The third annual Strasburg Community Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, on the grounds of the Strasburg Borough Municipal Building, 145 Precision Ave., Strasburg. The event is always held on the first Friday in December.

Activities will kick off the festive evening at 5:30 p.m., and the tree-lighting program will begin at 6:30 p.m. During the program, Santa Claus will arrive on the Strasburg Fire Company truck to light the tree; the Jolly Old Elf will also be available after the program to visit with children in attendance.

During the evening, attendees will be able to enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, hot dogs, and popcorn, and there will be food and drinks for purchase, as well. Among the activities available during the tree-lighting event will be caroling, games, cookie decorating, a s'mores station, and a holiday train layout. The Strasburg Borough Police Department will also be on hand to collect donations for the Toys for Tots program during the event. 

The annual tree-lighting event has been well attended in the past, with an estimated 200 to 300 people in attendance the first year and 500 to 600 last year. The event's offerings have grown each year, as well, and organizers are excited to continue to make this event a new holiday tradition.

The tree-lighting program is a community event made possible by the support and cooperation of Strasburg community civic organizations, churches, and businesses. It is sponsored by Strasburg Borough, the Lampeter-Strasburg Area Woman's Club, and the Strasburg Heritage Society.