New Homes in Bucks County are Surrounded by a World of Holiday Wonder

The best holiday events in Bucks County for 2026 include A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place, the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show, the Grand Illumination at Peddler's Village, the 50th Annual Festival of Trees at the Pearl S. Buck House and the 250th anniversary Christmas crossing at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Several of these events need advance tickets or reservations, so plan ahead.

As wintertime settles in, Bucks County residents look forward to celebrating the season at a variety of holiday-themed, family-friendly attractions. The festivities kick off in mid-November and continue into the new year, offering plenty of time to enjoy twinkling lights, fun characters, cozy getaways and much more. Many of these destinations are a short drive from neighborhoods Hallmark Homes Group has built in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Key Takeaways

• The 50th Annual Festival of Trees at the Pearl S. Buck House opens November 10 and runs through January 3, with tickets and reservations required.
• A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place runs select dates from November 14 to January 3 and is included with regular park admission.
• Peddler's Village switches on one million lights at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, November 20, and its Gingerbread Competition & Display opens the same day.
• The Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show opens November 21, and 2026 is the last year for its two-mile drive-through show as guests know it.
• Washington Crossing Historic Park marks the 250th anniversary of Washington's crossing with a ticketed First Crossing on December 13 and a free Christmas Day Crossing on December 25.
• The Christmas Museum at Byers' Choice in Chalfont is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday.
• Dates, hours and ticket rules change, so confirm details with each venue before you go.

Holiday Events in Bucks County at a Glance

Get Into Character at A Very Furry Christmas

Everyone's favorite characters at Sesame Place Philadelphia host A Very Furry Christmas on select dates from Nov. 14 through Jan. 3. Santa's Grand Illumination kicks off the season on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m., when the park lights up with millions of twinkling lights.

Visitors can catch the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show, a 30-foot tree with a holiday music and lights display, along with the Sesame Street Christmas Parade and a visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop. The event is included with regular park admission.

Ride Santa's North Pole Express Train

Embark on Santa's North Pole Express Train for a festive journey from the historic New Hope Station. The train runs select dates from Nov. 20 through Dec. 30, and the round trip to Lahaska takes about an hour. Vintage diesel locomotives pull the cars, and riders enjoy live carols, hot cocoa and a fresh cookie.

Children can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, share their holiday wishes and receive a sleigh bell. Pajamas are encouraged. Tickets must be bought in advance and the train can sell out, so book early.

Light Up the Night at Shady Brook Farm

Shady Brook Farm in Yardley opens its Holiday Light Show on Saturday, Nov. 21. The show features more than four million lights across a two-mile route of animated figures and glowing displays, and guests can take it in from their own vehicle or from an open-air wagon ride.

This is a season to put on your calendar. The farm has announced that 2026 is the last year for the two-mile drive-through show as guests know it, with a new chapter planned for 2027, according to 94.5 PST. Drive-through tickets are sold per vehicle and wagon ride tickets per person, and wagon rides run weather permitting.

Have a Historic Celebration

Bucks County loves to honor the writers and landmarks with ties to the area.

The Pearl S. Buck House in Perkasie, a National Historic Landmark, celebrates the 50th Annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 10 through Jan. 3. Local artists, decorators and community groups design trees and vignettes in the rooms of the historic farmhouse. Tickets and reservations are required, and the free Community Holiday Party on Dec. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. includes complimentary tours, live music, kids' crafts and a visit from Santa.

In Chalfont, The Christmas Museum at Byers' Choice offers a free, self-guided look at Caroler villages, a Victorian London street scene straight out of A Christmas Carol, a Kindle Room and more than 200 crèches. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closes on most major holidays.

Enjoy a Cozy Stay

Bucks County offers the old-world yuletide charm of historic inns, each with its own personality.

The Golden Plough Inn

At the heart of Peddler's Village, the Golden Plough Inn features 67 guest rooms and suites decorated with a colonial-era feel, with seasonal treats, decorations and shopping steps away. Guests can stay close to the Grand Illumination Celebration and the village's holiday lights.

The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm

The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm is a 30-acre country estate near New Hope, first established in 1740. Its 16 guest suites are spread through the Manor House, a 19th-century stone barn and guest cottages, and the inn's restaurant, Kaufman's, serves dinner and brunch.

The Logan Inn

Established in 1727, the Logan Inn is one of America's longest continuously operating inns. Located in the heart of New Hope, it offers 16 original rooms and 22 recently added accommodations, each uniquely appointed.

Marvel at Holiday Creativity

Peddler's Village in Lahaska kicks off the season with its Grand Illumination Celebration on Friday, Nov. 20, when Santa and Mrs. Claus switch on one million lights across the 42-acre village at 6:15 p.m. The celebration continues through Nov. 22 with carolers and performances, and admission is free. Arrive by 5:30 p.m. for the best view.

Since 1984, the Gingerbread Competition and Display has been a beloved Bucks County tradition. This year it runs from Nov. 20 through Jan. 9, 2027, and features more than 100 entries crafted by bakers and artisans of all ages in categories from traditional holiday houses to playful scenes. It pairs perfectly with a winter stroll through the village's shops and lights.

Step Into History at Washington Crossing

This year, Washington Crossing Historic Park marks the 250th anniversary of Washington's daring Delaware River crossing, which took place on Christmas night in 1776. Hundreds of reenactors in Continental Army dress hear General Washington's address and row across the river in replica Durham boats.

The ticketed First Crossing Reenactment is on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the river crossing at 1 p.m. The 74th Annual Christmas Day Crossing is on Friday, Dec. 25, from noon to 3 p.m., with the crossing at 1 p.m. and free admission. The park recommends arriving by 11:30 a.m. on Christmas Day, and you can check its site for ticket and parking details.

Tips for Planning Your Holiday Outings

• Book tickets for the New Hope train and Festival of Trees tours early, since both can sell out.
• Choose weeknights for the lights when you can, because weekends draw the biggest crowds.
• Arrive early at New Hope, where parking fills quickly, and expect the Grand Illumination at Peddler's Village to draw traffic.
• Check the weather, since wagon rides and outdoor reenactments depend on conditions.
• Confirm dates and ticket rules on each venue's website before you go.

Make a Home for Your Own Holiday Traditions

The holiday season in Bucks County is a special time for wholesome family fun, and it is a great time to picture a home where you host your own traditions. Hallmark Homes Group builds custom homes throughout Montgomery and Bucks counties. We offer a free consultation to talk through timelines and budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best holiday events in Bucks County for 2026?

Top picks include A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place, the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show, Peddler's Village's Grand Illumination and Gingerbread Display, the 50th Annual Festival of Trees at the Pearl S. Buck House and the 250th anniversary Christmas crossing at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

When does A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place start in 2026?

It runs select dates from Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, with Santa's Grand Illumination on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. The event is included with regular park admission.

When does the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show open in 2026?

It opens Saturday, Nov. 21. The farm has announced that 2026 is the last year for its two-mile drive-through show as guests know it, with a new chapter planned for 2027.

When is the Grand Illumination at Peddler's Village in 2026?

It is Friday, Nov. 20, when Santa and Mrs. Claus switch on one million lights at 6:15 p.m. The celebration continues through Nov. 22 and admission is free.

Is the Washington Crossing Christmas Day reenactment free?

Yes. The 74th Annual Christmas Day Crossing on Friday, Dec. 25 is free, with the crossing at 1 p.m. The First Crossing on Sunday, Dec. 13 is a ticketed event.

What free holiday activities are there in Bucks County?

The Christmas Museum at Byers' Choice, the Grand Illumination at Peddler's Village and the Christmas Day Crossing at Washington Crossing are all free to attend.

Where can I stay for the holidays in Bucks County?

Historic options include the Golden Plough Inn at Peddler's Village, the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm near New Hope and the Logan Inn in New Hope.

Does Hallmark Homes Group build in Bucks County?

Yes. Hallmark Homes Group builds custom and quick-delivery homes throughout Montgomery and Bucks counties, and its Build on Your Lot program lets landowners build a new home on their own property.