Holiday Shop Till You Drop

By MARY SCHWIND

Updated 10:42 AM EST, Mon, Nov 16, 2009

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Let's face it, holiday shopping is rarely a pleasant experience, but Peddler's Village is doing its best to change that and make the magic of the season more memorable. From homewares, clothes, and comfort foods to unique toys, local artisans and a day spa, you can easily check off your gift list in the Village’s 70 specialty shops.

Get your shopping mojo going with a steaming, freshly ground coffee at House of Coffee or breakfast at Sweet Lorraine’s Café. Humming along to the holiday music, head to the Main Green or any of the Village “neighborhoods” with shops all dressed up with fruit wreaths and greenery-lined windows sparkling with tiny white lights.

On Merchants Row, peruse the decorative hardware at Knobs ‘n Knockers for that handy guy on your list, sample a wine flight in the Chaddsford Winery Tasting Room, or hand pick your favorites from a selection of homemade chocolates and candies at Skip’s Candy Corner.

At Casa Casale in the Courtyard Shoppes, linger to sample some of the imported olive oils, balsamic vinegars and pastas at the tasting bars. As you stroll toward the Main Green, the “tick-tock” of the hand-carved cuckoo clocks will draw you into Fehrenbach Black Forest Clocks & Gifts, and then slip into that cozy, plush robe that you spied in the window at Lace Silhouettes Lingerie. Create a personalized memory book at Creative Inkling and select a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art by a local artist at Artisans Gallery or Pennsylvania handmade redware pottery at Eldreth Gallery.

As the sun sets, one million jewel-colored holiday lights and twinkling reindeer bathe the Village landscape in a warm glow. The delicious smells and whimsical creations in the Gingerbread Display at the Village Gazebo will return you to your childhood.

Don’t forget to bring the kids and their wish lists to Giggleberry Fair for a special visit with Santa and a professional keepsake photo by Clix photo studio. End the day with a relaxing meal in your choice of five Peddler’s Village restaurants. Back by popular demand is the Peddler’s Village Dining Gift Card program, giving you $5 in dining rewards for each $25 purchase, or for every $100 purchase, receive a $30 dining rewards bonus.

Holiday season special activities:

The holiday shopping season kicks off Friday, November 20 at the Merchants’ Open House Weekend. The event will featuring refreshments, unique gift ideas, festive music and the start of extended holiday hours. At 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Santa will "switch" on the holiday light display. The Grand Illumination Celebration will continue until 9 p.m.
Join in the festivities at the Christmas Festival on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with Santa's Parade on Saturday 1:30 p.m.
Parking is always free and abundant with easy access to all shops and restaurants. Visit Peddler's Village or call 215-794-4000 for more information, hours and directions.