The 19th Annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival is set for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7.

The festival includes attractions and entertainment geared to all ages and much of it free to the public. The festival message is that the special magic of the holidays is part of all of us right here at home, according to organizers.The community showcase unites clubs, churches and organizations to stage one of the largest holiday festivals in Schuylkill County, according to Jean Ann Towle, chairman, who said a committee of volunteers has been working months to arrange details.FridayActivities begin 6 p.m. Dec. 5, with the Arrival of Santa Parade sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.The parade, which includes Frosty the Snow Man, will begin at the borough garage, East Broad Street and briefly stop at Depot Square Park to flip a switch, igniting thousands of Christmas lights. It will then proceed to the Tamaqua Arts Center, 125 Pine St., Route 309.At 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Tree Festival will be under way at the Arts Center, and at 7 p.m., Santa and the Mrs. will host visitors at the Arts Center (bring your own camera).At 7:30 p.m. "A Christmas Carol" will debut at Strawberry Playhouse, Tuscarora, more information at 570-325-4368, and at 8 p.m. "A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tale" will hit the stage at the Arts Center, 570-668-1192.SaturdayWeekend events will be launched with Breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission and held at the Tamaqua Salvation Army Regional Community Center, West Broad Street. Advanced tickets are required. More information, 570-668-1880.The Tree Festival continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arts Center.Also, a 2 p.m. Victorian Tea will be hosted by St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 E. Mauch Chunk St. Advanced tickets required, 570-668-3030.At 3 p.m., Cookie Contest Judging will challenge the sweet tooth at the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 W. Broad St."A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tale" continues at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. at the Arts Center, and "A Christmas Carol" at 7 p.m. at Strawberry Playhouse.SundayThe festival's final day includes the Holiday Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 105 W. Broad St., vendor registration, 570-668-3268. Free holiday musical entertainment will be featured from noon until 4.At 1 p.m., Stories with Mrs. Santa Claus will be offered at the Arts Center and "A Christmas Carol" will take the stage at 2 p.m. at Strawberry Playhouse.At 2:30 p.m., a Christmas Concert by Dr. Susan M Featro - Voice Lifted - will be presented at the Arts Center, more information 570-818-4135.The Tree Festival continues at the Center from noon to 5 p.m.The overall festival concludes at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Depot Square Park, followed by announcement of winners of the cookie contest and tree judging.Afterward, cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the Tamaqua Community Ambulance, North Railroad Street adjacent to Depot Square Park.Additional information is available at 570-668-1880.The Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival traces its beginnings to 1994 at the start of the Tamaqua Area 2004 Partnership.The festival grew out of a committee sponsored by the Partnership, eventually becoming a separate entity. Committee members represent a diverse cross-section of the community.