This community tradition goes all the way back to 1945. That's the year that Reverend Claud G. Barkley, Pastor of Yorktown Baptist Church, and staff from the County Clerk’s office, decorated a cedar tree that stood at the corner of Main and Ballard Streets. The York County Historical Committee works hard to keep this ritual going! The tree that is used today is a 20-foot artificial commercial “Giant Everest Fir” tree placed down in Riverwalk Landing. Everyone is invited to gather at York Hall by 6:30 p.m. for live music including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, the procession will make its way to Riverwalk Landing, where the tree lighting ceremony will begin. Make sure you stay for a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, eager to hear all those wish lists!  

On the Docket

6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

• Live musical performance from SantaBones at York Hall

6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

• Live music from TRADOC (Army Training and Doctrine Command) at Riverwalk Landing

7:30 p.m.

• Fifes and Drums leads a procession from York Hall to Riverwalk Landing
• Holiday cards for heroes in the Freight Shed
• Letters to Santa in the Freight Shed