Santa arrived in Lehighton just after 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the Borough Park. With the help of his friends at the Carbon Chamber Young Professionals Council and borough residents, Santa kicked off the Christmas season by giving gifts, including footballs, snowboards and bikes to good boys and girls.

The Lehighton Fire Department helped Santa get to the park by providing transportation from his sleigh. He and Mrs. Claus were welcomed by a large crowd of children and their parents, excited for their arrival to Carbon County. Santa strolled through the park to the tree and turned on the lights after a helpful countdown from the children.After lighting the tree, Santa met with the children to hear their Christmas wishes and give out candy canes. He also drew names and distributed over one hundred toys to children in the audience thanks to help from Lehighton businesses and individuals who donated.The annual celebration was complete with free hot chocolate from the Girl Scouts of Troop 583 and Dunkin' Donuts of Lehighton, Christmas music by the Lehighton Band and plenty of jolly Ho-ho-hos from Santa.The Young Professionals Council wishes to extend gratitude to everyone who donated to the event. Without the support of local businesses and individuals, this annual tradition would not be possible.The members of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation are a catalyst for continuously creating cooperative and prosperous businesses to enhance our community. To host a business spotlight or for more information, contact Alice Wanamaker at 610-379-5000 or via email at

alicew@carboncountychamber.org.