Coplay and Whitehall Township will usher in the holiday season with programs, both taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. The holiday programs will have the fire departments and their red fire engines poised to escort Santa to the official ceremonies where there will be anxious children waiting for Santa with their mothers and fathers.

At Coplay, the yule program, which has been held by the Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association since the 1950s, will begin with the lighting of Christmas trees and the Nativity creche scene on the lawn next to the municipal building at Fourth and Center streets.

There will be singing of carols and holiday songs at which time Santa will arrive aboard a borough fire engine, handing out treats, candy and oranges, to the boys and girls.

The program then moves indoors to the municipal building's auditorium where the Whitehall High School Chorale will perform a holiday concert that is open to the public.

Coffee and doughnuts will be available for those attending the festive evening.

At Whitehall Township, the yule program will be held in front of the municipal building.

There, the Christmas lights on township campus and trees and borders will glow for the first time this season.

Santa will arrive aboard a shiny township fire engine to greet the children.

Performing at the outdoor event will be the children of the Pennsylvania Performing Arts School, located in Whitehall.

Following the tree lighting and singing, Santa will greet each boy and girl, giving the children a pre-Christmas treat.

Hot chocolate will be in ample supply.