Peddler's Village Grand Illumination 2023: Here Are The Details

LAHASKA, PA — Peddler's Village will celebrate its "Grand Illumination" on Friday, Nov. 17 as Santa and Mrs. Claus switch on million lights as part of the village's Holiday Kickoff Weekend taking place from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19.

The Grand Illumination begins at 4:30 p.m. with festive performances, outdoor food and drinks, and a special lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. hosted by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and musical artists Martin & Kelly. Shops will be open that evening until 10 p.m.

Opening at 10 a.m., the 39th annual Gingerbread Competition will feature dozens of carefully crafted gingerbread masterpieces submitted by Philadelphia-area residents, organizations, and businesses. The free display, housed in the Peddler’s Village Visitor & Event Center, will be open daily through Jan. 14, 2024 (but closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

The Gingerbread House display will be open from Nov. 17 to Jan. 14 except Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Paul Boger)

On Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19, the Holiday Kickoff Weekend will feature additional live entertainment and musical performances, festive dining specials at Village restaurants, eateries, and tasting rooms, and extended shopping hours.

Guests can shop at the 60+ boutiques and specialty shops to enjoy a personalized shopping experience to find carefully curated selections of apparel, accessories, home goods, fine art, handcrafted items, books, toys, and gifts and collectibles. More than 95 percent of the shops at Peddler’s Village are locally owned and/or small businesses.

Throughout the holiday season, guests can shop at the 60+ boutiques and specialty shops at Peddler's Village. (Photo by Paul Boger)

Two restaurants at Peddler’s Village will be serving special dinners on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23: Cock ‘n Bull will serve an expansive buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Earl’s New American will be presenting Thanksgiving a la carte specials along with its regular menu. Buttonwood Grill will be open only for breakfast, from 8 am to 10 a.m. Reservations are required at the Cock ‘n Bull and Earl’s New American.

For more information about other upcoming holiday festivities, including Holly Jolly Weekend on Dec. 2 and 3, weekend Santa photos at Giggleberry Fair, and special entertainment throughout the season, visit PeddlersVillage.com or call the Peddler’s Village Visitor and Event Center at 215-794-4051.

Shops are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Beginning Monday, Nov. 20 and continuing through Dec. 30, village shopping hours will be extended to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Shops will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The holiday lights and gingerbread display will remain on view through January 14, 2024. As always, admission and parking are free.

The sponsors for the Holiday Kickoff Weekend are NRG, Power Home Remodeling, and Xfinity. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Justin Seery at justins@peddlersvillage.com.

(Photo Courtesy of Peddler's Village)