TRAPPE PA – The flip of a switch that sets a tree aglow will officially kick off a lengthy list of holiday season events in the borough.
The annual tree lighting in Trappe is scheduled for Dec. 3 (2025; Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. outside the Speaker’s House, 151 W. Main St. It will be accompanied by an hour of festivities, planned by Historic Trappe, that are free and open to the public.
The non-profit organization’s family-friendly evening includes a community sing-a-long, a visit from Santa, cookies and hot cocoa, and the tree lighting. For those so inclined, it will also collect donations for the Daily Bread Community Food Pantry.
Pennsylvania German Christmas Tours Ahead
Much like decorative paper and a big bow, the tree lighting will be wrapped by before-and-after weekends that put the beauty of a centuries-old Pennsylvania German Christmas on full display.
Tours of the Muhlenberg House, 201 W. Main St., and Dewees Tavern, 301 W. Main St., will be available Nov. 28 through Jan. 4. The decorated-for-Christmas museum properties will be open for viewing Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. They also can be seen during the week by appointment.
Of specific interest at the Dewees Tavern are “intricate German Erzgebirge woodcarvings, a glowing Moravian Christmas pyramid, whimsical Noah’s arks, and enchanting holiday displays” that embody the holiday spirit.
General admission tickets cost adults $10 each for Dewees Tavern or Muhlenberg House, or $15 for both; $8 for seniors age 65 and older, as well as students, or $12 for both; and $5 for youths ages 6-17 (includes both). All can be bought at the door. Free admission is offered for Historic Trappe members, as well as children age 5 and younger.
Historic Trappe’s museum stores will be well-stocked for holiday shopping needs. Gift choices include springerle cookies, redware pottery, fraktur, Christmas decorations, and other items.
Ahead on Historic Trappe’s Calendar
There’s more to explore during Historic Trappe’s holidays. Additionally coming on its calendar are:
- Dec. 6-7 (Saturday and Sunday), Candlelight Tours;
- Dec. 13 (Saturday), Christmas Tea at Sumneytown Hotel, and Tour of the Hiester House;
- Dec. 13-14 (Saturday and Sunday), A Colonial Christmas at the Hiester House; and
- Dec. 14 (Sunday), A Colonial Christmas Tour and Cocktail Party at the Hiester House.
All require special admission. Some events are timed, with tickets available by online purchase only and no walk-in entry offered. A Dec. 20 Christmas baking workshop also is scheduled, but as of Wednesday (Nov. 19) tickets for it were already sold out.
Got questions or need assistance? Contact Historic Trappe by phone at 610-489-7560, or send an e-mail to programs@historictrappe.org.
Photo from Getty Images on Unsplash+, used under license
Our entertainment reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and history-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.
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