Get ready to experience the wonder and joy of the holiday season at La Dolce Casa’s Third Annual “Lighting of the Lights” ceremony, funded by owner Alfie Picone and brought to life by Scripted in Style Events’ Justin Startzel.

This year’s theme, “A Walk Through Central Park at Christmastime,” promises an enchanting display filled with new colors, custom lighting and breathtaking décor at the 16 W. Broad St. restaurant.

The Lighting of the Lights ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday with the lighting at 5:45 p.m.

What started as Startzel’s dream three years ago has grown into a much-anticipated event that draws visitors from across the East Coast to Tamaqua.

The display showcases 200,000 lights, 3,000 snowflakes, hundreds of feet of ribbon, and custom-built décor, which will immerse guests in a scene straight from New York City’s Central Park.

The display features new Twinkly Lighting, a high-tech smart lighting system that adds to the intricate custom pieces created by Christmas Decor by Pennsylvania Lawn and Landscape and StillCreek Events.

Autumn Falls Entertainment will provide live performances, singing “Silent Night” as the lights are unveiled in honor of the late Pennsylvania State Police Officer Peter Conforti, of Walker Township.

Conforti’s family will be in attendance. The display is dedicated to Conforti, who passed away in July.

Palmerton display

Startzel is expanding the experience to Papa Al’s Italian Pizzeria and Restaurant, 346 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, for its first “Night of Christmas Wonder” from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 23 with lighting at 5:45 p.m.

Adding to the festivities, Scripted in Style Events has a special visitor for both weekends: “Glisten,” a 20-foot-tall reindeer, who has quickly become a holiday favorite.

Glisten will be stationed at both La Dolce Casa and Papa Al’s, ready for festive photos and excited to meet visitors of all ages.