This Is the New Standard for Hudson Valley Tree Lightings

It turns out that anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas in the Hudson Valley should have no reason to travel down to Rockefeller Center, because one of the best tree lighting ceremonies in the state is right here in Orange County.

All across the region, New York towns and cities are gathering together to celebrate one of the most festive times of the year. I'm ashamed to admit I had no idea just how special the events could be.

The unlit tree at Chadwick Lake in the Town of Newburgh before the lighting ceremony (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Hudson Valley Tree Lighting Ceremonies

I grew up in Ulster County, and whether it was a lack of opportunity or my parents refusing to bundle their kids up on a cold winter's night, I had never been to a tree lighting before this past weekend. It was worth the wait.

Chadwick Lake in the Town of Newburgh

Chadwick Lake Tree Lighting in Newburgh, NY

My wife and I now live in the Town of Newburgh, not far from Chadwick Lake Park. Seeing that their tree lighting ceremony was on Friday, we decided to check it out. Neither of us were prepared for what we saw (below).

A lit pathway led to the festivities under the pavilion at Chadwick Lake (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Christmas Party at Chadwick Lake in Newburgh

I didn't know what I expected, but it certainly wasn't the festive party that was waiting for us. A lit pathway brought us to the pavilion (above), where a DJ was playing Christmas music and complimentary hot chocolate and snacks were available to enjoy (as well as a holiday-themed selfie station).

An exception al bonfire welcomed Newburgh residents to the annual tree lighting at Chadwick Lake (TSM Poughkeepsie)

VIP Christmas Guests at Chadwick Lake Park

Nearby, a very impressive bonfire roared (above) as kids had a snowball fight in front of the unlit tree. Soon, the real show started when a Cronomer Valley Fire Department truck showed up with its sirens blaring and lights shining... and two very special guests inside (below).

Santa Clas and Misses Claus made a flashy entrance inside a Cronomer Valley Fire Department truck (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Santa Claus Visits the Town of Newburgh

Out of the gleaming truck came the man himself.. a most joyous Santa Claus alongside an equally wonderful Misses Claus. After their grand entrance, they took to the stage and started a countdown that would light the enormous tree (below).

The Town of Newburgh's tree lighting ceremony at Chadwick Lake ended with this beautiful sight (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Chadwick Lake in Newburgh

The tree was magnificent, and afterwards kids and their families lined up to meet Santa Claus and share their wishes for Christmas (below). The entire event, which was expertly produced, was also full of the feeling of community. Was this what I was missing my whole life?

After the ceremony, kids lined up to talk with Santa and Misses Claus (TSM Poughkeepsie)

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While I'm sure plenty of towns have special ceremonies (have you seen the possibly record-setting tree lighting at Marist College?), I am confident to put the Town of Newburgh's event up against any other in the Hudson Valley. It will be the standard to which I will hold every other ceremony in the future.