48th Annual Festival of the Lights Opens Friday In Media

MEDIA, PA — Media's Rose Tree Park will soon be alight with holiday festivities as part of the 48th annual Festival of the Lights.

The festival will open Friday in Rose Tree Park. It is presented by the Delaware County Council and the County’s Department of Parks and Recreations.

The festival will kick off with the park’s traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, with a welcome from County Council and seasonal songs by the Springton Lake Middle School Select Choir.

The Festival of Lights is a walk-through display and runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

The illumination of the trees will usher in Santa’s arrival and the opening of the Delco Holiday Village. The third annual Delco Holiday Village will feature food trucks and a variety of local vendors and is presented by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

The Holiday Village operates on select evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is scheduled for Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 8, Dec. 9, Dec. 15, and Dec. 16. Visitors can go online here for a list of vendors and rain date information.

Delaware County’s annual Festival of Lights began more than 40 years ago as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration and has become a local tradition. Over time, the outdoor displays have grown from 50 decorated trees — one for each municipality and one large one to represent the County — to more than 100 lit trees and many festive displays, including candy canes, a penguin family, and Santa’s reindeer.

"We are thrilled to host this treasured Delco tradition once again this year and offer residents a fun and festive venue to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the beautiful light displays, shop local, and enjoy some local cuisine in Rose Tree Park,” Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer said.

"This year, the display area will extend to the rear parking lot behind the historic building known as the Hunt Club," Marc Manfre, Director of Delaware County Parks and Recreation, said. "Visitors will be able to stroll further than before, and there will be more space to enjoy the Holiday Village."

Although the new playground itself will be closed after dark, the newer trees and plantings surrounding it will be lit up, and some of the displays have been relocated to that area.

Also new this year is a lighted archway to guide visitors along the new path and a DJ playing holiday music to add to the festive atmosphere of the Holiday Village.