Community Corner

Cheap Trips: Christkindlmarkt, Theater and Local History

Find four local attractions you can visit on one tank of gas.

Want to head out on a trip, but looking to save money?

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Thomas Massey House in Broomall, Upper Moreland Historical Association in Willow Grove and Tri-County Performing Arts Center and Village Productions in Pottstown.

Thomas Massey House

Address: Lawrence Rd & Springhouse Rd, Broomall
How Far From Radnor Patch: 8 miles or 12 minutes
Admission: Free
Hours:

  • Tours and hours available by appointment.
  • Dec. 10 is the Colonial Christmas event from to 4 p.m.


Summary: The 1696 Thomas Massey House is a historic site that offers various events and educational programs throughout the year. This establishment hosts tours for students of various ages and relies on volunteers for its services. Cooking classes are also available and the house offers a wide range of seasonal dinners and events.
Links:

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Upper Moreland Historical Association

Address: Located in the lower levels of the
Upper Moreland Township Building, 117 Park Ave., Willow Grove
How Far From Radnor Patch: 20 miles or 30 minutes
Admission: Free
Hours:

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  • The Upper Moreland Historical Association is open during the business hours of the Upper Moreland Township Building.
  • Appointments can also be made.


Summary: The Upper Moreland Historical Association’s museum, inside the Upper Moreland Township building, houses rare artifacts chronicling the rich history of Willow Grove. Exhibits include photographs, documents and several memorabilia items, some dating back to the days of the John Philip Sousa and the Willow Grove Amusement Park.
The Upper Moreland Historical Association also works to preserve historic sites throughout Upper Moreland Township, where visitors can read descriptions of such sites.
The association also hosts free, public lectures and events on a variety of history-related subjects, including a Nov. 22 “Antiques Roadshow” event, featuring Tom Wakely of Stephenson’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, who will be on hand to appraise participants’ antiques and heirlooms.
Links:

 

Tri-County Performing Arts Center and Village Productions

Address: 245 E. High St, Pottstown
How Far From Radnor Patch: 25 miles or 34 minutes
Admission:  

  • Adult: Thursday $18; Friday, Saturday and Sunday $21
  • Student/Seniors (65+): Thursday $16; Friday, Saturday and Sunday $19
  • Child (12 & under) Thursday $13; Friday, Saturday and Sunday $15
  • Online coupon $10


Summary: Tri-County Performing Arts Center and Village Productions, founded in 2001, is a theater organization showcasing several stage plays and musicals throughout the year. This organization additionally holds summer camps for aspiring performers. In December,, Village Productions will perform “A Christmas Story,” the classic holiday tale of the mischievous Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas. Showtimes are Thursdays, Dec. 1 (preview), 8 and 15, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 3 p.m.
Links:

 

Bethlehem's Christkindlmarkt

Address: First Street and Founders Way, Bethlehem
How Far From Radnor Patch: 50 miles or 1 hour 15 minutes
Admission:  

  • Daily pass $8
  • Season pass $15


Open: The market will be open for five weekends this season.

  • Nov. 17-20
  • Nov. 25-27
  • Dec. 1-4
  • Dec. 8-11
  • Dec. 15-18


Hours:

  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday


Summary: This European-style marketplace features handmade items by more than 100 artisans. Listen to live holiday music and eat German-style food while browsing and buying. Christkindlmarkt includes ice-carving and glass-blowing demonstrations. New this year are sessions on making your own glass ornament. Travel and Leisure magazine has called Christkindlmarkt one of the best holiday markets in the world.
Links:


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