The holiday season is here.

The Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival will kick off with an open house at the Tamaqua Historical Society on Dec. 3.

Gingerbread houses created by children will be on display in the Historical Society Annex window. Rules for the Gingerbread House Contest, including entry fee, how to enter and vote are posted on the Spirit of Christmas Facebook page.

Festivities continue Dec. 4 with the lighting of the Depot Square Park at 6 p.m. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., there will be a meet and greet with Santa. This is a free event, but tickets are required, which are available at TamaquaArts.org.

Tink’s, on South Railroad St., will host an “Open Air Old Fashion Christmas Market on Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring craft and food vendors. On the same night, at 7 p.m., the Tamaqua Community Arts Center presents “A Cabaret.” The show is both in-house and virtual. Tickets are required and can be purchased at TamaquaArts.org.

Depot Square Park’s tree lighting is set for Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Pastor Cindy White, of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church will be the speaker and Winter Cabaret Singers from Center Stage Theatre will perform Christmas carols.

The Spirit of Christmas Festival continues the following weekend with the 10th Annual Advent Service being held on Dec. 12.

Additionally, The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce is coordinating a Christmas tree decorating contest. Rules are available on the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spirit of Christmas Facebook pages.

To support the festival, the committee is selling bayberry candles. Purchases can be made at the Tamaqua Arts Center, Hope and Coffee and Pedal Pushers Floral Co. in Hometown.

More information regarding the holiday events is available on the Spirit of Christmas Facebook page or by contacting the Tamaqua Community Arts Center at 570-668-1192.