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Peddler’s Village, a countryside shopping, dining, lodging, and family entertainment destination in the heart of historic Bucks County, PA, will again celebrate the holiday season this year with free displays and events, including a Village-wide display of a million colorful holiday lights, the annual gingerbread competition and display featuring more than 100 handmade gingerbread creations, a Holiday Kickoff Weekend, a Holly Jolly weekend festival, strolling performers on select weekends, and periodic appearances by Santa as well as the Grinch. Additionally, the Cock ‘n Bull will present a ticketed Brunch with Santa, and children can visit Santa each weekend for photos at Giggleberry Fair.
The festivities officially kick off this year on November 17, beginning with the daytime opening of the gingerbread display at the Visitor & Event Center and the Grand Illumination Celebration that begins at 4:30 p.m. The sixty-plus specialty shops and boutiques at Peddler’s Village—most of them locally owned—will be open each day and evening to welcome holiday shoppers with unique merchandise and personalized service. Parking and admission at Peddler’s Village are free year-round.
“We are proud to be a part of an annual tradition of creating joyful memories for visitors of all ages,” said Bob McGowan, Chief Operating Officer at Peddler’s Village. “With our dozens of locally owned shops, festive lights and decorations, and our historical Village setting, it’s a one-of-a kind winter wonderland that radiates holiday magic.”
Here is the lineup of holiday events taking place at Peddler’s Village this year:
A Night with Mrs. Claus
Friday, November 10; 6 - 8 p.m. at Giggleberry Fair
Featuring Mrs. Claus, this festive evening for families at Giggleberry Fair will include letter-writing, crafts, story time, and a carousel ride. Free admission.
Grand Illumination Celebration
Friday, November 17; 4:30 – 9 p.m.
Celebrating the 23rd annual Grand Illumination Celebration, Santa & Mrs. Claus will switch on one million festive holiday lights at 6:15 p.m. to the sounds of carolers, musicians, and sing-alongs. Well-known country music artists Martin & Kelly will host the annual lighting ceremony. Entertainment and festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. The holiday lights will be on display every evening through January 14, 2024. Shops will be open until 10 p.m. during the Grand Illumination Celebration. Free admission and parking. This is a very popular event, so please plan to arrive early, as traffic delays can be expected, and parking can reach full capacity.
Gingerbread Competition & Display
November 17 through January 14, 2024; Open during shopping hours
A holiday tradition since 1984, the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display will feature more than 100 festive gingerbread creations crafted by the public in different categories including Traditional, Holly Jolly, Authentic Reproduction of a Bucks County Landmark, and Lights. Camera. Icing! The exhibit will be on display at the Visitor & Event Center and will be open during shopping hours. The deadline to enter the competition for a chance to win cash prizes is November 8.
Holiday Kickoff Weekend
November 17 through November 19
During our Holiday Kickoff Weekend, guests are invited to follow the winding brick paths to find the best in apparel, accessories, home goods, furniture, fine art and handcrafted items, books, toys and games, and plenty of gifts and collectibles from our 60+ specialty shops and boutiques. The Village will be illuminated with a million lights on Friday evening, November 17, and on Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy a variety of live entertainment that will include carolers, strolling performers, Singing Santa, and other holiday surprises. Free admission and parking.
Photos with Santa
Saturdays and Sundays from November 18 through December 17 and also on Fridays on November 17, November 24, and December 1; 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturdays and November 24; 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays at Giggleberry Fair; and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on November 17 and December 1.
On weekends starting November 17, Santa will welcome children for smiles and photos in Giggleberry Fair, the indoor family fun center at Peddler’s Village.
Thanksgiving Dining
Thursday, November 23
Gather with friends and family for our annual Thanksgiving buffet at the Cock ‘n Bull featuring carving stations, traditional sides, and desserts, and Thanksgiving Day specials at Earl’s New American. Reservations required.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25
Peddler’s Village is home to more than 60 locally owned shops, with nearly 50% owned or co-owned by women. Shopping small at Peddler’s Village not only supports local businesses but also provides a unique and highly enjoyable personal shopping experience. Small Business Saturday® is the perfect time to find fantastic gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season.
Nighttime Stories with the Grinch
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on November 29, December 6, and December 13
Gather ‘round the Grinch as he reads Dr. Seuss and holiday-themed stories under the glow of the holiday lights. Dress warmly!
Holiday Hustle 5K, Presented in Partnership with Scoogie Events
Thursday, November 30; 6 p.m.
Walk or jog through an illuminated Village bright with a million holiday lights during the Holiday Hustle 5K presented in partnership with Scoogie Events.
Holly Jolly Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season at our Holly Jolly Weekend festival featuring a Santa parade starting at 1:30 p.m. both days. Enjoy live musical entertainment, family activities, holiday food and drink specials, and our gingerbread display. Beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m., Peddler’s Village transforms into a wonderland of magical holiday lights. Free admission and parking.
Santa Family Brunch
Saturday, December 16; Seatings between 9:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a magical brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cock ‘n Bull featuring a delicious buffet brunch, story time, a sing-along with Santa, and craft-making. Reservations and tickets required and can be obtained online or by calling 215-794-4037.
Murder Mystery Dinner: "Midnight at the Masquerade"
Thursday, December 28; 7 p.m.
Don a high-class costume (if you like), muster your best murder-solving skills, and join us for a rollicking, interactive, masquerade mystery party on Thursday, December 28! Reservations and tickets required and can be obtained online or by calling 215-794-4037.
Fire & Frost
January 6-14, 2024
Kick off the new year with a festive stroll through a Village-wide display of dozens of whimsical ice carvings reflecting the bright, colorful holiday lights. On weekends, this picture-perfect event also features fire artistry performances on the Village Green, carving demonstrations, a family-friendly Jack Frost scavenger hunt, and outdoor food and drinks. From January 6 through January 14, Fire & Frost-themed food and beverage specials will be offered each day, and Earl’s New American will host a Fire & Frost-themed happy hour. Free admission and parking.
Beginning Monday, November 20 and continuing until December 30, shopping hours for the Village will be extended to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Peddler’s Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
For more information about Peddler’s Village and holiday events, visit www.PeddlersVillage.com or call 215-794-4051. To inquire about event sponsorship, contact Christine Hensel Triantos, director of marketing and communications, at ctriantos@peddlersvillage.com or 215-794-4018.
About Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village is a 42-acre shopping, dining, lodging and family entertainment destination in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that features graceful 18th-century-style buildings, lush gardens, and winding brick walkways. The site, which was created by Earl Jamison in 1962, is among the most popular in the Philadelphia region, drawing more than two million visitors each year. Its historical storybook setting includes 60-plus distinctive retail shops, eight restaurants, the 66-room Golden Plough Inn, and the Giggleberry Fair indoor family fun center. Peddler’s Village hosts numerous year-round festivals and seasonal events for the public, and is a popular site for weddings, corporate events, reunions, picnics, birthdays, and holiday parties. Peddler’s Village is located in the heart of Bucks County in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, just 40 miles north of Philadelphia and 80 miles southwest of New York City. For more information, visit PeddlersVillage.com or call 215-794-4000.