The 23rd Annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival is set for Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

This year’s festival includes something new: a pet parade to be held as part of Santa’s official arrival on Nov. 30.

While the festival has expanded from its original three-day event to now include a Thursday, it starts much earlier with voting for Little Miss Spirit of Christmas.

The attractions and entertainment found during the festival are geared to all ages, many of which have no admission fees.

Local clubs, churches and organizations all unite to provide one of the largest holiday festivals in Schuylkill County.

Thursday

An outdoor Christmas Market will be located at Tink’s Antiques, 28 S. Railroad St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Many local merchants will have extended hours and Tamaqua’s downtown area will be filled with the music of strolling carolers.

The Tamaqua Historical Society will host an open house at its annex building and gallery, from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be free refreshments and goodies.

Friday

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their official arrival by way of a parade from the Tamaqua Borough Garage on East Broad Street to Depot Square, where they will flip the switch to illuminate the lights at Depot Square Park. From there, they will travel to the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., where they will be available to meet with children of all ages.

Four-legged friends are welcome to join this year’s Santa Parade. Those who come in costume will be eligible for prizes. Registration is required, with forms available at Tink’s Antiques, the art center, the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce office or online at the Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Facebook page. Judging will take place after the parade and winners will be announced at the conclusion of the festival on Dec. 2.

The art center will also host a free backpack giveaway from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

Weekend events will begin with the ever-popular Breakfast with Santa, which is co-sponsored by the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission and the Tamaqua Rotary Club. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. at the Tamaqua Salvation Army Regional Community Center, 105 W. Broad St. Tickets are available from any Rotary member and will also be available at the door. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 570-668-0140.

Participants in the cookie contest may take their entries, a minimum of three dozen cookies, to the Tamaqua Historical Society Annex between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Judging will be held at 2 p.m.

Free craft and pottery classes for children will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arts center.

Stonehedge on Dairy Road in South Tamaqua will hold an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities will include ornament making sessions for children, and tree lighting ceremonies at 5:30 and 7 p.m. The later ceremony will include a concert.

A second performance of “A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at the arts center.

Sunday

The final performance of “A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 3 p.m. at the arts center.

The overall festival concludes at 6 p.m. with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Depot Square Park, followed by announcement of winners of the cookie and pet parade contests. Music will be provided by the Tamaqua High School Jazz Chorale, under the direction of John Buglio.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the Tamaqua Community Ambulance headquarters on North Railroad Street following the tree lighting ceremony.

Bayberry candles and Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase throughout the festival.

Additional information is available at 570-668-1880.