If you walk into Peddler’s Village the day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas lights and decorations are already up. The hallmark sights, sounds, and smells of the season envelop you as you walk through. The trees are fully lit up, and hot cocoa stands are stationed throughout. Families, couples, and friend groups alike walk around and explore the various shops, looking to take advantage of Black Friday sales. If you’re ready for the holiday season, it’s definitely not a place to miss.
The Soap Opera Company, a luxury soap and bath product store, had all of its winter scents on display, with many marked for sale. As you walk into the store, the inviting smell of peppermint is the first thing you notice. There are red and white candy cane decorations throughout the store, coupled with Christmas signs that make you feel in the spirit. As you walk deeper into the village after dark, there is a sea of colorfully lit trees and garland wrapping the lightposts. In the midst of it all, there is a hot cocoa stand outside The Lucky Cupcake, which specializes in filled cupcakes but also offers cookies, bars, and cheesecakes. While waiting in line, you might hear kids talking to their parents, saying, “I need to get my zoomies out,” as they run around smiling. Despite the bitter cold, it leaves you with a warm feeling to see so many people gathered together enjoying the atmosphere. The hot cocoa itself has marshmallows and whipped cream, with the added benefit of serving as a hand warmer. Allison Lee, a local teenager who came with her family to kick off her holiday season, said, “I look forward to getting their hot chocolate every year, lowkey. It just always feels so Christmassy and festive. And it’s literally freezing this year, so the hot chocolate is nice.” Nina’s Waffles, an ice cream store, is still open even with the dropping temperatures. Ice cream might not be what one typically thinks of around Christmas time, but it was packed. Everyone was still bundled up in the store, trying to get warm, but people were still excited to get ice cream. Walking out of Nina’s, there was a group of carolers in traditional Scottish outfits singing old classic tunes. Lyev Pitram, who is home from the University of Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving, said, “I love the carolers and their costumes. It feels so authentic.” It is a full Christmas experience. The village was founded by Bucks County resident Earl Jamison in 1962 with 14 shops and the Cock ‘N Bull Restaurant. Today, visitors can enjoy free parking and admission while exploring more than 60 shops, seven sit-down restaurants, and several quick eateries, all connected by its iconic brick pathways.
Peddler’s Village is definitely the place to go if you want to get into the holiday spirit. If you want to experience the festivities at Peddler’s this holiday season for yourself, it is now open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, with its newly expanded holiday schedule. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the village will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On New Year’s Day, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The village will be closed on Christmas Day. Peddler’s will be hosting its annual Holly Jolly Weekend Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, featuring Santa’s parade, photos with Santa, and holiday music.
Sources:
https://www.visitbuckscounty.com/things-to-do/attractions-tours/peddlers-village/
