Rain is simply melted snow, or at least that’s how Santa Claus and the Lehighton Borough Parks and Recreation Board saw it during the Lehighton Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting on Sunday evening.

The event was bustling with several vendors offering a variety of delicious treats. From hearty dishes like filling and gravy and macaroni and cheese to sweet indulgences like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and candy apples, there was something to satisfy every craving.

Santa Claus made his grand entrance at 4 p.m., accompanied by the Lehighton Fire Department. The jolly fellow wasted no time and immediately got to work helping children decorate a beautiful Christmas tree outside the municipal building. Afterward, he settled into the cozy amphitheater, ready to greet children, listen to their gift lists, and strike a pose for memorable photos.

To set the mood and spread the holiday cheer, the talented Pale Moon Players from Lehighton led the audience in singing beloved Christmas carols. Their enchanting voices filled the air, creating a magical atmosphere that warmed the hearts of everyone present.

In the spirit of giving, Orioles Nest 183 of Lehighton generously donated 12 bicycles, which were raffled off to lucky children. The joy on their faces was priceless as they received their new wheels.

As the clock struck 6 p.m., the main Christmas tree in the amphitheater, along with the 175 donated trees scattered throughout both parks, lit up the night sky. The dazzling display of lights brought a sense of wonder and awe, reminding everyone of the true magic of the holiday season.

“We want to thank everyone who came out to set up the festival,” Autumn Abelovsky from the Lehighton Parks & Recreation Board announced. “We want to thank everyone who decorated the trees, and we especially thank every one of you who came out in this misty, rainy weather.”

Jeff Black Sealcoating donated the 20-foot tree in the amphitheater, in memory of Robert Heckman. The Lehighton Fire Department decorated that tree.

Rehrig’s Nursery of Franklin Township, provided the trees all around both parks.

Students from Oak Ridge Academy helped set up the trees.

Lehighton’s iconic fountain in the lower park has a new lighting system courtesy of Wizard of Wire that features 10 minutes of motion and color variations.

Additional festival sponsors include: Access Services; Ahner Furniture & Appliances; Lehighton American Legion Post 314; AOK Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical; Ateira’s on First; Blue Ridge Pressure Castings; Carbon County Community Foundation; Carbon Search & Settlement Services, Inc.; Dance With Kim Studio of Performing Arts; Dance with Kim For a Cause; Flexer Masonry; Lehigh Valley Health Network; Home Comfort Solutions, LLC; Ovsak Funeral Home; Liberty Auto Glass LLC; Iron Valley Real Estate Northeast; Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank; Jim Thorpe River Adventures - The Lehighton Outdoor Center; Kreitz Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning; Lehigh Fire Co. #1 (Social Quarters); Lehighton Area Merchants Association; Lehighton Area School District Police Department; Lehighton Ford; Lehighton Shade Tree Commission; Mason’s Cold Beer Too; Pam Gothard - REMAX Real Estate; Pharoahs Car Club - Jim Thorpe Carbon County Chapter; Pinnacle Grooming; Pizza Como USA; Stan Graver Sales & Service Inc.; and TNT Premier Real Estate.