The holiday season is right around the corner – and Bucks County’s most popular attractions are starting to debut family-favorite tree lightings, holiday parades and light shows all over the County.
Hop aboard the North Pole Express this weekend at the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad for a family-fun trip with hot cocoa, cookies and PJs galore. Shady Brook Farms’ Holiday Light Show premieres this weekend, promising festive light displays featuring some well-known holiday characters. Speaking of lights, Sesame Place is hosting A Very Furry Christmas starring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street characters as they dance and sing their way through the park as it is illuminated by Santa Claus himself!
Take advantage of the season and check out our guide below for details on this weekend’s must-see events around the County. Stay up-to-date on what’s coming up next week with our Upcoming Events calendar.
Friday, November 17
The North Pole Express at the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
All aboard the North Pole Express! Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus as you depart from New Hope Station for a North Pole Express train ride in a vintage diesel locomotive through historic Bucks County. Listen to roaming Christmas carolers, sip warm cocoa and enjoy freshly baked cookies. Each child on board will get an opportunity to share their wish list with Santa Claus and receive a sleigh bell gift from the big man himself!
When: November 17 – 19, check online for departure times
Where: New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Cost: Varies, check online for prices
Grand Illumination Celebration in Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village welcomes the season of lights with a Grand Illumination Celebration around the village! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will help “switch-on” one million holiday lights during an exciting countdown ceremony. Guests can enjoy complimentary warm apple cider and roasted marshmallows over an open fire. Look for Santa at Giggleberry Fair for your chance at photos!
When: November 17, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Peddler’s Village
Cost: Free to attend
40th Annual Bucks County Sculpture Show
As part of the Central Bucks Chamber’s Bucks Fever Celebration of the Arts, The Bucks County Sculpture Show returns for its 40th year – displaying a beautiful collection of sculptures along with apple cider and chef-prepared treats.
When: November 17 – 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Bridges at Warwick
Cost: Free to attend
Quartet at the Bristol Riverside Theatre
Follow Cecily, Reggie, Wilf and retired opera great Jean Horton throughout their funny and poignant night during Quartet, a play that is a sweet ode to the art of growing old gracefully.
When: November 17, 8 p.m.; November 18, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; November 19, 3p.m.
Where: Bristol Riverside Theatre
Cost: Varies, check online for prices
The New World at the Bucks County Playhouse
There goes the neighborhood! It’s 1620 and, much to the Wampanoag Indians’ chagrin, the Pilgrims are moving in — ready to rock the “new” world. From the creators of “Altar Boyz,” this outrageously funny big new musical is everything you never learned in history class!
When: November 17, 8 p.m.; November 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 19, 2 p.m.
Where: Bucks County Playhouse
Cost: Varies – check online for prices
Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village
More than 50 creative and uniquely themed gingerbread houses have arrived in Peddler’s Village, helping to officially kick-off the holidays in the village. Vote for your favorite cookie home and enjoy Peddler’s winter wonderland as you dine and shop your way through tons of whimsical boutiques.
When: November 17 – 19, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Peddler’s Village
Cost: Free to attend
Friday Night Band Jam at The Michener: Mark Cosgrove
The Michener is switching up their typical musical offerings this weekend with talented guitarist Mark Cosgrove. Explore the Michener’s latest galleries while enjoying the distinctive flat-picking guitar sounds of Mark Cosgrove.
When: November 17, 8 – 10:30 p.m.
Where: James A. Michener Art Museum
Cost: $25/non-members, $20/members
Saturday, November 18
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
Join everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends during Sesame Place’s family-favorite holiday Celebration: A Very Furry Christmas. Sesame Place is transforming into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, spectacular musical shows and parades, as well as a Grand Illumination of the park by Santa on his magical sleigh.
When: November 18 – 19, 1 – 8 p.m.
Where: Sesame Place
Cost: $37 online
2017 Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farms
View more than three million lights as they illuminate the acres of farmland during Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show. Hop in your car or enjoy the open air of a wagon ride as you trek through the two-mile trail, featuring festive displays and wintry sights. Warm up with some hot cocoa, take a picture with Santa and pick out the perfect Christmas tree to take home while you visit!
When: November 18 – 19, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: Shady Brook Farm
Cost: $30/car, $50/mini-bus, limo or RV, $125/bus
DIY Natural Ornaments for the Holidays at Bucks County Audubon Society
Learn fun and creative ways to decorate for the holidays using less store-bought plastic and more natural materials with the Bucks County Audubon Society during the DIY Natural Ornament and Holiday decoration event. Reservations are required.
When: November 18, 2 – 7 p.m.
Where: Bucks County Audubon Society
Cost: $10/non-member, $30 non-member family; $5/member, $20/member family
Live Music at the Vineyard!
Visit Crossing Vineyards and enjoy a relaxing “Crossing Cocktail," refreshing Yards beer or delicious Bucks County wine while listening to live acoustic music by local artists.
When: November 18 – 19, 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Crossing Vineyards and Winery
Cost: Pay as you go
Sunday, November 19
Pairing Wine & Chocolate Class at Crossing Vineyards and Winery
Enjoy a “sweet” afternoon as you learn how to pair mouth-watering chocolates and a diverse selection of wines. Attendees can look forward to a wine tasting, tour and a personal assortment of Pierre’s Chocolates.
When: November 19, 2 p.m.
Where: Crossing Vineyards and Winery
Cost: $35
Gobble! The History and Lore of Thanksgiving
Learn about the roots of one of America’s most quintessential holidays, Thanksgiving. Join folklorist Darcy Fair at the Old Solebury Schoolhouse to explore the facts, fictions and traditions of the November holiday, with roots that run deeper than the Pilgrims and Indians.
When: November 19, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Old Solebury Schoolhouse
Cost: Free to attend
