While this is technically one of the darkest weekends of the year, all of the holiday happenings brighten the long nights! Check out our 2011 holiday guide, continuous calendar of events, & restaurant guide to stay on top of all the latest to-dos, and below, check out your weekend guide for December 15th – 18th in 2011.

First on Thursday, December 15th, it's the Bucks Happening Soldiers' Angels Holiday Happy Hour at Isaac Newtons, featuring beer tastings by River Horse Brewing Company!  Join us from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for an evening of great people and awesome beer for an important cause. Cover of $10 will include your first drink and all proceeds will go to Soldiers' Angels.

After work on Friday, December 16th, get in the holiday spirit at the Ho-Ho-Holiday Concert and Sing-Along at Crossing Vineyards, happening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The popular local duo Tradin’ Eights guarantees to have you dreaming of a White Christmas on this special evening of classic holiday music, featuring a sing-along with all your seasonal favorites. Refreshments following the concert. Cost: $40 per person.

Long nights means it's almost time for Winter Solstice (or as we like to think of it, almost time to start getting sunnier!).  Whether you love the dark or long for the long days of summer, join in the fun on Saturday December 17^th at 7:00pm at the Visitors’ Building- 1306 Bath Road, Bristol, PA.  Join in a relaxing evening to celebrate the Solstice. Take a candlelit walk in the woods, warm yourself by a campfire, listen to the West Chester Harp Ensemble, discover more local history with historian Clarence King, or sample homemade treats.  $10/member, $15/non-member.  $10-$15.  Call 215-785-1177 or stop in to Nature Center.

This weekend, it's one of your last chances to catch The Nutcracker, which will be performed at Central Buck South High School Theater.  Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania is bringing its acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker” to the Doylestown area in December. We will be performing a full version of the two-act ballet classic at Central Bucks High School South in Warrington, Bucks County. This production will showcase the 30 pre-professional members of Dance Theatre and feature opulent costumes, detailed sets and our original choreography. Join us for the Nutcracker. It’s a show that will quickly become a holiday tradition for your family!

Grab the kids and head to breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 18th at 9am at The Market at DelVal in Doylestown.  Two seatings are available- 9am and 11am. The menu features fresh fruits, French toast, pancakes, eggs, bacon & more! Reservation and pre-payment is required. Also, bring your camera for pictures with Santa, free of charge. He will be available from 9am to 1pm.

This weekend is your last chance to check out the Gingerbread House Contest in Doylestown Borough. The Local Merchants of Doylestown Borough have invited children and adults to let their holiday spirit and creativity run wild!  Participants have created a holiday work of art using entirely edible materials; gingerbread, icing and gumdrops.

Santa Claus is coming to town! On Sunday, December 18, he will be spreading holiday cheer throughout the township during the Upper Makefield Fire Company’s annual Santa Parade. UMFC will again be conducting their annual food drive collecting non-perishable food items which will be delivered to the Penndel Food Pantry. The fire company supports the food pantry’s effort to help needy families in Bucks County to enjoy a joyful holiday. All donations are greatly appreciated. Items needed are: sources of protein (beans, tuna, canned stew and chili), juices, cereal for all ages, canned fruit and vegetables, applesauce, soup, mac & cheese, pasta & sauces. Food donations will be accepted the day of the Santa Parade from 9AM – 4PM at UMFC Station 71 on Taylorsville Road or when visiting with Santa 6:30PM – 8PM at the firehouse. All participants in the food drive will be entered in a drawing to win a holiday gift certificate.

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