christmas Songbook at Bristol Riverside Theatre
When: Dec. 11-22.
Where: Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol.
The theater presents “An American Christmas Songbook.” According to the theater: “the chill of winter is in the air as hosts Demetria Joyce Bailey and Philip Chaffin, along with fabulous singers and musicians, take the stage to perform your favorite carols and heartwarming holiday songs. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the holidays in style!”
For more information, showtimes and ticket purchases, visit brtstage.org.
Carol Sing at Heckler Farmstead
When: Dec. 13, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Heckler Farmstead, 237 Landis Road, Harleysville.
Heckler Plains Folklife Society invites you to enjoy the annual old-fashioned Christmas celebration with caroling around the bonfire and stories of Christmas long ago — with tales of the Belsnickel, the visit of Kris Kinde and how the animals can talk on Christmas Eve.
Bucks County Choral Society Christmas concert
When: Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.
Where: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 235 East State St., Doylestown.
Tickets range between $10-$32 and can be purchased at www.buckschoral.org.
Performance of Gerald Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’
When: Dec. 14-15.
Where: Byers’ Choice Ltd., 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont.
Byers’ Choice in New Britain Township has been handcrafting Caroler figurines for more than 40 years. Stop in the factory to see how they are made and tour their Christmas Museum, which is to be open every day.
“A Christmas Carol,” performed by Gerald Dickens, Charles Dickens’ great-great-grandson, is also to return this year. For information, visit byerschoice.com/dickens.
Horsham Farmers’ Holiday Market
When: Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham.
With more than 75 local vendors slated to attend this year’s holiday market, it’s the perfect place to find all the gifts on your list.
Temple Judea in Doylestown celebrates Hanukkah
When: Dec. 15, 1:30-3 p.m.
Where: Doyelstown Dreidel, 4 W. State St., Doylestown.
Join members of the Temple Judea Reform Synagogue of Doylestown for a Hanukkah celebration.
Bristol Yule Fest
When: Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Energy Ripple, 134 Mill St., Suite L, Bristol.
The 3rd annual Yule Fest is to feature food, fun and last-minute unique gift shopping opportunities along with Krampus and other Christmas characters.
Peddler’s Village at the holidays
When: Nov. 15-Jan. 19.
Grand illumination: Nov. 15 from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Peddler’s Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska.
Explore Peddler’s Village, including 65 specialty shops, fine dining, a 1920s carousel, an arcade and gingerbread houses during the holidays.
Don’t miss holiday events such as the Grand Illumination Celebration on Nov. 15. The lights are to switch on at 6:15 p.m. Street Road between Route 202 and Route 263 are to be closed from approximately 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The festive spirit is set to continue all season with family-friendly events, including the Holly Jolly Weekend on Dec. 7-8, featuring a Santa parade, photos, holiday tunes and more.
Enjoy free admission and parking for the light and gingerbread displays. For more information, visit peddlersvillage.com.
Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site
When: Nov. 15-Jan. 7.
Where: Pearl S. Buck House, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie.
Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site presents the annual Festival of Trees running from Nov. 14-Jan. 5, in the rooms of Pearl S. Buck’s stone farmhouse.
The trees and vignettes were designed by some of Bucks County’s finest artists, decorators and local community groups, and created in light of Pearl S. Buck’s legacy as an author, humanitarian and activist.
More information visit: pearlsbuck.org/events/holiday-events.
Fonthill Castle
When: Nov. 16-Dec. 31.
Where: Mercer Museum, 84 S Pine St., Doylestown.
Starting on Saturday, Nov. 16, Fonthill Castle hosts daily one-hour guided tours throughout the holiday season.
The museum also offers special holiday weekends where you can tour the castle at your own pace and special evening tours. Dates and ticket information are on the website.
Explore Henry Mercer’s home decked for the holidays, learning about Mercer and the property’s construction. The guided tours showcase the interior featuring Mercer’s handcrafted ceramic tiles from the arts and crafts movement.
Fonthill Castle, an early example of reinforced concrete architecture, is comprised of 44 rooms, 200 windows and 18 fireplaces. For more information, visit mercermuseum.org.
Sesame Place Philadelphia
When: Nov. 16-Jan. 5.
Where: Sesame Place Philadelphia, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne.
Enjoy a “Very Furry Christmas” at Sesame Place this holiday season to see the park transform into a winter wonderland. Enjoy parades with fun floats, holiday performances from special furry guests and an illuminating light show at the 30-foot, 1-2-3 Christmas tree. Take photos with furry friends in their Christmas costumes, enjoy special Christmas menus, shop for gifts and visit Santa in his furry workshop. More information is at: sesameplace.com/philadelphia/events/a-very-furry-christmas.
Shady Brook Farms Holiday Light Show
When: Nov. 23-Jan. 5.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road Yardley (use Morrisville for GPS).
Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show features 3 million lights on expansive farmland. Drive through whimsical displays or take an open-air wagon ride.
The attraction runs from 5-8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It’s closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Tune your radio to 90.7 FM for festive tunes during the drive-thru experience. For tickets and details, visit shadybrookfarm.com.
Bucks County Wine Trail
When: Nov. 23-24.
Wine lovers can taste the newest, fruitiest varieties of wine during the Bucks County Wine Trail’s annual Nouveau weekend. According to the website: “Nouveau wines are bottled young with little aging, offering light and sweet tastes. As is tradition in the Beaujolais region of France, the Bucks County wineries offer their own Nouveau from harvest. For those wineries that don’t produce a Nouveau wine, other activities and new releases will be offered.”
To explore the unique plans of each winery for the celebration, and to see what they have individually planned, reach out to them directly or visit website at buckscountywinetrail.com.
New Hope Railroad
When: Nov. 29 through December.
Where: New Hope Train Station, New Hope.
Embark on the Santa’s North Pole Express Train, a unique experience drawn by vintage diesel locomotives. Depart from New Hope Station with Santa and Mrs. Claus for a journey through the historical landscapes of Bucks County, leading to the North Pole.
Fare rate categories include value days, off-peak days, peak days and Christmas Eve, each with different dynamic fares and fare-level designations.
Reservations can be made through the website newhoperailroad.com.
Bucks County Driving Tours
Take a self-guided driving tour through Bucks County to explore the winter beauty. Check out some of the routes on the Visit Bucks County’s website at visitbuckscounty.com.
Lower Bucks Drive-Thru House Tours
When: Throughout December.
The Lower Bucks County Holiday Tour has been a way to bring the community together and to enjoy each other’s displays. It was born out of a desire to keep safe and have some holiday fun during the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago. A Bucks County resident coordinated lists of festively decorated homes and shared the routes on Facebook. There were several routes depending on the part of the county you wanted to visit. The lists are provided free of charge.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
