The Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, a multimunicipal authority supported by the boroughs of Walnutport and Slatington and Washington Township, would like to get everyone into the holiday spirit with two programs this holiday season.

Letters from Santa is a new program that enables children to receive a personalized letter from Santa Claus.

Adults are encouraged to email Northern Lehigh Recreation (nlrecauthority@gmail.com or visit their website (www.northernlehighrec.org) to fill out a brief questionnaire for each child they would like to receive a personalized letter from Santa. Questionnaires are to be mailed (7951 Center St., Emerald, PA 18080) or emailed (nlrecauthority@gmail.com to Northern Lehigh Recreation by the Dec. 7 deadline.

Finally, Northern Lehigh Recreation will celebrate the season with its fifth annual Candy Cane Hunt on Dec. 12 beginning at 10 a.m. for children of all ages at Walnutport Park.

Similar to an Easter egg hunt, thousands of candy canes will be hidden around Walnutport’s playground and park. Several will be specially marked and able to be redeemed for a new holiday toy.

The hunt itself will begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp and will be held rain or shine. The Northern Lehigh High School Chorale will lead a Christmas carol singalong, and the perk-Up truck will be on hand selling a variety of hot and cold drinks. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

Thousands of candy canes are hidden for the event, and Northern Lehigh Recreation welcomes donations of candy canes from the community to make the event a success. Anyone interested in donating candy canes is asked to contact NLRA at nlrecauthority@gmail.com, 484-633-0093.

Many additional programs are being planned for the winter and spring. Check out Northern Lehigh Recreation’s website (www.northernlehighrec.org) or Facebook page for more information.