The 30th Annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival will be held this weekend with a host of activities.

At 6 p.m. today, a tree lighting ceremony will begin in Depot Square Park near the Five Points intersection. Pastor Sharon Stokes will be the guest speaker and the Cressona Band will provide entertainment. Attorney Anthony Odorizzi will serve as master of ceremonies.

After the Christmas tree is lit, Little Miss Spirit of Christmas Nora Hadesty and her court will wait for the arrival of Santa. Children will be able to put their letter to Santa in the mailbox, talk to Santa in the gazebo, receive a treat and be on their way.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, 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 Saturday 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. today. The museum will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. A Pennsylvania German Christmas village will be among the displays. 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. Saturday.

Also Saturday, an on open air old fashion Christmas market will be held at Tink’s Antiques on South Railroad Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Craft vendors, entertainment and food will be available. Santa will also be at the market.

Additional craft vendors will be at the Tamaqua Arts Center, 125 Pine St. from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. 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 Saturday and Sunday. 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.