The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the holiday season Sunday at Ontelaunee Park in New Tripoli with Santa Claus scheduled to make an appearance.

The chamber has partnered with Heidelberg, Lynn, Lowhill and Weisenberg townships and the Honey Done List Co. for the 3rd Annual Northwestern Lehigh Tree Lighting Ceremony.

“In our third year, we are extremely excited to grow this event in new and innovative ways to make a truly memorable holiday experience in New Tripoli,” said Kylie Adams-Weiss, assistant vice president of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Our partnership with the Northwestern Lehigh townships and the entire Northwestern Lehigh community at large has created a holiday celebration like no other.”

The festivities will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and are free.

Performances include the New Life Drum Circle (4:30 p.m.), Ebenezer Church Choir (5 p.m.), Innovative Arts Academy Dancers (5:30 p.m.) and the Northwestern Lehigh and Weisenberg Elementary School choruses (6 p.m.), before a grand entrance from Santa Claus to light the tree at 6:30 p.m.

Before the start of the event, the Lynn-Heidelberg Historical Society will be open for tours of their buildings in Ontelaunee Park from 2-5 p.m.

New for 2023, enhancements like live reindeer (sponsored by New Tripoli Bank) and an ice carving demonstration (sponsored by Eight Oaks Farm Distillery) will also entertain attendees.

A vendor market will take place in the lower pavilion with crafters, nonprofits and local businesses with goods for sale for holiday shopping; the upper pavilion will host a variety of food samples (including soup samples from Curious Goods at the Bake Oven Inn, hot dogs, hot cider from Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, and hot chocolate, sponsored by Sam’s Club of Allentown, Weisenberg Township, and Heintzelman Funeral Homes-Schnecksville), giveaway items at the Chamber booth, and a holiday DJ.

During the evening, attendees can partake in cash pony rides (provided by Venture Farms), as well as take photos with Frozen’s Elsa, Ana and Olaf. Food trucks, such as The Good Egg Food Truck, Nesting Box Ice Cream, Big Country Concessions, Hungry Hound Express, Wow Wagon and the Nacho Depot will offer food for purchase to those in attendance.

The event will also host a food drive.

“It is crucial that we open our hearts to those in need all year long,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, executive vice president of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The holidays remind us that the spirit of giving is alive and well, and the Chamber likes to ensure that we are helping others in the community.” This year’s food drive will collect canned goods and nonperishable items for the Lowhill Food Pantry.

Rain date for the event is Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NorthernLehighChamber.