Dozens of festive Tamaqua residents gathered at Depot Square Park to bring the town's Spirit of Christmas Festival to a close Sunday with the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

More than 8,000 lights on the tree, arranged by Frank Fabrizio, were turned on around 6 p.m. as the Tamaqua Area High School Jazz Chorale sang Silent Night."This is always an exciting start to the Christmas season, and we're thankful everyone could come out to the lighting," Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison said.Winners of the cookie contest on hand to pick up their certificates included Shaila Wakefield, who won in the drop cookie category; and Vicky Unitis, who won the bar cookie category.Sunday's tree lighting was followed by cookies and hot chocolate served at the nearby Tamaqua Ambulance garage."I think it's great for the community, not just the tree lighting, but the whole weekend," said Bernie Corbett of Tamaqua."We also came out to the parade on Friday, and it really gets you in the mood for Christmas."Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived Friday during a parade sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.Santa flipped on the lights in Depot Square Park following the parade.