Bucks Happening’s Weekly Guide

Baby it's cold outside! While mother nature is doing her best to keep us home under a warm blanket all week long, it's difficult to stay inside when there are so many wonderful things to do around Bucks County. Check out some of our favorites for this week and visit the Bucks Happening calendar and holiday guide for more goodies.

We're officially in the dog days of the holiday season! First, while most of us have our fair share of embarrassing portraits from holidays past, now our four legged friends can join in the tradition. On Friday, December 10th, from 11am-5pm bring your pets to Bucks Country Gardens to have pet's photo taken in a nostalgic winter wonderland setting. All proceeds will benefit Lulu's Rescue Foster Program ($20 suggested donation). Stay to enjoy toasting marshmallows over an open fire, a live petting zoo with barnyard animals, and a visit with Mrs. Santa Claus. Next, join the Bucks County SPCA at their Holiday Open House on Friday from 6-8pm. This year's open house features photographic artist and BCSPCA volunteer Melissa McDaniel. Her new book, “Rescued in America”, will be available for purchase, and 30% of the proceeds will go to the shelter. While you enjoy light refreshments, stop by the “Giving Tree” to see what you can give to the animals.

On Friday evening, from 4:30-6pm, Trim a Tree for Wildlife at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, PA. Spread holiday cheer outdoors by making edible ornaments for wildlife. Learn how animals survive the winter, hear a story and make several holiday treats out of natural materials to decorate the Preserve’s trees or bring home. Dress warmly for a short walk; then enjoy cookies and cider. Bring a sandwich-size plastic container and a bag for your goodies. Non-members: $8 adult/$5 child, $25 families; Preserve members: $5 adult/$3 child, $15 families Pre-registration required by Wednesday, December 8, call (215) 862-2924. Pay upon arrival.

One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is to attend a show by one of the many talented theater groups throughout Bucks County. The beloved Bucks County Playhouse just announced that this holiday season will be it's last under long-time director & owner, Ralph Miller. The Children’s Musical Theater recently premiered “Babes in Toyland,” which will run through Dec. 18. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Also, check out holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, which premiere December 9th and runs through the 23rd.

Fill your craven for the holidays with two fantastic events this week at the historic Craven Hall. On Friday, December 10th, they'll hold their annual Holiday Open House from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM. The Open House will feature open hearth cooking demonstrations as well as old-fashion games and activities for children. Interpreters in period costumes will conduct candlelight tours of the historic building, which will be decorated in full holiday splendor. Guests will receive complimentary hot mulled cider from an early colonial recipe. Admission to the Open House is complimentary. However, donations are always graciously accepted. Then on Sunday at 3:00pm, Craven Hall will host local author, Jeanette Fusco at her book launch and signing for her much-anticipated second novel, Seagate House, Legacies of Long Beach Island. Fans and friends will be able to meet with the author and have copies of the book signed by Ms. Fusco at this kick-off event. Books will be available for purchase that evening at Craven Hall.

On Sunday at 1pm, head over to the Mercer Museum for “Quilts Through the Ages,” starting at 2pm with author and Historian, Nancy Roan. December 12, 1 p.m. Mercer Museum 84 S. Pine Street Doylestown, PA Admission: $12 general admission/$10 Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society members 215-345-0210 x132 The Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society welcome historian and author, Nancy Roan, to the Mercer Museum to present her program “Quilts Through the Ages”. Roan, a member of the Goschenhoppen Historians, will share quilts from her collection while taking participants on a journey to discover their fascinating stories. Roan has authored several books on the art of quilting including “Lest I Shall be Forgotten: Anecdotes and Traditions of Quilts”. Light refreshments will be served following the program.

Finally, kick off the work week by attending Bucks Happening’s Holiday Tweet Drive on Monday, December 13^th at Triumph Brewery in New Hope. Bucks Happening has teamed up the local organizers of the Holiday Tweet Drive, a nation-wide toy/clothing drive that will use social media to give back to children who are less fortunate and spread some holiday cheer along the way. Its simple- bring a new toy or article of clothing to Triumph Brewery on Monday, December 13th at 7pm and then join in the big holiday celebration until 9pm. We’ll bring fun raffle prizes; Triumph will bring the delicious beer, and all you need to bring is a toy and your party shoes! Each donation will go to the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter in Levittown, PA.