Triangle Park became a winter wonderland Dec. 6 as hundreds of residents from Emmaus and visitors from the surrounding areas participated in festival events beginning noon and concluding with the annual tree lighting later in the evening. The event was organized by the Emmaus Main Street Partners in conjunction with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The festivities began with Cheers Trails sponsored by Kleckner & Sons, ServPro of Allentown and Western Lehigh/Team Doyle. Tickets were required for the Cheers Trails in which guests could appreciate sipping drinks while strolling the various shops and businesses that make Emmaus a “picturesque holiday town.” Two trails were offered this year. Funk Brewing, Cottage & Bloom and the Emmaus Historical Society were featured on the red trail while the green trail took visitors to Yergey Brewing, Korpics Upholstery and House Splendid. Over 10 businesses offered cocktails and light fare on the trails.

The Emmaus Theater provided free showings of “The Polar Express” 3 p.m. and an encore presentation following the tree lighting 7:15 p.m. The generosity of Jeff McElhaney and Edward Jones permitted the free showings. Guests were asked to donate canned goods to benefit the Emmaus Rotary Feeding Program and Groceries Plus Food Pantry.

Dozens of vendors lined Triangle Park to offer information, goods, food, beverages and crafts for the children.

Lower Macungie’s Cadence Choir, third grade students from Seventh Generation Charter School and Macungie Elementary School students performed throughout the early evening entertaining the crowds with holiday favorite tunes.

Music teacher Abigail Wieder said this was her first year performing with her students from Seventh Generation and she was excited to be a part of this year’s festivities.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on the Emmaus Fire Department fire truck to cheers. Members of Dance Fusion, of Whitehall, served as live reindeer and Santa’s helpers who assisted Santa and Mrs. Claus with visits and pictures. Families lined up for Santa visits and pictures.

A Storybook Party provided Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Grinch and Buddy the Elf who circulated the crowds interacting with everyone.

Children could secure a passport to visit local businesses along Candy Cane Lane. Each business had a children’s craft available.

The Emmaus Rotary Club provided resources for children to write their letters to Santa and had a mailbox at the ready for children to drop their letters.

Over 30 businesses participated in the Old Fashioned Christmas event and annual tree lighting this year. Chamber officers made sure to thank the number of businesses and Emmaus Main Street Partners for their continued participation in the winter festivities. Lehigh Valley Martial Arts was the chief sponsor.

Hundreds of residents and visitors participated in the events throughout the day and an estimated 1,000 people packed Triangle Park for the anticipated tree lighting.

Emmaus Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert thanked everyone involved and counted down with the crowd as the tree was illuminated.

State Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, thanked the numerous businesses for their participation. Zach Sobeck represented U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie who was unable to attend the event and thanked everyone involved in the event’s success.

The weather was appropriate for a winter festival and the turnout was appreciated. The crowds appeared to be in good holiday spirits.

The Perez and Rodriguez families of Emmaus said this was their first year attending the annual tree lighting. They all displayed smiles as the tree lit up. One of the children had fun trying to catch the snowflakes that filled the air (thanks to a snow machine).

The large crowds remained in the area enjoying the evening while others headed to the Emmaus Theater for the encore presentation of “The Polar Express.”

Information for next year’s event can be found on the borough’s website.