America’s Oldest Christmas Tree Lighting turned 116 on Saturday December 7th! 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 were not one of the thousands of people who got to experience this year’s 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 was from 5 pm - 8 pm, with Santa lighting the tree at 7 pm. However, visitors who arrived between 12 pm and 5 pm had 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. New to this year, attendees were 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 wanted to fuel up on food before enjoying the activities, they had 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 was something for everyone. Perkasie’s newest establishment, 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, patrons could get into the holiday spirit by taking part in many Christmas activities. There was a Nostalgic Holiday Train Display at the Perkasie Electric Building, with miniature towns and landscapes for the trains to pass through. The Pennridge Ministerium offered 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. Coleman’s Forgotten Orchard Farm brought their beautiful horse drawn carriage for rides through town from Davis Feed Mill on 7th St., where Pennridge High School’s Rock U bands entertained everyone waiting in line for a ride. Throughout the town, holiday themed displays wowed spectators, like 2 stilt walkers and an acrobatic show. At the heated tent in the Town Center, there was 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.
Honoring the season of giving, generous children (ages 10 and under) had the chance to win the roll of Santa’s helper, and assist in the tree lighting by donating non-perishable food items to Pennridge FISH at the Perkasie Towne Improvement tent.
Finally, as 7 pm approached and all had gathered in the Town Center, Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in on a shiny red Perkasie Electric Truck. We all counted down to the big moment, when Santa, full of Christmas magic, and a little assistance from Perkasie Electric, lit up Perkasie’s Christmas tree. The Christmas spirit could be felt all around as we cheered and caught candy canes that Santa tossed out to the crowd.
And just like that, the 116th of America’s Oldest Christmas Tree Lightings came to a close. If you were there, I am happy to have celebrated with you. If you missed this year, 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 for next year, 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.
