A Historical Holiday Itinerary Through Bucks County

Built between 1908 and 1912, Fonthill Castle served as Henry Chapman Mercer’s eclectic concrete home and a showcase for his world-renowned Arts and Crafts tilework. Operated today by the Bucks County Historical Society, the castle remains a striking example of early reinforced-concrete architecture filled with Mercer’s handcrafted designs.

During the holidays, Fonthill Castle transforms into a glowing seasonal retreat, with themed trees and richly decorated rooms highlighting Mercer’s artistic legacy. Visitors can choose from guided daytime tours, candlelit evening tours, or self-paced meander days that illuminate the castle’s festive charm.

Spend an evening at the historic Bucks County Playhouse, an iconic riverside theater with roots dating back to an 18th-century grist mill. Opened in 1939 after local artists saved the former New Hope Mills from demolition, it has hosted generations of legendary performers.

This holiday season, see Elf: The Musical, directed by Emmy Award® winner John Tartaglia, complete with Broadway-caliber talent, whimsical staging, and seasonal cheer. Based on the film, the musical follows Buddy the Elf on his heartfelt adventure from the North Pole to New York City, blending humor and choreography into a festive show for all ages.

Founded by archaeologist and collector Henry Chapman Mercer, the Mercer Museum preserves more than 17,000 pre-Industrial tools and rotating exhibitions within its 1890s castle-like structure. As a Smithsonian affiliate and leading cultural destination, the museum offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive views of early American craftsmanship and material culture.

The annual Holiday Open House brings the museum to life with live music, family crafts, seasonal treats, and visits with Santa in the historic Log House. Guests can explore the galleries after hours while enjoying festive performances from local musicians and school ensembles.

Perkasie’s roots stretch back to the early 18th century, when the “Manor of Perkasie” was laid out in 1708 as part of William Penn’s land holdings and later developed into a thriving railroad town by the late 19th century. From its colonial-era homesteads and Revolutionary War ties to its rapid growth fueled by commerce, transportation, and industry, Perkasie evolved into a vibrant community with deep historic character.

Since 1909, Perkasie has hosted what is recognized as America’s oldest community tree lighting ceremony, a tradition so significant it was entered into the Congressional Record in 2015. Each year, the historic town center comes alive with holiday music, festive food, wagon rides, and family activities culminating in the 7:00 PM arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Perkasie Electric Company truck to light the community Holiday tree.

Dating back to 1831, the Newtown Theatre began as Newtown Hall, a community gathering space and performance venue that later became America’s oldest continuously operating movie theater after showing its first film in 1906. Over nearly two centuries, the theater has evolved through major renovations and expanded programming, remaining a beloved cultural hub at the heart of Newtown Borough with convenient nearby parking.

Celebrate the season by watching an American Classic inside this historic 250-seat theater, where 19th-century charm meets modern comfort and accessibility. With screenings on December 12 and 14, It’s a Wonderful Life tells the timeless story of George Bailey, which feels even more heartfelt when experienced in a venue that has been bringing people together for generations.

Founded in 2016 during the Lambertville–New Hope Winter Festival, Revolutionary Crawls & Events began as a creative way to support local businesses by blending professional reenactors with guided pub-and-town tours. Since then, it has grown into a full performance-based historical experience telling Revolutionary-era stories through character-driven engagements.

This festive Pub Crawl leads guests through historic taverns in neighboring Delaware River Towns, where figures like George Washington, Ben Franklin, Abigail Adams, and Benedict Arnold deliver lively reenactments at every stop. With discounted drinks, local fare, and spirited storytelling, the experience combines history and humor into a truly unforgettable afternoon.