From the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau:

"It’s the most wonderful time of the year," and all the historic sites, villages and retailers in Valley Forge and Montgomery County are aglow with holiday warmth and decorations. Here’s a brief sampling to put you squarely into the holiday spirit, as recommended by the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Pennypacker Mills

The former home of Pennsylvania Gov. Samuel Pennypacker, Pennypacker Mills in Schwenksville, will be wrapped in grand Victorian holiday style from now through Jan. 6. Swirls of ribbons, candles, wreaths and greens fill this three-story Colonial Revival mansion. During the site’s “Victorian Christmas Open House” on Dec. 8, costumed historians, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, will greet guests. A demonstration of clear toy candy-making also takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. and, beginning at 5 p.m., the Montgomery County Community College Chamber Choir will welcome in song all who approach the mansion.

Skippack Village

Many of nearby historic Skippack Village’s boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants will be aglow with candlelight Wednesday and Friday evenings until Dec. 21. Shops are open until 9 p.m.  

Pottsgrove Manor

Pottsgrove Manor, once the Pottstown country home of ironmaster John Potts, showcases the elegance of a traditional 18th century English Christmas now through January 6. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues. through Sat., and Sun. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tourswill be offered on the hour, the last one beginning at 3 p.m. “Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight,” with period music and costumed historians, will also take place Dec. 9 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Glencairn Museum

Enjoy more musical merriment at 8 p.m. on December 18 at Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn.  The 75th annual “Glencairn Sing” will feature soloists, audience caroling, readings from the Christmas story and the sounds of the incomparable “Glencairn Horns.” And through January 6 “Christmas in the Castle” is a 45-minute guided tour where visitors can explore works of art in the Glencairn collection depicting the Nativity of Jesus Christ, dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The tour also reveals how Christmas was celebrated in Glencairn when it was the private home of the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family (1940s to 1970s).

For more information about celebrating the holiday season and finding affordable hotel and shopping packages in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, visit www.valleyforge.org.