Chag Urim Sameach! Happy Hanukkah, Montgomery County. For those who celebrate, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy our recent blog post on Montco's House of Peace; Beth Sholom.
The holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to spend them than with family and friends right here in Montgomery County? Check out all the fun and festive things to do this week, only in Montco.
Holiday & Special Events
TRAPPE TREE LIGHTING
December 5
Historic Trappe
Come out for a festive, family-friendly evening! Enjoy a community sing-a-long, a visit from Santa, and a spectacular tree lighting. Free!
PARADE OF LIGHTS
December 7
Independence Seaport Museum
'Tis the season to get festive with family! Parade of Lights returns - a favorite annual holiday event at the Independence Seaport Museum.
A parade of local working boats will be illuminated in holiday lights for all to see on the Delaware River at 5:30 p.m. The best spot to take in this unique sight is from the Museum's second-floor terrace. Warm seasonal beverages and food will be available in our Holiday Hut.
Santa's Workshop on the Water will be merry and bright with tons of activities and handmade crafts. For an extra $5 construct and decorate a gingerbread boat (limited availability - arrive early!). To add extra cheer make sure to locate the face painter, she's sure to give you an extra sparkle that day!
Santa himself and Jingle Jack will be spreading holiday cheer around the Museum throughout the day. Be on the lookout to snap a photo with Santa when he arrives at 2 p.m.!
With so much to see and do, Parade of Lights is a great way to kick off the holiday season!
SANTAFEST
December 8
American Helicopter Museum & Education Center
Santa lets his reindeer rest and flies to SantaFest. His copter comes and starts the fun by bringing smiles to everyone. The museum offers a day of holiday cheer during its annual SantaFest on Saturday, December 8. Santa lands at 11 a.m. to greet good girls and boys, hear wish lists, and give goodie bags. He and Mrs. Claus visit with each one in his workshop inside the museum. Each year's theme allows kids to come in costume - this year's theme TBD. Helicopter rides (additional cost), crafts, unique gifts, music face painting and even therapy dogs make the day so much fun the little ones won't want to leave!
SUDS AND UGLY SWEATERS
December 8
Spring Mountain Adventures, Inc.
It’s almost Ugly Sweater SZN, winter brew SZN and run up your credit card SZN, so it must be Suds and Ugly Sweaters at Spring Mountain SZN! Suds and Ugly Sweaters at Spring Mountain will serve as the ultimate Christmas primer, featuring top winter season craft beer, live music, games, a Christmas Card workshop, Santa, holiday fare and a $500 ugly sweater contest!
HOLIDAY LUMINARIA
December 8
Lock 60 at the Schuylkill Canal Park
Step back in time to a Dickens’ holiday scene, as you enter the beautifully decorated Locktender’s house and sing along with the joyful music played by local musician(s). Partake in holiday treats and hot cider and join in with the Schuylkill Canal Association as we toast our friends with best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season. Parking is available at Lock 60. NOTE: The event is cancelled only if there is a steady downpour of rain or snow. The magnificent light display is even more mystical if there is a slight drizzle, misty fog or a few inches of snow, truly creating a beautiful holiday scene.
All ages; donation of $1 or more gladly accepted.
Montco Makers
Beer, Wine & Spirits Events
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP
December 6
Graeme Park
Learn basic decorating techniques as we assemble gingerbread houses from kits. Refreshments will be served. Please check back for details, times, and cost.
PAINT A WINE GLASS
December 7
A'Dello Vineyard & Winery
We offer a fun, unique experience of wine tasting our delicious wines along with painting a wine glass that will be dishwasher safe and one of a kind! Included will be a complimentary Glass of wine,. Cost of event will be $25 All supplies are provided! You are welcome to bring snacks and food as well. There will be additional glasses available for purchase if you would like to do more than one at a cost of $5. We look forward to having you!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 8
Garden Spot Village
Garden Spot Village, 433 S Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, will host the ever-popular Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 8 from 8-9:30 a.m. in the Harvest Table. Children and accompanying adults can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet plus photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a private tour of the Garden Spot Village Train Room. $14.95 per adult; $9.95 children 3-10; children 2 and under are free. Order tickets online here: gsc.gl/Sl7XRY3s
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
December 9
Gypsy Blu
Santa Claus is coming to...Gypsy Blu! Join us on Sunday, December 10th at starting at 10 am for BRUNCH WITH SANTA! Gypsy Blu will be transformed into Santa's Workshop with live music with Bill Moos & Carrie, photos with Santa, reindeer food making, cookie decorating, face painting crafts, games and more!
$25++/person
**spaces are limited so make your reservations early**
Lots of fun to include…
a Yummy Brunch, Dessert, a drink for the adults!
Adventure Montco
Energizing Events
MORNING BIRD WALK
December 18
Norristown Farm Park
Come to the final bird walk of the year at Norristown Farm Park. A new monthly series will start in January.On the December walk you can expect to see winter resident species such as woodpeckers, seed-eating songbirds, and raptors.Join park staff in the Salt Wing (adjacent to the park office) after the walk for hot beverages and light refreshments.The bird walk starts in parking lot #3. Bring binoculars if you have them. Pre-registration is required.
All ages; free
REINDEER ROMP
December 4
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 seasonal story, play reindeer games, and make a reindeer craft. Pre-registration is required; meet in the Salt Wing.
Ages 3 & up with an adult; $5 per child.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS TRAIN
December 17
Colebrookdale Railroad
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, look for lights as the Secret Valley rolls past your window. Rumor has it Santa himself may appear with a gift for every child. Opt to have your photo taken with Santa and we'll print it out for you on-board! Merry Christmas! Approx. two-hour round trip.
Friday and Saturday evenings during December First Class Parlor passengers enjoy Holiday Music at our Grand Piano!
Parlor Car Tastings: all tastings include an hors-d'oeuvres plate.
Patriot Trails
History Events
CHILD'S PLAY SERIES: HOLIDAYS
December 5
Peter Wentz Farmstead
Preschoolers will learn about historic holiday traditions and make a craft to take home. Pre-registration required.
Ages 3 & up & accompanied by an adult; fee: $5 per child.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
December 8
Pennypacker Mills
There is nothing quite as Victorian as visiting Pennypacker Mills’ Christmas Open House. With an entertaining bell choir playing Christmas music, a Victorian Santa Claus welcoming families, and living historians inside the mansion portraying family and friends, this one day gives visitors a glimpse of Christmastime in the early 1900s. With greens on every mantle, silky ribbon strewed throughout, shiny glass and tin ornaments to add shine to the tree, and plainly wrapped presents beneath, visitors will be treated to a special experience at each room. In the kitchen, see a clear toy candy demonstration with three-dimensional clear candies. The Museum Shop, which is stocked with unique Victorian-inspired ornaments, gift items, books, children’s toys, and holiday sweets.
All ages; free, suggested donation $2 per person.
CHRISTMAS TOURS
December 8
Hope Lodge
The mansion will be decorated for the holiday season! Join us for a short film and guided tours of the mansion at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 & 2:30. Cookies and hot chocolate included in admission.
Admission charged.
POTTSGROVE MANOR BY CANDLELIGHT
In Colonial America, Twelfth Night was one of the largest celebrations in the calendar year. During the candlelight tours at the historic Pottsgrove Manor, the holiday comes back to life through costumed interpreters. Open-hearth cooking demonstrations and kids' crafts will also be featured.
Arts Montco
Special Events
CHRISTMAS TOURS IN THE BRYN ATHYN DISTRICT
December 1 - January 6
Bryn Athyn Historic District
Tour Cathedrals and Castles all decorated for Christmas!
Cairnwood Estate: Guided Christmas tours at 10:00 & 11:00 am Tuesday - Sunday; availability subject to change due to private events. Self-guided tours offered on select afternoons. Call 215-947-2004x31 for current information.
Glencairn Museum: Guided "Christmas in the Castle" tour weekdays at 1:00 & 2:30 pm and weekends at 1:00, 1:30 & 2:30 pm. The World Nativities exhibition is self-guided and open daily 12:00 - 4:30 pm. Access is included with tour admission.
Bryn Athyn Cathedral: Guided tours daily 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Availability subject to change due to private services.
GALACTIC EMPIRE - A TRIBUTE TO STAR WARS
December 9
Ardmore Music Hall
Galactic Empire are an all-instrumental metal tribute to the music of Star Wars and John Williams.
NATURAL ORNAMENTS
December 9
Norristown Farm Park
Tired of plastic holiday decorations? Join us for our traditional natural ornament program. Use seeds, pods, evergreen cones, and other natural materials to create holiday ornaments and whimsical woodland critters. Samples are on display. There are more ideas every year! Bring a glue gun, glue sticks, and a box to carry home your creations. The program length is about two hours. Pre-registration is required; meet at the park office.
Ages: adults with or without children (minimum age 10); $5 per person
Live Performances
#ArtsMontco
Arts Montco
Live Performances
THIS WONDERFUL LIFE
December 4 - December 30
Act II Playhouse, Ltd.
You may have seen It's a Wonderful Life on the small screen... or even on the big screen. But you've never seen it like it's being presented at Act II Playhouse. In this slightly title-shifted version, all the roles are performed by actor Tony Braithwaite. Hee-haw, it's going to be fun to watch him tackle the entire town of Bedford Falls.
COMEDY CLUB PRESENTS: DC BENNY
December 7
Valley Forge Casino Resort
The Vault | 8pm (Doors open at 7pm)
In the hard-hitting New York comedy world, D.C. Benny is a heavyweight contender. His nickname “D.C.” was given to him by Harlem’s legendary host; “Uncle” Jimmy Mack, who sadly passed away in the 2014 Tracy Morgan car accident.
Benny’s unusual style of telling autobiographical stories, inhabited by original characters has been sharpened for almost thirty years as a performer. His personal essays, stories, and articles have been featured in New York Magazine, The New York Observer, Narratively, and Heeb Magazine.
ROSIE THE REINDEER AND THE CASE OF THE STOLEN SNOW GLOBE
December 9 - December 28
Act II Playhouse, Ltd.
A new mystery in Toyland ... and a new detective takes the case. Two actors play all the roles in this hilarious quick-change mystery for the family. Kids will help Rosie solve the mystery and save Christmas in our latest comedy for kids!
THE COLOR PURPLE
November 8 - December 23
Theatre Horizon
LAST WEEK
"I'll write you every day. Nothin' but death will keep me from it!" So goes the promise Celie's sister vows as the young sisters are stripped from one another's lives in this intensely moving chronicle of a Southern family in the twentieth century. With a Grammy Award-winning score of jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple stays true to Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, following resilient Celie on her life's journey over half a century—through joy and despair, anguish and thrilling hope—to discover her destiny and the power of love. Helmed by local director and Broadway performer Amina Robinson, this uplifting production will stay with you long after its exuberant finish.