Olde Time Christmas, the longtime annual holiday tradition of Jim Thorpe, kicked off on Friday night with a tree lighting.

The multi-weekend event is packed with nonstop holiday cheer.

“It’s out of a 1940s movie,” said Michael Rivkin, Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency president. “Santa arrives on a fire truck. It’s not staged for the purpose of theatrics, it’s always been this way and it’s never changed. That’s part of what makes Jim Thorpe keep its lure - it’s not forced, it just happens.”

There is something of interest for all ages across the next couple of holiday weekends.

“Today is a big deal, the Krampusnacht Festival, which of course is German Christmas celebration, which is pretty darn cool,” Rivkin added.

Throughout the holiday period, horse and buggy rides, ugly sweater contests, photos with Santa and Christmas carolers will be all over town.

What would a Jim Thorpe Christmas be without the historic train rides?

“The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad has been a major draw to Jim Thorpe for years, and continues to do so,” Rivkin said. “Of course, the Santa train will be running through the holidays. I’d like to tell you it’s only for kids, but we have a bed-and-breakfast here, and we get people in their 80s who come back with an ear-to-ear grin after doing that Santa train.”

Multiple concerts will be held at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, while there will be many other listening events, such as the Bach & Handel Chorale Christmas Concert.

“But one of the coolest things that’s happening is up at the Stabin Museum, which is putting on complimentary children’s Christmas concerts,” Rivkin said. “They’re going to be interactive, so the kids will be singing right there with them.”

It’s the season for giving, and people can donate to the Socks for Seniors program, a mitten tree or a military mail drop.

“It’s very philanthropic, and that’s important,” Rivkin added.

And of course Broadway and the surrounding area will be decked out in beautiful, eye-catching lights, charm and décor. Rivkin said residents and merchants take it very seriously, which is why the tradition is so strong each year.

“A lot of what we do here, especially with Olde Time Christmas, and particularly for the tree lighting - they’re for the locals. We certainly invite everybody, but they’re community events.”

Some events charge admission or require tickets, but many events are free.

“We don’t put Olde Time Christmas together as some sort of money-hungry event. That’s for other towns. This is for people to come and enjoy, but also for our residents to enjoy.”

Today

• Black Forest Krampusnacht Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Cafe Arielle at the Stabin Museum, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Mauch Chunk Museum, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Bach & Handel Chorale Christmas Concert, 3 p.m.

• Big Creek Vineyard, live jazz, 6-9 p.m.

• Ghost walks outside of The Inn of Jim Thorpe, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Twelve Twenty-Four at MC Opera House, 8 p.m.

Sunday

• MC Museum, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• St. Mark Church tours, noon to 4 p.m.

• Asa Packer Mansion Tours, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• Gilded Cupid, Fantasy Christmas tree, 12:30-5 p.m.

• Pictures with Santa at train station, inquire within

Dec. 10

• Ghost Walks outside of The Inn of Jim Thorpe, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Stone Row Pub & Eatery, Holiday Art Mart & Open Mic, 7-10 p.m.

• Mary Fahl at MC Opera House, 8 p.m.

Dec. 11

• MC Museum, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Asa Packer Mansion Tours, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• Cafe Arielle at the Stabin Museum, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Gilded Cupid, Fantasy Christmas tree, 12:30-5 p.m.

• St. Mark Church tours, 5-8 p.m.

• Stone Row Pub & Eatery, Ugly Sweater Karaoke, 7-10 p.m.

• Craig Thatcher at MC Opera House, 8 p.m.

• Carriage rides through historic Jim Thorpe, inquire within

• Pictures with Santa at train station, inquire within

• Christmas trolley tours, call 570-732-8698

Dec. 12

• Mauch Chunk Museum, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Asa Packer Mansion tours, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• St. Mark Church tours, noon-4 p.m.

• Gilded Cupid, Fantasy Christmas tree, 12:30-5 p.m.

• Carriage rides through historic Jim Thorpe, inquire within

Dec. 18 and 19

• Mauch Chunk Museum, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• St. Mark Church tours, noon-4 p.m.

• Christmas trolley tours, 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• Ghost walks, outside The Inn of Jim Thorpe, 7-8:30 p.m.

• Cafe Arielle at the Stabin Museum, Special Jazz Loft Christmas, Saturday only, 7 p.m.

• Mauch Chunk Foundation charity event at MC Opera house, 8 p.m.