TAMAQUA, Pa. — From the outside, Dimaggio's La Dolce Casa on West Broad Street in Tamaqua looks like your average restaurant.
But when you step inside, every inch of the space is covered in Christmas joy.
"Oh my god, it's crazy, it's beautiful, he outdoes himself every year," said Kay Melochick
"Wow, it is amazing in here, what Alfi has done its like it transforms you into a winter wonderland," said Carolee Smith of New Tripoli.
Owner Alfonso Picone says it takes two and a half months to transform the restaurant into a winter wonderland.
From the nutcrackers to twinkling lights and walls that are lined with presents and candy canes, there is something to look at around every corner.
"My favorite part is as you walk in and the steps as you go upstairs; it just gives you that warm feeling," said Owner Alfonso Picone.
The spectacular sights draw people from near and far to DiMaggio's. At lunch time on a Monday, tables quickly filled up.
Picone says it fills his heart with joy to share this with the community.
"From being a little kid, I always loved to decorate and I loved Christmas in general but its the meaning of Christmas is not just the lights," explained Picone.
The delight is felt by everyone who comes in to share a meal with family and friends.
"It warms your heart to know that people still like to get together and enjoy their holidays," said Melochick.
"You know, I think sometimes everybody looks at Jim Thorpe as the big tourist area, but there are so many fantastic things to do in Tamaqua," said Smith.
The owner says reservations for the season are already booked, but the restaurant is still welcoming walk-ins.
DiMaggio's couldn't do all of the decorating by themselves. Picone says local businesses like Scripted in Style Events, Pennsylvania Lawn and Landscape along with Carol, Lisa and Team from Stillcreek helped bring the decorations to life.