Volunteers Set The Scene For The Holiday Season In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Doylestown Borough is officially ready for the holiday season.

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

It’s the prelude to a busy holiday season of events highlighted by the town’s tree lighting and Santa Parade presented by Simply Fresh on Friday, Nov. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the heart of Doylestown.

Joe McNulty of Doylestown Borough hangs one of the wreaths on Saturday morning. He and his wife, Theresa (below) joined a group of volunteers in decorating the town. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

A group of Central Bucks East students helped decorate the town on Saturday. (Photos by Jeff Werner)

For the 109th year, the community will gather at State and Main to light the town’s tree - a 26-foot tall Norman Spruce Fir donated by Bountiful Acres.

Work crews from the borough are expected to raise the tree into place this weekend in preparation for the festivities. It will then be decorated with 5,000 lights and 150 ornaments.

According to Mike Kendrick of Discover Doylestown, this year’s parade is "going to be big" featuring more than 100 participants, including community groups, the bubble machine, and Santa who will help light the tree.

Also expected to attend the tree lighting are several special guests from Arendelle - Princess Anna and Princess Elsa. Also joining the fun from Whoville will be the Grinch.

This year, the musical entertainment will be moved closer to the intersection of Main and State to give more people an opportunity to see and enjoy the sounds of the season, said Kendrick. Watch for the lineup of entertainers at DiscoverDoylestown.org.

The holiday shopping season will kick into high gear the next day on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25.

“Everyone is invited into town for a full day of shopping and eating. All the stores will be open,” said Kendrick. “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, said Kendrick

Beginning on Thursday, Nov. 30, hours will be 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 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 organizers. “There will be a bunch of caroling events in town. Fonthill will be hosting its Tree Meander and a Holiday Gift Shop will be open at the Michener Museum.”

A Brunch With Santa is planned at the Hattery on November 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-345-6610 to reserve seating.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church presents “Christmas in Doylestown” on Friday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 2 at 3 p.m. The church is located at 84 East Oakland Avenue Doylestown 18901.

A Holiday Open House takes place at the Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown 18901 on Tuesday, December 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. Free admission.

And Temple Judea will be hosting an interactive community Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 10 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 details, visit DiscoverDoylestown.org.