Santa Claus helped usher in the Christmas season at the Mauch Chunk Train Station with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Josiah White Park, which also kicks off the Olde Time Christmas celebration in Jim Thorpe.

“Santa’s here to welcome in the holiday season. So, thank you, Santa, for coming tonight!” exclaimed James Dougher, president of the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency.

Members of the Jim Thorpe Area High School Marching Band, under the direction of Stephen Christ, braved the frigid temperatures and entertained the crowd with Christmas music.

Santa arrived on a trolley from The Trolley Company, and was joined in entering the park by the Jim Thorpe Area High School cheerleaders.

Following the lighting of the tree, Santa sat by the tree and had photos taken with the young and the young at heart.

The Olde Time Christmas will be held this weekends of Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 and will feature train rides, trolley rides, entertainment, food and plenty of local stores and eateries to help celebrate the holiday season.