Lansdale plants new holiday tree, grows fresh tradition

The holidays in downtown Lansdale will look a little different this year, but the heart of the season is staying right where families expect it: Railroad Plaza. 

Instead of cutting down and hauling in a large evergreen, the borough is planting a 12-foot spruce near the Santa House, creating a new, more sustainable tradition designed to grow alongside the community for years to come, as announced this week on its Facebook page.

For decades, families have gathered at Railroad Plaza for the annual Tree Lighting, TubaChristmas concert and other holiday events. 

Borough officials said it has become increasingly difficult to find a suitable tree to cut each year, as fewer property owners are willing to part with mature evergreens and staff are cautious about removing healthy trees. 

By planting a permanent spruce, the borough can shift its focus from searching and cutting to decorating and building out a “magical holiday atmosphere” in the plaza.

While this year’s tree may be smaller than in years past, borough officials emphasized that the celebrations will not be. The new live tree gives families something to check in on each year, watching “our tree” grow taller as new memories take shape around it. 

The borough described the change as a way to keep the heart of Lansdale’s holiday season “as bright as ever where memories are made and the spirit of the season continues to grow right alongside our tree.”

That spirit will be on full display during a slate of upcoming holiday events centered around Railroad Plaza and Main Street:

• Tree lighting ceremony
  Dec. 5 – Main Street at Madison Street – 6 p.m.
  Lansdale’s Holiday Tree Lighting returns with twinkling lights, festive fun and plenty of community cheer to officially kick off the season.
  
  
• TubaChristmas concert
  Dec. 7 – Railroad Plaza – 2 p.m.
  The beloved TubaChristmas concert will fill Railroad Plaza with brass harmonies and holiday tunes, offering a unique seasonal soundtrack in the shadow of the new spruce.
  
  
• Letters to Santa
  Railroad Plaza – through Dec. 19
  Children can write letters and wish lists to Santa and drop them into his special mailbox at the Santa House in Railroad Plaza. Borough elves will gather the letters and send them on the Elf Express — led by Rudolph — to the North Pole. Santa will do his best to respond to letters that include full names and addresses. The deadline for pickup by the Elf Express is Dec. 19.
  
  
• (Credit: Lansdale Borough)
  
• Santa House visits
  Railroad Plaza – weather permitting
  Santa plans to visit with children on:
  • Friday, Dec. 12 – 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 19 – 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 20 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  
  
• Menorah lighting
  Dec. 14 – Railroad Plaza – 6 p.m.
  The annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting will feature music from the Horns of Hanukkah, doughnuts and hot chocolate, crafts and more. The event is organized by community members, led by Alan Gold, with support from Lansdale Borough. Those interested in helping with the celebration can contact organizers at [email protected]