Plans are coming together for the 30th Annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival, which will be held Dec. 4 to 7.

The festival will kick off with a Mistletoe Reception on Dec. 4 at Gimbels Restaurant on East Broad Street. Tickets must be purchased at TamaquaArts.org ahead of time.

A special tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 in Depot Square Park. Pastor Sharon Stokes will be the guest speaker. The Cressona Band will provide entertainment. After the Christmas tree is lit, Little Miss Spirit of Christmas and her court will wait for the arrival of Santa.

At 8 a.m. on Dec. 6, breakfast with Santa and the Grinch will be held at the Perla Building. The event is sponsored by the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission. There is a fee. Call 570-239-6436 for information.

The Tamaqua Public Library has events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 including cookie decorating, T-shirt printing, a book sale and “Tales with the Toymaker — The Nutcracker’s Magical Storytime.” Check out the library website at www.taplpa.info and Facebook page for information.

The Tamaqua Area Historical Society Museum, 118 W. Broad St., will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5. The museum will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6. Admission is free.

The 1848 Hegarty Blacksmith Shop and the Tamaqua Area Wagon Works on Hegarty Avenue will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6. Then from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be an Open Air Old Fashion Christmas Market at Tink’s Antiques, 28 S. Railroad St. Craft vendors, entertainment and food will be available. Santa will also be at the market.

Additional craft vendors will be on location at the Tamaqua Arts Center, 125 Pine St. from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6.

There will be a Toolshed Jack Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at 7 p.m. at the Tamaqua Arts Center. Tickets are required.

Train rides with Santa by Reading & Northern Railroad will take place at 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7. Train tickets are available by calling the railroad at 610-562-2102 or in person with cash only at Tink’s Antiques.

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