As the town formerly known as Mauch Chunk, celebrates its Bicentennial this year, so too does the Christmas classic Silent Night – composed and first performed on December 24, 1818 in Oberndorf, Germany.
What better way to experience that Wonder of Christmas Past than the 37th Annual Olde Time Christmas celebration in historic Jim Thorpe, PA with your friends and family this year.
Presented by the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency (JTTA), Olde Time Christmas in the town named by msn.com as the “Most Adorable Small Town” in Pennsylvania will be celebrated throughout the month of December with special events – December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16.
With Santa, strolling musicians and carolers, there’s lots of free fun for the whole family.
The tree lighting celebration at Josiah White Park (train station) kicks off the festivities with lots of small town holiday charm on Friday, November 30 beginning at 5 p.m. including live music and performances by the Jim Thorpe Area High School Marching Band, Concert Choir and Cheerleaders, Angela Marie Nardini. Katya Fitzpatrick from BRCTV13 and 80’s Guru Ann Marie Calabrese from WMGH Magic 105.5 will emcee the event.
Santa will arrive by firetruck at 6 p.m. to countdown the lighting of the town Christmas tree donated by Yenser’s Tree Farm in Lehighton. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., Santa will be on hand for photos inside the train station.
Also Friday evening, the bells of historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 21 Race Street, will ring out Silent Night to welcome guests to an open house, with tours, caroling, and refreshments, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Donation requested to benefit St. Mark’s.
The Bach and Handel Chorale will perform their Christmas concert at St. Mark’s on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15; children 10 and younger are free.
Throughout Olde Time Christmas, goers will enjoy train rides and photos with Santa, a gingerbread house display at the Dimmick Memorial Library, 54 Broadway, during regular library hours, (Entries must be delivered before 5 p.m. on Nov. 29.) holiday shows and concerts at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, and shopping Jim Thorpe’s 50 unique shops and galleries for that perfect gift.
Each Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the celebration, the Mauch Chunk Ballroom, upstairs from the Mauch Chunk Museum at 41 W. Broadway, will play host to the Olde Time Christmas Kids Club with family entertainment, kids crafts, face painting, refreshments and more.
Be sure to check out the 11th annual display of more than 500 crèches from around the world (Dec.1 & 2) at the Lutheran Church of St. John, 319 South Avenue. Free shuttles with caroling angels are available from Josiah White Park.
A perennial favorite, be sure to visit the Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast, 40 West Broadway, and wonder at their beautiful live Christmas tree decorated with authentic German ornaments. Saturdays Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from Noon to 5 p.m.
Bring your family and your spirit of wonder and imagination as you tour the historic parlors of the Harry Packer Mansion and their Nutcracker Display in true holiday style. Follow along as you visit a gorgeous display inspired by a different scene from “The Nutcracker Suite” in each room. Adults: $5; Children under 8: free admission with adult.
The Stone Row Pub and Eatery will host an Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, Dec. 8 with entertainment by Len Brunson to benefit the Dimmick Memorial Library.
Back by popular demand is another fun adult event – the third annual Christmas Cookies and Cocktails event on Saturday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit two dozen participating locations throughout town to sample delicious Christmas cookies and holiday cocktails. Ticket sale information will be posted soon.
Bring your sweetie and meet under the mistletoe all over the town named by Philadelphia Magazine as its 2012 Best of Philly: Best Romantic Getaway. Jim Thorpe businesses will have sprigs of the “kissing plant” strategically hung for maximum effect. Folks can share the love and bring home mistletoe sold by JTTA outside of the train station in Josiah White Park.
For a complete listing of events and more information on Olde Time Christmas events, follow us at www.facebook.com/JimThorpeOldeTimeChristmas or visit www.jimthorpe.org
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