The four-day Spirit of Christmas celebration, sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, kicks off Thursday evening with a Walking Tour.

Here is a schedule of the celebration activities.Thursday, December 16:30 P.m.: Thursday evening will feature a Candlelit Walking Tour beginning outside the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum, 116 W. Broad St. at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. The tour will be led by Dale Freudenberger, president, Tamaqua Historical Society.Friday, December 26:30 p.m.: Friday's activities include the arrival of Santa Parade sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include the Claus couple along with the Little Miss Spirit of Christmas and Frosty the Snowman. The procession will stop at Depot Square Park to flip the switch to illuminate the park's light show. Pictures with Santa will take place inside the chamber office following the parade.7 - 9 p.m.: Tree Festival featuring many decorated trees on display at the chamber of commerce, 114 W. Broad St, from 7 to 9 p.m. Vote for your community-group decorated tree.Saturday, December 38:30 a.m.: An Advent Community Breakfast will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood sts. Cost is $5. Tickets can be obtained at from the chamber at (570) 668-6899.9 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa will take place at the Salvation Army Regional Community Center and will include a visit from Frosty the Snowman. $6 includes breakfast and photo with Santa. Registration and more information is available at (570) 668-6899 or 668-1880.10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Saturday's main event, the Tamaqua Victorian House Tours, will include six stops and will be held every half-hour comprised of eight tours of 16 persons per tour. There will be no tour scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The tours will begin at the chamber office. More information is available at (570) 668-6899.10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Tree Festival featuring many decorated trees on display at the chamber from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vote for your community-group decorated tree.1 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Cookie contest drop off for judging, 114 W. Broad St.Sunday, December 41 - 4 p.m.: Sunday's schedule includes a vendor and craft show to take place at the Salvation Army from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Jean Ann Towle (570) 668-3268.1 - 4 p.m.: Tree Festival featuring many decorated trees on display at the chamber office, from 1 to 4 p.m. Vote for your community-group decorated tree.1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: The day also will include performances and musical entertainment throughout the afternoon in the chapel of the Salvation Army. Admission free with donation of non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army food pantry.1 p.m. - Christmas AngelsRose Beck & Kathy Rimm.1:45 p.m. - Student Chorus of St. Jerome's Regional School.2:30 p.m. - ICE - Tanya Erdman, Majorie & David Fortin.3:15 p.m. - Students of the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble.6 p.m.: The Tamaqua Beautification Committee will sponsor the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Depot Square Park. The winners of the Cookie Contest and Tree Festival will be announced during the ceremony.6:30 p.m.: Immediately following the tree lighting ceremony, visitors will walk to the nearby Tamaqua Community Ambulance Garage, Railroad Street, to enjoy the results of a cookie baking contest.