Santa Claus rides high atop a City of Pittston fire truck as he enters the city during the Christmas Toy Truck Parade in 2022. Santa will arrive this year on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
The City of Pittston will light the city’s official Christmas tree by 2024 Christmas Ambassador nine-year-old Lexi Hull on Saturday, Dec. 7, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
Law enforcers help the children purchase holiday gift items during Shop with a Cop in 2023.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
Members of Greater Pittston Santa Squad will be back for Shop with a Cop from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, to hand out Christmas presents. From left: Gary Worosilla, Denise Manganiello and Dana Klush.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
PITTSTON — The City of Pittston is gearing up with two days of Christmas celebrations with La Festa Di Natale Holiday Market, Shop with a Cop, and the arrival of Santa Claus taking place at the conclusion of the Christmas Toy Truck Parade on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7.
According to Mary Kroptavich, City of Pittston’s Main Street manager, shopping starts at the market on Friday evening from 4 to 8 p.m., which is open to the public and continues on Saturday from 2 p.m. This year is a record number of vendors at 52.
The annual Shop with a Cop event, which is closed to the public, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 2 p.m.
The annual Toy Truck Parade presented by Froggy 101 will take place at 6 p.m. bringing the arrival of Santa Claus.
The city’s official tree lighting will take place approximately at 6:30 p.m. with the 2024 Christmas Ambassador, nine-year-old Lexi Hull, doing the honors of throwing the switch to light the tree.
Santa Claus will be hearing children’s Christmas wishes as well as having the opportunity to get a photo with St. Nick after the lighting of the tree.
A Chance To Dance will perform at approximately 7 p.m.
Pittston Popcorn will also be on hand selling its products.
Other food will be sold by the Downtown Pittston Partnership, with proceeds going back into next year’s La Festa Natale.
The Shop with a Cop program is a national platform brought right to the City of Pittston several years ago and has gotten bigger and better with each year.
This year, 300 children will be participating with shopping with a member of local police, EMS, and firemen, receives $100 to shop for family and friends from local merchants.
In addition to the $100 each child is receiving, Holy Redeemer High School fundraised to purchase a set of gloves for each child; Benco Dental is donating 300 dental hygiene bags, and the Downtown Pittston Partnership is giving every child a pair of holiday pajamas.
Astound will be donating holiday canvas bags for the children to load up with gifts.
The Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club will be giving away 10 bicycles.
The children will be able to enjoy a free lunch includes a hot dog, chips, soda and cocco.
The idea behind Shop with a Cop is to acquaint children with law enforcement, promoting positive relationships and giving kids facing challenging times the chance to have a memorable day.
In addition to gifts for their family, the city has partnered with the Greater Pittston Santa Squad, which purchases gifts from participating children’s wish lists to ensure they have presents under the tree.
