photo by Benoit Cortet
Peddler’s Village, a countryside shopping, dining, lodging, and family entertainment destination in the heart of historic Bucks County, PA, will kick off the holiday season this year on Friday, November 15 with its Holiday Kickoff Weekend that begins with an evening Grand Illumination Celebration, during which Santa and Mrs. Claus switch on a million colorful lights. The Holiday Kickoff Weekend also marks the opening of the annual Gingerbread Competition and Display which includes more than 100 carefully crafted gingerbread creations. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. The presenting sponsor of the Holiday Kickoff Weekend is NRG.
With its 60-plus specialty shops and boutiques, free million-light display, special events, and multiple restaurants and eateries, Peddler’s Village has become a renowned holiday destination for shopping, dining, and strolling. Guests can walk through the outdoor Village—which has been called “the most Instagrammable spot in the Philadelphia area” during the holiday season—with hot or cold to-go beverages while listening to classic holiday tunes. Private space is also available for business or personal holiday parties. The holiday lights and gingerbread display continue through January 19, 2025.
Through December 8, Peddler’s Village will also be hosting a toy drive in partnership with the Salvation Army. Guests are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, socks, gloves, and blankets. which will be collected at Village restaurants, Giggleberry Fair, and the Visitor & Event Center.
On weeknight evenings in December, Peddler’s Village will present a free Enchanted Evenings series of events that feature after-dark entertainment as well as the opportunity to shop, take photos, and stroll the Village when it is less crowded than it often is on holiday weekends.
Besides the picturesque setting, you can enjoy 60+ small shops and boutiques with one-of-a-kind gifts, tasty food and beverages from our restaurants and music played throughout the Village. Be sure to see the stunning display of 125 gingerbread creations, and don’t miss the “tunnel of lights.” Live entertainment is presented on select evenings.
Here is the lineup of holiday events taking place at Peddler’s Village this season:
Grand Illumination Celebration
Friday, November 15; 4:30 – 9 p.m.
Celebrating the 24th annual Grand Illumination Celebration, Santa & Mrs. Claus will switch on a million colorful holiday lights at 6:15 p.m. to the sounds of carolers, musicians, and sing-alongs. Special guest musical performers Martin & Kelly will host the annual lighting ceremony, which will include carolers, the Grinch, and other performers. Entertainment and festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. Shops will be open until 10 p.m. during the Grand Illumination Celebration. Admission and parking are free. The presenting sponsor of the Grand Illumination Celebration is NRG. This is a very popular event, so please plan to arrive early, as traffic delays can be expected, and parking can reach full capacity.
Gingerbread Competition & Display
November 15 through January 19, 2025; Open during shopping hours. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
A holiday tradition since 1984, the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display will feature more than 100 festive gingerbread creations crafted by the public represented in various categories that include Traditional, Holly Jolly, Incredibly Unusual 3-D Creation, and Reproduction of a Movie or TV Set. The exhibit will be on display at the Visitor & Event Center and will be open during shopping hours. Free admission.
Holiday Kickoff Weekend
November 15 through November 17
During our Holiday Kickoff Weekend, guests are invited to follow the winding brick paths to find the best in apparel, accessories, home goods, furniture, fine art, handcrafted items, books, toys and games, and plenty of gifts and collectibles from our 60+ specialty shops and boutiques. The Village will be illuminated with a million lights on Friday evening, November 15, and on Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy a variety of live entertainment that will include carolers, strolling performers, and other holiday surprises. Indoor dining as well as outdoor food and drink options, including food trucks, will be available. Free admission and parking. The presenting sponsor of the Holiday Kickoff Weekend is NRG.
Photos with Santa
Friday through Sunday, November 15 through December 21, excluding Friday, December 20
On weekends starting November 15, Santa will welcome children for smiles and photos at Giggleberry Fair, the indoor family fun center at Peddler’s Village. Photo packages start at $25.
Breakfast with Santa at Giggleberry Fair
Sundays, November 17, 24, December 1 and 8
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at our indoor family fun center, Giggleberry Fair, with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children will enjoy story time, a sing-along, and more. Reservations and tickets are required and can be purchased by calling 215-794-4037.
Thanksgiving Dining
Thursday, November 28
Gather with friends and family at the Cock ‘n Bull’s annual Thanksgiving Buffet or enjoy Thanksgiving Day a la carte specials at Earl’s New American. Reservations required.
Small Business Saturday®
Saturday, November 30
Peddler’s Village is home to dozens of locally owned shops. Shopping small at Peddler’s Village not only supports local businesses and our community, but also provides guests with a unique and personalized shopping experience. Small Business Saturday® is the perfect time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this holiday season.
Holiday Hustle 5K, Presented in Partnership with Scoogie Events
Tuesday, December 3; 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Walk or jog through an illuminated Village bright with a million holiday lights during the Holiday Hustle 5K presented in partnership with Scoogie Events.
Holly Jolly Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season at our Holly Jolly Weekend festival featuring a Santa parade starting at 1:30 p.m. on both days. This special holiday weekend includes live musical entertainment, activities, food and drink specials, and our gingerbread display. Our holiday lights switch on at approximately 4:30 p.m. Free admission and parking.
Brunch with Santa
Sunday, December 15 and Saturday, December 21
Enjoy a magical brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cock ‘n Bull featuring a delicious buffet brunch, storytime, a sing-along with Santa, and craft-making. Reservations and tickets are required and can be obtained online or by calling 215-794-4037.
Fire & Frost Fun
January 10 & 11 and January 17 & 18, 2025; 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Kick off the new year with a festive stroll through a Village-wide display of dozens of whimsical ice carvings reflecting the bright, colorful holiday lights. This picture-perfect event also features fire artistry performances on the Village Green, carving demonstrations, a family-friendly Jack Frost scavenger hunt, and outdoor food and drinks. Free admission and parking.
Beginning November 18 and continuing through November 27, shopping hours at Peddler’s Village are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November 29 through December 30, shopping hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Peddler’s Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
For more information about Peddler’s Village and holiday events, visit PeddlersVillage.com or call 215-794-4051. Parking and admission at Peddler’s Village are free year-round.
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