Tree lighted in Palmer Square
By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
The 65-foot Norwegian spruce tree in Palmer Square worked like a magnet late Friday afternoon, drawing people by droves.
"It’s gotten so big," said Nassau Inn general manager Lori Rabon of the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony that her hotel and Palmer Square Management help put on every year. She reckoned this was the 25th year of an event that attracts thousands of people to downtown Princeton.
The 32,000 multi-colored lights came on at 5:23 p.m., to the delight of the crowd that got a special visit from Santa Claus, who dropped by to say a few words and later pose for photographs with children.
Earlier, people stood or milled about Palmer Square, the shopping district that was partially closed to traffic, waiting for the lights to come on. As day turned to night, there was more than a little hint of winter in the air.
When people weren’t taking pictures with their smart phones, they were using their hands to hold hot beverages such as the mulled cider that Olson’s Fine Foods was selling.
"It’s chilly. Get to know your neighbor. Bundle up," Palmer Square Marketing director Anita Fresolone told the crowd over the public address system.
Peggy and John Nix of Robinsville stood next to the Nassau Inn, this her first time to see the ceremony. She called the experience something on her bucket list.
"So it’s fun, a lot of energy here," she said before the tree lights were turned on.
The Princeton High School Choir and the band the Alice Project sung Christmas music, in ways traditional and with a little funk thrown in.
"I think it’s beautiful," said Vinay Bhatt, who watched his daughter, Rhea, perform with the choir.