The best part of the holiday season is spending time with your friends and family! And while this time of year can often lead to stress about spending money, it’s possible to make incredible Christmas memories without spending money at all! Here’s a great list of free Christmas events in Bucks County and nearby.
Light Displays
Peddler’s Village
When: Friday, November 14 through January 18
Where: 2400 Street Road, Lahaska
Santa will flip the switch to illuminate Peddler’s Village at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, November 14. Visit any evening through January 18 to view the lights while walking around Peddler’s Village. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Gingerbread Competition & Display!
Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Light Show
When: November 20 – January 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
Inspired by its namesake, Franklin Square is illuminated by a giant kite surrounded by thousands of lights. During the show, the lights come to life with dancing LEDs and a soundtrack of 7 songs. The show runs every 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m.
While you’re there, you can also play a round of Chilly Philly mini golf, take a ride on the carousel, give street curling a try, or grab a bite to eat. These activities, however, do cost money and some require advanced tickets.
Styer Orchard
When: Daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1121 Woodbourne Road, Langhorne
If you’ve driven by Styer lately, you’ll notice that they’ve set up a simple but beautiful display of lit trees that dance to music! Tune in to 99.7 to listen and watch from the warmth of your car.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show & Dickens Village
When: November 28 – December 11: Wednesday – Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; December 12 – December 23: Daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; December 24 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Macy’s Center City, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia
Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City is one of Philadelphia’s oldest holiday traditions. When Macy’s closed last year, it was believed that this tradition could be ending, but thanks to generous donations and the Save the Light Show fundraising campaign – it’s back! The free light show features classic songs and stories illuminated with over 100,000 colorful lights and backed by the sounds of the massive Wanamaker Organ, one of the largest and most famous pipe organs in the world. The Light Show will run every hour on the half hour starting at 12:30 p.m., with select plays accompanied by live performances of the historic Wanamaker Organ. See SITE for details. On the third floor, you can visit Dickens Village – the vintage animatronic retelling of A Christmas Carol. While it is also free, you DO need a reservation for Dickens Village. Tickets will be available 5 days in advance of each day starting November 24.
The Lower Bucks Holiday Tour
When: December 6 through January 2
Where: Houses throughout Lower Bucks
Check out the Facebook page The Lower Bucks Holiday Tour where they ask families to sign up to show off their displays. You’ll find routes for different areas so it’s all planned out for you where to go! (Two of our personal faves are The Blinkinghouse in Levittown and Light Up 394 in Yardley.)
Light Up 394 at 394 Hidden Oaks Drive in Yardley
Light Up 394 is open nightly, but they also have several special events! Plus, Santa is there every Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Parades
Bristol Township Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, November 22 (raindate is Sunday) at noon
Where: Haines and Millcreek Road, Bristol
The Bristol Township Holiday Parade is back featuring the Harry S Truman Tiger Band, Mummers All Stars, Bristol Township Baton Twirlers, Bristol Township Council, local sports organizations, local businesses, church organizations, non-profits, dance studios, car clubs, police and fire, SANTA, and more!!! The parade will begin at Brookwood School, traveling down Haines Road and turning on Millcreek Road to Millcreek Elementary. Grab your chairs and bags for candy collection.
Hatboro Holiday Parade
When: Sunday, November 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine)
Where: York Road (Summit Avenue to Newington Drive), Hatboro
There will be floats, marching bands, dance groups, scouts, and more. Children can bring their letters to Santa which will be collected by Santa’s Helpers from UPS.
Yardley Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: South Main Street and West Afton Avenue, starting at the American Legion and ending at Buttonwood Park
At the end of the parade, Santa will light the tree and have a meet-and-greet for the kids!
Newtown Holiday Parade
When: Sunday, December 7 from 11 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Starts at the Stocking Works on South State Street, continues north to Washington Avenue, makes a left, then turns right onto Sycamore Street ending at the corner of Sycamore and Durham
Come out and watch this fun community tradition!
Tree Lightings
Annual Tree Lighting and Santa Photos at The Shops at Valley Square
When: Saturday, November 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Route 611 and Street Road, Warrington
Tree lighting, fun family activities, food, hot cocoa and music. Take your own pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves.
Upper Makefield Christmas Tree Lighting & Food Drive
When: Friday, November 28 starting at 3 p.m.
Where: Washington Crossing Historic Park
Hot chocolate, cookies and juice will be served at 3 p.m. Santa will arrive and take pictures with families starting at 3:30 p.m. and then the tree lighting will occur at 4:30 p.m. Please bring nonperishable food donations to support local food pantries.
Bristol Borough Tree Lighting and Live Music
When: Friday, November 29 starting at 5 p.m.
Where: Mill Street, Bristol
Music and festivities will begin at 5 p.m. There will be live ice sculpturing on Radcliffe near Market starting at 5:15 p.m. There will also be vendors, carolers, a DJ, live music, dancers and more. Santa will light the tree at 7 p.m. And you can visit with Santa starting at 7:15 p.m.
Doylestown Tree Lighting and Parade
When: Friday, November 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: State and Main Streets, Doylestown
The Santa Parade and Tree Lighting returns for its 110th year! Watch as Santa, marching bands, and local community groups parade down State Street leading up to Santa’s magical tree lighting. Join Guest Emcee Richard Curtis at State and Main Streets as we welcome Santa, Mrs. Claus, and more special character guests. The Doylestown Dart will be running free shuttles from the parking garage up to the tree lighting ceremony starting at 5 PM!
Upper Southampton Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Friday, November 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 (raindate is December 2)
Where: Veterans Field
Crafts with Southampton Library, snacks and beverages served by the Kiwanis Club and the William Tennent HS Key Club. Santa will arrive on a firetruck at 7 p.m., followed by the tree lighting.
Hulmeville Borough Tree Lighting and Christmas Party
When: Friday, November 29 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: William Penn Fire Station, 123 Main Street, Hulmeville
Witness the tree lighting at the corner of Neshaminy Street and Bellevue Avenue and then head to the William Penn Firehouse for hot beverages, sweet treats, caroling and a visit from a special man in a red suit!
New Hope Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Sunday, November 30 at 5 p.m.
Where: Logan Inn, 10 W. Ferry Street, New Hope
There will be music, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa!
Langhorne Borough Dickens Night
When: Friday, December 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 102 W. Maple Avenue, Langhorne
There will be music, food, and shopping during this annual event. Santa lights the tree at 7:30 p.m. and will stay to visit with the children.
Perkasie Borough: America’s Oldest Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, December 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 620 W. Chestnut Street, Perkasie
America’s Oldest Tree Lighting has been fun for the whole family since it first took place in 1909! Hot cocoa, storytelling, entertainers, live music, more hot cocoa, food trucks, candy canes, photo ops, costumed characters and a whole lot to see and enjoy in the center of town. Santa lights the tree at 7pm and is available for photos afterwards.
Falls Township Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, December 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Falls Township Senior Center, 282 Trenton Road, Fairless Hills
Falls Township Parks and Recreation and the Falls Township Senior Center welcomes everyone to attend the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event.
There will be a photo booth, balloon twister, a “snow zone”, visits with Santa, refreshments and crafts. Tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. This is a FREE family friendly event. They do ask that people register though.
Bristol Township Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, December 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Bristol Township Municipal Park Ampitheater, 2501 Bath Road, Bristol
Usher in the holiday season with a visit from Santa, tree lighting ceremony, family-friendly activities, photo ops and more.
Festivals/Parties & Other One-Day Events
A Night with Mrs. Claus at Giggleberry Fair
When: Friday, November 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 122 Carousel Lane, Lahaska (Peddler’s Village)
Free event featuring a meet and greet with Mrs. Claus, crafts, and letter writing. Plus a storytime and carousel ride with Mrs. Claus!
Lowes Free Kids Build Event: Letter Box
When: Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Select Lowes Locations
Sign up on the website to have your child participate in a free workshop.
A Soldiers Christmas & Military Flea Market
When: Saturday, November 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Horsham Township Community Center, 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham
Step back in time at this free family-friendly indoor event featuring military re-enactors, a WWII flea market, and special appearances by WWII veterans and Santa Claus.
“I Saw Santa at the Bakery” at The Bakery Philadelphia
When: Sunday, November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 2300 S. Third Street, Philadelphia
This is a FREE festive event for all ages! There will ornament making, Christmas cookies, and a special appearance by Santa Claus! Get a free professional photo with Santa that will be edited and emailed to you within 24 hours. Pets are even welcome in the photos! The turnout was so successful last year that they’re bringing it back this year with fun both inside The Bakery as well as a block party on 3rd Street between Wolf and Durfor Streets.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Teddy Bear Ornament
When: Saturday, November 29 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Select Home Depot locations
Sign your child up for a free in-person workshop to make an ornament.
Holiday Kick-Off Party at Charlann Farms
When: Saturday, November 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday)
Where: 586 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Kick off the holiday season at Charlann Farms! Kids can enjoy the jump pad and music with Miss Sally. Santa will arrive on a tractor around 12:30. (Photos with Santa are not free.) There will be additional activities such as food trucks, shopping in the market, pony rides and face painting, but these activities do have a fee.
Christmas at the Creek: Santa Visits Needle Creek Brewery
When: Thursday, December 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 91 Titus Mill Road, Pennington
Come out to the farm and snap your own photo with Santa while he hangs out at the brewery. There will be NJ craft beer for the grownups, Relish the Dog food truck, and a free craft for kids. There’s also farm animals (brand new baby cows!), a play area, and lots of cozy vibes. Free admission. Just pay for food/drink.
Lower Makefield Township Family Fun Holiday Party
When: Friday, December 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: LMT Community Center, 1550 Oxford Valley Road, Yardley
Activities will include meeting Santa, free holiday crafts, and a dance party. There will be concessions and a hot cocoa bar available for purchase.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Holiday Cocoa Mug
When: Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Select Home Depot locations
Sign your child up for a free in-person workshop to make a holiday cocoa mug.
Santa’s Great Candy Cane Hunt
When: Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m.
Where: Robert’s Ridge Park, Newtown
Thousands of candy canes will be scattered around the park. Refreshments and photos with Santa will be available after the hunt. Free event, but you must pre-register. And they’re limiting non-resident spots. Call 215-968-2800 X239 or visit http://www.newtownfun.com to register.
Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler’s Village
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2400 Street Road, Lahaska
There will be Santa parades both days at 1:30 p.m. Plus, live music, activities and the gingerbread display. At 4:30, the lights turn on!
Christmas on the Farm at Howell Living History Farm
When: Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville
Holiday cheer at a beautiful old fashioned farm! Santa will arrive at 12:30 via a steam engine and will be in the farmhouse visiting with children until 3:30 p.m. There will also be live music, farm tours, crafts, refreshments, etc. Admission is free.
Warwick Township HOHOHO Holiday Party
When: Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Warwick Community Park, 1733 Township Green, Jamison
Comes dressed in festive attire and visit Santa! There will be hot cocoa and cookies, fave painting, local vendors, live dance performances and holiday games.
Grinchmas Food Truck Fest & Holiday House at Bolton Mansion
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7 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.
Carousel Ride with Santa at Perkasie Carousel
When: December 6 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Menlo Park, 425 Arthur Avenue, Perkasie
Everyone rides free!
Winter Wonderland at the Farm
When: Saturday, December 6 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Carson Simpson Farm, 3405 Davisville Road, Hatboro
This free event is open to everyone – no registration required! There will be crafts, lawn games, a bonfire, hot chocolate, carols, a nativity, and a special tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Compass Fellowship WinterFest
When: Details for this year haven’t been posted yet!
Where: 50 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Morrisville
Festivities for the whole family! Live nativity with petting zoo from 5 to 7. Community Christmas caroling from 7-8. Free cookies and hot chocolate.
One Winter Night at Grace Point
When: Friday, December 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 592 Washington Crossing Road, Newtown
Free community event full of Christmas-themed festivities! There will be a live nativity, bonfire and s’mores, crafts, live music and more!
Perkasie Candy Cane Lane
When: Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Perkasie Borough
Soak up the holiday spirit in Perkasie Borough! There will be horse and carriage rides from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and visits with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon. Spend the rest of the day grabbing a bite to eat at the indoor food market at the Perkasie Firehouse from 9 a.m. to noon and visiting the small local shops and eateries.
Lowes Free Kids Build Event: Sleigh Ride
When: Saturday, December 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Select Lowes Locations
Sign up on the website to have your child participate in a free workshop.
Photos with Santa
Gasper Home & Garden
When: Select dates November 8 – December 22, select days/times
Where: 316 Tanyard Road, Richboro
You can make a reservation HERE or go for walk-in availability. You’ll just wait in line and be filtered in with the reservations. Bring your own camera. Photos are free. Optional donation to Bucks County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Doylestown Santa House
When: November 28 through Christmas Eve: Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. There are also “Quiet Visits with Santa” on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Hamilton Lot, 34 W. State Street, Doylestown
Pictures with Santa are free, but donations are always welcome. Well-behaved pets are welcome as well.
Remember to bring your own camera or smartphone!
Styer Orchard
When: Select dates starting November 29, details below
Where: 1121 Woodbourne Road, Langhorne
Take your own pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Light Up 394/Candy Lane Zoo
When: Saturdays in December from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 394 Hidden Oaks Drive, Yardley
Come walk through this amazing house Christmas display and visit with Santa and take pictures! There will also be a few special giveaways on those nights.
Perkasie Santa House
When: December 13 from 10 a.m. to noon (with more dates to come!)
Where: Corner of 7th and Market, Perkasie
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They’ll be at their little house at the corner of 7th St. and Market St. in the center of Perkasie. Children may drop letters to Santa off at the mailbox at the house even when Santa is not in residence. Every child who leaves a letter with a return address before December 17 will receive a reply. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE A RETURN ADDRESS!
Miscellaneous Things to Do
Go to Peddler’s Village to see the Gingerbread Display.
Visit Byer’s Choice in Chalfont. Home of the beloved and handcrafted Caroler® figures, Byers’ Choice offers a Christmas Museum and visitor center that’s open year-round! Take a walk through a life-sized London street and check out the observation deck to see skilled artisans at work.
Sweet Mini Moments 