Macaroni Kid Easton is so excited for family time this Thanksgiving Weekend! Incase you have family coming in town or you are looking to get out of the house a little, be sure to check out Downtown Easton's Peace Candle Lighting Ceremony! 

Saturday, November 27th, 2021

History of Peace Candle Lighting:

For decades, Easton’s Peace Candle has stood as a visual reminder and call for peace. It stands 106-feet tall and is displayed from mid-November to mid-January around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Centre Square. The Christmas Candle (as it was called) was first lit in 1951 at an interdenominational program in honor of those serving in the armed forces. Viewers gazed at a 75-foot-tall red candle, topped with neon yellow lights, its base encircled with evergreens. Over the years it’s been used as a call to peace. In 1972, a petition wanted the candle up until the Vietnam War ceased (which wouldn’t come until 1975). The petition was denied, but a 1990 petition to keep it going until the First Gulf War was over was granted. City officials maintained the Peace Candle until Feb. 28, 1991, adorning the base with yellow ribbons. 

Growing pains: Over the last 30 years, the candle has undergone a series of upgrades to keep it burning bright. In the 1960s, Easton went several years without a candle after several harsh winters deteriorated the plywood structure. It sat for five years in storage, until residents asked to repair and bring it back in 1966. The candle lasted for two more seasons. By 1968 it was clear – the Peace Candle needed a durable frame. A new fiberglass frame carried the Peace Candle to 1990. In 1990, the candle received an overhaul that made it taller, and delivered a white candle with blue wax drippings — believed to be the largest non-wax candle in the U.S. In 2012, the Peace Candle got a $25,000 upgrade to its steel frame and a new look — a white body and off-white drippings with red lights in the evergreens. Peace Candle shares were sold for $20 to offset repairs. 

A lasting tradition: Today the candle lighting has become a full-fledged festival with carriage rides, ice sculptors, gingerbread house contests, and a visit from Santa. Since 2013, Easton Main Street Initiative, the Greater Easton Development Partnership and volunteers have organized the Peace Candle Lighting/Holiday Open House. It kicks off the holiday shopping season in Downtown Easton, and coincides with Small Business Saturday. There’s a lot of work that goes into the annual effort. City maintenance workers repair and repaint the candle each year. Since 1981, Beatty Contractors has hoisted the candle up with its crane at a reduced rate. In 2009, the right to light the Peace Candle went to the highest bidder, a tradition that continues today. And Light a Night sponsors donate to keep the candle lit each night through the holiday season. Whether you’re coming for your very first time, or you bring your family each year, we welcome you to share in this tradition with us. May it be a festive kickoff to your holiday season!

There will be many activities going on all weekend! 

Ticketed Activities: 

Saturday – Cinderella Carriage Rides 2:00 – 8:00pm

Carriage holds four adults comfortably; small children can also sit on adult laps. Ticket reserves entire carriage- whether it be a family or a private ride for a couple. Ride is approximately 15 minutes. *Because of the tight schedule, ticket holders must arrive within five minutes of their scheduled time. If you are more than five minutes late your reservations will be forfeited. No refunds for late arrivals or missed times. Coupons do not apply to this reservation. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Thanks to our Carriage Ride Sponsors – City Center Allentown, The Morning Call & Square One Markets.

Sunday – Princess Tea 11am & 1pm

Be our guest and join us in your princess best!

The inaugural Princess Tea will be hosted at the Grand Eastonian. Princesses Belle, Cinderella, Tiana, Rapunzel and Ariel will host our tea with sweet treats, singing and an up close and personal experience. Each Prince or Princess will be presented with tiara or crown upon arrival. Guests are encouraged to dress up as your favorite princess. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Custom Messages from Santa

This time of year, Santa is busy in his North Pole workshop – but he’ll take time out to send personalized videos to all those on the nice list!

To keep your family and Santa and Mrs. Claus safe, we’ll be offering personalized videos from Santa to your family. Bring some Christmas magic straight from the North Pole right into your home! Purchase now through Sunday, November 21 at 11:59 p.m. Videos will be customized especially for your family, be around 3-4 minutes in length and sent to you via email in the beginning of December so you can wait for the perfect moment to share it. Though so many traditions will be different this year, these videos offer a way for your family to get an extra boost of Christmas spirit, with the holidays just around the corner. Reserve your video HERE.

There will be a fee of $25 per video. You will be prompted to answer a few questions on the order form to help Santa. Please note, due to time constraints, videos will be one per family. Tickets do not have to be redeemed or sent to us, they are for informational purposes only.

Thanks to our Custom Santa Messages sponsor – Lidl.

Scheduled Activities:  

Noon – Santa and the Big Easy Easton Brass Band parade up Northampton St. from the Grand Eastonian to the stage in Centre Square, before circling around the square, then heading up to the Easton Public Market and over to the Sigal Museum.
1-6 pm –  Sigal Museum – Photos with Santa featuring professional Photographer Marie McLean ($29 pay at door – cash/credit)
Noon – 4 pm – Visit with Santa’s Reindeer in Centre Square
Noon – 4 pm – Carriage Rides with Cinderella (advance ticket required)
1 – 3 pm – Little Brass Band strolling entertainment
4-5 pm – Easton Municipal Band 4 pm – Easton Area High School String Ensemble
4-7:30 pm – Grins & Grins Stilt Walkers
4 pm – Easton Area High School String Ensemble, 3rd United Christ of Church
4 – 8 pm –  Cops ‘N Kids Reading Room at the Sigal Museum
5-6:30 pm – Sing for America
4-8 pm – Ice Carvers
6:30 pm – Peace Candle Lighting Ceremony presented by IBEW 102. Sing for America will invite the audience to join them in singing Let There be Peace on Earth.
All Day – Stuff the Bus – located outside The Crayola Experience

Small Business Saturday:

Small Business Saturday is a push by American Express to encourage shoppers to support their local, small businesses during the holiday season (and all year round)! Many of our Downtown Easton businesses will be offering special promotions and sales throughout the day.