Santa Claus Arrives in Doylestown

It wasn't sleigh bells that were ringing Friday night, it was sirens and flashing lights, as Santa Claus rolled into Doylestown on a fire truck.

Hundreds of people lined the intersection of State and Main in the heart of the downtown Friday for the annual welcome party for Santa.

The festivities kicked off at 6 p.m., with free hot cider and cookies for all.

The Central Bucks High School West choir entertained the crowd, which grew in size as the minutes ticked away. The adults listened or sang along with favorites such as "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," while the kids restlessly jostled for the best viewing position along the street.

With a few bad jokes thrown in for good measure - "Where does Santa stay on vacation? A ho-ho-hotel." - the program finally reached its pinnacle.

The musicians of the Central Bucks High School West marching band - some sporting Santa or elf hats, others draped in tinsel - led the way.

Then Santa and his crew rolled up South Main Street. Doylestown Fire Company volunteers chauffered Santa in style in the 1923 Ahrens-Fox engine.

Santa took his place in front of the historic Fountain House, now home to , and led the countdown from 10. And with a "3-2-1," the lights on the borough's Christmas tree were switched on.

And all was right with the world - at least for the moment.

The event was organized by the , which thanked the member businesses and donors for making it possible. To join the nonprofit group dedicated to fostering community in Doylestown, check out its website.