Hot chocolate, a bonfire and Christmas music filled the air at the Penn Forest Township Recreational Park on Route 903 as children awaited the arrival of Santa Claus.

The festivities began at 5 p.m. and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the park at 6 p.m., accompanied by the Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Department.

“They have been doing this for at least the past 10 years,” said Todd Fox, chairman of the Park & Recreation Committee. “Committee members baked Christmas cookies, we have hot chocolate, all free for everyone here. Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the park tree, and there will be gifts for the children and photos with Santa.”

Thanks to the generosity of those who made donations, each of the fire companies were given $175.