Celebrate opening night of the Rose Tree Festival of Lights and the Unveiling of America250PA's Bells Across Pennsylvania on December 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM, a free community event.
The
America250PA Bells Across Pennsylvania initiative celebrates the United States’ 250th Anniversary by placing unique, artist-designed replicas of the Liberty Bell in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania. Delaware County will host two bells through December 2026. The first bell was installed Oct 20th at Drexeline ShopRite, illustrated by artist Joshua Ruggeri and sponsored by Pat and Helen Burns and the Burns’ Family Neighborhood Markets.
On December 4th, the second of Delco's two 'Bells' will be installed at Rose Tree Park. Sponsored by Visit Delco PA, the bell titled "A Dream of Tomorrow", was created by students at Legacy Arts Chester and artist Tucker Rodkey. Rodkey is the Founder of
Legacy Arts Chester, an afterschool arts and mentorship program for students in Chester, Pennsylvania. Tucker works tirelessly to empower and equip the next generation of young artists to create beauty in their communities and transform the legacy of their city. He lives and works in Chester with his wife and two daughters. “A Dream of Tomorrow” was born from the collaborative discussion and imagination of children and teens in Chester city regarding the question of “What is America?” & “What Could America Be?” Students brainstormed what a future America could be while reflecting on what our community has already been. The bell design has six main layers to it. The first is the peak of the bell, designed to look like an American flag representing how we are all under one nation. The flag is then encircled by paintbrushes with different colored paints soaking the tips of the brush. This represents the collective melting pot and creativity of our community. Emerging from the circle of brushes are hands, clasping other hands. Each a different race representing how the only way forward in our country is together. We each bring our backgrounds to the table and that makes our country stronger. Behind the hands are various historical sites in Chester and Delaware County such as William Penn’s landing site stone, the oldest used courthouse in America, Chester Park and more. These sites represent our history and roots here in Chester and Delaware County. Beneath these sites is a banner with the quote from William Penn “Force may subdue but love gains. He who forgives first wins the laurel.” Finally the base of the bell is surrounded by stones, each signed and marked by students in our community. The bells' imagery symbolizes the next generation's role in carrying forth the peace and love that Penn dreamed of for his community. Learn more about Tucker Rodkey & Legacy Arts Chester Students at
www.legacyartschester.com
Delaware County’s 50th annual Rose Tree Festival of Lights with Delco Flair & Fare Nights
Delaware County Parks and Recreation will present the 2025 Festival of Lights from Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 through Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence Township. The 50th Annual Festival of Lights at Rose Tree Park is Delaware County’s most cherished holiday tradition for five decades! Rose Tree Park sparkles at night with over 120,000 lights across more than 100 illuminated trees and displays—including candy canes, illuminated penguins, and Santa’s reindeer. Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere. The Festival of Lights provides a perfect opportunity to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family or take a sweetheart stroll after dinner. Open nightly Sunday to Thursday from 5:30–9:00 PM and Friday & Saturday 5:30–10:00 PM.
Delco Flair and Fare Nights on December 4, 6, 7, 13 & 14 will offer Food Trucks, Vendors, and Live Entertainment! Each evening features unique performances and activities, making it the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family or take a sweetheart stroll after dinner.
Good to Know before you Go
Free admission and parking!
The Festival of Lights is a walk-through display.
Friendly, leashed dogs are permitted.
Handicapped parking is available.
The playground closes at 4:30 PM.