Bristol's Tree Lighting & Parade Promises Holiday Fun

The Bristol Borough Christmas tree earlier this week. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Bristol Borough will ring in the Christmas season Friday and Saturday.

The historic riverfront town will once again host its Christmas Tree Lighting Friday evening, and the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday.

The weekend’s festivities kick off on Friday with the Christmas Tree Lighting.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will feature a Christmas village that is housed in a decorated tent that will have vendors selling food items and retail goods.

“If you want to pick up a little something for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday, I think there will be some good options for you there,” Greg Pezza, a councilmember and organizer for the event, said earlier this month.

The celebration will also include a dance performance led by Ms. Emma from Valeria Studios on Mill Street. Children ages 8 to 12 will perform in front of the tree.

The Sugar Plums, winners of a Christmas caroling contest on the CW network, will perform for about 25 minutes during the festivities.

“It’s going to be a fantastic event,” Pezza said. “The highlight will be a group of girls called The Sugar Plums. They’re kind of like USO, with a 1950s vibe as Christmas carolers.”

“At the end of the day, this is really what the tree lighting is about, celebrating the community and particularly getting the kids excited for the season that is to come,” Pezza explained.

Santa Claus will make an appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The main event, the lighting of the tree, is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

To accommodate the celebration, road closures will be in effect. The 100 block of Mill Street and the 100 block of Radcliffe Street will close at 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Fire police will be on hand to direct traffic and assist with parking.

Saturday will see the streets of Bristol Borough come alive with the annual Christmas Parade.

The parade, which begins at 1 p.m., will start its march from the corner of Green Lane and Farragut Avenue.

Spectators can expect a procession featuring local first responders, musicians, and a fleet of classic cars. Costumed characters will march alongside.

The parade will progress down Farragut Avenue, turn onto Pond Street, and conclude near the historic King George II Inn on Mill Street.