Lights, camera, action! This week in Montgomery County features plenty of festive lights and phenomenal concerts and plays. Plus, get in the holiday spirit with a guided walking tour (even go by train or tram!) at one of many cheer-filled attractions.
Here are 30 ways to #MakeItMontco this week:
FEATURED EVENT
HOLIDAY LUMINARIA NIGHT
December 9
Lock 60 at Schuylkill Canal Park
See the paths of Schuylkill Canal Park lit up by the glow of candles on December 9. This festive night at Lock 60 at Schuylkill Canal Park includes music and cider, and Santa.
ARTS MONTCO
ON STAGE
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
December 1 - 16
DCP Theatre
The classic Christmas story of Susan Walker, her mother Doris, and Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home who gets a job working as Santa for Macy's. A must-see this holiday season!
A NIGHT WITH STEADICAM INVENTOR GARRETT BROWN
December 4
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
Renowned Philadelphia-based cinematographer and inventor Garrett Brown will visit Bryn Mawr Film Institute on Wednesday, December 6 for an educational and entertaining evening where he will discuss his innovations, show clips and examples from projects old and new, and answer questions from the audience.
COMEDY SHOWCASE
December 7
The Underground
Local Funny Man Buddy Harris brings three comedians to the Underground: Marc Staudenmaier, Eric Roth and Mary Radzinski.
ALADDIN: A MUSICAL PANTO
November 16 - January 7
People's Light
Your favorite holiday tradition! When the young ne'er-do-well Aladdin and his animal pals find a mysterious lamp, the hilarious adventure begins. This rollicking musical romp "beats a sugar rush any day" (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL
December 1 - 17
Steel River Playhouse
This spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens' most well-known story was written by Broadway heavy hitters Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Little Shop and Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Suessical). Bring your whole family to enjoy this wonderful, uplifting story with beautiful costumes and a fabulous orchestra that audiences have come to expect from Steel River Playhouse.
ARTS MONTCO
IN CONCERT
A post shared by Arnold's Family Fun Center (@arnoldsffc) on
A NIGHT IN NASHVILLE
December 8
Arnold's Family Fun Center
Join us for a night of Nashville fun in The Water Tower, featuring artists: Rachele Lynae & Emily Jubb. The Music City residents are taking a trip up to PA for one night of country fun!
POINT ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS THE WEIGHT BAND
December 8
Colonial Theatre
Performing songs of The Band, The Weight Band is keeping the spirit and the music alive that helped define an era. Hear the most authentic presentation of The Band's music performed on stage, and see why the Chicago Sun Times proclaimed "The Weight carries on where The Band left off." Come and take a load off.
SHOP MONTCO
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS
HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP
December 1 - January 13
Abington Art Center
Holiday shopping at Abington Art Center with original works from over 26 artists featuring jewelry, ceramics, textiles and photography.
MEMBER SHOPPING EVENT AT NEIMAN MARCUS
December 9
King of Prussia Mall
Join us for a morning of holiday shopping hosted by the Young Friends and cross all the gifts off your list. The Neiman Marcus "Love to Give" Collection features more than fifty treasures perfectly priced for giving. 10% of your purchase from the Holiday Shop benefits the Philadelphia Museum of Art's educational efforts—bringing elementary school classes to the Museum with enriching programming.
PATRIOT TRAILS
HISTORY
BATTLEFIELD TACTICS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
December 5
Washington Memorial Chapel
The Washington Memorial Chapel and The Washington Memorial Heritage are joining forces with the Valley Forge Park Alliance to host a special evening with Lawrence Babits, professor of Maritime Archaeology & History, East Carolina University. As part of the monthly Speaker Series, which is held at The Washington Memorial Chapel, Babits will offer his unique insight into how battles were fought during America’s War for Independence.
CRAVE MONTCO
DINING
EL SARAPE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
December 7
El Sarape
Meet Santa while enjoying fresh baked cookies and hot chocolate. The magical evening culminates with an exhilarating countdown of the lighting of the Christmas tree!
HOLIDAY APPETIZERS AND WINE
December 7
Wayne Art Center
Join Chef Chiwishi Joy Abney in the kitchen to mingle and make festive holiday appetizers. Fun, flavorful and easy to duplicate again and again for your holiday entertaining. This class is for adults--and don't forget to BYOB!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 9
Garden Spot Village
Enjoy a festive, scrumptious breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast, a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a visit to the Train Room and more are included!
HOLIDAY EVENTS
#MAKEITMONTCO
CHRISTMAS AT GLENCAIRN
November - January
Glencairn Museum
Reflecting artistic expression across multiple ethnic backgrounds, the collection of nativities at Glencairn Museum appeals to all faith traditions. On display are dioramas made for the Pitcairn family, duplicating a set made for the Eisenhowers in the White House in the 1950s.
REINDEER GUIDE FOR KIDS
December 5
Norristown Farm Park
Do you know the difference between reindeer, caribou, elk, and our local white-tailed deer? Find out about reindeer and other animals of the far north. Hear a story, play reindeer games, and make a reindeer craft.
CHILD'S PLAY SERIES: HOLIDAYS
December 6
Peter Wentz Farmstead
Peter Wentz Farmstead's Child Play Series features history geared specifically for preschoolers. In this program, kids will learn about holiday traditions and make a take-home holiday craft.
LADIES NIGHT: GINGERBREAD HOUSES
December 7
Graeme Park
Decorate a homemade, pre-constructed gingerbread house while enjoying light refreshments.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
December 7
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust
These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life!
Join us in your pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy Christmas music and the comfort of our Edwardian-era cars as the holiday lights of the Secret Valley roll past your window. Rumor has it Santa himself may appear with a gift for every child.
CAROL NIGHT AT THE HECKLER FARM
December 8
Heckler Plains Farmstead
The Heckler Plains Folklife Society invites you to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration by caroling around a bonfire beginning at 7 PM. When the caroling ends, guests are invited into the candle-lit farmhouse for hot cider, hot chocolate and homemade treats.
GUIDED CHRISTMAS TOURS
December 7
10 am - 4 pm
Hope Lodge
See Hope Lodge in all of its seasonal brilliance on December 7. Guided holiday tours will be offered between 11 am & 5 pm. Join them after for a craft beer tasting in their colonial kitchen (additional charge).
ITS THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
November 2 - January 1
American Treasure Tour
Celebrate the holiday season at the American Treasure Tour! Experience your favorite Christmas hits on our wonderful nickelodeons and band organs while taking a tram ride through our giant Toy Box.
HOLIDAY TOURS AT PENNYPACKER MILLS
Beginning November 21
Pennypacker Mills
Holiday traditions continue as the halls of Pennypacker Mills are decked for Christmas. Beginning November 21, tours of the historic home will include the splendor of a Victorian Christmas. Holiday tours continue through January 7.
HOLIDAY GARDEN RAILWAY
November 24 - December 31
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
Morris Arboretum’s popular Holiday Garden Railway, one of the Arboretum’s most beloved holiday traditions, returns. The buildings and trains are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle along the tracks and around the surrounding landscape.
TWELFTH NIGHT TOURS
November 29 - January 5
Pottsgrove Manor
Learn about holiday traditions of England and Colonial America during Pottsgrove Manor's Twelfth Night Tours. Starting November 23, the historic home will be adorned in seasonal decorations, and tours will focus on the history of the holidays.
ILLUMINAIRE NIGHTS
Every Friday November 24 - December 21
Skippack Village
Skippack Village shines during the holiday season when illuminaires light the paths every Friday night. Walk the candle-lit paths of the village as you shop and dine in Skippack's one-of-a-kind stores and restaurants.
POLAR BEAR EXPRESS
Beginning November 24
Colebrookdale Railroad
Most people think of Santa traveling by sleigh, but when he really wants to go first class, he takes a seat in the glamorous passenger car of the Colebrookdale Railroad. There are many December options in riding with St. Nick, including brunches and dinners and departures that include a reading of "Twas the Night before Christmas."
SANTA HOUSE
December 2 - 21
Lansdale
Santa will visit with guests throughout the holiday season at his house on West Main and Madison Street across from Railroad Plaza. Don't forget your camera!