With the onset of December, Montgomery County becomes a flurry of activity. The Pursuit of festive, fanciful and fun seasonal activities this weekend is an easy one.

With dusk coming earlier and earlier in the day, by 6 p.m. on Friday, December 6, Railroad Plaza in Lansdale should be more than dark enough to enjoy the spectacle of the annual tree lighting. Little Miss Lansdale will lead the big countdown, resulting in a blaze of colorful electric excitement. Holiday music is courtesy of the North Penn High School Chorus, and refreshments are free. The celebs on hand will be, of course, Old St. Nick and Mrs. Claus. The big Kahuna then takes up residence in the Santa House, where he may be visited throughout the season.  

Historic homesteads decked out for the holidays give you a chance to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of the season, while also traveling back in time. This weekend features three standouts in Montgomery County:

All feature period decorations, kid- and family-friendly activities, food, music and the magic of Christmases gone by.

If your seasonal celebrations are oriented toward the natural transition from autumn to winter, you'll want to catch the Waterfowl Watch, Saturday, December 7, at Green Lane Park. As we approach the solstice on December 21, the area geese, ducks and swans are finishing up their southerly treks. Their migratory patterns are at their most active right now, making this presentation especially interesting. Witness for yourself the fact that not all December flights involve boarding passes and luggage. Or sleighs, for that matter!

Cards this time of year commonly feature rolling country sides covered in blankets of snow white beauty. Snow White herself comes to life on the stage of The Ambler Theater on Saturday, December 7. The delightful troupe, Family Stages, tells the familiar tale with minimal props and sets but plenty of imagination. Fast-paced action, lightning-quick costume changes and a sparkling sense of humor are guaranteed to delight all audience members.

Ambler Theater

Itching to play with icing? The Gingerbread House Decorating Event, Sunday, December 8, at the Whitemarsh Parks & Recreation Building promises plenty of sugary shenanigans. Squeeze in some family time during the hectic holiday season and spend an afternoon making a wonderful - and yummy - decoration.

It's a cavalcade of red and green out there, which can overwhelm even the most ardent elf. When the pace gets too "lively and quick," why not settle down for a long winter's nap in one of our area accommodations? A list of recommended hotels and B&Bs, which yes, has been checked once and twice, is on our website.