Nearly 50 themed Christmas trees will light up John F. Kennedy Park in Lansford Dec. 3, as Lansford Friends of Recreation and Lansford Alive host the Trail of Trees.

Festivities get underway in the afternoon as businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits and individuals put the final touches on their trees and people can view the unique holiday designs.

Hot chocolate, cupcakes and cookies will be available, as holiday music plays ahead of a welcome by the Friends of Recreation around 4 p.m.

Reilly Bauer will sing the national anthem followed by music by the Panther Valley Band and the reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Debbie Kunkle.

Joe Krushinsky and Angela Nardini will also sing holiday songs, and Bauer will sing “Silent Night.” A list of those who purchased and decorated trees will be read before holiday messages from Friends of Recreation and Lansford Alive.

The tree lighting is planned for 5 p.m. followed by the Santa’s arrival by firetruck for all to enjoy.

This is the third year for the Christmas trees in the park, which will remain on display throughout December and into the New Year.

The trees from Rehrig’s Nursery in Lehighton arrive the Thursday before the tree lighting, and decorating begins Dec. 1 and continues Dec. 2 and 3 - leading up to the holiday celebration in the park.

Thirteen area businesses, 11 schools, school groups and classes; eight churches and eight nonprofits are participating in the tree decorating this year.

In addition, trees have been purchased in memory of the following: Frances, Piscelli, Nancy Nocek, Burtrie Parents, Betty and Michael Gayda, David Spence, Karen Macenka and Patricia Hochstadter and Alyssa Bernardi.