Christmas joy seized the day at Kennedy Park in Lansford Sunday afternoon with more than three hours of festivities.

It began with Santa’s arrival, then featured several varied musical presentations, and concluded with the lighting to dozens of sponsored decorated Christmas trees that are on display in the park.

The warmth of the holiday season clearly trumped the discomfort of blustery weather, with a large crowd present for most of the event — at one point an estimated over 150 people.

This was the fourth year for the tree-lighting program, which was co-hosted by the Friends of Lansford Recreation and Lansford Alive.

Gwyneth Collevechio, treasurer of Lansford Recreation, said 49 trees were purchased and decorated for display in Kennedy Park. They were sponsored by individuals, groups, churches and businesses. They include memorials, themes and general decorated trees.

Carly Romankow of Lansford was among the sponsors, pointing out the tree was placed for her son, Alex, who is serving with the Navy and is stationed in Guam. In addition to her son’s photo, there are pictures of other Navy members on the tree, all of them Pennsylvania residents and active in the military.

Collevechio said this year’s program “was bigger and better” than those in previous years and praised the support the sponsoring organizations received.

The day’s events started when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by firetruck. The Lansford Fire Department brought them to the park.

For two hours they met with children, hearing Christmas wishes and offering each child a candy cane.

A Panther Valley High School band ensemble played the national anthem and began the musical part of the program playing such Christmas tunes as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “We Three Kings” and “Away in a Manger.”

Next, a chorus comprised of fourth grade students from Panther Valley Middle School offered several selections including “Jingle Bells” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

The vocal selections continued with the CCD Chorus of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Kathy Crampsie, singing several songs including “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

One more round of musical numbers occurred with soloist Joe Krushinsky belting out a trio of songs: “Silver Bells” and the Elvis Presley hits “If Every Day Was Like Christmas” and “Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me.”

Collevechio flipped the switch to officially light the trees in the park.

Various vendors were present with refreshments.

Dave Matsinko served as master of ceremonies.