Bucks Happening This Weekend: Happy Chanukah!

The holidays are in full swing (with Chanukah starting this weekend) so don't forget to check out our guide for Thursday, December 6th, 2012 – Sunday, December 9th, 2012 below. We have included some of the best events happening in Bucks County this weekend. Also, make sure to check out more fun things to do on our 2012 Holiday Guide, sortable calendar of events & restaurant guide.

North Pole Express
New Hope Ivyland Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope
Trains leaving as early as 11:00am

Ride the rails with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a host of holiday revelers for a truly unique holiday experience the whole family is sure to enjoy! Children and adults of all ages are invited to ride the special holiday train, sip hot cocoa and enjoy cookies while Santa visits with each child and presents them with a special gift. Also onboard, local musicians play & sing Christmas carols for all to enjoy and participate in. Children are encouraged to come dressed in the pajama's as well. Costs for tickets range from $10.25 to $50.

Paul Byrom
Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave, Sellersville
8:00pm

Hailed as Ireland’s premier tenor, Paul Byrom recorded his first album as a boy soprano at 14 and his holiday album “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – from which he’ll perform many selections – hit the Classical Billboard Charts. Paul’s latest “This Is The Moment” debuted number one on the World Billboard Chart and some of his career highlights include performing for many international dignitaries, most recently President Obama, and high profile sporting events including the Phillies! In 2007 Paul was invited to join Celtic Thunder as one of five soloists and fans call Byrom “The Swanky Tenor” for his suave and romantic style.

Christmas in Doylestown Holiday House Tour and Boutique
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church 84 East Oakland Avenue, Doylestown
6:00pm – 9:00pm (also Saturday, December 8th, 11:00am – 4:00pm)

The Christmas in Doylestown House Tour and Boutique is sponsored by Saint Paul’s Church to raise funds for the local homeless shelter and various projects at Saint Paul’s. This multi-level event takes place on the first Friday and Saturday in December. This year, four borough homes, decorated inside and out, will be featured on the house tour. Paxson Hall is transformed to a festive holiday boutique, featuring Tea for house tour ticket holders, and a full array of baked goods, our famous butter cookies, custom greens, gifts for the holiday, the Christmas Attic, Raffles & Refreshments. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Santa Visits the Y
Central Bucks Family YMCA, 2500 Lower State Road, Doylestown, PA
6:30pm – 8:00pm

Here comes Santa by fire truck! Bring your cameras for pictures with Santa by the fireplace, lots of live holiday music and refreshments.

Chanukah Candle Lighting
Bristol Jewish Center, 216 Pond St, Bristol
December 8th, 5:00pm

Join the Bristol Jewish Center for Saturday evening services followed by the lighting of their 6 foot Chanukah Menorah. Afterwards, there will be a Pot Luck Dinner and more Chanukah activities. Rabbi Shelley will be officiating. Check out the Bristol Jewish Center website for more information on the Pot Luck dinner.

Family Movie Day
Country Theatre, 20 E State St, Doylestown
10:00am – 12:00pm

Join the County Theater for its annual charity driven event. This year's Family Movie Day features a choice of two family-friendly films, Brave or The Princess Bride, and activities to kick off the holiday season. Featuring special guest, face painting, music, sing-a-long, and more! Admission is free with a donation of non-perishable food, gas card, or septa tokens. (Minimum value $10). All donations and proceeds from the event benefit NOVA Bucks.

Chanukah Parade and Celebration
Lubavitch of Bucks County. 25 N. State St, Newtown
Parade starts at 4:30pm

March down State Street for the giant outdoor menorah lighting. The parade will be followed up with music, latkas, dreidelmania, refreshments, and crafts for the children.

The Nutcracker
Central Bucks High School South, 1100 Folly Road, Warrington
12:00pm – 2:00pm, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Join the Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania with its acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker.” After sell-out crowds last season, the Doylestown-based ballet company will again present the two-act, Tchaikovsky ballet. The production will feature more than 30 Dance Theatre members, plus guest artists from some of the country’s top ballet companies.