The ceremony of Christmas Tree Lighting by the Mayor is observed by several cities in America as the start of the holiday season. This is also true for Lancaster, PA. Held in the historic
Penn Square, the official initiation to the most enjoyable time of the year is observed by Lancaster residents and visitors alike with great gusto and enthusiasm.
The festivities are supported by the shops, galleries and museums of
Central Market which operate for extended hours: Christmas shopping is not a speedy process! The aura is also enhanced by several groups of carolers regaling the public with Christmas tunes. The Tuba Christmas music
deepens the spirit of brotherly love and joy. The luminary lined streets create the Wonderland milieu we all expect at Christmas.
Just like the Lancasterfest, the Mayor's Tree Lighting Festival is also one of the most unique city-wide festival celebrations in the Pennsylvania region. The primary purpose of the festival is to propagate the message of unity and celebrate the love amongst brethren during holiday season. It is also an avenue for the resident to relax and enjoy their fellow Lancasterians' company as a run-up to Christmas.
The Tree Lighting festival generally takes place on the last Friday of
November or the first Friday of December and as a thumb rule commences
at 6:30 p.m. This year, the festival is scheduled for November 28th.
There is no admission fee to watch the ceremony, enjoy the music and
partake in the festive spirit. Visit Lancaster, PA on November 28th,
and let the cool weather, friendly people and spirit of the holidays
create an experience that you will remember all your life.
