Coplay Recreation & Welfare Association’s annual community Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and concert will be held this evening, Dec. 3, at the borough hall complex at Fourth and Center streets.

A borough tradition going back more than six decades, the program begins 6:30 p.m. with caroling and tree lighting at the crèche. Santa arrives on the borough fire truck shortly before 7 p.m. to greet the children present for his first visit to the borough, officially opening the yule season.

The program then moves indoors to the auditorium where the Whitehall High School chorus will present a holiday concert. Following the concert, there will be hot chocolate and doughnuts for those attending the program.

The train display on the second floor of the municipal building will be open to the public after the concert.

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The association also would like to announce there are Toys for Tots containers at several businesses in the community to make your donation drop-off.

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Don’t forget the new and gently used coat drive is underway, too. There are sites in the borough where you can deposit the coats, a most welcome gift for children and families in need of outer wear to brave the elements.

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Watch this column for details on visits from Santa at American Club of Coplay pavilion and Coplay Saengerbund, as well as holiday programs at area churches.

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The town is getting to look like Christmas. The colorful lighted decorations, spearheaded by a citizens committee in recent years, were hung on PPL poles along the entire length of Second and Chestnut streets. A lighted display across Ruch and Chestnut streets and Second and Hokendauqua streets also adds to the holiday decor.

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The borough public works department reports refuse, recycling, yard waste and leaf pickup is back to regular hours following last week’s holiday schedule.