Peddler's Village Grand Illumination 2026 Is Friday, Nov. 20: Times, Parking and Tips for the Trip From Haddonfield

Peddler's Village in Bucks County turns on its holiday lights on Friday, Nov. 20, at 6:15 p.m. sharp, when Santa and Mrs. Claus flip the switch. The 26th annual Grand Illumination Celebration starts at 4:30 p.m., and admission and parking are free. The Village says to arrive by 5:30 p.m., because parking can fill up.

It's an easy Friday night out from Haddonfield if you time it right. Here's the plan.

The schedule for Friday, Nov. 20

• 4:30 p.m.: The celebration begins, with local music and dance performers, an appearance by Santa and Martin and Kelly, and outdoor food and drinks.
• 5:30 p.m.: Peddler's Village's own "arrive no later than" time.
• 6:15 p.m.: Lights on.
• 10 p.m.: Shops close. They're open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. that day.

Where: Peddler's Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope, Pa. Phone: 215-794-4000.

Tips for the trip from Haddonfield

Leave early. You're crossing the Delaware into Bucks County on a Friday evening. The Village warns parking "can reach full capacity," so treat 5:30 as your deadline, not your target.

Leave the dog home. The Village advises against dogs because the paths get congested.

Eat there. Peddler's Village lists eight restaurants and 60 plus shops, and there's outdoor food and drink during the celebration.

Can't do Friday? The Holiday Kickoff Weekend continues Saturday, Nov. 21 (shops 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday, Nov. 22 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), with carolers and strolling performers. The lights stay on every evening into mid-January. The event page says through Jan. 18, 2027; the kickoff page says Jan. 19.

Don't skip the gingerbread

The 42nd annual Gingerbread Competition and Display fills the Visitor and Event Center with more than 100 entries made by the public. It's free and runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 10, 2027. Pro tip from the Village: go early, because the line gets long and the exhibit closes at 8:30 p.m. (7 p.m. on Sundays).

Santa photos are at Giggleberry Fair.

After the kickoff

From Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, Village shops keep extended holiday hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. That makes a weeknight December visit an option once the opening crowd is gone.

Building a whole season of trips? See our Longwood Gardens Christmas guide and Cape May at Christmas.

The Friday newsletter lines up trips like this one a week ahead, so you can plan the drive before the lot fills. Subscribe here.