One would think Santa should be in his workshop this time of the year, putting finishing touches on toys that he plans to deliver in just three weeks.

Instead, he has several local goodwill stops coming up.Friday night, he'll be visiting in Lehighton, Tamaqua, and Jim Thorpe.Apparently he'll spend the night in Jim Thorpe and then have breakfast at Penn's Peak Saturday morning.Also Saturday morning, a helicopter will bring him to Summit Hill.On Sunday, Dec. 13, he makes a stop in Lansford for Lansford Alive's annual Children's Party.LehightonIn Lehighton, festivities begin in the Lehighton Park at 6 p.m. with caroling and the serving of hot cocoa.The Lehighton Band, under the direction of Paul Smith, will play Christmas music.The event will be held rain or shine, with Santa arriving at about 6:30. When the jolly one arrives, he will turn on the lights of a Christmas tree in the borough park.The program is being sponsored by the Lehighton Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce.TamaquaThe Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the visit by Santa in Tamaqua, with arrival set for 6:30 p.m. at the Railroad Depot Square Park.He will be on his sleigh and his visit is part of the Spirit of Christmas Festival.Prior to coming to Depot Square, he will make a stop at Five Points to turn on the lights at the Square.Afterward, he will visit the Chamber of Commerce office at 114 W. Broad St. to greet youngsters and pose for photos.The official tree lighting ceremony in Tamaqua occurs Sunday night.Jim ThorpeFestivities in Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe get under way at 6 p.m. Sunday for Santa's arrival.Frosty the Snowman and Peef the Christmas Bear will meet the children as everyone enjoys carols by Beyond Bach. Mrs. Santa will be taking time off from her holiday baking to 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 and Four Celtic Voices Christmas Concert on Dec. 5.The Bach and Handel Chorale will present seasonal concerts on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Race Street.Join the caroling from the balcony of the Inn at Jim Thorpe, where local singers and musicians will entertain daily. Children will thrill to horses, trains, and Santa in Jim Thorpe.Summit HillThe Summit Hill Recreation Commission will hold its annual Christmas-on-the-Hill on Saturday.Pennstar will be bringing Santa to the Ginder Field at noon.Santa will be transported to the Heritage Center (the former St. Paul's UCC) for lunch beginning at 12:30 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available.The Lehighton Ambulance will be assisting the Recreation Commission and are collecting donations for Toys for Tots. Donations for the Summit Hill Food Pantry will also be accepted.This event is free to all children under 10, but they must be accompanied by an adult.Penn's PeakBlue Ridge Communications is sponsoring a Breakfast with Santa at Roadies Restaurant on Saturday from 9-11 a.m.Proceeds will benefit Dream Come True, Blue Ridge Chapter. This event is already sold out.LansfordOn Sunday, Dec. 13, the Improvement Committee of Lansford Alive! will be holding its annual Free Children's Christmas Party at Kelly's Irish Pub, 636 E. Patterson St., for children residing in Lansford.Required pre-registration for all Lansford children up to age 10 can be made by calling (570) 645-4455.There is limited seating and therefore the committee asks that people register early and limit the number of adults in their party. Registration deadline is Thursday, Dec. 10.Seating time for children is at 1 p.m. At 1:15 p.m., Ann Marie Calabrese from Penn's Peak Radio will be providing entertainment (games, music, and fun).Refreshments are at 2 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. Santa arrives by fire truck courtesy of the American Fire Company No. 1 of Lansford.All children will receive a free gift from Santa. Bring your camera!