“It looks like I’m a little early this year,” Santa Claus said, stepping onto the Allen Street stage.
He looked down at the crowd of excited children in front of him, their faces glowing with excitement.
“Well, the kids don’t seem to care,” Santa chuckled.
Friday night was the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Allen Street gates. For nearly two hours, the darkened fir tree loomed behind an impromptu stage and growing crowd. As the evening progressed, the crowd grew more and more excited for the arrival of Santa Claus.
The evening featured performances from the State College High School Brass Quintet, ballet dancers from the Performing Arts School of Central PA, the Nittany Valley Children’s Choir, the State College High School Choir, the cast of Scrooge at the State Theatre, and Dan and Galla – a popular musical performance couple.
The evening culminated with youngster William Hay of Port Matilda joining Santa on stage to light the tree with his magical sleigh bells.
Though the air was crisp and brisk, the evening was warm with a festive holiday spirit.
