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.
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
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Official Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE
Josiah White Park (1 Susquehanna Street) 5:00 – 8:00pm
Your special hosts for the evening are Katya Fitzpatrick from BRCTV13 and 80’s Guru Ann Marie Calabrese from WMGH Magic 105.5. Special performances by Angela Nardini and Faculty Brass. Jim Thorpe Olympian’s Cheerleaders, Jim Thorpe Marching Band and Jim Thorpe Area Concert Choir will also perform. See the Carbon County Fair Queen and Evan the 7-foot Elf.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Bach & Handel Chorale
3:00pm St. Mark’s Church on Race Street $15/adult; 10 and under is free
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Christkindlmarkt – FREE
11:00 – 5:30pm St. Joseph’s Church (526 North Street [East Side])
Food & Christmas sales; Live Nativity (1:00pm & 5:00pm);
Organ and Choir Concert (2:00pm); Guided tour of Church (2:45pm)
Ugly Sweater Party – FREE
8:00 – 11:00pm Stone Row Pub & Eatery (45 Race Street)
Come Get Ugly at our second annual Sweater Party! Wear your ugliest holiday sweater. Why listen to scratchy records or hissing cassette tapes when you can come hear Len Brunson live on guitar! We’ll have the traditional Ugly Sweater Parade and Contest, with the worst of the worst winning a gift certificate. $1 from every drink will be donated to the Dimmick Memorial Library. Enjoy our winter beers and seasonal cocktails to help get you ugly!
Craig Thatcher & Friends Rockin’ Christmas – $28
Doors 7:00pm, Show 8:00pm
Mauch Chunk Opera House (14 W Broadway)
Experience the holiday show that has become a popular and much-anticipated Christmas-season favorite.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Breakfast with Santa
Dean Anthony’s Banquet Hall (1122 North Street)
Seating times: 9am, 10am, 11am, and Noon
Breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, french toast sticks, coffee, tea, juices, and milk.
Must make reservations by calling 570-732-4220 and leaving a message with name, phone number, number of people attending, and seating time. OR text the information to 610-762-0877. Santa will talk to every child. A craft table will be set up to make Christmas cards for St. Luke’s Miners and Blue Mountain Health Systems hospital patients. Basket Raffle. All proceeds benefit Turn To Us. Funds raised will be used for our client Christmas party (buffet meal, Santa, and presents for all the children), Spectrum of Support events, and Keegan’s Kash financial allowance program.
Lessons & Carols – FREE
Immaculate Conception Church (180 W Broadway) 1:00 – 2:00pm
Immaculate Conception Church will sponsor an hour-long Advent reflection entitled “Lessons & Carols” on Sunday, December 10th beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church (West Broadway). The program will include scripture readings and Christmas carols recalling the birth of the Christ child. We invite you to take some time out of your busy schedule and spend the afternoon preparing for the birth of our savior!
Faculty Brass – FREE
1:00 – 4:00pm Strolling through town
Instrumental quartet brings you all of the holiday favorites.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Rubix Kube – An Eighties Christmas – $27
Doors 7:00pm, Show 8:00pm Mauch Chunk Opera House (14 W Broadway)
Its one-of-a-kind “THE EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK Show” is performed in their NYC headquarters, across the planet, and to galaxies far . . far away. The KUBE is more than just a cover band – it’s a totally awesome, true ’80s experience.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Cookies & Cocktails – $25
3:00 – 6:00pm Participating locations throughout town.
It’s the third annual event and back by popular demand! Visit two dozen participating locations throughout town to sample delicious Christmas cookies and holiday cocktails. Buy a VIP ticket and save $10 on cookies & cocktails and the after party!
Official After Party for Cookies & Cocktails – $35
7:00 – 11:00pm Mauch Chunk Ballroom (41 W Broadway)
Is Cookies and Cocktails not enough for you? Have extra holiday fun at the Ballroom featuring a DJ, appetizers and lots of fun!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Gregory the Great Academy – FREE
1:00 – 5:00pm Mauch Chunk Museum performance at 1:00 followed by strolling performances in town. Our annual tradition of the most talented group of young men around. Enjoy them as they sing, juggle and entertain. This group is not to be missed!
ONGOING EVENTS
Mitten Tree – Donation
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16
Train Station (1 Susquehanna Street) Place mittens, gloves and scarfs for the less fortunate on our Mitten Tree. This has been a tradition for 16 years since the Jim Thorpe Lioness has been in existence.
Train Rides with Santa
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16
Train Station (1 Susquehanna Street) Trains run 10:30, 1:00 & 3:30
Each adult $14. Children are $9 each. Children 2 and under receive a free ticket. Santa Claus will be on the train handing out small treats, talking to all the children, which makes for a great photo opportunity your family will remember for years to come!
Photos with Santa – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16
(donations accepted for local charity)
9:30-10:15, 12:00-12:45, 2:30-3:15, 4:45-5:15
Train Station (1 Susquehanna Street)
Take your own memorable photos with the one and only!
Christmas Tree Contest – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16
11am-4:00pm Mauch Chunk Ballroom (41 W Broadway)
See Christmas trees all decked out in various themes at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom. Vote for your favorite!
Asa Packer Mansion Tours
Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9
11:00am – 4:00pm Packer Hill
$10/adult. Discounts for seniors, students and children
Sing for America Productions – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8
4:00pm-5:00pm Balcony of the Inn at Jim Thorpe (24 Broadway)
Performance group that sings traditional and wholesome Christmas songs.
Christmas Tree Display – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8
1:00 – 5:30pm Gilded Cupid Bed & Breakfast (40 W Broadway)
Traditional Christmas display including authentic German ornaments on a live Christmas tree.
St. Mark’s Church Tours – Donation
Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9
12:00 – 4:00pm 21 Race Street
The tour begins in the Mary Packer Cummings Memorial Chapel, highlighting the room’s marble altar, stained glass windows, and tile floor. After that, the tour proceeds up to the third floor of the church via an original Otis elevator, installed by Mary Packer. The Great Hall also has notable oil murals on its walls. Finally, the tour enters the main body of the church. The sanctuary is adorned with many priceless Tiffany windows, such as the Rose window (right). The church’s marble baptismal font, pipe organ, and tile floor further add to the experience. $5 donation goes towards the restoration and preservation of the Church
Christmas Kids Club – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16
11am-4:00pm Mauch Chunk Ballroom (41 W Broadway)
Join in the festivities at the Ballroom where you’ll see holiday movies and the kids can even do crafts. Refreshments are available for purchase. Restrooms available.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 8, 15
Kids Crafts (free): (11am-4pm) Four different crafts for the kids to make for the holidays. One each per child while supplies last.
FREE MOVIES with popcorn and beverages available for purchase.
December 1: Shrek The Halls @ 11:00am
Home Alone @ 2:00pm
December 8: Frosty the Snowman @ 11:00am
Elf @ 2:00pm
December 15: The Grinch @ 11:00am
Polar Express @ 2:00pm
Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos 1:30-3:30pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 9, 16
Christmas Coloring (free): (11a-4p) One each per child while supplies last.
Crufeli Circus Show (free): 12:00 – 12:30
Crufeli Circus Show (free): 2:00 – 2:30
Christmas Storytime (free): 3:30 – 4:00
Gregory the Great Academy Performance (free): 1:00 – 1:30 (Dec. 16 Only)
Live Singing at the Inn – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8
Sundays, December 2, 9
11:00am – 3:00pm Balcony of the Inn at Jim Thorpe (24 Broadway)
Enjoy our talented local singers as they serenade you from the historic balcony of the Inn.
The Nutcracker Holiday Display
at the Harry Packer Mansion
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16
1:00 – 4:00pm 19 Packer Avenue. Bring your family and your “Spirit of Wonder and Imagination” as you tour the historic Parlors of the Mansion in true holiday style Follow along to this beloved holiday classic 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
Gingerbread House Display & Contest – FREE
Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15
Dimmick Memorial Library (54 Broadway) During normal library hours
Creche Display – FREE
Saturday, December 1 & Sunday, December 2
12:00 – 5:00pm Lutheran Church of St. John (319 South Ave)
Over 500 Nativity displays to get you in the Christmas spirit!
FREE transportation to and from the church from Josiah White Park
(1 Susquehanna Street)
Twelve Twenty Four TSO Christmas Event – $28
Sunday, December 2
Mauch Chunk Opera House (14 W Broadway)
Featuring the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO), along with selections from their debut album, “Miracle on Rock Street,” and this year’s newest release, “Light in the Dark”, for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience! Doors 7:00pm, Show 8:00pm
GhostWalks in Old Mauch Chunk
Saturdays, December 8, 15
7:00 – 8:00pm Join a costumed GhostGuide for a one-mile, one-hour walk on Broadway to hear intriguing stories of ghostly encounters.
Gather in the basement of the Inn at Jim Thorpe (24 Broadway) at 6:45.
$12, adults/$6 children. 484-629-3698.
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