Peddler's Village Welcomes The Season With A Million Lights

LAHASKA, PA — Peddler’s Village kicks off the season with an extended three-day Holiday Weekend Kickoff beginning on Friday and continuing through Sunday.

Entertainment and festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday with sing-alongs, carolers, and special musical performances by hosts Martin & Kelly. At 6:15 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will preside at the Grand Illumination, ceremoniously switching on a million colorful lights throughout the village.

Admission and parking are free Friday night, although the village recommends arriving early as traffic delays can be expected.

The Holiday Weekend Kickoff continues on Saturday and Sunday with a Gingerbread House Competition and Display, live entertainment, plenty of shopping opportunities, outdoor food, and drinks. And nighttime strolls through the illuminated village.

Holiday Weekend Kickoff hours are: Friday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Peddler's Village popular "Tunnel of Lights." (Tohickon Media)

(Peddler's Village Gingerbread Train Station)

(Peddler's Village Gingerbread House)

The Gingerbread Competition & Display, which opens on Friday and continues during shopping hours through January 12, takes place at the Visitor & Event Center both days.

Guests are invited to follow the winding brick pathways to discover the latest in apparel, accessories, home goods, furniture, handcrafted items, toys, books, collectibles, and more at 60+ specialty shops and boutiques.

On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, including strolling performers, carolers, and holiday surprises. Indoor dining and outdoor food and drink options will be available. Free admission and parking.

Saturday, November 15

• 5 to 7 p.m., Strolling, Galena Brass Band
• 3 to 6 p.m., Gazebo, Fortune’s Follies Dickens Show
• 4 to 6 p.m., Gazebo, Martin & Kelly

Sunday, November 16

• 5 to 7 p.m., Strolling, Galena Brass Band
• 1 to 4 p.m., Strolling, Spiced Punch
• 3 to 7 p.m., Strolling, Fortune's Follies Dickens Show
• 1 to 3 p.m., Gazebo, Martin & Kelly

Through December 7, 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 that will be collected at village restaurants, Giggleberry Fair, and the Visitor & Event Center.

On weeknight evenings in December, Peddler’s Village will present its Enchanted Evenings, which will feature entertainment on select evenings 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. Guests are also invited to the village-wide happy hour that takes place every weekday from 4-6 p.m.

Besides the picturesque setting, visitors can enjoy 60+ small shops and boutiques with one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal food and beverages from restaurants, and music played throughout the Village. Visit the Visitor & Event Center to see more than 100 gingerbread creations on display (open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

Popular features include the iconic “tunnel of lights” and a magnificently decorated holiday tree on the Village Green. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit the Village, though, due to high weekend foot traffic, weekday visits are recommended when traveling with a furry companion.

Holiday Events At Peddler’s Village

• Gingerbread Competition & Display: November 14 through January 17. Open during shopping hours. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. A holiday tradition since 1984, the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display features more than 100 festive gingerbread creations crafted by local residents, organizations, and professional bakers in various categories that include Traditional, Holly Jolly, Incredibly Unusual 3-D Creation, and, new for this year, Nostalgic Lights and Silent Nights. The exhibit will be on display at the Visitor & Event Center and will be open during shopping hours. Free admission.
• Holiday Kickoff Weekend: November 14 through November 16. The holiday season officially begins at Peddler’s Village during the village's Holiday Kickoff Weekend, three days of festive events, music, and outdoor food and drinks that begin with the annual Grand Illumination Celebration on Friday, November 14.
• Photos with Santa: Friday through Sunday, November 14 through December 20. On weekends starting November 14, Santa will welcome children for smiles and photos at Giggleberry Fair, the indoor family fun center at Peddler’s Village. Photo packages available.
• Breakfast with Santa at Giggleberry Fair: Sundays, November 23, 30, December 7, and 14. 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 27. 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. This year, in addition to its annual buffet, the Cock ‘n Bull will be presenting a second dining option that includes a plated entrée plus appetizer and dessert stations. Reservations required.
• Small Business Saturday: Saturday, November 29. With dozens of locally owned shops, Peddler’s Village is the perfect place to shop small. Supporting local businesses helps the community and provides guests with a one-of-a-kind personal shopping experience.
• Holly Jolly Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at our Holly Jolly Weekend featuring a Santa parade starting at 1:30 p.m. on both days. The weekend includes live entertainment and performances, activities, holiday food and drink specials, and the gingerbread display. Free admission and parking.
• Brunch with Santa: Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21. Enjoy a magical brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cock ‘n Bull that features a delicious buffet brunch, story time, 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 9 and 10 and January 16 and 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. Fire & Frost Fun is a magical winter event, with whimsical ice sculptures placed throughout the Village that glow under bright holiday lights and offer the ultimate Instagram-worthy scene. This picture-perfect event also features fire artistry performances, ice carving demonstrations, a family-friendly Jack Frost scavenger hunt, and outdoor food and drinks. Free admission and parking.

Beginning November 17 and continuing through November 26, shopping hours at Peddler’s Village are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November 28 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. Beginning January 2 and continuing through January 18, shopping hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.