December in Ambler
Seeing as my last post was October events, I feel like I’ve let you down, particularly as there has been so much happening in town, but such is the case when I get really busy… Some of the many exciting things that I neglected to report in detail are the opening of several fantastic new additions to Ambler; Hatch, Frox, Ambler Beverage Exchange and a few more that are on the way! Also, some interesting restaurant rumors, one of which you’ve all heard, the other, I’m still working on the details; but I’ll tell you this, if it’s a go, then it has me excited! Stay tuned for more info.
Now onto December, holy cow, there is lot going on! Hopefully you’ll have the time, or be using some of your vacation time, and will be able to enjoy many of these great events. Also, please keep in mind all of the wonderful specialty shops and services that we have in Ambler; they offer exciting and unique, gifts, and who doesn’t like a gift certificate?! Alright, peeps, here we go…
December 1:
Holiday Parade, Butler Avenue, beginning at 1pm.
Hatch is celebrating their grand opening, 10am – 5pm. Be sure to bring the little ones as Miss Eileen will be there with music especially for kids, 1:30 – 3:30pm. There will also be store specials, a raffle and more!
The Ambler Bake Shop is offering a free Christmas Cookie to children from the hours of 11am – 3pm.
The Holiday Window Display Contest kicks off! This contest runs for the entire month, so be sure to visit each and every window before you vote! Not only will a few of our fabulous local businesses be named winners, but two voters will be drawn at random to win an Ambler Restaurant Week gift certificate! Complete contest details can be found at www.AmblerMainStreet.org beginning, Saturday, December 1st.
December 2:
Young Starrs Theater Company is performing Into the Woods at Temple Ambler, 2pm. The company is made up of young stars ranging in age from 8th grade to college students. Call the YSTC box office for tickets, 215-285-5500.
The Ambler Skate Shop is hosting the premier of skate video “Pretty Sweet” at The Ambler Theater, 9:30pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Skate Shop in advance or at the door.
December 6:
Santa pays a special visit to town! He arrives at the Ambler train station at 7pm, join him as he makes his way down to Borough Hall for the Christmas tree lighting!
The Ambler Bake Shop is hosting an Open House from 4pm to 7pm, be sure to stop in before visiting Santa! They will be offering tastings of their Christmas desserts, including cakes, pies, cookies, and more. They will also have sample dessert party trays as well as cookie trays that can be ordered for the Holidays.
December 7:
Essenza day Spa is has partnered with other local businesses and is hosting a fun filled Holiday Shopping Event, Spa Style for a Cause! Enjoy champagne, food and desserts and complimentary mini spa treatments while you cross items off of your holiday shopping list. If that isn’t enough, they will also be raising money for the American Red Cross to help with Sandy Relief by holding an awesome silent auction. So many great offers, check the site for compete details. Event runs 5 -9pm, RSVP by December 3rd. www.EssenzaDaySpa.com
Addicted 2 Dance is hosting a Drop ‘n Shop/Dine. Drop off the kids (ages 2+) and spend a few hours in town doing your holiday shopping and getting a bite to eat, or why not do something for yourself and spend some time at the salon/spa! It is $5/child/hour; there will be games, movies and of course, dancing, all supervised by the great dancers, staff and parents of A2D. Pre-register at [email protected], offered from 6 – 9pm.
December 8:
St. Mary’s Castle Tour! If you missed it last year, be sure to put it on your schedule, 1 – 5pm. If you can’t make it, check out the photos from the last tour.
December 10:
The Holiday Goose! Be sure to catch this family friendly, musical comedy of Christmas Day in old Italy. This show is put on by Family Stages at the Ambler Theater, show begins at 10am.
December 12:
Holiday Sing-A-Long with the Ambler Symphony at the Ambler Theater. Join in this annual Ambler tradition and sing along to holiday favorites then settle in for a screening of the original 1951, A Christmas Carol. Symphony begins at 6:30pm, with the movie to follow at 8pm.
December 13:
Chamaeleon Boutique is hosting Entertain with Style, which is an event that will teach to you to do just that! Pick up some great tips on how to “Entertain with Style” from several special guests, also enjoy appetizers and specialty drinks! Special discounts for all your holiday gift giving for that evening!
Wissahickon Middle School Honor Strings will be playing at the library at 4:30pm, then immediately following at Ambler Savings Bank at 5pm.
Saint Anthony’s will be having a Live Nativity, 6 -8pm.
December 14:
Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe kicks off at Act 2 playhouse. This is sure to be a great holiday treat for the family and includes a pre-show sing-a-long and post-show discussion with the actors. The show runs Dec 14 – 23, tickets are available here.
December 15:
The Philadelphia Hand Bell Ensemble will be performing at the First Presbyterian Church at 4pm.
It’s family movie day at the Ambler Theater, always a fun time, benefiting a great cause! The doors open at 9am, and I suggest getting there early, as there is a lot to do! Be entertained by a DJ, local cheerleaders, special guests, prizes, raffles, Dunkin Donuts and more! Afterwards head into the theater and see your choice of either Brave or The Princess Bride. Admission is free with your donation of a new, unwrapped toy, or new winter clothing, or an non-perishable food gift. All donations and proceeds benefit The Mattie Dixon Food Cupboard in Ambler!
December 20:
You do not want to miss “Twas the night” at Forest & Main! Spend the evening at the pub enjoying dinner by candlelight, costumes and two reading of the Christmas classic, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” There will be an early evening reading for families at 6pm and a second later in the evening at 10:30pm. I suspect this will be an annual tradition, be a part of the first one!
Congratulations to Pure Spa, as December 20th marks their 5 year anniversary! Join them to celebrate with some champagne, snacks and the best offers of the year! Stay tuned to their facebook page for more details.
December 21:
Eat, Drink, Shop and be Merry at Holiday Night Out at Barberella! Take advantage of great specials on jewelry, makeup and hair products, also featuring a fun pop-up boutique with the fabulous fashions of Sew Vintage and also, psychic readings! Come prepared for fun, 5 – 9pm.
December 24:
Between the hours of 5 – 8pm, be on the lookout for the big man! Yep, that’s right, before Santa heads off on his sleigh, he will be making a special appearance in Ambler! When you hear the fire siren, make sure you come a running!
There are undoubtedly some happenings that I missed, so keep checking back as this list will continue to be updated. If you know of any Ambler events that should be listed, please feel free to drop me a line, allisonbwolf at gmail dot com. Also, mark your calendars, as Ambler Restaurant Week is back, running January 20-27! More details, including participating restaurants and their menus will be released soon. If you’re on facebook, stay up to date here.
I wish you all a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in Ambler!