As the holidays approach it is only fitting that the holiday events begin. November’s events include arts and crafts fairs galore, and as the weather turns chillier, tons of hot chocolate.
First Person Arts Festival
When: Tues., Nov. 4 – Fri., Nov. 14. Where: Multiple Locations. Cost: Prices Varying.
This fabulous festival celebrates real life. It hosts a variety of well-known and local artists as they share their life experiences with attendees. There are documentary premieres, workshops, readings, and live performances. Some events are more costly ranging from about 40 to 200 dollars, but there is still a ton of events for poor college students as well.
Sugarloaf Craft Festival
When: Fri., Nov. 7 and Sat., Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun., Nov. 9th 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Greater Philly Expo Center, 100 Station Ave. Oaks, PA. Cost: $8 online, $10 at the door.
If you’re trying to find some way to shop for holiday gifts in a fun traditional way this is the place for you. With tons of artists selling their crafts, you are sure to find the perfect gift for a friend or family member. The best part, between shopping you can stop by and watch demonstrations and listen to live music.
Peddler’s Village: Gingerbread Competition & Display
When: Fri., Nov. 21. Where: Peddler’s Village, Rt. 202 and Rt. 263, Lahaska, PA. Cost: Free.
Have you ever wondered what the gingerbread man’s house would look like if he were on MTV’s Cribs? Well now’s your time to find out. With these fabulous gingerbread houses you are sure to get into the holiday spirit. If you’re still not sure if you wanna make the trek, Peddler’s Village has tons of places to complete your holiday shopping.
Grand Illumination Celebration
When: Fri., Nov. 21 – Sun., Jan. 4, 6 – 9 p.m. Where: Peddler’s Village, Rt. 202 and Rt. 263, Lahaska, PA. Cost: Free.
Starting at 6:15 sharp, watch as Santa lights up the tree. At this fun celebration you can make s’mores and cider and just get into the end of fall spirit.
Pennypacker Mills: Holiday Tours
When: Tues., Nov. 25 – Jan. 4th. Where: Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haideman Rd., Schwenksville, PA. Cost: Donation.
Pennypacker Mills boasts a beautiful Colonial Revival style mansion. This mill will take you back into the spirit of Christmas in the 1900s. Their decorations are sure to give you some ideas on decorating your own place.
Christmas Village
When: Thurs., Nov. 27 – Sun., Dec. 28. Where: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia Cost: Free.
Get into the European Christmas spirit with this German Christmas market. Take a walk between booths of Christmas goodies from all over the world. And maybe buy a few gifts while you’re there.
Hot Chocolate Bar
When: Sun., Nov. 30, 12 – 2p.m. Where: Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia Cost: $6.95.
If you happen to be in the city stop by the Academy of Natural Sciences for a nice arrange of hot chocolate flavors and toppings. Not to mention taking a look inside could be super awesome too.
The Ugly Sweater Run
When: Sat., Dec. 13, 8 a.m. Where: Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic., Philadelphia Cost: $25-$30
Don’t know what to do with that unfortunate sweater your grandma knit you? Well, why don’t you put it on and walk a 5K? The ugly sweater run raises money for the “Save the Children Foundation”, and although 30 dollars may seem a bit steep, the gift bag you get for signing up and running/walking is a knit cap and a nice cold lager or cider after the race. That is if you are of age and want a nice cold one. Regardless, there is tons of hot chocolate, and it is all for a good cause.
Comedy Night at Masters
When: Every Wednesday until Dec. 22, 8 -10:00pm. Where: Masters Philly, 1535 N. Carlisle St., Philadephia. Cost: Free.
If you are bored on a Wednesday night looking for a way to get out of the house, comedy night is the perfect place to sit back, drink a beer and laugh a little. With stand up comedians and half priced wings, it is the perfect place to take a mid-week break.
