The City of Reading has scheduled its annual blessing at the Menorah and lighting of the Christmas Tree for Thursday, December 2, at 5th & Penn Street in downtown Reading.
“As we continue recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, our hearts deserve moments of joy and human warmth,” said Mayor Morán in a statement. “That’s precisely what we have planned for this years’ Holiday Lighting Celebrations. One of the things I love the most about our Reading community is our impressive ability to come together despite our beliefs, ethnicity, and political views. Thus, I extend an invitation to everyone to join us in an intimate and genuinely moving celebration of the Holiday season.”
The Holiday Lighting Celebration will begin with a moment of honor of the Jewish community. The Jewish Federation will share a blessing at the Menorah in commemoration of Hanukkah at 5:30pm in the Southwest corner of 5th & Penn Streets (in front of the Santander Building).
Right after, Reading will host the lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree. This year’s presentation will include a holiday sing-a-long led by the Reading High School Vocal Company and its more than a dozen members, a dance performance from the Reading Recreation Commission, and special holiday messages delivered by local leaders. The Christmas Tree lighting will be held at 6pm on the Southeast corner of 5th & Penn Streets.
The Reading Parking Authority is offering free parking as well as no meter enforcement at the 5th & Cherry Parking Lot, 7th & Penn Parking Lot (AKA State Lot), and the South Penn Parking Garage at 613 Franklin Street.
The Reading Police Department advises travelers that as a safety measure, Penn Street’s 400 and 500 blocks will be restricted beginning at 5pm Thursday, in addition to the 5th/Court Street and 5th/Cherry Street intersections.
The modifications are expected to be effective until 8pm at the latest. Detour signs and officers will be posted in affected areas.
Towards the end of the event, hot chocolate (courtesy of Reading’s DoubleTree by Hilton) and sweet treats (courtesy of SweetStreets) will be shared with those in attendance.
