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Anthony Sinagoga
by Mary Beth Schwartz
I love the Christmas season. I love the brisk chill in the air, and the fluttering snowflakes that are falling. Holiday plans with family are coming together nicely. My children are eagerly preparing their gift wish lists for Santa Claus. The kitchen is filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. My decorating skills are set into hyperdrive. But one can only stand being indoors for so long at the Schwartz household. My family and I love to see the wonderful places in Bucks County that make the season its brightest. There are so many festive things to see and do—light shows, festivals, plays, holiday displays, tree lightings, parades, train rides, holiday markets, historic reenactments, even evening car rides taking in neighborhood light displays. So, grab your mug of cocoa and your blanket--it is time to get into the holiday spirit. (For admission, hours, address information, reservations, and COVID-19 protocol, please visit the websites listed.)
Christmas on the Farm
It would not be the season without a trip to Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. There is always something going on. On November 19, there is Dashin’ thru the...Lights! This is a family-friendly run/jog/walk through the Holiday Light Show, which begins on November 20 and runs through February 1. (Check the website for specific dates of interest.) The Light Show features more than three million lights illuminating the landscape. While at the farm, be sure to check out Candy Cane Lane (a walk-thru light show), enjoy the fire pits, or take a wagon ride. On November 26 Santa visits Shady Brook Farm via helicopter. He will be available for photos on site. You also can have Breakfast with Santa. (November 28-29, December 4-5, 11) Mrs. Claus will be on hand to read Christmas stories. Advance registration is advised for all events.
Washington Crossings
Every December history buffs gather on the banks of the Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park. They are there to watch the reenactment of General George Washington and his troops 1776 Christmas night crossing. During the crossing, hundreds of reenactors dress in Colonial military garb to listen to Washington’s speech and then row the replica Durham boats. There are two events to celebrate the Crossing. The First Crossing reenactment is on December 12. It will be narrated by Peter Hegseth, co-host of FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends Weekend. The event includes Colonial-era activities and demonstrations for the family. The Christmas Day Crossing reenactment is on December 25. www.washingtoncrossingpark.org
Bucks Country Gardens Christmas
If you love to decorate and you love Christmas, you must visit Bucks Country Gardens this season. On November 12 there is the Christmas Open House. This is one of the year’s largest events. Guests will be able to take advantage of exclusive deals and enjoy complementary light fare and refreshments. Another tradition is visiting the reindeer. On November 20 two of Santa’s reindeer will visit Bucks Country Gardens for the day. Guests can take this opportunity to take photos and visit with the reindeer as they go about their day in the store. www.buckscountrygardens.com
Christmas at the Castle
Doylestown’s Fonthill Castle is a wondrous place to visit at Christmastime. There are unique narrow passageways to explore and relics to discover. During Winter Wonderland, guests can take one-hour guided tours. These are available November 19 through December 30. (Closed November 25, December 25, January 1.) The castle features 44 rooms, 200 windows, and 18 fireplaces. The tour showcases Henry Mercer’s home decked out for the holidays while sharing the history of Mercer and the construction of the property. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can also take the Holiday Lights Meander. This is a 30-minute timed holiday experience. (Open December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24, 31.) A third tour option is the guided evening tour of Fonthill Castle. (Open December 7-8, 28-29.) During your visit, be sure to find out about Rollo. www.mercermuseum.org
Byers’ Choice Christmas
Bucks County has its own Christmas museum with Byers’ Choice. My kids love to feel the snow fall on their face as you enter the building. You will also enjoy visiting Byers’ Choice if you collect the figurines--there is a great gift shop on site. For a fee, guests can make their own Mrs. Claus caroler figurine November 1 through December 19. Byers’ Choice also is known for their Dickens Weekend. Every year, renowned actor and great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, Gerald Dickens, performs A Christmas Carol, depicting 26 characters of the classic tale with much enthusiasm. It is held December 11 and 12. This year marks the 17th year of the performance. www.byerschoice.com
Christmas Concerts
Sellersville Theater 1894 has a full schedule of holiday performances for entertainment buffs to attend. If you like Frank Sinatra, there is A Rat Pack Christmas on December 4. You can have Christmas with The Celts on December 6. Ted Vigil’s A John Denver Christmas on December 11 is perfect for fans of the late songwriter. December 14 brings Irish Christmas in America. You can discover all available Christmas shows by visiting the theater’s website. www.st94.com
America’s Oldest Tree Lighting Ceremony
Perkasie hosts its tree lighting ceremony on December 4. Begun in 1909, this year marks the 112th anniversary. It was officially recognized as the oldest in the U.S. in 2015, when it was read into the Congressional Record by Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. Families can expect a traditional evening out with holiday music, food, and fun. The event opens with Perkasie Mayor John Hollenbach and his annual reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Carols and holiday music from local school choirs and musicians will be followed by rocking holiday music from Mike Greer & Co. Other attractions include a holiday train display, horse and carriage rides, strolling carolers, costumed characters, food trucks and town center giveaways, shopping, and dining specials. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrive on a Perkasie Electric Truck to light the Christmas tree. One lucky child will be chosen to climb on the stage to help Santa light the tree; bring a non-perishable food item for Pennridge FISH to enter the drawing. www.perkasieborough.org
Train Rides with Santa
The New Hope Railroad will be offering train rides with Santa from November 13 through December 26. Depending on the train calendar, there is Santa’s Steam Train Ride or the North Pole Express Train. Both trains offer hot chocolate and cookies, holiday sing-a-longs, and a chance to mail a letter to Santa in a special red postbox. Santa Claus makes a guest appearance at the end of the train ride, and guests can visit with the elves and him at the workshop. The North Pole Express Train is pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. www.newhoperailroad.com
Holiday Village
Lahaska’s Peddler’s Village celebrates the holidays in style. With its notable tradition of elaborate decorations and festivities, the 59-year-old attraction is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular holiday destinations. Starting on the evening of November 19, the Village will be aglow with one million colorful lights. Santa will mark his first appearance this year at the Village on November 19. The holiday lights will be on display through January 12. November 19 also marks the opening of the Gingerbread Competition and Display. More than 70 creative entries will be on display through January 8. (The display will be closed on December 25.) On December 2, guests can run, jog, or simply walk during the Holiday Hustle. The holiday season celebrations at Peddler’s Village culminate with the Holly Jolly Weekend on December 4-5, which includes among other happenings a Santa Parade through the Village on both days. www.peddlersvillage.com
Holiday Highlights at Bucks County Playhouse
This New Hope Playhouse shares the holidays with a full schedule of shows in December. The Everly Brothers Christmas Show Featuring the Zmed Brothers has shows December 10-12. There is Welcome to Our Holiday Party: Swinging & Broadway Songs & Stories with Melissa Errico and Billy Stritch on December 15. Holiday Specials on December 16 is a musical extravaganza inspired by holiday movies we all grew up with. December 17-19 wraps up the holiday series with Christmas with The Coasters. www.buckscountyplayhouse.com
Snipes Farm Holiday Markets
The Snipes Farm and Education Center in Morrisville presents their holiday markets for 2021. The farm will be open for holiday shopping on Saturdays November 6, 13, and 20, and December 4, 11, and 18. Shoppers can enjoy a hot mulled cider, take a stroll on the farm, visit the barnyard animals, and see the Big Red Barn decorated for the holidays. There will be a variety of crafts and gifts, pies, and home baked goods, as well as products from the farm, including jams, soap, cider, herbal remedies, honey, and a variety of organic veggies. www.snipesfarm.org
Holly Nights
Come experience Morrisville’s Pennsbury Manor by candlelight on December 2 and 3 when the historic site presents Holly Nights. Visitors can enjoy carolers, craft demonstrations, crackling bonfires, and tours of the candlelit Manor House. www.pennsburymanor.org
Newtown Holiday Parade
It would not be the holidays without McCaffrey’s Newtown Holiday Parade. Presented by the Newtown Business Association, this 17th annual parade is held on December 5. It features the Council Rock High School marching bands, Philadelphia’s Mummers, horse drawn carriages, floats, antique cars, color guard, fire trucks with Santa, and more. Before and after the parade many Newtown businesses will have special promotions, so don’t leave town before grabbing a bite to eat or stocking up for the holidays. www.newtownba.org.
Decorator’s Destination
For over 50 years families have been traveling to Feeney’s in Feasterville for its 20,000 square feet of scents, sounds, and sparking lights. The holiday magic includes collections from Jim Shore, Byers’ Choice, Karen Didion, and Dept. 56. Holiday shoppers also visit for holiday plants, live trees and greens, and artificial trees, garland, and wreaths. www.feeneys.com
Light Up the Vines
The Bucks County Wine Trail presents its second annual Light Up the Vines Holiday Vineyard Illumination. In conjunction with the Bucks County Wine Trail’s Holiday Celebration (set for December 4-5), Light Up the Vines will kick off at the conclusion of the Holiday Celebration on December 4 and continue each evening through January 2. Six member wineries of the Trail will illuminate their vineyards each evening at dusk: Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Rose Bank Winery, Rushland Ridge Vineyards, and Sand Castle Winery. Wineries may also feature food trucks, fire pits, mulled wines, and holiday music. www.buckscountywinetrail.com
Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Back for 2021 is Quakertown’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. Held on December 3, the festival includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, live nativity, gift and food vendors, strolling carolers, holiday lights, and live music. Come join the town to say Merry Christmas! www.quakertownalive.com
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Sesame Place presents their family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. The park is transformed into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, November 20 through January 2. Visit the new Christmas Family Fun Zone, watch the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show, or take a photo with Santa. It’s the holiday season on Sesame Street. www.sesameplace.com.
Newtown Theatre Christmas
The historic Newtown Theatre is pleased to announce their holiday lineup of events. Christmas Classics are a holiday tradition at the theatre, with shows December 10 through December 23. Movies being shown this year include Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, A Christmas Story, White Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Holiday Inn, Elf (for family or adults), It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bells of St. Mary’s, and Polar Express. The Newtown Chamber Orchestra will present a Christmas Classical Concert by Candlelight on December 11. On December 18, there is a Rockin’ Christmas Concert. Music will be provided by a house band of local musicians with several special guests, including John Beacher, Little Flowers, and Sam Bond. www.thenewtowntheatre.com
Amazing Christmas Village
You can visit the Neshaminy Square Shopping Center November 19 through December 31 for the Amazing Christmas Village. The theme of the village for 2021 will be Christmas Around the World. Each week there will be a featured country that kids can visit and enjoy foods from. Celebrating its second year, the Bensalem village will also have vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, and a special calendar of events, including a Christmas Tree Lighting on November 26, and a New Year’s Eve Afternoon Family Friendly Celebration on December 31. Open Thursdays to Sundays; Closed on November 25, December 25-26. www.amazingchristmasvillage.com
Holiday Events with Pearl
The Pearl S. Buck House in Perkasie loves to celebrate the holidays with Bucks County. Every year the museum presents its Festival of Trees. The rooms of the farmhouse are decorated with holiday decorations. The event showcases trees and vignettes created by Bucks County artists, decorators, and local community groups. It runs from November 16 through January 9. On December 9 there is the Holiday Open House, during which the Festival of Trees contest winners are announced. The Open House also includes house tours, entertainment, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Another Buck tradition is the Holiday Craft Show. Held from almost three decades, the show features juried gifts, decorations, food, jewelry, and more from professional chefs, artists, and crafters. There will be over 50 participants this year. The Holiday Craft Show is from November 26 through December 5. A third Buck event is the Holiday Orchestra Concert on December 17. Both the craft and concert events take place at the Janet L. Mintzer Center. www.pearlsbuck.org
Doylestown Tree Lighting
Join Doylestown for their Annual Tree Lighting. Celebrating its 107th year, this community event will be held on November 26. The celebration includes seasonal lights and decorations, artificial snow, and Santa on the fire truck. www.dtownwinterfest.com
The Holidays at Bolton Mansion
Levittown’s Bolton Mansion has some interesting seasonal events on tap. On December 4 and 5 there is the Holiday House Holiday House & Grinchmas Food Truck Fest. The open house features holiday decorations on the first floor of the mansion. Also featured on the weekend will be Santa on the fire truck, live music, holiday crafters and vendors, activities for the kids, and food trucks. Be sure to visit with Santa and The Grinch for photos. On December 19 Krampus is Coming to Town! Krampus, according to folklore, assists Santa by scaring children who have been bad. www.boltonmansion.org
Olde Fashioned Yardley Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
The Yardley Business Association presents its annual parade and tree lighting on December 4. The family-friendly parade, which will include an appearance by Santa himself, will be followed by the borough’s tree lighting in Buttonwood Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available under the pavilion at Yardley Borough’s own Santa’s Workshop. www.yardleybusiness.com
Historic Fallsington Christmas
Historic Fallsington invites all to gather for their holiday events. On December 12 there is the Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Guests will gather around the tree set up on Meetinghouse Square, sing Christmas carols, and light the tree. Then it is off to enjoy homemade snacks after visiting with Santa at the Burges-Lippincott House. On Fridays and Saturdays in December (3-4, 10-11, 17-18) you can go on a Christmas tour. The three historic houses will showcase over 100 years of Christmas history as part of the tour. www.historicfallsington.org
Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance editor who appreciates the importance of keeping the Christmas spirit going all year long.