Lehighton Downtown Christmas/Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Sunday

The Lehighton Downtown Christmas and Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Sunday in the borough’s downtown parks.

Presented by the Lehighton Downtown Initiative and the Lehighton Borough Parks & Recreation Board, 150 trees will be decorated, according to Autumn Abelovsky, secretary of the Parks & Recreation Board.

Abelovsky said the trees are from Foothill Farm, and will be placed in the park by the Public Works Department, Light & Power Department, as well as student volunteers from Behavioral Health Associates.

She said the large tree in front of the amphitheater is about 15 feet high, and will once again be decorated by the Lehighton Fire Department in what has become their annual tradition.

“Each year this event becomes bigger and better,” Abelovsky said. “But it is not without a lot of planning and help from so many who don’t get recognized enough.”

Abelovsky said that the “employees of the Borough of Lehighton are phenomenal.”

“As the trees in the park event has grown, they give suggestions on ways to make it all run more smoothly and make it happen,” she said. “From laying electric cords, placing stands, getting decorations to and from storage, they are the backbone to Lehighton’s Christmas.”

There will be children’s activities (crafts, games, and glitter tattoos) from 1-5 p.m., the arrival of Santa Claus on a Lehighton Fire Department firetruck at 2 p.m., and a children’s meet and greet with Santa Claus from 2-5 p.m. all along Constitution Avenue in front of the borough municipal building.

Caroling with the Pale Moon Players will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting ceremony and bike giveaway at 6 p.m. all in the park amphitheater:

In addition, food vendors will be on Constitution Avenue throughout the day, and hot food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Abelovsky said the fourth annual tree lighting ceremony and Lehighton Downtown Christmas event has become a staple in the community.

“It has become one of those traditions that everyone looks forward to,” she said. “The feeling of community, holiday spirit and an appreciation for what living in Lehighton really means is all felt on this night.”

Sponsors include Foothill Farm, M & S Hardware, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Kreitz Heating & Air Conditioning, Lehigh Fire Co. No. 1, and Lehighton Orioles Nest 183.