Thousands Welcome The Season At 110th Tree Lighting in Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Thousands braved the cold in the heart of Doylestown Borough Friday night to welcome the holiday season with a tradition dating back more than a century.

The town’s annual tree lighting ushered in the excitement of the season in grand fashion, with Santa greeting the crowd from a bucket truck and the spirit of the season filling the air.

Calling it “the greatest tree lighting in America,” FOX 29’s Richard Curtis welcomed the crowd to the 110th town tree lighting “in one of the most historic places in the country

“This year’s tree is beautiful,” he said of the 24-foot tall Norway Spruce donated to the town by Bountiful Acres. The 600-pound tree decorated with 7,000 LED lights stands as a symbol of the season at the intersection of State and Main.

As the Bucks Country Gentlemen and the Central Bucks West Choirs performed holiday favorites, several special guests greeted the crowd, including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, Rapunzel, the Grinch, and Mrs. Claus.

Doylestown Borough Council Vice President Amy Popkin brought greetings to the gathering from Mayor Noni West and the Doylestown Borough Council.

"In 1913, the first tree was lit on a snow-covered street right here in front of the old Fountain Inn," said Popkin. "I grew up in Doylestown and no matter how many times I have been to theSanta Parade I am always in awe of the crowd and the enthusiasm. I hope all of you take time to reflect and to cherish on what is most important in life. Celebrate the things that unite us and feel gratitude for even the smallest blessings that we enjoy."

The glistening 24-foot-tall Norway Spruce. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Central Bucks High School West Choir performs at the tree lighting. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Bucks Country Gentlemen perform at the tree lighting. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Frosty waves to the crowds. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Santa Parade arrived at the intersection featuring the State Street Dancers, Action Karate, the Ascend Dance Center, Max's Electric Bicycles, the Broken Arrow Ranch, Bucks Bubbles, Main Street (formerly Pine2Pink), Bountiful Acres, Team Fox Parkinson's Research, Moyer Pest Control, Nook Nook Music School, Moore Family Pressure Washington, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, Ambler Christmas Lighting Division, Doylestown Independent Engine 99, the Doylestown Fire Company No. 1 and the Central Bucks West Marching Band.

Santa arrived in the heart of Doylestown aboard an antique fire truck.

With the assistance of the firefighters, the man of the hour made his way to a nearby bucket truck, which lifted him high above the intersection where he greeted Doylestown with waves and a jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho.”

Youngsters screamed out Santa’s name as parents captured the excitement on their smartphones.

“Are we ready?” Curtis shouted to the crowd. "Okay, Santa. Here we go," said Curtis counting down from three.

Suddenly the darkened corner of Main and State was ablaze with light as the 24-foot-tall tree glistened in the cold night air as a roar of excitement swept through the intersection.

The evening was organized by Discover Doylestown and Doylestown Borough with the support of Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s.

Richard Curtis interviews Rapunzel. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Santa prepares for his trip into the air to officially light the Doylestown tree. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Grinch greets a fan at the tree lighting. (Jeff Werner/Patch)