With a large crowd on hand last Wednesday evening, Whitehall Township officially ushered in the Christmas season at the township plaza.

The Cedar Crest College Chorale and Pennsylvania Performing Arts Academy provided music.

Santa arrived on a township fire truck. He then went indoors where he greeted children and gave out presents.

This evening, Thursday, Dec. 4, the Coplay Recreation & Welfare Association hosts the borough's official Christmas celebration.

It begins at 6:30 p.m. with carols and holiday songs. A child in the community will light the borough's official evergreen tree and creche.

Santa then arrives on the borough fire department's truck.

The program finally will move inside the auditorium where the Whitehall High School Chorale will present its holiday concert.

Children will receive a gift bag. Refreshments will be served.