{"id":27378,"date":"2015-11-21T11:00:08","date_gmt":"2015-11-21T16:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=27378"},"modified":"2015-11-21T10:57:39","modified_gmt":"2015-11-21T15:57:39","slug":"what-to-do-holiday-season-kicks-off-this-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/?p=27378","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Holiday season kicks off this week"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><em><strong>Also: Cat, reptile shows, wines at first blush and more this weekend<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><span class=\"s1\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><strong>By Denny Dyroff<\/strong><\/span>,\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\"><em><span class=\"s1\">Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1227695\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/cat-show-3-300x188.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1227695\" class=\"wp-image-1227695 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/cat-show-3-300x188.jpg\" alt=\"cat show 3\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1227695\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cat lovers can get their fill of thrills at the Dr. Elsey\u2019s Precious Cat Litter Cat Fanciers Association 2015 World Championship Cat Show this weekend.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Thanksgiving is getting ready to knock on the door and that means a slew of Christmas-related events will be filling the event calendar over the next few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Fortunately for those not quite ready to jump into the holiday season with both feet, there are a number of special events around the area this weekend that are not holiday events.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Last week, it was dogs\u2019 time to shine when the National Dog Show was held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, 484-754-3976, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.phillyexpocenter.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">http:\/\/www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">This weekend, the spotlight shifts to cats when the expo hall hosts the Dr. Elsey\u2019s Precious Cat Litter Cat Fanciers Association 2015 World Championship Cat Show. Hours are from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on November 21 and 22. Visitors will be able to observe the habits of hundreds of felines at the huge annual CFA World Championship show.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Show attendees can check out the educational exhibits and examine the wares of a variety of cat product vendors. They can even have their photos taken with Garfield, who is the Cat Fanciers Association\u2019s \u201cSpokes Cat.\u201d More than one thousand cats will compete for prizes and world-wide honors with 18 judges providing the individual evaluations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Another attraction at the show will be the \u201cAgility Ring,\u201d which features cats running a timed course made up of tunnels, stairs, hoops, and other challenges. The cats who make it through the entire course with the fastest times are the winners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There also will be an \u201cEducation Ring\u201d where experts will discuss the varied breeds of cats including the breed\u2019s history, personality and physical appearance. Experts will also include tips on how to train your cat and which breed of cat will best suit your family\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The show will host 40 \u201cBreed Booths\u201d with information on the many, varied breeds of cats available today. These include well-known breeds such as the Maine Coon Cat and the Siamese as well as the lesser-known treasures such as the curly-coated Selkirk Rex and the curly-eared Scottish Fold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Admission to the show is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and children (ages 4-12) and free for children (ages 3 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1227697\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/reptile-show-300x200.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1227697\" class=\"wp-image-1227697 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/reptile-show-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"reptile show\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1227697\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The East Coast Reptile Super Expo featuring hundreds of live snakes and reptiles this weekend in Oaks.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If snakes, lizards and serpents scare you, you\u2019ll avoid a lot of stress if you stay away from the exposition hall in Oaks this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">On November 21, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Road, Oaks, 610-529-3614,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.northernberksreptileshow.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.northernberksreptileshow.com<\/span><\/a>) will host the East Coast Reptile Super Expo featuring hundreds of live snakes and reptiles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The East Coast Reptile Super Expo, which is always a well-attended event, will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. this Saturday. Tickets are $10 with children (under five) admitted free.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Many people think snakes and lizards are interesting creatures and maybe even fun pets to own. If you fall into this category, you should check out the show on Saturday. A wide array of reptiles will be on display as part of the popular exhibition, which is an annual event that is closing in on its silver anniversary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">One of the show\u2019s main attractions is a sales exhibit area featuring a large number of vendors with live reptiles, amphibians and arachnids as well as food items, supplies, books, cages, and related accessories.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The roster of very diverse vendors includes AZO Reptiles, Rose\u2019s Reptiles, Livecargo Pets &amp; Supplies, Dale\u2019s Bearded Dragons, Blake\u2019s Exotic Reptiles, RKZ Rodents. Monstar Reptiles,\u00a0 PM Herps,\u00a0Jay Jacoby Serpent Propagation, Black Jungle Terrarium Supply, Serpents Plus, Heath\u2019s Frog Farm, Franken Chams, MCO Reptiles and Fins, Feathers, Paws &amp; Claws.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/12250048_1069830726369178_8286925605715809375_n-194x300.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1227699\" src=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/12250048_1069830726369178_8286925605715809375_n-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"12250048_1069830726369178_8286925605715809375_n\" \/><\/a>On November 21, Media will host the 13th Anniversary Jazz by Night Celebration (State Street, Media,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">610-566-5039, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mediajazzbynight.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.mediajazzbynight.com<\/span><\/a>) from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. The music will be performed on 22 indoor stages around the downtown area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The roster of top-flight jazz acts performing at the Celebration includes Bootsie Barnes Quartet, Odean PopeTrio, Shiron Denise &amp; Wojamm, Eric Stein Quartet, Reverend Chris &amp; The High Rollers, Johnny DeFrancsco Organ Trio, Joe Kenney Band, Bruce Anthony, The Midnighters, and Andrea Carlson Trio.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The talent-laden line-up also includes Stephen DiJoseph, Larry McKenna Trio, Elliott Levin, Chuck Anderson Trio, RK$TDY, Synthesis, Zazous, Gina Roche, Alexa Barchini Duo, The Sermon, Ben Tinsley and Dimitri Papadopoulos, Blackbird Society Orchestra, Reverend Chris and Matt Richards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail (<a href=\"http:\/\/lehighvalleywinetrail.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">http:\/\/lehighvalleywinetrail.com<\/span><\/a>) is presenting its annual \u201cNouveau Weekend\u201d on November21 and 22. \u201cNouveau Weekend\u201d is a free event but some of the wineries charge for wine tastings. Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The nine wineries of the\u00a0Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will debut the first wines from the new vintage during Nouveau Weekend. Wineries will also feature food and wine pairings for visitors to sample. Nouveau wines are bottled very young without barrel aging and, as a result, exhibit lots of fruitiness. These selections are light and fruity red wines that range from semi-dry to dry.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1227700\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/NouveauWeekend1-300x212.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1227700\" class=\"wp-image-1227700 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/NouveauWeekend1-300x212.png\" alt=\"NouveauWeekend1\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1227700\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail presents &#8220;Nouveau Weekend&#8221; this weekend.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Participating wineries are Amore, Big Creek, Blue Mountain, Clover Hill, Franklin Hill, Galen Glen, Tolino, Vynecrest and Pinnacle Ridge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Amore will serve chicken medallions with a variety of dipping sauces, paired with their new release of Chambourcin Reserve. Big Creek will release a Nouvelle Frontenac Gris paired with mini cupcakes made with a wine-based icing courtesy of MMM Cookies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Blue Mountain Vineyards is releasing their 2015 Nouveau Beaujolais, which is produced from Gamay grapes grown in their vineyards. They will pair it with a vegetarian lentil stew. In addition, they will offer complimentary live entertainment on Saturday. On Sunday, Adam Motto performs live music from 2-5 p.m. Reservations for Sunday are required; admission is $5 (includes wine tasting).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Clover Hill Winery is ready to celebrate the first release from their 2015 grape harvest &#8212; a new, limited release Chocolate Cherry Chambourcin.\u00a0Franklin Hill will celebrate Nouveau Weekend with the release of their 2015 Seyval Blanc. And, they\u2019ll be celebrating the release of their newest wine, Potion X, a pumpkin spice wine, and the release of their Hard Cider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Galen Glen will offer a complimentary pairing of their Thankful White Lasagna paired with one of their aromatic white wines. Pinnacle Ridge produces a small amount of their NuVo wine made from 100 per cent 2015 Chambourcin. Their NuVo is typically only available for several weeks due to the small quantities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tolino will release their 2014 Chambourcin and pair it with vegetarian chili. There will be live music in the tank room by Erin McClelland on Saturday and Tom Vicario on Sunday and wine making tours at 2 and 4 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Vynecrest will serve their new release of Nouveau Beaujolais made from the Gamay Beaujolais grape. Nouveau Beaujolais is a young, fruity unoaked red wine, the first of harvest season 2015. It will be paired with Sugar \u2018n Spice French onion dip on a baguette.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.strasburgrailroad.com\/\"><span class=\"s3\">www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/span><\/a>) is getting ready for its holiday attractions but has one more special event to offer before then.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">One of the most popular special events each year at the Strasburg Railroad is \u201cDay Out With Thomas.\u201d Kids and Thomas the Tank Engine have a mutual love affair and it\u2019s in full bloom when Thomas encounters his fans up-close during his visits to the Strasburg Railroad.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Every year, the steam locomotive named Thomas makes several visits to Lancaster County where he entertains enthusiastic children and their parents. The locomotive, which has its own PBS television series, will be in Strasburg now through November 22 to participate in \u201cDay Out With Thomas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For more than 50 years, Thomas the Tank Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have been favorites of preschoolers and their parents. Based on \u201cThe Railway Series\u201d (classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son), \u201cThomas &amp; Friends\u201d has evolved into a rite of passage that inspires imagination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">America\u2019s favorite little blue engine will bring along a special guest for his stay in Lancaster County \u2014 his pal Percy. The locomotive named Percy has travelled from the Island of Sodor made his national debut in Strasburg last year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tickets for \u201cDay Out With Thomas,\u201d which are $21, include the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, the opportunity to meet Percy and a bonus train ride aboard Strasburg Railroad\u2019s miniature steam train \u201cThe Pint-Sized Pufferbelly.\u201d \u00a0For an additional $5, a trip with Percy can be added to the package.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If your holiday shopping list includes friends or family who are collectors of antiques &#8212; or if you just like to shop for antiques for yourself &#8212; there is a special event this weekend that you should check out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Antiques at Kimberton Show will be held at the Kimberton Fire Company (61 Fire House Lane (off Kimberton Road), Kimberton, <a href=\"http:\/\/antiquesatkimberton.vpweb.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">http:\/\/antiquesatkimberton.vpweb.com<\/span><\/a>) on November 21 and 22. The popular annual event will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday with a $7 admission fee and free parking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The well-attended annual event will feature more than 65 dealers whose booths will occupy over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. Visitors will be able to shop for items from a wide variety of antiques categories, including furniture, paintings, jewelry, books and historical items. Additionally, dealers will be on hand to discuss their items and chat about antiques-related topics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Another good option for gift hunting is the Pennsylvania German Folk Art Sale which is presented each year by the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society (2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, 717- 393-9745, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lmhs.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.lmhs.org<\/span><\/a>). The event will open this weekend and run through December 31.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The annual sale kicks off on Friday with an opening reception on November 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. The reception features craft demonstrations, live music, a variety of refreshments and displays of the work of more than 20 Pennsylvania artists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The local artists will display their wares, covering a broad swath of traditional art forms originating in the communities of Swiss and German immigrants to Pennsylvania. This includes fraktur, a \u201cbroken\u201d method of lettering originally developed to illuminate manuscripts; redware, low-fired ceramics made with red clay; and scherenschnitte, intricate patterns and scenes cut out of paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There will also be painted boxes, including traditional patterns and those featuring false graining; hand-woven textiles; and hand-quilted wall hangings. In addition to utilitarian offerings, some have a touch of whimsy, such as hand-carved wooden birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Two artists will display their methods during the opening reception. Willa Beidler, a fourteen-year-old weaver, will demonstrate spinning angora wool right off a live rabbit. Emily Smucker-Beidler will be demonstrating how to fold paper Moravian ornaments for the young and young at heart to take home with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">One of the best holiday events in the area is the annual \u201cYuletide at Winterthur.\u201d This year\u2019s 37th annual staging of the event, which runs from November 21 through January 3 at Winterthur Museum, Garden &amp; Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware,800-448-3883, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.winterthur.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.winterthur.org<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Awe-inspiring trees are a signature part of every Yuletide and pattern holds true this year. In celebration of 30 years of Winterthur\u2019s famous dried-flower tree, the site is showcasing this annual favorite in the Conservatory, where it will be surrounded by a living tribute of flowers and blooming plants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There will be more colorful trees to delight the eyes this season, including two new trees. One will be celebrating the garden in autumn and is inspired by the colors of the season and H. F. du Pont\u2019s boyhood collections of rocks, shells, and other trophies. The other, which pays tribute to the exhibition \u201cTiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light,\u201d will sparkle with stained glass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In honor of another exhibition &#8212; \u201cA Colorful Folk\u201d &#8212; there are displays that explore holiday practices of the Pennsylvania Germans, who introduced Americans to such seasonal standards as the Christmas tree, the charity bazaar, and the tradition of the gift giver. Another tree seen in Pennsylvania German homes in the 1800s was a laurel tree stripped of its leaves and wrapped in cotton batting to form a snowy backdrop for a display of colorful ornaments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Winterthur\u2019s cotton tree adorns the scene in one room where the early Germanic gift giver called Belsnickle is just arriving to surprise the children with his rewards for good behavior. Also featured will be a mid-19th-century holiday bazaar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Visitors will be able to view other du Pont family traditions. They can see what a New Year\u2019s gathering in the 1890s looked like when women of the family displayed the gifts they had received from the male relations who had called on them throughout the day. Visitors will also have the opportunity to look at an extravagant dinner party that celebrated the family\u2019s first 100 years in America, which was held on New Year\u2019s Day 1900 with as many as 100 family members attending.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Another tradition on display will explore celebrations to honor the staff who worked behind the scenes to make the holidays at Winterthur a delightful experience for the family and their guests. These include the annual staff parties held through the 1950s, at which all of the estate families received gifts from the du Ponts in front of a tree bedecked with new-fangled \u201cbubble\u201d lights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Special family activities include \u201cGlass Matters Wine Seminar and Tasting\u201d (December 16), \u201cFamily Workshops\u201d (December 6 and 13), \u201cBrunch with Santa\u201d (December 12, 13, 19 and 20) and the \u201cYuletide Touch-It Room\u201d (Monday\u2013Friday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; weekends, 12:30-4:30 p.m.).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There will also be a series of four \u201cYuletide Jazz &amp; Wine Concerts\u201d &#8212; Cartoon Christmas Trio (November 25), Gina Roch\u00e9 (December 2), Sharon &amp; Shawn (December 9) and Tony Smith Trio (December 16). Another special attraction will be a theatrical presentation of Charles Dickens\u2019 \u201cA Christmas Carol\u201d on December 10 at 1 and 6 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Timed Yuletide Tour reservations are required. Admission to Yuletide at Winterthur is $20.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The special events at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.longwoodgardens.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.longwoodgardens.org<\/span><\/a>) are getting ready to go through a \u201cChanging of the Guard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The 34th Annual Mum Fest, a top-flight exhibit featuring more than 20,000 colorful, blooming chrysanthemums in Longwood\u2019s huge conservatory, is running now through November 22. So, if you want to check it out, you have just a few days left.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The horticulturalists at Longwood Gardens have grown and developed the mums into a variety of unusual forms. They have groomed chrysanthemums to resemble clouds, torches, spirals, fans, 13-foot arches and more. The stars of the show are Longwood Gardens\u2019 \u201cThousand Bloom\u201d mums.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Next on the agenda for the popular tourist attraction in Kennett Square is \u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The festive holiday display at Longwood Gardens, which opens on Thanksgiving Day (November 26) and continues through January 10, features spectacular lights, lavish decorations, holiday music and colorful displays featuring thousands of brilliant poinsettias, brightly decorated trees and fragrant flowers &#8212; all inside the heated Conservatory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The colorful annual event, which appeals to the entire family, also has a lot of outdoor attractions such as fountain shows and nighttime light displays. Longwood\u2019s Christmas celebration also includes a wide array of seasonal music &#8212; holiday concerts, organ sing-alongs and carillon performances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The organ sing-alongs will be featured in the Ballroom either three or six times a day. There will also be performances by choirs and musicians almost every evening throughout December 20. Other special performances this weekend will feature Le Vent du Nord on November 20 and Peter Richard Conte November 21.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When darkness arrives at Longwood, a night-blooming garden of more than a half-million lights strung on close to 100 trees with approximately 40 miles of wire comes to life. A carillon with 62 cast bells plays holiday music every half hour during daylight hours. Longwood\u2019s Open Air Theatre fountains dance to holiday music each half hour &#8212; temperature permitting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As always, admission by \u201cTimed Ticket\u201d &#8212; tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience. There are different prices for \u201cPeak\u201d and \u201cOff Peak\u201d times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Visitors to \u201cA Longwood Gardens Christmas\u201d can also check out Longwood\u2019s Garden Railway &#8212; a whimsical display set into motion with G-scale model trains. This is the 14th year that the railway has delighted visitors with special water features and custom trains traveling in and out of bridges and tunnels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Admission to Longwood Gardens is $20 (non-peak), $27 (peak) for adults, $17\/$24 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and $10\/$13; students (ages 5-18).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Two of Montgomery County\u2019s scenic historic sites are ready to begin celebrating the 2014 Christmas holiday season this weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Pennypacker Mills (3 Haldeman Road, Perkiomenville, 610- 287-9349, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.historicsites.montcopa.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/span><\/a>) is hosting \u201cVictorian Holiday Tours\u201d now through January 10 while \u201cTwelfth Night Tours at Pottsgrove Manor\u201d (100 West King Street, Pottstown, 610-326-4014, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.historicsites.montcopa.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.historicsites.montcopa.org<\/span><\/a>) are running from November 27- January 10.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For the next seven weeks, Pennypacker Mills will offer free tours of the 18-century mansion used by General George Washington as temporary headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The home will be decorated for an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas and will feature the warm glow of oil lamps, festive decorations and a candy-making demonstration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The event at Pottsgrove Manor features guided tours through an elegant 18th-century Georgian mansion that is decked out in period holiday decorations. Tour guides will discuss Twelfth Night celebrations and Christmastide traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Visitors will be able to view the parlor and kitchen as it would have been during colonial times when the Potts family prepared for their holiday guests. They will also be able to check out the servants\u2019 quarters and see the rustic holiday celebrations as enjoyed by the household staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Montgomery County Park system will also present another special event in the upcoming week. Pennypacker Mills will be the site of a \u201cClear Toy Candy Demonstration\u201d on November 21.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Participants in the event will be able to explore the history of clear toy candy and sugar in the Philadelphia area and see a demonstration of how clear toy candy is made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tips and recipes will be given out so attendees can make these candies at home. Other historic candies will also be covered. This event is not recommended for young children because of safety concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Visitors to Peddler\u2019s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, <a href=\"http:\/\/peddlersvillage.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">http:\/\/peddlersvillage.com<\/span><\/a>) can get in the holiday spirit at the Village-wide\u00a0Grand Illumination Celebration\u00a0on November 21. Village shops will be open until 9 p.m. with a distinctive assortment of merchandise, special promotions and refreshments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Grand Illumination Celebration, which officially arrives with a burst of color at 6:15 p.m., will showcase thousands of tiny white lights outlining the Village\u2019s buildings, colorful lights with less-than-common colors (teal, peach, and fuscia) adorning the trees and shrubs and a landscaped backdrop featuring a group of reindeer glowing in white light.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Santa will arrive to turn on the lights and officially mark the beginning of the event. After the lights go on, visitors will be treated to free cider and toasted marshmallows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">After the Grand Illumination Switch-on, families are invited bring the kids to Giggleberry Fair for \u201cPhotos with Santa.\u201d The Giggleberry Fair will be open through December 23.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">November 20 also marks the start of Peddler\u2019s Village \u201cGingerbread House Competition and Display.\u201d Slated to run through January 2, the \u201cGingerbread House Competition\u201d features over $2,000 in cash prizes in such categories as Traditional and Authentic Reproduction of a Significant Building.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s 2015 Christmas Holiday Tour is one that is guaranteed to appeal to kids of all ages. The tours will be presented now through December 31 in Odessa\u2019s historic district (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.historicodessa.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.historicodessa.org<\/span><\/a>). The Historic Houses of Odessa\u2019s National Historic Register Wilson-Warner House has been transformed into vignettes inspired by Lewis Carroll\u2019s famous book, \u201cAlice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">This year marks the 150th anniversary of \u201cAlice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland,\u201d which was published in time for Christmas in 1865. Visitors to the Historic Houses of Odessa will be transported into Alice\u2019s dream through each of the period rooms of the foundation\u2019s 246-year-old Wilson-Warner House made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Another popular attraction is the \u201cStorybook Trees Exhibit,\u201d which is a festive display of Christmas trees that reflect books and works of children\u2019s literature. The trees have been decorated by local families, schools and organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">All of the Historic Odessa Foundation\u2019s properties will be open and on display for the holiday season. A special feature will be the \u201cHoliday Highlights from Christmas Past Photography Exhibit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Special events and tours will be held throughout the holiday season including \u201cFairy Tale Time\u201d on December 2, \u201cCandlelight Tours\u201d on December 3 and 10, the \u201cMad Hatter Tea Party\u201d on December 13 and \u201cFestive Foods\/Hearth Cooking Demonstration\u201d on December 12 and 19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Nemours Mansion &amp; Gardens (Route 141 South, Alapocas Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-651-6912, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nemoursmansion.org\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.nemoursmansion.org<\/span><\/a>) is welcoming visitors for the Christmas holidays with special holiday-themed tours. The three-hour tours are held Tuesdays through Sundays and run now through January 3.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Originally constructed in 1910, Nemours Mansion is one of Delaware\u2019s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">During the holiday period, the guided tours will include several stories of the house and part of the gardens. Many of the rooms featured in the tour will be decorated as they would have been when DuPont resided there in the early 1900s while some will retain their traditional period decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Tickets for the tour at Nemours are $15.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Koziar\u2019s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.koziarschristmasvillage.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.koziarschristmasvillage.com<\/span><\/a>) has started its 68th annual season and it will remain open every night through January 2 &#8212; including Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, New Year\u2019s Eve and New Year\u2019s Night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The village is a visual wonderland with a large amount of holiday displays and special attractions including \u201cSanta\u2019s Post Office,\u201d \u201cChristmas in the Jungle,\u201d \u201cToy Maker and his Toy Shop\u201d and \u201cChristmas in Other Lands. Other attractions are a huge model train display, a toy shop, a country kitchen, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays. Admission to Christmas Village is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (65 and older) and $8 for children (ages 4-10).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">From a theatrical standpoint, the holiday season has definitely arrived in Lancaster County.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-0 648-4102, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amtshows.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.AMTshows.com<\/span><\/a>) has its holiday show running now through December 30 and the Rainbow Dinner Theatre (3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 800-292-4301, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rainbowcomedy.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">www.rainbowcomedy.com<\/span><\/a>) is presenting its holiday production now through December 27.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The AMT\u2019s 2015 show \u201cDeck the Halls\u201d is an all-new presentation of favorite sacred and secular holiday songs performed by professional artists from across the country. The show will feature spectacular vocal harmonies, elaborate scenery, lively musical arrangements, impressive dancing, the music of the AMT Orchestra, elegant costumes and a theater decked out with holiday decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Also: Cat, reptile shows, wines at first blush and more this weekend By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times Thanksgiving is getting ready to knock on the door and that means a slew of Christmas-related events will be filling the event calendar over the next few weeks. Fortunately for those not quite ready to jump into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27374,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7],"tags":[6446,7763,1294,7762,138,4863],"class_list":["post-27378","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-cat-show","tag-holiday-events","tag-jazz","tag-reptile-show","tag-thanksgiving","tag-wines"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=27378"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27381,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27378\/revisions\/27381"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/27374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=27378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=27378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unionvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=27378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}