The second full week of December is another week full of holiday events. And the excitement doesn't end with Santa Claus, carols and holiday shopping (though there's plenty of those, too). This Saturday is the first Prelude to Valley Forge, a living history event at Valley Forge Park. Montgomery County also welcomes incredible musicians, amazing stage performances and delicious dining events. 

Here are 21 of our favorite events, just a sampling of all there is to see and do this week in Montco:

FEATURED EVENT

First New Jersey

PRELUDE TO VALLEY FORGE

December 16
Valley Forge National Historical Park

The Revolutionary war encampment comes to life on Saturday when Valley Forge Park hosts Prelude to Valley Forge. The event features interpreters from Colonel Ogden's 1st New Jersey Regiment reenacting a typical day at Valley Forge. 

Camp activities include cooking, cleaning, sewing, company exercises and musket demonstrations. The free program begins at 10 a.m. at the National Memorial Arch and continues through the remainder of the day at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts. 

FEATURED EVENT

The Platters - Christmas

THE PLATTERS: VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS SHOW

December 16
Valley Forge Casino Resort

Legendary vocalists The Platters bring their unforgettable voices to the Valley Forge Casino Resort on December 16. This special holiday concert features The Platters performing traditional Christmas songs along with some of the band's biggest hits.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Valley Forge & Montgomery County

Davio's Galleria Gingerbread House

GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP

December 17
Davio's Gallery Bakery + Cafe

The culinary team at Davio's is giving kids a chance to hone their decorating skills during a Gingerbread Workshop, this Sunday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Davio's is also asking attending families to join them in support of Toys for Tots by bringing a donation of an unwrapped toy to the event.

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS TRAINS

December 14 - 17
Colebrookdale Railroad

These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life! Join the Colebrookdale Railroad for special holiday storytime excursions. Wear your pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on our trip through the Secret Valley.

HOLIDAY BASH 2017

December 16
Stone & Key Cellars

Stone & Key Cellars invites you to join the celebration at its 2017 Holiday Bash. The day features live music, food from the Surf and Turf Food Truck, seasonal beers from PA craft breweries, and Stone & Key's own wines and hard ciders.

ARTS MONTCO

In Concert

Glencairn Nativity 5

GLENCAIRN CHRISTMAS SING CONCERT

December 12
Glencairn Museum

A holiday tradition in the Bryn Athyn Historic District, Glencairn Museum hosts its annual Christmas Sing Concert. The Glencairn Horns with be among several ensembles performing during the evening of music, caroling and retelling of the Christmas story.

A CAPPELLA POPS

December 17
Montgomery County Community College

Montgomery County Community College's Lively Arts Series continues with a holiday concert from the vocal group A Cappella Pops. The "Be of Good Cheer Holiday Concert" features some of the most beloved songs of the season.

CAROLING AT THE CARILLON

December 17
Washington Memorial Chapel

Christmas Bells will be ringing during Caroling at the Carillon, this Sunday at Washington Memorial Chapel. Sing along to some of the most beloved holiday songs, accompanied by the Chapel's 58-bell carillon. This free event is held outside in front of the carillon tower, so dress warmly.

AIMEE MANN

December 14
Colonial Theatre

Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann has been touring and releasing records as a solo artist for more than 20 years. Her latest album, "Metal Illness," continues her legacy of thought-provoking music with an acoustic flair. On Thursday evening, she takes the stage at the historic Colonial Theatre with special guest Ted Leo.

MOTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

December 15
Woodmere Art Museum

Woodmere's Friday Night Jazz gets into the holiday spirit this week with a special Motown for the Holidays concert. Featured vocalists Pat Scott and Sherry Butler will bring the Motown sound into classics like "Jingle Bells," "Rudolph" and more.

ARTS MONTCO

On Stage

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

December 1 - 16
DCP Theatre

Closing Week: 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! The final three performances will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

BAD DATES

December 12 - 17
Act II Playhouse

Opening WeekBad Dates tells the story of Haley Walker, a gorgeous single mom who runs New York's hottest restaurant. Can she survive dating in the city? The show opens Tuesday night at 7 p.m. with performances throughout the week. Check website for showtimes.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL

December 14 - 16
Steel River Playhouse

Closing Weekend: 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.

MY VERY OWN POLAR BEAR

December 16 - 17
Act II Playhouse

Opening Week: Act II Playhouse presents a brand new comedy for the whole family. My Very Own Polar Bear tells the story of a young girl and her friendship with her (real-to-her) polar bear. The show opens this weekend with two shows Saturday (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and an 11 a.m. performance on Sunday.

FIREBIRD THEATRE HOLIDAY REVUE

December 15 & 16
Colonial Theatre

One Week Only: The historic Colionial Theatre in Phoenixville hosts the Firebird Theatre Holiday Revue this Friday and Saturday. The performance includes two one-act shows - 'Twas the Week After Christmas and Annie Jr. - all performed by Firebird's talented young performers, all between ages 7-18. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m.

ALADDIN: A MUSICAL PANTO

December 13 - 17
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). This week's schedule includes performances Wednesday through Sunday.

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO CHRISTMAS

December 11-16
Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse

Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse in nearby Lancaster County celebrates the holidays with a a look at an unforgettable family dinner. Performances are scheduled Monday through Saturday. Pre-show meal options are available for all shows.

SHOP MONTCO

Shopping Events

Green Wolf's Village Barn Shoppes

ILLUMINAIRE NIGHTS

December 15
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. This Friday is Stag and Doe night, with shopping specials for couples throughout the Village.

AMBLER HOLIDAY SHOPPING VILLAGE

December 14 - 17
Ambler Main Street

Ambler's Holiday Shopping Village is a pop-up market where you can find gifts from some of the area's best artisans, craftors and more. The village is open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, now through December 24.

CRAVE MONTCO

Dining Events

El Sarape Tequila Pairing

TEQUILA PAIRING DINNER

December 13
El Sarape

El Sarape in Blue Bell is partnering with Clase Azul for a tequila pairing dinner this Wednesday evening. Limited to just 10 people, this four-course dinner pairs El Sarape's signature Mexican dishes with hand-crafted drinks featuring Clase Azula's organic tequila.

DAVE & BUSTER'S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

December 16
Dave and Buster's - Plymouth Meeting

Dave and Buster's is helping families get in the holiday spirit with a special Breakfast with Santa, this Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. All tickets include a breakfast buffet, $10 Power Card for ticketed games, unlimited video game play and crafts. Don't forget to bring your camera for photos with Santa.