Newtown Rings In The Season With Tree Lighting, Santa's Arrival

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — With sirens wailing and youngsters squealing excitedly, Santa arrived at the town's tree lighting aboard an antique fire engine.

Throngs of people greeted the man of the hour as he made his way through a very crowded parking lot at the Newtown Fire Association on Washington Avenue on Dec. 6.

As Santa joined Mayor John Burke and members of the Newtown Experience on the porch of the fire company, the mayor welcomed everyone to the event, which opened with music by the Goodnoe Elementary School Choir and a dance performance by BC Discoveries.

Santa, joined by guest of honor Peter Brill, was given the honor of lighting the tree, its colorful strands of lights sparkling on the 25-foot-tall evergreen donated by Carousel Gardens.

Mayor John Burke, Peter Brill and Santa officially light the town's tree. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Members of the Goodnoe Elementary School Choir perform during the tree lighting.

Members of the Goodnoe Elementary School Choir perform during the tree lighting.

Santa holds up a letter he received. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Santa with Mayor John Burke and his family. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Afterward, Santa greeted youngsters and listened to Christmas wishes on the porch of the fire station while the crowd moved inside where they warmed up with coffee and hot chocolate donated by Starbucks and enjoyed cookies provided by the Dessert Club of Newtown.

If you missed Santa at the tree lighting, he'll be at his Santa House at 16 South State Street on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15, 21 and 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Children may also drop their letters to Santa in the mail slot at the Santa House. Make sure to include a return address for a response from Santa.

Members of Experience Newtown encourage residents and shoppers to explore the town's eclectic mix of stores this holiday season, including the Newtown Hardware House, the Newtown Book and Record Exchange, Giovanni’s Fine Fashions, J. McLaughlin, 25 South, the Pro Shop, and more.

As an incentive to shop Newtown, Newtown Borough has waived the parking restriction on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of the year to accommodate shoppers. The 30-minute spaces, however, will still be enforced.