Can you feel it? The tempo of holiday activity quickening on a weekly basis? Just make sure that, in all your prep, you leave time for one (or several) of the spectacular seasonal things going on in Montgomery County this weekend.
Hometown Holiday - Pottstown
December 9-11
HOME~TOWN~ FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This three-day December ‘do' begins at 6 p.m. at Smith Family Plaza, where the community tree is lit with great fanfare. Saturday's agenda includes craft shows, shopping deals, free movies, tea with Mrs. Claus and roaming illusionists. On Sunday, a guided tour takes visitors through some of the town's most historic homes that have been blinged-out for the holidays.
Tree Lighting - Telford
December 9
Just like the Whos in Whoville gather around their tree and joyously sing each year, so, too do the residents and visitors in Telford. The annual tree lighting at the Marketplace, Telford Station, will start with a welcome from Mayor David S. Snook and then quickly move on to carols, cookies, kid crafts and St. Nick in his red-and-white glory.
Winemakers Dinner Series - Boyd's Cardinal Hollow Winery
December 9
WE'RE READY TO BE WINED AND DINED
This evening at Boyd's Cardinal Hollow Winery features a three-course dinner with wine pairings that perfectly complement each meal. Each individual guest will have a choice of one starter & one entrée which will then be followed by a mouthwatering dessert. Throughout the dinner, Christopher Boyd will speak about his wines, the process of making them, each individual meal pairing, & answer any questions
Sugarplum Saturday - Chestnut Hill
December 10
Crafts, stories (from a gentler, kinder Mr. Scrooge), photo booth fun, gingerbread house-making, a holiday hayride, elves and a Santa appearance fill Chestnut Hill with spirit and color on Sugarplum Saturday. It all kicks off with a 9 a.m. parade. Bring the family - and an unwrapped toy or book to donate to a child.
Master Model Builder Competition - LEGOLAND
December 10-11
WITNESS THE MASTER BUILDER MAGIC FOR YOURSELF, RIGHT HERE IN MONTCO
This competition at Plymouth Meeting Mall will land one local Lego legend a full-time position. Come and watch contestants face a pile of bricks and a ticking clock and come up with something for the judges to evaluate. The winner joins the staff at LEGOLAND as a Master Builder and a chance to prove on a daily basis that everything is, indeed, awesome when you're part of a team.
Craft & Vendor Show - Phoenixville
December 10
Looking for something unique for a person on your gift list? The hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind merchandise available at the Phoenixville Fire Station (177 Church Street) has rows and rows of exactly those kinds of items. If that browsing inspires some munching, vendors are on hand for snacks and lunch.
Winterfest - King of Prussia Town Center
December 10
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AT KING OF PRUSSIA TOWN CENTER
King of Prussia Town Center celebrates its first holiday season with Winterfest, an all-day bonanza of music, ice sculpture, cookie-decorating, hot chocolate and, of course, Santa (at 2:30 p.m.). If all that activity generates a little appetite, perfect! The new restaurants in the Town Center - many of whom are in the suburbs for the first time ever - offer generous samples.
Nutcracker on Ice - Ardmore
December 10
The dancing mice of The Nutcracker are impressive enough when pirouetting onstage. The cast at the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society takes all that skill - and its associated magical story - and put it on skates. Tickets are free but attendees are asked to bring scarves, hats and mittens for donation to Our Closet, a charitable organization that helps needy families.
A Christmas Carol - Byers' Choice
December 10
'GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE!' SAID TINY TIM, THE LAST OF ALL.
Gerald Charles Dickens is the great-great grandson of the author himself, making him the real-deal authority in presenting A Christmas Carol in a one-man format at Byer's Choice. He tackles 26 characters in his performance, from innocent Tiny Tim to crabby-but-redeemable Ebenezer Scrooge.
Holiday Luminaria Night - Lock 60 at Schuylkill Canal Park
December 10
PICTURES SIMPLY CAN'T DO THE HOLIDAY LUMINARIA JUSTICE. BUT WE TRIED.
This festive night at Lock 60 at Schuylkill Canal Park includes music and cider, and Santa is a "go" even in slight drizzle or light snow. The rows of glowing candles are gorgeous when it's clear, but when wrapped in a gauzy mist, they will take your breath away.
Classic Christmas with Santa - Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
December 10
A TRULY CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT AN ANTIQUE CAR OR TWO
Santa is on hand for a meet-and-greet and photo op that also includes cookies, live blacksmithing and a railroad display. The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is also supporting Toys for Tots throughout December, with discounts on admissions and other purchases for visitors who donate an unwrapped gift for a child.
George Weldon Jazz Quartet - August Moon
December 10
If you've had enough already of Bing Crosby and the Chimpmunks (and everything in between) and their steady stream of Christmas tunes, maybe it's time to switch things up for a night. The cool tones of the George Weldon Jazz Quartet bring their smooth vibe to August Moon in Norristown in a concert that promises plenty of "chill."
Macarons - Cooking Spotlight
December 11
BECOME A MACARON MASTER JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY PARTY SEASON
Your yearly array of holiday desserts will get a colorful and flavorful upgrade if you include macarons: those fruity, French, crispy sandwich cookies with creamy fillings. They may sound intimidating, but the instructors at Cooking Spotlight explain the process step by delicious step.
Community Santa Breakfast - King of Prussia
December 11
Mother Theresa Regional School (Allendale Road, King of Prussia) is throwing its first-ever merry morning meal with December's jolliest superstar. The event is also a collection site for donations for Cradles to Crayons, seeking warm clothing for the less fortunate.
Breakfast with Santa - Lucky Dog Saloon and Grille
December 11
CATCH KRIS KRINGLE IN CONSHOHOCKEN THIS SUNDAY
For the nominal fee of $7, children under 10 can dig into a festive feast prepared by the talented chefs at the Lucky Dog Saloon and Grille in Conshohocken. Of course, one of the attendees - the big guy with the white beard - might very well be seen in line more than once, loading up on pancakes.
Choral Concert - St. Eleanor Church
December 11
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT IS THE PERFECT CLOSE TO A SHINY, SPARKLY WEEKEND
The adult and children's choirs of St. Eleanor Church unite in presenting "Winter's Grace," a tapestry of seasonal music that weaves centuries-old traditional melodies with current-day songs. The hour-long concert is at 4 p.m. in the church (647 Locust St, Collegeville), and admission is free.
If all this activity inspires a yearn for a "long, winter's nap," take a suite in one of our sweet hotels for the weekend. See our website for recommendations.
