5 Fun Things To Do This Weekend In Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The weekend before Christmas brings lots of holiday-themed activities to Bucks County, from 'The Nutcracker' to a Festival of Trees.

Santa will be just about everywhere on Saturday and Sunday, greeting youngsters at his temporary workshops in Newtown and Doylestown. He'll also be riding through town on fire engines and boats in at least six Bucks County towns. When you hear the sirens, you'll know Santa is near.

Also this weekend, there will be dazzling light shows at Shady Brook Farm and a live walk-through Nativity to experience.

Here are five fun things to do this weekend that are sure to get you in the holiday mood.

'The Nutcracker' Returns To The Stage In Bucks

The Mid Atlantic Dance Theater is bringing the beloved holiday classic, "The Nutcracker," back to the Bucks County stage. After a six-year hiatus, the production will once again enchant audiences under the co-artistic direction of Andreas Jovovich and Priscilla Garner at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. Performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m. A timeless holiday tradition, The Nutcracker tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Doll, brought to life through choreography, costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.

"The Nutcracker" is returning to the Bucks County stage this weekend.

Fire Companies To Escort Santa Through Town

Firefighters will be escorting Santa through six Bucks County towns this weekend. On Saturday, Santa Runs are scheduled in Newtown (Newtown Fire Rescue between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.), Lingohocken (Buckingham and Wrightstown beginning at 2 p.m.), New Hope Eagle (between 12 and 2 p.m. in New Hope-Solebury), Warminster (beginning at 10 a.m.), and Warrington Township (12 to 4 p.m.). On Sunday, a Santa Parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Upper Makefield. Check your local fire company's Facebook for schedules and then listen for the sirens.

New Hope Eagle Fire Company prepares for Saturday's Santa Run. (New Hope Eagle Fire Company)

Holiday Light Show Is Back At Shady Brook Farm

The holiday magic is back at Shady Brook Farm. The annual Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show is once again mesmerizing crowds with its "millions of dazzling lights" that can be seen via a vehicle drive-through and wagon rides. The show features three million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the farm on 931 Stony Hill Rd., drawing huge crowds every holiday season.

The light show at Shady Brook Farm.

Pearl Buck House Comes Alive With Festival Of Trees

The public is invited to experience a Festival of Trees through Jan. 4 at the Pearl S. Buck House in Hilltown Township. Each year during the festival, the rooms of the farmhouse come alive with the glow of holiday decorations. The event showcases beautifully-decorated trees and vignettes designed by Bucks County’s best artists, decorators, and local community groups to convey the spirit of Pearl S. Buck’s legacy as an author, humanitarian, and activist. Tours are available at 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 1 and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are required.

The library decorated for the holiday season at the Pearl S. Buck House. (Pearl Buck House)

Walk-Through Living Nativity Experience In Bucks

This weekend, the grounds of the Living Hope Community Church on Route 313 in Dublin will be transformed into the little town of Bethlehem. During four faith-filled, memorable nights, the church will stage Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor live-action immersion nativity - a 50-minute outdoor walk-through drama. More than 12,000 guests will again experience a nativity that isn’t a play to watch, but a live-action world to walk through. There are showtimes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Tickets are not required, but visitors are asked to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for each show.

(Living Hope Church)