Palmerton’s 13th Annual Christmas in the Park brought families, volunteers and visitors together Saturday to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Among the many decorated trees, siblings Isaac Ponnett and Abby Reese created a special tribute to their mom and grandmother’s favorite Christmas movie, “Christmas Vacation.” Their tree, twinkling with themed ornaments, quickly became a crowd favorite.

Nearby, Ann Behler and Kerri Jahelka, of Dedicated Fitness, showcased a tree unlike any other. It was adorned with handmade ornaments crafted by their gym members — each one personal, colorful, and full of community spirit.

This year’s event was one for the record books.

Chairperson Michele O’Neill said, “With this newest tree, the Children’s Tree, the total of trees this year is 155.”

For the debut of the Children’s Tree, young visitors were invited to make two free ornaments — one to take home and one to hang in the park.

“It was a great success,” O’Neill said. “Most children chose to put both ornaments on the Children’s Tree.”

Christmas in the Park stretched along Delaware Avenue with 30 vendors offering crafts, treats and gifts. A new light display — a cheerful snowman family complete with a dog and doghouse — glowed brightly as crowds walked through the park.

The Palmerton United Veterans Organization Color Guard opened the festivities, followed by welcoming remarks from Palmerton Mayor Don Herrmann.

Santa arrived at 1 p.m. greeting children and handing out goody bags, while wagon rides with majestic Clydesdale horses from Steiner Artisan Farms added old-fashioned charm to the afternoon.

Throughout the day, attendees donated unwrapped toys for the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches Toys for Kids drive and non-perishable food items for the CACPAC Food Pantry, reinforcing the event’s spirit of giving.