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Top Tree-lighting Ceremonies In The Philly Area

The holiday season just isn't official until the trees have been lit downtown. Here are some of the area's best tree lighting events and ceremonies.

Chestnut Hill's Annual Circle of Trees
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.woodmereartmuseum.org

Date: Saturday, Nov. 22; 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Head to picture perfect Chestnut Hill for the neighborhood's annual tree-lighting ceremony. Around 6 p.m., Santa will arrive by firetruck to begin the countdown to the tree lighting. Guests can expect to watch as Woodmere's tree and a menorah are lit up, then explore the new exhibit on traditional toys. Free refreshments will be offered, and those attending are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate.

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Downtown Triangle
W Broad St
Quakertown, PA 18951

Date: Friday, Dec. 5; 6 p.m.

Live alpacas, ice sculptures, strolling carolers and Christmas vendors complete the pastoral scene at Quakertown's tree-lighting.

Clayton Volunteer Fire Company's 15th Annual Christmas Parade
Begins at Simmons Elementary School
Clayton, NJ
www.claytonfire.org/

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13; 6:30 p.m.

The Clayton Volunteer Fire Company's 15th Annual Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday, December 13th beginning at 6:30 PM. The parade will wind through several developments and local streets, ending at Borough Hall for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Come out for this fun event and get in the holiday spirit!

East Passyunk Holiday Tree Lighting
Singing Fountain
11th St & Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.visiteastpassyunk.com

Date: Thursday, Dec. 4; 5 - 7 p.m.

Carolers, Santa, free food and holiday cupcakes are just some of the offerings at East Passyunk's annual tree lighting at the iconic Singing Fountain. And following the tree lighting, head down to the Mifflin Triangle for free treats from Ms. Goody Cupcake, visits with Santa and holiday music. Many area shops and restaurants will be staying open late and offering special deals, too.

Haddonfield Tree Lighting
Haddonfield Library
60 N Haddon Ave
Haddonfield, NJ
www.haddonfieldnj.org

Date: Friday, Nov. 28; 6:30 p.m.

Haddonfield switches on the lights on its holiday tree then Santa and a parade continue to Kings Court for family-friendly fun. The event also features live music from the high school's marching band and choir.


2014 City of Philadelphia Holiday Tree Lighting

Philadelphia City Hall Courtyard
City Hall
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.facebook.com/PhillyOCR

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 3; 6-8 p.m.

Join Mayor Michael Nutter and City Representative Desiree Peterkin Bell at the City Hall Courtyard Philadelphia's official tree lighting.

Morris House Hotel Tree Lighting
Morris Hotel
225 S 8th St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.morrishousehotel.com

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13; starting at 5 p.m.

The Morris House Hotel celebrates the season with its 3rd annual Christmas tree lighting and festival. From 5 - 9 p.m., the Philadelphia Flea Market will be setting up shop on the grounds, and Santa will be there between 6 and 8 p.m. Looking to add a pet to the family this year? PAWS will be there will adoptable dogs from 6 to 8 p.m., too. Finally, the hotel's gorgeous restaurant, M, will be offering a special menu featuring some of the season's best -- from holiday ham and hot chocolate to apple butternut squash and pumpkin bread.

Peddler's Village Grand Illumination
Routes 202 & 263
Lahaska, Pa.
www.peddlersvillage.com

Date: Friday, Nov. 21; 6 - 9 p.m.

Santa switches on the Christmas lights at 6:15 p.m. sharp during the Peddler's Village Grand Illumination. Sip on free cider and toast marshmallows as you pay tribute to the start of the most wonderful time of year.

Rittenhouse Tree Lighting
Rittenhouse Square
18th & Walnut Sts
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.rittenhouserow.org

Date: Monday, Dec. 1; 5 p.m.

Head to beautiful Rittenhouse Square to watch as the park is lit by more than 5,000 twinkling lights for the holiday season. Carolers and hot chocolate complete this event showcasing the city's largest Christmas tree.

Shops at Liberty Place Tree Lighting Ceremony
Shops at Liberty Place
1625 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.shopsatliberty.com

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 2; 6 - 8 p.m.

Come out for free hot cocoa, face-painting, BYO-camera photos with Santa and performances from the Philadelphia Dance Academy and the Liberty Strings Orchestra during the second annual tree-lighting festivities at the Shops at Liberty Place. Bonus: There will also be free samples of food from Chick-fil-A and R2L.

South Street Headhouse Winter Wonderland
Headhouse Square Shambles
200 Pine St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.southstreet.com

Date: Sunday, Dec. 7; 4 - 7 p.m.

Starting at 4 p.m., visitors to Historic Headhouse Square can stroll the Shambles and enjoy crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, dance performances, a holiday market and more. At 6:30 p.m., watch as the tree is lit and the winners of the Winter Wonderland Storefront Challenge, a store-decorating contest, are announced.

Upper Darby Tree Lighting
Top of 69th St
Upper Darby, Pa.

Date: Sunday, Dec. 7; 6:45 p.m.

Mayor Micozzie will light the Township Holiday Tree of Peace after a concert from local school bands and choirs.

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