The event, held on Sunday night, featured a performance by the Millbrook Playhouse Youth Ensemble along with hot chocolate provided by Avenue 209 Coffee House. This year’s tree was donated by Dave Romig, who also donated a tree in 2023.

The tree and park were decorated by volunteers Scott Dodson and Trent Weaver along with volunteers from Croda, Inc. and Commonwealth University-Lock Haven’s football team.

The event served not only as a kick off of the holiday season, but also DLH’s annual Haven Holidays and Small Business Saturdays.

Haven Holidays will take place this Saturday, Nov. 30, and also serves as the nonprofit’s kick off to Small Business Saturdays.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Various pictures show scenes from the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Triangle Park, held Sunday evening.

Local businesses will be offering a variety of steals and deals throughout the day.

At 6 p.m., the annual Haven Holidays parade will make its way along Main Street in downtown, bringing with it Santa Claus himself.

Children will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with St. Nick along with two of his reindeer. Santa will be located in Sarah’s Alley — next to Stella A’s Bar and Grille — after the parade.

This year DLH Manager Melissa Dally, who stepped into the roll in June, is adding a unique theme to the holiday season — one she intends for DLH and its members to continue well into the future.

Dally, with the businesses support, will be turning downtown Lock Haven into a Gingerbread Village. Many businesses have already begun to decorate their storefronts to match the theme — with others on their way to joining the fun.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Various pictures show scenes from the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Triangle Park, held Sunday evening.

She explained the continuous theme of “Gingerbread Village” will offer a staple attraction for visitors both locally and from out of the area to visit each year.

“The Gingerbread Village is something that we can build upon every year to make it bigger and better. It can be appreciated by all age groups and demographics,” Dally explained. “Our goal is to expand it into Triangle Park where the gazebo becomes a life size gingerbread house. We want it to become a tradition for families here and in surrounding counties to shop and dine in Downtown Lock Haven, The Gingerbread Village.”

If you can’t make it downtown on Haven Holidays, don’t worry, there will be three more Small Business Saturdays to check out what local businesses have to offer.

On Dec. 7, DLH partnered with the Lock Haven YMCA to host a “Drop by at the Y and Shop Small” event.

Another kid friendly event will take place on the following Saturday, Dec. 14, at The Roxy Theater.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Various pictures show scenes from the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Triangle Park, held Sunday evening.

That same day, shoppers will be treated to caroling by a 22 voice choir outside of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church along East Main Street beginning at 11 a.m.

DLH is offering a bit of competitive fun for its final Small Business Saturday, taking place on Dec. 21.

The final week’s theme is “Gnome for the Holidays” and includes a special scavenger hunt downtown.

Participants are encouraged to shop small, and while doing so, try to locate the hidden “I Love LH” gnomes — drawn by Joe Waltz — hidden within various shops.

Those who participate will be eligible to receive a $25 Yiftee gift card as part of the raffle.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Various pictures show scenes from the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Triangle Park, held Sunday evening.

To learn more about Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. and Small Business Saturdays visit www.lockhaven.org.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Various pictures show scenes from the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Triangle Park, held Sunday evening.