The theatre is a hot ticket during the holiday season and this weekend, we have the show selections for you! Experience the Ballet Arts of Bucks County's Winter Wonderland or sing along with Handel's Messiah and full orchestra. Or, if you feel like taking advantage of the sunny weather this weekend skate at the Neshaminy ice rink with friends and family. Whether you're a lover of the arts or an outdoorsy person, we have fun winter weekend happenings for you!

Handel's Messiah Sing-Along with Full Orchestra

When: Saturday, December 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Where: Delaware Valley University Life Sciences Theatre

 700 E Butler Ave, New Britian, PA 18901

The Bucks County Gilbert & Sullivan Society and members of the community will join voices for their ninth annual Handel's Messiah Sing-Along event! The Sing-Along will be accompanied by the 40-piece orchestra and guest soloists will sing the operatic arias and all are invited to join in on the choruses. Admission is $15, and children 13 and under enter for free.

Get Outside on the Ice!

When: December 15, 2022 – February 26, 2023

Where: Neshaminy Mall

707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020

Flight on Ice is bringing an ice rink to your backyard in Bensalem this winter! The 60×100 outdoor rink is conveniently located in the parking lot, connecting to the former Sears Automotive Center and directly outside the AMC Movie Theatre. Are you a frequent skater? Buy a season pass and bring your skates to come all season long! Looking for just an afternoon of skating? No problem! Buy hour-long skating tickets for you and your friends! Get tickets here.

An American Celtic Christmas

When: Saturday, December 17

Where: The Keswick Theatre

291 N Keswick Ave, Glenside, PA 19038

The Philadelphia Celtic Rock band Jamison presents An American Celtic Christmas for the 10th year in a row! The show combines Irish, holiday, and upbeat music with world-champion-ranked Irish dancers for a performance that is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. Special guest appearances by John Byrne, Raymond Coleman, Callie Pirog, and more!

Elf Screening

When: Saturday, December 17 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: The Newtown Theatre

120 North State Street, Newtown, Pa 18940

Santa? I know him! Come watch the family-fun movie Elf with your community at The Newtown Theatre this weekend! Admission is $5 per person at the door. The concession stand will be open throughout the film where movie goers can purchase popcorn, candy, and drinks!

Ballet Arts of Bucks County Winter Wonderland

When: Sunday, December 18

Where: Delaware Valley University Life Sciences Auditorium

700 E Butler Ave, New Britain, PA 18901

Ballet Arts of Bucks County presents its annual seasonal ballet performance of Winter Wonderland this weekend at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Join the Ballet Arts dancers in a festive celebration of ballet with whimsical wintery dancing penguins, snowflakes, and little snowmen, as well as excerpts from the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. It's a magical performance for the whole family! Purchase tickets at www.balletarts.com

Holiday Cookie Sale and Gift Boutique

When: Sunday, December 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Riegelsville Public Library

615 Easton Rd, Riegelsville, PA 18077

Indulge in freshly baked homemade cookies sold by the pound at the Riegelsville library this Sunday! There will also be a gift boutique, featuring various vendors to help you finish your holiday shopping. All proceeds will benefit the local library!

Elmwood Park's Wild Lights

When: Sunday, December 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401

If you haven't visited Elmwood Park already to see their Wild Lights display for the holiday season, don't walk, run! Through December 30, join in on this walk-through experience that surrounds walkers in dazzling light displays, illuminated animals, and live entertainment. Yearly members tickets are free for babies ages 0-2, $10.95 for child admission (ages 3 -12) and adults for $14.95. For non-members, prices are $15.95 for children and $19.95 for adults. Purchase your tickets here!

Hanukkah in Doylestown

When: Sunday, December 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: State and Hamilton Streets Doylestown, Pa

Join Temple Judea for a fun and interactive community Hanukkah celebration for everyone! Sing along to your favorite holiday tunes, eat delicious donuts, receive treat bags, make crafts, take your luck at raffle prizes, and more!

Other Weekly Happenings:

River House Author Series

When: Wednesday, December 21

Where: River House at Odette's

274 South River Road, New Hope, Pa 18938

Calling all literary buffs! River House at Odette's is continuing its Author Series in partnership with Doylestown Bookshops. Each month celebrated writers, including multiple New York Times Best-Selling authors, will host meet and greets, book signings, and private readings during their stay at the historic hotel. An added twist to the book club concept, a literary-inspired cocktail will be curated each month for guests to immerse themselves in the selected narratives. This month, Lynn Steger Strong will be visiting to discuss their recent literary work, Flight.

New Jersey Weekend Happenings

Holiday Fest at Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn

When: Saturday, December 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn

11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530

Experience two days of festive family fun along the banks of the Delaware River! Enjoy delicious seasonal food and drinks, browse through tables of local specialty vendors, be entertained by local school choirs, and take photos with Santa. The event is partnering with the local food pantry, Fisherman's Mark, so please bring canned and non-perishable food items. For every canned good donated, you will receive one raffle ticket for a chance to win a one-night stay at the hotel!

Santa in Flemington

When: Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18

Where: Stangl Factory

50 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822

Santa is visiting Flemington Borough for fun photo opportunities! Santa will be set up in a holiday setting that allows for social distancing if needed. Please use your own cell phone or camera to snap photos. Pre-registration is required for picture time with Santa and in the case of inclement weather or a change of location, you will be notified.

In addition, on select Thursdays in December, enjoy free events around town such as a free concert at Stangl Factory, holiday shopping at boutiques and breweries from Main to Stangl! For more information, visit www.loveflemington.com

Winter Farmers' Market

When: Sunday, December 18

Where: Dvoor Farm

111 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822

Hunterdon Land Trust's final Winter Farmers' Market will be this weekend on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic Dvoor Farm. The market will feature several new vendors along with many returning favorites. After this Sunday, the market will go on hiatus until the spring, so make sure to stop by!

City Happenings

Old City Holiday Shopping Stroll

When: Wednesday, December 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Old City District
www.oldcitydistrict.org

Old City shops will stay open late this Wednesday for special holiday shopping hours! Receive a free Old City tote bag with any purchase – while supplies last – at participating locations and don’t miss the Farmers Market at Christ Church’s Holiday Makers Market from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Look for a list of stores and locations, promotions, and features and other details – but for now, save the date and make it a night in Old City!

Holiday Tea Service and Art De Noel

When: Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
120 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.sofitel-philadelphia.com/happenings/

The afternoon tea service is back just in time for the holidays! The culinary team presents all of your tea service favorites from sweet to savory – plus enjoy a selection of amazing teas and a cocktail. Holiday tea service is set for Friday and Saturday but check the website for dates as the holiday approaches for updates. Menu offerings include plain and seasonal scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries, plus an exquisite selection of teas to pick from. Also, come out and celebrate the holidays with one of the most out-of-the-box, creative, and visually stunning Christmas displays in Center City with Art De Noel!

The Igloos at Figo Ristorante & New Christmas Bar

Where: 1033 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.uptownbeer.com/

Taking a page right from the arctic, the city's most fantastical igloos are popping up one by one, on Philadelphia's Restaurant Row in Northern Liberties! Each igloo comes with heat, clear views of the nighttime skies, full table service, and more insulation for the heat. Each igloo seats between four and six people, and they give a full view of the Northern Liberties sidewalk scene. A giant outdoor Christmas bar is also being built and enclosing the entire outdoor covered cocktail garden and adding gorgeous outdoor heaters. The Igloos will also host the grand return of the Ice Queen and the Northern Liberties Princess Brunch, on Saturdays, December 10 and 17, 2022, and Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Countdown to Noon with Cinderella returns on New Year's Eve Day – free this year, and included with brunch reservations. For more on Figo, visit https://www.figoitalian.com/.

Brunch with Santa

When: Sunday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: The Olde Bar

125 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Pricing: $45 adult, $25 children under 12 (plus tax & grat)
Reserve via OpenTable Experience at Theoldebar.com
http://theoldebar.com/

Santa is making his annual stop at The Olde Bar!  This family tradition returns with a festive brunch while dining with the big man himself. Kids have a chance to chat with Santa, parents can snap photos and everyone enjoys a festive brunch! The menu includes silver dollar pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs, biscuits & mushroom gravy,  shrimp & Grits, Steak & Eggs, Crab Fries, and more. Don't forget the hot chocolate and cookies, of course!

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