New Hope Celebrates The Season With Santa's Arrival, Tree Lighting

NEW HOPE, PA — Sunday’s wet weather moved out just in time for New Hope’s annual tree lighting and Santa’s official arrival in town.

Framed by holiday lights, the Sam Ryan Band set the stage for the magical evening, performing holiday favorites in front of the Logan Inn at Ferry and South Main.

As the clock clicked closer and closer to 6 p.m., anticipation ticked up a notch as New Hope Mayor Larry Keller announced Santa’s impending arrival. He was joined by Mary Brashier of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce and Jeanne Cretella, the co-founder and president of Landmark Hospitality, which owns the Logan Inn.

"What an honor it is to be here today and be part of such a phenomenal community," said Cretella. "For us, tonight is really special and I hope you feel how special it is to us. Each of our team members, headed by Maggie Smith, recognizes how important not only today is to the town, but each and every day. What makes this town so special at the end of the day is everyone who is in the community. Everyone who lives here. Everyone who owns a business here."

With that, she joined Brashier and Mayor Keller in announcing the arrival of Santa Claus.

Soon, sirens and lights were wailing and flashing on Main Street as New Hope’s Eagle Fire Company escorted the man of the hour to the steps of the Logan, where he received a wildly enthusiastic reception from the crowd of children and parents assembled on the Logan’s front patio.

As Santa and Mrs. Claus officially lit the tree, a blizzard of “snow” turned the corner of Ferry and Main into a scene right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

"Snow" fills the air at the tree lighting. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Santa greets his adoring fans on the patio at the Logan. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Sam Ryan Band set the tone with holiday favorites. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Sam Ryan Band set the tone with holiday favorites. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Mayor Larry Keller addresses the gathering. He is with Mary Brashier of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

As “snow” filled the air, Santa made his way to the crowded Logan patio where he greeted youngsters for the next half an hour, listening to their Christmas wishes as the Sam Ryan Band performed more holiday favorites.

For those who missed Santa’s arrival on Sunday evening, they’ll have a second chance to welcome him to town on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The New Hope Holiday Parade will step off at 4 p.m. from the New Hope-Solebury High School on Bridge Street. The parade will then march south on Main Street.

Both the tree lighting and holiday parade are organized and sponsored by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. The tree lighting is also sponsored by the Logan Inn.

Santa waves to passing cars on South Main Street. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Santa at the Logan. (Jeff Werner/Patch)