MontCo 2018 Holiday Guide, presented by Jefferson Outpatient Imaging

Your 2018 Holiday Guide is presented by Jefferson Outpatient Imaging.

During the busy holiday season, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your health. If you need imaging, Jefferson Outpatient Imaging (JOI) offers same and next day appointments as well as evening and weekend hours at four convenient outpatient locations: East Norriton, Collegeville, Center City, and their newest location in Malvern. When you have imaging at JOI, you gain access to the renowned radiologists from Jefferson in a friendly, comfortable and convenient outpatient environment. Jefferson Outpatient Imaging accepts most insurance plans and reports are available to your physician within 24 hours. Our services include PET/CT, High Field Wide Bore MRI, CT, Low-Dose CT Lung Screenings, Mammography, Arthrography, Ultrasound, MSK Ultrasound, X-ray, & DEXA bone density scans. For more information, visit JeffersonHealth.org/JOI.

 

Tis’ the season! As the cold rolls in and the holiday lights shine bright, Montgomery County is prepping for the most wonderful time of the year! Light shows, outdoor activities, cozy indoor events, and more are all in the lineup for this year’s Holiday Season. Get into the spirit of the season and check out all of the Montgomery County happenings coming up:

Craft Workshops:

Holiday Craft Workshop

When: Saturday, November 17 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Where: Deep Creek Stone Pavillion, 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054

Stop by for one or both workshops! At 10:00 a.m. use local cones, pods and nuts to create a “Holiday Centerpiece” to adorn your table. At 1:00 pm, use natural materials to create “Winsome Woodland Critters”. No previous crafting experience needed! Bring a hot glue gun, if possible, but they have them available to borrow if you don’t have one! This program is suitable for ages 12 and up.  Spaces are limited; please call (215) 234-4528 to reserve your spot.

Cost: $8

Holiday Wreaths

When: Sunday, November 25th at 1 p.m.

Where: Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403

Make a holiday wreath that you can use indoors or outdoors for seasons to come with natural materials such as grapevine, pine cones, nuts, and flower pods. Seasonal ribbon and bows will be available if desired. Bring a glue gun and glue sticks. Pre-registration is required; meet in the salt wing. Ages: adults & children 14 & up.

Cost: $5 per person.

More Holiday Crafts

When: Saturday, December 1 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Where: Green Lane Park, 2144 Snyder Road Green Lane, PA 18054

Come out to the park to create unique holiday decorations using natural materials. At 10:00 am the craft will be “Kissing Balls,” which can be used for many years to come. At 1:00 pm, there will be a “Holiday Wall-hanging” workshop. Participants are welcome to sign up for one or both workshops. No previous crafting experience needed! Bring a hot glue gun, if possible- but there are many to loan out as well. Programs will meet in Enclosed Stone Pavilion in Green Lane Park. Spaces are limited, pre-registration required. Ages 12 & up.

Cost: $8 per person, per workshop.

Hanukkah Celebrations:

Lansdale Lighting of the Menorah

When: Sunday, December 2 at 6 p.m.

Where: Railroad Plaza, 300 W. Main Street, Lansale

Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah and enjoy music performed by The Horns of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah Celebration at Elmwood Park Zoo

When: Sunday, December 9 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown

The fun begins at 2 p.m. at the Trail of the Jaguar exhibit. Make themed crafts and play games! At 3 p.m., you’ll make your way to the Eagles Deck to listen to the Temple Brith Achim Choir perform, followed by lighting the menorah. This event is free with zoo admission.

Holiday Tours:

Holiday Tours at Historic Pennypacker Mills

When: November 27, 2018 – January 6, 2019, Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun: 1 to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays & Holidays

Where: 5 Haldeman Road Schwenksville, PA 19473

Take a tour through historic Pennypacker Mills for an unforgettable Victorian Christmas experience! Using vintage inspired ornaments, the Christmas traditions of the early 1900’s, and how the Pennypackers spent their holiday, the site creates a magical experience for visitors. All tours include a stop at the Museum Shop, which is stocked with unique Victorian inspired ornaments, gift items, books, children’s toys, and holiday sweets. Groups of 10 or more should contact the site to arrange for a group reservation. Closed Mondays & County holidays.
Cost: All ages; suggested donation $2 per person.

Candlelit Tour at Morgan Log House

When: Saturday, December 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 850 Weikel Rd, Kulpsville, PA 19443

Built in the early 1700s, the Morgan Log House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Montgomery County. Visitors have a unique opportunity to explore the home by candlelight on December 8 while the home is decorated in its finest 18th Century holiday greenery.

Twelfth Night Tours

When: Sunday, December 9

Where: Pottsgrove Manor, 100 W. King St. Pottstown, PA 19464

Enjoy a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor, decorated with greens and holly for the Yuletide season. Learn about traditional English celebrations of Twelfth Night and how they differed from our modern Christmas celebrations. All ages.

Cost: Suggested donation $2 per person.

Christmas Tours in Bryn Athyn Historical District

When: Sunday, December 9 & 16 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays & Thursdays through December 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 1005 Cathedral Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

The 45-minute guided “Christmas in the Castle” tour is available weekdays at 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m., and weekends at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 pm. Reservations strongly recommended.

The World Nativities  exhibition is self-guided and open to the public daily from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Access is also included with tour admission.

The Museum will be closed December 10, 24 and 25. The Museum will be open only for the Christmas Sing Concert on Tuesday, December 11.

Open Houses:

Victorian Christmas Open House

When: Saturday, December 8th 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road Schwenksville, PA 19473

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 1900’s. With greens on every mantle, silky ribbon strewn 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.

Cost: All ages; free, suggested donation $2 per person.

Holiday Events:

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

When: Friday, November 16 – December 30 (select days) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown

The Elmwood Park Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights illuminating the 16 acres. There will be animated installations, interactive elements and themed attractions. Follow the lighted path to visit Disco Ball Way and Candy Cane Lane, and be sure to stop by Santa’s Workshop for photos. You can zipline over bison wearing a glowing harness. Live reindeers will also be at the zoo for photos! Click here for ticket information.

Illuminaire Nights

When: Friday, November 23 – December 21; Wednesday, November 28 – December 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Route 73 (Skippack Pike) between Rts. 113 & 363

These magical evenings find the Village of Skippack aglow with the warm light of candles, hospitality and the sounds of the season. Luminaries line the sidewalks outside the stores and restaurants to light the way for shoppers and diners and to warmly welcome the start of the holiday season. Many of the shops and restaurants throughout the Village will be offering special treats and refreshment, activities, in store sales and other surprises for shoppers. The vibe is festive and there are great gifts for the choosing so stop by and make a night of it!

Narberth Dickens Festival

When: Sunday, December 2 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 101 Forrest Ave, Narberth, PA 19072

​The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth.  It draws thousands to this little borough every year, and it has become the fastest-growing holiday festival in the Philadelphia area.  In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840’s London, as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon. There is entertainment and activities for all ages, including horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, carolers, period vendors and food, dancers, musicians, ballet performances, puppet shows, magicians, puppeteers, ice sculptors, a free Dickens-themed scavenger hunt for children, and much more. Put on your top hat and come join the fun!

Holiday Luminaria

When: Saturday, December 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Lock 60 at Schuylkill Canal Park, 100 Bridge St., Phoenixville, PA 19460

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 and toast each other with best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

Cost: A donation of $1 or more will be gladly accepted.

Cairnwood By Candlelight at Cairnwood Estate

When: Friday, December 14 at 7 p.m.

Where: 1005 Cathedral Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

Explore historic Cairnwood at its most sparkling time of year. Kick off the holiday season with yuletide desserts and refreshments served in candlelight, festive Christmas trees and décor throughout, and a special exhibition, Three Generations of Cairnwood Fashions.

Cost: $25 per person, Cairnwood members half price. Limited tickets available, call 215-947-2004 for reservations.

Holiday Shows:

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

When: November 30 – December 15

Where: DCP Theatre 795 Ridge Road, Telford, PA 18969

Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!
Cost: Prices Vary

(Photo from Facebook)

This Wonderful Life at Act II Playhouse

When: December 4 – December 30

Where: Act II Playhouse, 46 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002

Tony Braithwaite inhabits all the residents of Bedford Falls in this hilarious adaptation of the iconic holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Cost: Prices Vary

Rosie the Reindeer

When: December 8 – December 28

Where: Act II Playhouse, 46 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002

The magical snow globe was stolen from Santa’s sleigh … and Mrs. Claus needs Rosie to crack the case! Two actors play all the roles in this hilarious quick-change comedy for the family. Kids will help Rosie solve the mystery and save Christmas!

From the creators of the beloved Murray the Elf mysteries comes a new holiday treat for the family.

Cost: $10-$15 for weekdays, $12-$18 for weekends

Christmas Pageant at Bryn Athyn Cathedral

When: Sunday, December 9 at 3:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Where: 1005 Cathedral Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

Start your Christmas season celebrations with this depiction of the Christmas story, portrayed by actors in costume.  A favorite feature of this popular Pageant is the invitation for attendees to walk through a choir of singing shepherds and angels to visit the manger scene. Visit live animals on the grounds in between the services.

Christmas Sing Concert at Glencairn Museum

When: Tuesday, December 11 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.)

Where: 1005 Cathedral Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

Take part in a tradition as rich as it was eight decades ago, when Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn first welcomed family, friends and the local community into their home for the “Glencairn Sing.” This year’s program will once again feature the “Glencairn Horns” (including current and former members of the Philadelphia Orchestra) interspersed with other ensemble performances, soloists, audience caroling, and readings from the Christmas story.

Cost: $15 per person | Free for Museum members. Reserved seating for Gold and Patron Museum members only. Advance tickets and reservations available until 12:00 pm on Monday, December 11, by calling 267.502.2990 or emailing info@glencairnmuseum.org. Tickets will also be sold at the door on December 11, subject to availability.

Kids Events:

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Train

When: Saturday November 17 – Sunday, December 23

Where: Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, 64 South Washington St, Boyertown, PA 19512

These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life. Wear your pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa while listening to a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is read. Enjoy Christmas music and the comfort of 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 it will be printed for you on-board! Approx. 2 hour trip.

Cost: Prices vary

Santa’s Polar Bear Express

When: Friday November 17- Sunday, December 23, Times Vary

Where: Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, 43 Chestnut Street. Boyertown, PA 19512

Join Santa on a magical adventure into Christmas past on one of the most beautiful train journeys in the United States. Sip complimentary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and, on some trains, sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by your window. Santa brings a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him (they even provide the crayons!) The Victorian charm of the heated coaches makes Christmas memories to last a lifetime. Approx. 2 hour trip.

Cost: Prices vary

Mrs. Claus Comes to Town

When: December 2 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Where: Floral & Hardy, 4007 Skippack Pike Skippack, PA 19474

Bring the kids for a visit with Mrs. Claus at Floral & Hardy! Enjoy a story, Santa’s favorite cookies, a craft, and more. Ages 3 and up. Dress for the weather – this event will be outside in a tent.

Cost: $15 per child

Reindeer Romp

When: Tuesday, December 4 at 1 p.m.

Where: Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403

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

Cost: $5 per child

Winter Solstice Norristown Farm Park

When: Wednesday, December 19 at 1 p.m.

Where: 2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403

Soon we will experience the shortest day of the year. Learn about the winter solstice and some of the traditions of other cultures surrounding this special time of the year. Some people celebrate a twelve-day holiday called the Yule. Many modern traditions, such as the Christmas tree, the Christmas wreath, and the Yule log were derived from winter solstice customs. The celebration of the day was interpreted as a reawakening of nature. Children will hear a seasonal story and make a winter solstice craft. Pre-registration is required; meet in the Salt Wing. All ages.

Cost: $5 craft fee for children only

 

  

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