I know we’re all a little bit upset about the Christmas celebrations before Thanksgiving, but I think in this case we can put that aside and join the festivities for the downtown State College tree lighting ceremony.

The tree lighting ceremony will take place in its usual location, on the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street at 5:30 p.m. It’s free and open to residents of State College, students, faculty, and whoever else happens to wander toward the singing voices they hear from across campus.  Hot chocolate and cookies will be available, and of course plenty of Christmas carolers. Mrs. Claus will read a story to the children (and Penn State students of course), and Santa himself will be there to light the tree (“Santa! I know him!”).

Any child who brings a toy donation for Toys for Tots or a canned food item for the State College Food Bank will be entered in a raffle to win a chance to light the tree with Santa! I wonder if we would count as children…