Step back in time to the Victorian days at Jim Thorpe's 28th Olde Time Christmas Celebration on Dec. 4, 5, 6, and Dec. 12-13.

Green garlands and red bows together with the glistening white lights on the town's trees and buildings make the perfect setting for the many events which create an old-fashioned Christmas celebration to be remembered.As singers in Victorian dress stroll the streets and the sweet sound of Christmas carols floats through the crisp air visitors will be transported back to the days of Charles Dickens.The laughter of children will fill the air as children and parents gather at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, to await Santa's arrival in the Josiah White Park adjacent to the railroad station .Frosty the Snowman and Peef the Christmas Bear will meet the children as everyone enjoys carols by Beyond Bach. Mrs. Santa will accompany Santa Claus and join Santa to talk with children after the lighting of the town Christmas tree.Music of the season will continue as the Mauch Chunk Opera House presents the Ellen Jewel Band on Dec. 4, Four Celtic Voices Christmas Concert on Dec. 5 and Rockin' Christmas Concert with the Craig Thatcher Band on Dec. 12. The Bach and Handel Chorale present seasonal concerts on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at St. Mark Church on Race Street.Caroling will occur from the balcony of the Inn at Jim Thorpe where local singers and musicians will entertain daily.Train rides with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered each weekend. Santa will be at the Albright Mansion for breakfast with children and adults on Dec. 5. On Dec. 12 the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will have Santa at their luncheon at Memorial Park Hall for the benefit of Relay for Life .There will be costumed vendors along Broadway. The Old Mauch Chunk Model Train Display will present Christmas in Toyland on both Saturdays and Sundays. Ghost Walks are offered by the Rotary Club on Friday and Saturday nights.Arts and craft enthusiasts will delight in Celebrate the Spirit, an Arts and Crafts Bazaar, at the Mauch Chunk Cultural Center, 41 W. Broadway on Dec. 5-6.While walking up West Broadway, be sure to stop at the Gilded Cupid's Christmas Fantasy, 40 W. Broadway, to view the magical Christmas tree enhanced with over 500 glass blown German ornaments, presented for benefit of Carbon County Friends of Animals.Dimmick Memorial Library, 54 Broadway will have a display of the winners of the local Gingerbread House Contest.A Live Nativity will be presented by area churches at Sam Miller Field on North Avenue on Dec. 4-5.A shuttle bus will transport guests from the railroad station to the Live Nativity. St. John Lutheran Church, 319 South Ave. will display an inspiring collection of over 100 creches on Dec. 12-13.Visitors will be able to join in the Christmas spirit of giving by bringing mittens, a hat or scarf for a child and help decorate the Lioness' Club Mitten Tree in the railroad station.Don't forget to bring a new or slightly used toy to the Treasure Shop, 44 Broadway, all to be given to less fortunate children in the area.Our faithful troops will not be forgotten this Christmas in Jim Thorpe. Bring a Christmas card addressed to "Dear Soldier" and drop it in the mail box in the railroad station. Cards will be collected by Operation Touch of Home and delivered to cheer our troops before Christmas.Shopping hours in Jim Thorpe's shops will be extended to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of both Olde Time Christmas Celebration weekends and many will offer a free Christmas treat.Complete times and information available at

ww.JimThorpe.org.The 28th Annual Olde Time Christmas Celebration is presented by the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce, Inc., a Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce.