Toy soldiers are standing guard over the gingerbread house and 8-foot tall candy canes in Rose Tree Park, anxiously awaiting Delaware County’s annual Festival of Lights, which will delight residents every evening from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1.

A tradition that began over three decades ago, The Festival of Lights has grown to include dozens of hand-painted wooden figures and over 100,000 holiday lights, most of which are now energy-saving LEDs. 

Preparations began in October, and members of the Delaware County Parks & Recreation Department were busy as Santa’s elves, decorating 75 trees and setting up colorful displays throughout the landscape, including a miniature Courthouse, Santa’s sleigh, plus Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

County Council announced the 2012 Festival of Lights at the Wednesday, Nov. 28, council meeting, attended by members of the Parks and Recreation Staff and Board members.

 “Council is pleased to present this free holiday exhibit for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Council Vice-Chairman Mario J. Civera, Council’s liaison to the Parks Department. “The Festival of Lights provides a great opportunity to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the park with friends and loved ones. People can either stay in their cars to view this winter wonderland, or bundle up and stroll through the displays.”

Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre invited the public to attend the annual kick-off event for the Festival of Lights, a special tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, when Vice-Chair Civera will turn on the lights. The Festival of Lights is free and open to the public.

The opening program includes a welcome from Delaware County Council, holiday music performed by the Springton Lake Middle School Chorus, and the arrival of Santa Claus as the trees are illuminated.

Also on Dec. 1, residents are invited to a Holiday Open House in the historic Rose Tree Tavern, which now serves as the headquarters for the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau. The Tavern is located in Rose Tree Park adjacent to the Festival of Lights display.

People are invited to tour the renovated tavern where costumed tour guides from the Pennsylvania Colonial Plantation will share holiday lore. Yuletide refreshments will also be served.

IF YOU GO: The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 pm nightly Dec. 1-Jan. 1 at Rose Tree Park, located at 1671 N. Providence Rd, Upper Providence, Pa, 19063.  Admission is free. Handicapped parking is available. For information call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 610-891-4455.