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America's Oldest Tree Lighting

America’s Oldest Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for 5pm-8pm on Saturday December 5, 2026  

Perkasie’s ceremony began in 1909 and 2026 will mark its 118th year. It was officially recognized as the oldest in the US in 2015, when it was read into the Congressional Record by Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick. 

Families will enjoy a traditional evening out, with Holiday music, food and fun.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a Perkasie Electric Truck to light the Christmas tree at 7PM and one lucky child will be chosen to climb on the stage to help Santa light the tree; bring a non-perishable food item for Pennridge FISH to enter the drawing. Drawing at 6:30pm. SANTA ARRIVES AT 7PM

This event is crowded and not a suitable environment for pets. PLEASE, SERVICE ANIMALS ONLY.  NO COOLERS!

Parking Restrictions and Road Closures will be in effect in the town center from 2PM onwards.
Scroll down for information about public parking and ADA parking. 

AROUND THE EVENT / 5PM – 8PM

Attractions / Entertainers

  • 2026 Perkasie ornaments for sale by the Perkasie Town Improvement Association on N. 7th Street
  • AcroDynamics - live aerial acrobatic display in the Penn Community Bank parking lot
  • Activities and giveaways from event sponsors and local organizations all along 7th Street
  • Antique Wagon Rides at 8th & Market 
  • Food Trucks in the Shelly's lot
  • Horse & Carriage Rides presented by Davis Feed Mill on 7th Street
  • Live music from Mike Greer & Co. performing under the big tent
  • Local eateries are open!
  • Nostalgic Train Display at the Perkasie Electric Co. building, presented by the Perkasie Model Railroad Club
  • RE:VIVALS Block Party and Soup Kitchen
  • Strolling carolers - WeSing4All
  • Stilt walkers

 Photo Ops

  • Giant inflatable igloo
  • Highland Cows at 6th & Market
  • Historic porch photos on Market Street
  • Live store window dioramas on N. 7th Street
  • “Love Bus” at Shine Yoga Studio (6th & Market)
  • Photos with Santa after he lights the tree. Presented by RE/MAX 440

Things to Do in Town Throughout the Day

  • Christmas Cafe at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 5th & Chestnut (4:30-6:30PM)
  • Christmas Caroling and Sing-a-Long at the Market Center at the corner of 5th & Market (5:30PM and 7:30PM)
  • 1939 Nativity and fun & games at St. Stephens Church on Arch St (5PM-8PM)
  • Perkasie’s Historic Carousel will be open for rides with Santa (12PM-5PM)
  • Perkasie Historical Society Museum open with a “Christmas in Perkasie” display on W. Walnut St. (4PM-7PM)
  • Perkasie's Nostalgic Train Display at the Perkasie Electric Co. building (120 N. 7th Street), open from 12PM – 8PM on Friday 12/4 AND Saturday 12/5. This event is presented by the Perkasie Model Railroad Club.
  • The Polar Express Conductor reads "The Polar Express" at the Perkasie Historical Society Museum on W. Walnut Street (4PM & 5PM).
  • Town Center business shopping specials and dining menus

ENTERTAINMENT TENT PROGRAM

  • 5:15pm:                Former Mayor: T’was the night Before Christmas
  • 5:30pm:                Pennridge South Middle School Choir
  • 5:45pm:                Pennridge Central Middle School Harmony Group
  • 6:00pm:                Mike Greer & Co. live music
  • 6:30pm:                PTIA draw raffle for child to switch on the lights
  • 7:15pm:                Mike Greer & Co. live music

LAST CALL for alcohol sales at 7:45pm

ROAD CLOSURES & PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Town center roads will be closed and parking restrictions in effect from 2PM. 

PARKING INFORMATION: public parking is available on the street around the event and in the following public and private lots: 
* Municipal lots at 7th & Walnut, 3rd & Walnut (Little League lot), 6th & Walnut, 2nd St (Kulp Park), Menlo Park, Lenape Park
* Trinity Lutheran Church (4th & Chestnut)
* EFE Laboratories (700 W. Park Avenue)
* Grandview Service Center (530 Arch St)
* Ken Smith Basses lot (corner of Arch & Race)
* Penn Community Bank HQ (219 S. 9th St, then walk through the trolley tunnel)
* Guth Elementary School (601 N. 7th St.)

ADA PARKING and DROPOFF is at the QNB lot at the corner of 6th St & Chestnut St

SPONSORS: We are grateful to the organizations that make America’s Oldest Tree Lighting possible. Thank you to our 2026 event sponsors.

  • Major Sponsors: A&T Chevrolet Subaru, American Heritage Credit Union, Dunkin' Perkasie, Gilmore & Associates, Hilltop Farm & Fence Company
  • Tree Sponsors: Begley, Carlin & Mandio, Grim Biehn & Thatcher, Penn Community Bank, So Fresh, So Green Cafe
  • Tent & Entertainment Sponsors: Kiddie Academy of Hilltown, Perkasie Regional Authority, QNB Bank
  • General Sponsors: Kimberley Vassal, Coe & Weimer Insurance, Perkasie Historical Society, RE/MAX440, Upper Bucks Free Press

VOLUNTEERS: we couldn’t run an event like this without our wonderful volunteers. Thank you!