America's Oldest Christmas Tree Lighting

America’s Oldest Christmas Tree Lighting turns 117 on Saturday December 6th! The town of Perkasie has been hosting this magical event since 1909, and year after year they continue to bring the joy of Christmas to attendees of all ages. But if by some chance you are not one of the thousands of people who get to experience the festivities, fear not, for I will walk you through the evening’s activities - all the way from horse drawn carriages, to catching a candy cane from Santa himself.

The Tree Lighting is from 5 pm - 8 pm, with Santa lighting the tree at 7 pm. However, visitors who arrive between 12 pm and 5 pm have the opportunity to ride Perkasie’s iconic Carousel for free, along with free hot chocolate, candy canes, and readings of “The Polar Express” from The Conductor at the Perkasie Historical Society Museum in town.

For the main event, Perkasie’s Christmas Tree Lighting had many ways to arrive and enjoy the evening. People walked into town if they lived close by, stopping in at The Perk or Free Will Brewing for a drink and a bite to eat. Or some grabbed a parking spot near the Town Center if they arrived early enough. Attendees are also able to take the Park & Ride, operated by First Student, from South Middle School to the Town Center, avoiding the hunt for a parking spot and enjoying a stress-free ride into town.

Once in town, if visitors want to fuel up on food before enjoying the activities, they have their choice of eateries. From the “Food Truck Court” in the Shelly's parking lot, with around 15 different vendors, to one of the many eateries in Perkasie offering special holiday menus, there is something for everyone. Las year, So Fresh So Green Cafe at 7th St and Market St., located right across from the Tree Lighting, had a special events menu complete with a hot chocolate bar and spiced hot apple cider to sip on, and white bean and chicken chili, or vegan black bean soup to eat.

After a full belly and with a cozy holiday beverage in hand, get into the holiday spirit by taking part in many Christmas activities. Check out the Nostalgic Holiday Train Display at the Perkasie Electric Building, with miniature towns and landscapes for the trains to pass through. The Pennridge Ministerium offers multiple activities at places of worship in town, including a Family Fun Zone at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ on Arch St., a Christmas Cafe at Trinity Lutheran Church on 5th St., and a Christmas Sing-Along at The First United Methodist Church at 5th and Market St. Catch beautiful horse drawn carriages for rides through town from Davis Feed Mill on 7th St., where Pennridge High School’s Rock U bands entertains everyone waiting in line for a ride. Throughout the town, holiday themed displays wows spectators, like 2 stilt walkers and an acrobatic show. At the heated tent in the Town Center, enjoy live music, excerpts from The Nutcracker, holiday songs and carols performed by The Pennridge Central & South Middle School coirs, and “T’was the Night Before Christmas” read by Perkasie’s former Mayor.

As 7 pm approaches, Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in on a shiny red Perkasie Electric Truck. With the help of everyone counting down to the big moment, Santa, full of Christmas magic, and a little assistance from Perkasie Electric, lights up Perkasie’s Christmas tree, where the Christmas spirit can be felt all around as Santa tosses out candy canes to the crowd.

I hope this article painted the picture of all the magic and wonder in the town of Perkasie during this special event, and encouraged you to put it on your calendar when Perkasie hosts their 117th Christmas Tree Lighting. But for now, I wish a happy holidays to you all, and for the joy of the season to find you wherever you may be.