Volunteers Decorate The Town In Prelude To The Holidays In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Doylestown Borough is officially ready for the holiday season and this year's Winterfest schedule of events.

Over the weekend, teams of volunteers decorated the town with 250 lighted wreaths and 240 snowflakes complements of Discover Doylestown and Doylestown Borough.

It was the prelude to a busy holiday season beginning with the town’s tree lighting and Santa Parade on Friday, Nov. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the heart of Doylestown.

For the 108th year, the community will gather at State and Main to light the town’s tree - a 20 foot tall, 24 year old Norway Spruce donated by Bountiful Acres.

“We’ll have musical performances by the Bucks Country Gentleman, the Central Bucks West Choir and the Central Bucks West Marching Band,” according to Kris Boger, president of Discover Doylestown, which is again coordinating this year's Winterfest activities. “This year we will be expanding the parade for the first time in 15 or 20 years. We have several community groups who have applied and will be joining the march.”

Also expected to attend the tree lighting are several special guests from Arendelle - Princess Anna and Princess Elsa. “And we’re working on getting Meribel from ‘Encanta’ to join us too,” said Boger.

The day after the tree lighting, the holiday shopping season will officially kick into high gear with Small Business Saturday, November 26.

“Everyone is invited into town for a full day of shopping and eating. All the stores and restaurants will be open,” said Boger. “And during the entire month of December stores will be staying open later every Thursday. Stores will be having sip and shop events, pop up events and little mini events.”

In addition, Santa’s House returns this year at the Hamilton Lot. Pictures with Santa are free, but donations are always welcome. Well-behaved pets are welcome as well. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone to capture that special moment.

Santa House hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

“Throughout the holiday season there are a ton of things happening all around town,” said Boger. “There will be a bunch of caroling events. Fonthill will be hosting its Tree Meander and a Holiday Gift Shop will be open at the Michener Museum.”

A Brunch With Santa is also planned at the Hattery on December 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 215-345-6610 to reserve a seat at the table.

And Temple Judea will be hosting an interactive community Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Doylestown Dreidel, 34 West State Street, Doylestown. Featured will be an afternoon of singing, delicious donuts, treat bags, crafts and raffle prizes.

For complete Winterfest details, visit DiscoverDoylestown.org.