A number of activities are on tap for the Annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival.

The multi-day event will get underway Dec. 1 with a Mistletoe Reception at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. The event will feature “A Taste of Tamaqua” with area restaurants and food establishments providing refreshments. The fee to attend includes two drink tickets. Christmas music will be played.

On Dec. 2, an Elf Workshop will be held at Lehigh Carbon Community College on High Street in the borough. College students will oversee activities for children between 4 and 5 p.m.

Festivities continue Dec. 2 with a Santa Parade at 6 p.m. followed by the lighting of Depot Square Park at the Five Points intersection. After the lighting, there will be a meet and greet with Santa.

Children will be able to put letters to Santa in a mailbox, talk to Santa in the gazebo and receive a treat. Santa’s elves will assist along with Little Miss Spirit of Christmas contestants.

On Dec. 3, a Breakfast with Santa will begin at 9 a.m. at the Perla Enterprises Building (former Salvation Army). The event is sponsored by the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission and Tamaqua Rotary Club. There is a fee to attend and information is available by calling 570-239-6436.

More activities for children continue on Dec. 3, with the Tamaqua Public Library hosting events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be story reading with Frosty the Snowman along with face painting. Santa will stop by the library between 5 and 7 p.m. Check out the library’s website and Facebook page for more information.

From noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 3, Stokes Ministry will have children’s crafts and games at First United Methodist Church on West Broad Street.

At noon on Dec. 3, there will be a Victorian Tea at St. John Lutheran Church. Tickets are required and may be purchased by calling 570-640-5261.

Also Dec. 3, there will be an “Open Air Old Fashion Christmas Market” at Tink’s Antiques on South Railroad Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Craft vendors, entertainment, and food will be available. To complete the day, there will be a Toolshed Jack Christmas Party at 7 p.m. at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. Tickets are required and are available at www.TamaquaArts.org.

Some events will be held Dec. 3 and 4, including train rides with Santa on the Reading & Northern Railroad. Excursions will be held each day at 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the railroad at 610-562-2102 or in person (cash only) at Tink’s Antiques.

Also on Dec. 3 and 4, there will be an Artisan Market and Craft Fair at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tamaqua Historical Society Museum on West Broad Street will hold an Open House Dec, 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature a Christmas antique toy exhibit, along with holiday music, treats and refreshments for visitors. Admission is free.

The weekend comes to a close with the Tree Lighting at Depot Square Park on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Jay Hollenbach, Jr., 2022 Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, will be the speaker and the Tamaqua Senior High Jazz Chorale will perform Christmas carols.

The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce is coordinating a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, which will add to the festivities in Tamaqua for the holiday season. Rules are available from the chamber.

To support the festival, the committee is selling bayberry candles and limited edition Christmas ornaments. Purchases can be made at the Tamaqua Arts Center and from Spirit of Christmas Committee members.

More information on all the events is available on the Spirit of Christmas Facebook page or by contacting the Tamaqua Community Arts Center at 570-668-1192.