Santa, Mrs. Claus receive firefighter escort to crowd in Post Office Square

Belfast’s many merry celebrate annual tree lighting

Sun, 12/02/2018 - 6:00pm

    BELFAST — There was a large turnout at Belfast’s annual tree lighting ceremony, which took place in Post Office Square Saturday, Dec. 1, from 4:30 to roughly 5 p.m., when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived. 

    Approximately 100 people turned out for this year’s event, which featured several carols, along with snacks and hot cocoa. When Santa arrived a short time later, he slowly waded through throngs of wide-eyed children, each excited to have a minute with the fabled jolly fellow. 

    After Mayor Samantha Paradis took to the post office steps to speak to the gathered crowd, Santa took his turn at the microphone before giving the signal to turn on the lights, prompting cheers.

    Santa and Mrs. Claus then crossed the street to Key Bank, where two chairs and a tree sat waiting for them, along with a line of people that had been forming throughout the tree lighting. By the time Santa made it into the building the line was beginning to snake out the door.

    Despite a long line, spirits remained high as children and lifelong believers waited for their chance to chat with the holiday icon. 

    For those who missed Santa’s visit to Post Office Square, he will be appearing at Holiday on the Harbor, which occurs at Belfast’s waterfront before moving to the Boathouse. That event begins at 11 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 8.


    Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com