The holiday season just isn’t official until the trees have been lit downtown. Here are some of the area’s best tree lighting events and ceremonies.
Bucks County Holiday TreeFest
Bucks County Visitor Center
3207 Street Rd
Bensalem, Pa.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 26; 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Bucks County will transform into a holiday wonderland at the 8th annual TreeFest. Watch as Santa flips the switch to light up 25 uniquely decorated holiday trees.
Chestnut Hill’s Annual Circle of Trees
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.woodmereartmuseum.org
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23; 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Head to picture perfect Chestnut Hill for the neighborhood’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. Around 6 p.m., Santa will arrive by firetruck to begin the countdown to the tree lighting. This is the first year the event is taking place at Woodmere, and guests can expect to watch as Woodmere’s tree and a menorah are lit up, then explore the new exhibit on traditional toys. Free refreshments will be offered, and those attending are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate.
East Passyunk Holiday Tree Lighting
Singing Fountain
11th St & Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.visiteastpassyunk.com
Date: Thursday, Dec. 5; 5 p.m.
Carolers, Santa, free food and holiday cupcakes are just some of the offerings at East Passyunk’s annual tree lighting at the iconic Singing Fountain. And following the tree lighting, the party continues with Deck the Avenue shopping specials and extended hours at many area retailers and restaurants, including a Kabritu Stoba (whole braised goat) at NOORD. For more info on deals and discounts, visit the area’s website (above).
Haddonfield Tree Lighting
Haddonfield Library
60 N Haddon Ave
Haddonfield, NJ
www.haddonfieldnj.org
Date: Friday, Nov. 29; 6:30 p.m.
Haddonfield switches on the lights on its holiday tree then Santa and a parade continue to Kings Court for family-friendly fun. The event also features live music from Pick Up Band, Essential Brass Quartet and more.
Love Park Tree Lighting
Love Park
16th St & JFK Blvd
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.philachristmas.com
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4; Dusk
Join Mayor Nutter and his wife in Love Park for Philadelphia’s official tree-lighting. Afterwards, shop for gifts from more than 50 vendors inside the Christmas Village.
Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination
Routes 202 & 263
Lahaska, Pa.
www.peddlersvillage.com
Date: Friday, Nov. 22; 6 – 10 p.m.
Santa switches on the Christmas lights at 6:15 p.m. sharp during the Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination. Sip on free cider and toast marshmallows as you pay tribute to the start of the most wonderful time of year.
Rittenhouse Tree Lighting
Rittenhouse Square
18th & Walnut Sts
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.rittenhouserow.org
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 3; Dusk
Head to beautiful Rittenhouse Square to watch as the park is lit by more than 5,000 twinkling lights for the holiday season. Carolers and hot chocolate complete this event showcasing the city’s largest Christmas tree.
South Street Headhouse Winter Wonderland
Headhouse Square Shambles
200 Pine St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.southstreet.com
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8; 4 p.m.
Starting at 4 p.m., visitors to Historic Headhouse Square can stroll the Shambles and enjoy crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, dance performances, a holiday market and more. At 6:30 p.m., watch as the tree is lit and the winners of the Winter Wonderland Storefront Challenge, a store-decorating contest, are announced.
Upper Darby Tree Lighting
Top of 69th St
Upper Darby, Pa.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 8; 4:20 p.m.
The Upper Darby Township Council is hosting a free holiday concert at the Tower Theater (3 p.m.) featuring performances from Aronimink Singers, Beverly Hills Middle School Orchestra, The Bywood Buddies, The Girls Ensemble and Concert Signers from Drexel Hill Middle School, The Garrettford Singers, Stonehurst Select Singers and more. The concert is followed by a tree lighting ceremony with an appearance from Santa.
