Holiday Open House To Spotlight Doylestown's Cultural District

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Mercer Museum's annual Holiday Open House returns to the Doylestown Cultural District on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m.

This year’s celebration will be highlighted by concurrent events at the Mercer Museum, the Michener Art Museum, and at the Bucks County Free Library Doylestown Branch.

At the Mercer Museum, guests can delight in the sounds, scents and scenes of the holidays at for an evening of free musical performances, family activities, and a visit with Santa.

Santa will arrive at 7:15 p.m. to the musical accompaniment of the Central Bucks East Brass Ensemble, and will spread joy and take photos in the Mercer Museum’s historic Log House until 9 p.m.

Local musical performers at the Mercer Museum include the Delaware Valley Saxophone Quartet, Central Bucks High School East Chamber Ensemble & Symphonic Band, Council Rock High School South Vocal Ensemble, Council Rock High School South Carolers, Souderton Area High School Choir, and the Bucks County Country Gentlemen.

Santa makes his grand entrance at the Mercer Museum. (Kevin Crawford)

A choir performs on the floor of the Mercer Museum in Doylestown. (Kevin Crawford)

Special family offerings include Hanukkah celebrations and the dreidel game presented by Temple Judea, coloring and craft activities for kids, and rare evening access to the museum’s major exhibition, "The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution," featuring harp demonstrations with Darcy Fair. Hot apple cider will be served indoors in the museum’s Learning Center, sponsored by the Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society.

Mercer Museum President and CEO Kyle McKoy shares, “We love kicking off the winter season with neighbors and friends at this beloved annual tradition. The Mercer Museum welcomes guests of all ages at this free community event every year, and Henry Mercer’s historic landmark comes alive with the sounds of talented musicians, family-friendly activities, and a special visit from Santa!”

As part of the Doylestown Cultural District’s shared holiday celebration, The Michener Art Museum and Bucks County Free Library will also host a variety of performances, crafts, and activities throughout the evening.

The Michener Art Museum will host Ballet Arts of Bucks County, CB West’s Chamber Choir, and the CB Groove Cuts. They will also offer seasonal treats for purchase at Mama Hawk’s Café at the Michener, and have seasonal arts and crafts activities for kids of all ages.

“The Michener Art Museum is thrilled to participate in Doylestown Cultural District’s event, Holiday Open House,” says Anne Corso, executive director/CEO, Michener Art Museum. “We will showcase a variety of performances by the region’s best student groups, as well as art activities and scavenger hunts through our galleries.”

Across Pine Street, the Bucks County Free Library will host, “Reading Bedtime Stories to the Dogs," featuring a volunteer therapy dog, as well as Pajama Storytime and crafts in the Children’s Area. Hot cocoa will be served in the library’s backyard.

"Bucks County Free Library is thrilled to partner with our Doylestown neighbors for this year's Holiday Open House,” says Dana Barber, Chief Executive Officer, Bucks County Free Library. “Stop by for a warm welcome, featuring winter-themed stories and crafts. Plus, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Doylestown Library, children can enjoy the special experience of reading bedtime stories to friendly therapy dogs. Stop by the library for a pawsitively festive time!"

Event Details

• What: Doylestown Cultural District Holiday Open House
• Where: Mercer Museum, Michener Art Museum, and the Bucks County Free Library.
• When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Admission: Free

The event is rain or shine. Certain activities and locations may be altered due to weather. Please note that the historic nature of the castle portion of the Mercer Museum offers partial accessibility due to narrow passageways. It is not climate-controlled and may experience fluctuations in temperature and humidity, depending on external weather conditions. The ground floor of the Mercer Museum features a modern wing that is fully accessible and climate-controlled with a changing exhibit gallery, museum shop, and restrooms.

Instrumentalists perform on the ground floor of the Mercer Museum. (Kevin Crawford)