Now that it’s November, I’m allowed to start talking Christmas, right?! I’m already seeing Christmas events popping up on Facebook and instead of just saving them all there, I thought I’d start putting together a post with the fun holiday things that are coming up. As it gets a bit closer to Thanksgiving, I’ll probably put together a more comprehensive “Bucket List” like I did for fall as well as a few posts that are separated out. (There will definitely be a post ALLmabout where to see Santa this year.) In the mean time, here’s a little preview of the festive events in Bucks County and the surrounding areas for the holiday season.
NOTE: Keep in mind that this is just a preview … I’ll be adding much more in the upcoming month!
Kris Kringle Pop Up Holiday Farmers Market
When: Saturday, November 6 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Warminster Community Park, 1100 Veterans Way, Warminster
A pop-up holiday farmers market featuring local farms, food, crafters, live music, Santa, food trucks and more!
Holy Ghost Prep Christmas Craft Show
When: Saturday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, November 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 2429 Bristol Pike, Bensalem
I’m completely biased because I’ve been working these craft show with my parents’ handcut and handpainted wooden ornaments and glass business for over 20 years, but it really is one of the best craft shows in the area. There are over 100 vendors, food, raffles and more. Come shop personalized gifts that you won’t find on Amazon!
Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival at The Shops at Valley Square
When: Saturday, November 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Rain date is Nov. 20)
Where: Route 611 and Street Road, Warrington
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive to light the tree in center court. There will be DJ contests, face painting, bounce houses, and more.
Luminature at the Philadelphia Zoo
When: Thursday, November 18 – January 9
Where: 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
My family went to the Media Preview Night of Luminature when it premiered in 2019, and I was really disappointed when they didn’t bring it back in 2020. Well, it’s back in 2021 and even better this year! The Zoo is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with 14 illuminated zones. The 25-foot-tall pink flamingo tree from 2019 will be back this year in a different location with double the lights, and will serve as the focal point of a 60s love-themed area. Other highlights include a 22-foot-tall Butterfly Tree, a sea-themed area, hundreds of penguins, and what my son is most excited for …. a train. Kids can take a trip around Impala Fountain on the New Wilderness Express Train. We’ll be there opening night, so it’ll be a really fun way to kick-off the holiday season. I’ll be sure to post updated pictures and thoughts after we go.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids and are on sale now via the Philadelphia Zoo website.
Santa Scott at Fairless Hills Garden Center
When: Thursday, November 18 – Friday, December 24
Where: 636 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
Santa Scott is the most famous Santa in the area! He’ll be back at Fairless Hills Garden Center for pictures starting mid-November. Click HERE to see the full schedule and HERE to see the photo packages. Packages start at $24.99 for one 5 x 7, one 3 x 5, and two wallets. We went to see Santa Scott last year for the first time since Feeney’s (our family’s tradition since my sister and I were little!) didn’t have Santa photos last year. Fairless Hills Garden Center was one of the very few places offering traditional Santa pictures.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
When: Friday, November 19 through December 30 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where:
Lights, animals, performances, holiday music and Santa! Tickets are $14.95 and must be purchased in advance.
Christmas at Peddler’s Village
When: November 19 – January 9
Where: 2400 Street Road, New Hope
Peddler’s Village is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Bucks County. For me personally, I have memories of Christmas of Peddler’s Village going back to when I was a little kid. Now, I go with my own kids at least once during December. There’s the Gingerbread Competition, the lights at night, the shopping, and lots of tasty food and treats.
There are a few dates to keep in mind:
Kickoff to the Holidays November 19 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Take a selfie with Mrs. Claus in The Courtyard while she helps kids write their “Wish List” to Santa. There will be a sing-along, snacks, fire pits, and marshmallow roasting. Santa will also be performing holiday songs in The Village and available for selfies.
Gingerbread Display from November 19 – January 9: View the gingerbread creations during shopping hours
Holiday Hustle on December 2 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Participate in either a 2-mile or 1-mile run/jog/walk under the lights to help raise money for The Bucks County Opportunity Council
Jammies, Jingles & Jimmies at Sweet Occasions on December 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Come out for a PJ party with music, dancing and cupcake decorating. Tickets are $30.
Holly Jolly Weekend on December 4 and 5: There will be Santa Parades both days at 1:30
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
When: November 20 – January 2 (Season Pass Member Hours on November 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Where: Sesame Place, Langhorne
Sesame Place is known for being a summer destination because of the water attractions, but it’s also a lot of fun during the holidays! The park is full of lights and festive decor, there are special Christmas-themed shows, a parade, and more. I haven’t seen the details about Santa visits yet for this year, but he is typically there for photos. And my kids also love the little train ride through Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory. They were bummed the train wasn’t running for the Halloween version, but I DID see it mentioned on the website for Christmas, so fingers crossed it’ll be in operation!
Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
When: November 20 – January 6
Where: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Shady Brook Farm is famous for its holiday light show. Drive-thru and enjoy the lights from the comfort of your own car, or climb aboard the open-air wagon. You’ll need to purchase tickets for a specific day/time in advance.
Hatboro Holiday Parade
When: Sunday, November 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: York Road
The theme of the 61st Hatboro Holiday Parade is “12 Days of Christmas.”
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
When: November 26 through January 2 (with special Holiday Nights on select weekends)
Where: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia
My kids could spend all day at Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway! (In fact, I think we spent over 3 hours going back and forth to it last December!) For my kids, the model trains are the main highlight, but even if you’re not that into trains, the display and the miniature buildings really are incredible. Everything is made out of natural materials – leaves, twigs, moss, stones, etc. to create miniature versions of Philadelphia-area landmarks. It’s all outside, and you can also take a brisk walk around the rest of the grounds while you’re there.
Macy’s Dickens’ Village and Christmas Light Show
When: Dickens’ Village starts Nov. 26. Light Show starts Dec. 1. Both run until December 31.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia
After taking a year off in 2020, the Christmas traditions at Macy’s are back this year … for the most part. Santa won’t be there. BUT, you can visit Dickens’ Village and see the Light Show. Admission is still free, but you can’t just show up like in the past. You will need to make reservations 5 days ahead of time. And the light show that used to be hourly will now only be once a day.
Doylestown 107th Annual Tree Lighting
When: Friday, November 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: State and Main Street, Doylestown
Enjoy seasonal lights, decorations, free weekend parking.
Mid Atlantic Events Holiday Drive In Movies
When: November 27 through December 19, select dates
Where: Charlann Farms in Yardley and Falls Township Community Park
See a Christmas movie on the big screen from the comfort of your car. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and more! Get your tickets HERE.
New Hope Tree Lighting
When: Sunday, November 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Logan Inn, 10 West Ferry Street, New Hops
The tree on the corner of the Logan Inn’s property will be lit for the holiday with an official ceremony, bands, choir, hot chocolate, and cookies––and Santa arriving by fire truck.
Langhorne Borough’s Dickens’ Night
When: Friday, December 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Santa will light the tree at 7:30 p.m.)
Where: 102 S. Bellevue Avenue, Langhorne
The Langhorne tradition is back with music, treats, and more. Santa will arrive to light the tree at 7:30 p.m.
Pop-Up Photoshoot with The Grinch at TGG Landscape Supply
When: Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 4100 Newportville Road, Levittown
Haley Rose Photography will be at TGG Landscape for a pop-up photoshoot. This event is $40 per family. You’ll receive 5-10 digital images that will be emailed to you by December 14. Cash or Venmo. Pay when you get your pictures taken. No reservations needed.
Story Time & Hot Cocoa with Santa at Inspiring Storm
When: Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: 1352 Easton Road, Warrington
Bring your camera to take as many photos with Santa as you’d like. Santa and his helpers will be reading a story, and you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa too. The event is $20 per child. You need to make a reservation. Find more info HERE.
Grinchmas Food Truck Fest & Holiday House at Bolton Mansion
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 85 Holly Drive, Levittown
Take photos with Santa and The Grinch (FREE!), shop vendors, grab food from the food trucks, and enjoy children’s activities. Santa will arrive via fire truck at the beginning of the event. FYI: I know the photos last year were distanced, but I haven’t seen details about how the photos will be this year.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Night at Upper Southamptom Community Center
When: Saturday, December 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Inside the Gym at the Community Center, 913 Willow Street, Southampton
Free movie night with popcorn available for purchase.
Santa at the Doylestown Airport
When: Saturday, December 4 at 10 a.m.
Where: 3879 Old Easton Road, Doylestown
Come see Santa arrive by helicopter! If you’d like your child to receive a gift, you will need to sign up by November 30. (This is limited to 200 children.) Drop off a small, wrapped gift with the child’s first and last name and phone number between Monday, November 29 and Thursday, December 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gifts must be smaller than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ and weigh 5 pounds or less. Sibling packages may be bundled together. Call 215-340-0707 for more info.
Warwick Township HOHOHO Holiday Party
When: Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Warwick Community Park, 1733 Township Green, Jamison
Horse drawn wagon rides, live performances, kid crafts, and a visit from Santa! Take pictures with Santa in the brand new Santa House.
Santa at Charlann Farms
When: Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: 586 Stonyhill Road, Yardley
Santa will arrive at the farm riding a John Deere tractor! Bring your camera to this free event. The LMT Holiday Market will be that Sunday.
Ambler Annual Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, December 4 at 1 p.m.
Where: E. Butler Avenue, Ambler
Marching bands, floats, Mummers, and Santa!
Middletown Holiday Open House
When: Thursday, December 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Middletown Municipal Center, 3 Municipal Way
Enjoy a night of family fun! Everything is outside except for a performance by the Neshaminy High School Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. There will be horse drawn wagon rides, face painting, balloon animals, pictures with Santa, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.
Truman Marching Band Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, December 11 from 8 a.m. to noon (Holiday Bazaar goes until 2 p.m.)
Where: Harry S. Truman High School, 3001 Green Lane, Levittown
There will be crafts, pictures with Santa, musical performances and more. Breakfast costs $7 for adults and $5 for children.
Bensalem Township Santa Drive-Through Visit
When: Saturday, December 11 beginning at 5 p.m.
Where: Bensalem Township Municipal Complex, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem
Instead of a traditional tree lighting, Bensalem is doing a Santa drive-through event. You can drive by and wave to Santa, drop off a canned good donation and pick up a small gift for the kids. (While supplies last.)
Sweet Mini Moments 