Santa Claus stopped at the George Taylor House for Catasauqua’s tree lighting Dec. 4. This is the first time the borough has used the George Taylor House property for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

“We decided to plant a real tree and use it for the tree lighting,” said Jeffrey Miller, the borough’s director of pools and parks. “We probably should have done it years ago. It’s close to the road, so people can see it.”

Miller lit up the tree as Santa Claus rounded the bend atop a fire truck.

The event was well attended.

“I’m going to estimate that we had about 300 people at the event,” Mayor Barbara Schlegel said. “I think this was one of our best-attended tree lightings.”

While waiting for Santa Claus to arrive, families spent time at a s’mores fire pit, pounded on heated metal at the blacksmith’s shop, made a reindeer craft, listened to tales of how Christmas was celebrated in Colonial times and took a tour of the historic George Taylor House.

Ben Winkler, of Catty Beverage, made loads of chili. Hot chocolate drinks were a hit in the cool evening air. Mild weather helped bring out the crowds.

“It was kind of cold last year,” Miller said. “This little break helped a lot.”