A popular event steeped in tradition is set to kick off at the end of the month.

The 21st annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival will be held Nov. 30 through Dec. 4."The goal of these events is to bring the community together to celebrate the holidays, and to provide children and adults the opportunity to share in the joy of the season," said Jean Towle, event chairwoman.The event will include The Little Miss Spirit of Christmas Contest for students in grades 3-5. The judging will be done at the Wells Fargo Bank.Entries are due, as the winner will be announced on Friday.The five-day festival will kick off at 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Morgan Center with Christmas Around the World, 5 to 7 p.m.; followed by a Mistletoe Reception beginning at 7 p.m. at the LCCC Scheller Center.On Dec. 1, an open house at the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum, 118 W. Broad St., will be held from 3-8

p.m.Antique Toys from Christmas Pastwill also be held at the Museum Annex, 114 W. Broad St.In addition, caroling by the St. John's Lutheran Church Shepherds Choir will take place at 6 p.m. at the Historical Society, 6:25 p.m. at Depot Square, and 6:45 p.m. at the Tamaqua ABC Hi-Rise.On Dec. 2, the Santa Parade will be held at 6 p.m., starting at the borough garage, and proceeding to Depot Square, where Mr. and Mrs. Claus will turn on the lights. It will then continue to the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, where they will meet and greet the community's children.The Theatre Show "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," will be held at 7 p.m. at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center.Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission, will be held at 9 a.m. on Dec. 3 at the Salvation Army Building.The deadline for reservations is Nov. 29. Call 570-668-2919 for reservations.Also Dec. 3, there will be a cookie contest featuring two age groups: Under 12 and 12-and-older. The cookies will be judged on taste, appearance and creativity.Each participant must bake three dozen cookies and drop them off at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center by 2 p.m.They must include a paper with name, address and phone number and answer the question "Why did I bake these cookies?"Judging will begin at 3 p.m. The winners will be announced at the tree lighting on Sunday evening.In addition, the arts center will hold a Kids Craftsfrom 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Christmas Potteryfrom 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the show "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" at 7 p.m.A Craft Show hosted by the Class of 2018 will take place at Tamaqua Elementary School.The event will conclude on Dec. 4 with the Community Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. in Depot Square. Mayor Chris Morrison will emcee, while the speaker will be Amanda Woodring.There will also be musical selections by the Tamaqua Area Jazz Chorale, and a lighting of the community Christmas tree.Hot chocolate and cookies will be served following the ceremony at the ambulance garage.