Cheap Trips: Holiday Edition!

Want to get out of town and go for a trip, but looking to save money?

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: Tri-County Performing Arts Center and Village Productions in Pottstown, Lights in the Parkway in Allentown, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem and Victorian Christmas in Malvern.

Address: 245 East High St., Pottstown
How Far From Norristown: About 30 minutes or 22 miles.
Admission:  

• Adult: Thursday $18; Friday, Saturday and Sunday $21
• Student/Seniors (65+): Thursday $16; Friday, Saturday and Sunday $19
• Child (12 & under) Thursday $13; Friday, Saturday and Sunday $15
• Online coupon $10

Summary: Tri-County Performing Arts Center and Village Productions, founded in 2001, is a theater organization showcasing several stage plays and musicals throughout the year. This organization additionally holds summer camps for aspiring performers. In December,, Village Productions will perform “A Christmas Story,” the classic holiday tale of the mischievous Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas. Showtimes are Thursdays, Dec. 1 (preview), 8 and 15, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 3 p.m.

Links:

• Center’s Website

Bethlehem's Christkindlmarkt

Address: First Street and Founders Way, Bethlehem
How Far From Norristown: About 1 hour or 45 miles.
Admission:  

• Daily pass $8
• Season pass $15

Hours: The market will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for four more weekends this season.

• Nov. 25-27
• Dec. 1-4
• Dec. 8-11
• Dec. 15-18

Summary: This European-style marketplace features handmade items by more than 100 artisans. Listen to live holiday music and eat German-style food while browsing and buying. Christkindlmarkt includes ice-carving and glass-blowing demonstrations. New this year are sessions on making your own glass ornament. Travel and Leisure magazine has called Christkindlmarkt one of the best holiday markets in the world.

Links:

• Christkindlmarkt Website
• 5 Things

Malvern Victorian Christmas

Address: East King St. & Channing Ave., Malvern (Friday, Dec. 2) and West King St. & North Warren Ave., Malvern (Saturday, Dec. 3)

How Far From Norristown: About 20 minutes or 14 miles.
Admission: Free
Hours: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 & 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

Summary: Step back in time and enjoy a free weekend of music and holiday events at the Malvern Victorian Christmas. The two-day event kicks off with the Lighting of the Town’s Tree at 6 p.m. on Friday and the arrival of Santa, who will be around both days. Activities include hayrides, carolers, live music, arts and crafts and two performances by The Philadelphia Boys Choir. Children will also get a chance to make a gingerbread house while adults can tour shops along King Street. All events are free, but some require free tickets (check the website for information).
Links:

• December 2 (Friday) Event Listing
• December 3 (Saturday) Event Listing
• Event Website
• December 2 (Friday) Schedule
• December 3 (Saturday) Schedule

Lights in the Parkway

Address: 1700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown
How far from Norristown?  
Admission: $10 per car
Hours: 5:30-10 p.m., Nov. 25-27; Dec. 1-Jan. 2. Closed Christmas Day.

Summary: This drive-through lights display covers more than a mile of one of Allentown's most beautiful parks (Lehigh Parkway) and features lighted trees, light tunnels and animated displays. Holiday scenes will be featured along with The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and other family favorites. All new is a special section dedicated to Allentown’s 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout 2012. It takes about 25 minutes to drive through the display. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available at $10 per person. After your tour, visit the Lights In The Parkway Gift Barn.

Links:

• Website