It may look a little different, but the annual Slatington Tree Lighting event will still be held this year.

Only this time, the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce will present a virtual tree lighting from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

However, there were some last-minute changes to accommodate the latest capacity orders to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Whereas the event was generally held in Veterans Memorial Park, the tree lighting ceremony has now been moved to a virtual viewing at 5:30 p.m. via the Greater Northern Lehigh’s Facebook Page, and will be followed by a “Holiday Drive-Thru” event from 6-7 p.m.

“While it may not be the traditional ceremony, we’re looking to fill Friday evening’s event with holiday cheer,” said Kylie Adams, Manager of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “With the help of our board and our sponsors, we are able to still make this event happen in a way that will keep our community safe and still spread the holiday spirit.”

Adams said several stops along Second Street will include “holiday goody bags,” complete with coloring kits and items from various local businesses. Additionally, a coloring contest will be held, and submissions are requested to be delivered to Bechtel’s Pharmacy by Dec. 15.

“We ask that people travel down Second Street toward 873 and turn onto 873 to exit the pickup if they plan to participate,” she said. “We will have several booths set up, and Santa will be there, too, to help hand out hot chocolate kits and more.”

In addition to the drive-thru giveaways, Elsa and Olaf (of “Frozen”) will be joining Santa Claus to wave on community members, courtesy of character sponsors A.F. Boyer and Dimmich & Dinkelacker.

There will also be a tent to drop donations for the Greater Northern Lehigh “30 Days of Giving” food drive, which will benefit local food banks.

House decorating contest

To round out the month, the GNLCC is excited to present a brand-new event to the community with a House Decorating Contest.

Participants are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their homes and submit addresses.

Andy Gildner, chair of the GNLCC board, shared his excitement for the house decorating contest.

“In a year of physical distancing, our events committee wanted to have a safe way for our community to show Christmas cheer,” Gildner said. “The house decorating contest is one way to show our fellow neighbors good will and joy. We encourage our neighbors and friends to nominate the ‘Clark Griswold’ of their neighborhood.”

The board of directors will judge home submissions and announce winners via Facebook on Dec. 18.