DOYLESTOWN, PA – Doylestown's Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle will come to life with the magic of the holiday season in November and December.
From Nov. 14 through Dec. 31, the historic sites will welcome visitors of all ages with candlelit tours, a holiday market, special talks, seasonal gatherings, and more.
Beginning this weekend and continuing through December, guests can experience Fonthill Castle decorated for the holidays while taking guided tours of Henry Mercer's home. This season, 14 themed trees will be displayed throughout the castle, inviting visitors to discover festive décor while exploring the historic rooms and handcrafted Mercer tiles.
The Mercer Museum's annual Holiday Open House returns on Dec. 1 with an evening of free family fun, seasonal music, holiday crafts, and community celebration. Guests of all ages can enjoy performances by local musicians and student groups, take part in hands-on activities, and visit with Santa Claus in the museum's historic Log House.
(Kevin Crawford)
Throughout November and December, guests can also enjoy a variety of seasonal programs and special events at both sites, with major holiday events including:
Nov. 14 to Dec. 22: Fonthill Castle Holiday Daily Tour. Fonthill Castle's daily guided tours showcase Henry Mercer's home decorated for the holidays. During the 60-minute tour, guests will hear personal stories about Mercer and learn about the history of this unique property. Tour times and tickets are available here.
Nov. 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 27, and 28; Dec. 4, 9, 11, 16, 17, 18, and 23: Holiday Evening Tours at Fonthill Castle. Fonthill Castle's guided evening tours offer a different view of the holidays, with Mercer's renowned ceramic tiles and decorated trees glowing in the candlelight. Guests will explore the castle on an intimate 45-minute historic tour. Reserve tickets here.
Nov. 27 and 28; Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20; Dec. 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, and 31: Holiday Lights Meander. Guests are invited to explore the rooms and trees on the 2026 Holiday Lights Meander route at their own pace. Knowledgeable tour guides will be stationed along the route to answer questions. Tickets are available here.
December 1: Holiday Open House. Join the Mercer Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. for a free evening of holiday sounds, scents, and scenes. The Open House features local musical performances, crafts and activities, and a visit with Santa in the Log House.
December 12: Holiday Market at the Mercer Museum. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Historic Log House Quad outside the Mercer Museum becomes a modern twist on an outdoor holiday market. More than 40 vendors will offer curated handmade items, original art, and gift ideas, and guests can enjoy food and live music while they shop.
For more information on holiday programming and upcoming events, visit mercermuseum.org.