Bethlehem, Pa. - It seems like 2022 has flown by. So what’s the best way to say goodbye to this year, and ring in the next? LehighValleyNews.com has handpicked a list of events for you to celebrate the past and ring in the future. Here’s to 2023!
Black tie at the Americus Hotel: Enjoy a buffet dinner, comedy show, and champagne toast with top-shelf liquor in downtown Allentown. Their open bar lasts from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and DJ Menace will play. There will also be a 360-degree photo and selfie booth to help capture those special moments for social media and beyond. Cost: $150
Allentown’s NYE Celebration: Dine at a downtown restaurant, or enjoy the Phantom’s game, and then get ready for a new tradition. You’ve heard of the ball drop on New Year's eve, but have you ever heard of a hockey puck drop? In the most Lehigh Valley way ever to ring in the new year, the Phantoms have partnered with the PPL Center to create the world's biggest hockey puck. It will be more than 15 feet in diameter and weigh over 1000 pounds. You can take photos with it after the game at 9:00 p.m., and then it will be hoisted in preparation for midnight. There will also be a pop-up beer garden, live music, and a photo booth. Cost: Free
New Year’s Day Half Marathon/5K/10K: For those who can’t wait to start their New Year's resolutions, or didn’t need to make them in the first place, this is for you. This race, in Coplay, has options for people of all fitness levels. The best part? A disco-themed wardrobe, to match their mirrored, spinning disco ball. First-time finishers of the 10k and half marathon will get a well-earned plaque, in addition to their medal. Cost: $35-$75
Noon Year’s Eve: If you have children, this one is for them. The Sweet ‘N’ Sassy in Collegeville will have its annual party at 10:45 a.m., where they will begin the countdown to noon. There will be makeovers, arts and crafts, and a dance party. Cost: $35
PEEPSFEST: This two-day outdoor festival celebrates New Year’s Eve at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Every year at 5:30 p.m., there’s a Chick Drop featuring a lit-up marshmallow chick that weighs 400 pounds and stands at almost 5 feet tall. It’s a surefire way to make your sweet tooth happy. After the chick drops, there will be fireworks. There will also be live music, entertainment, games and goody bags for kids under 12. Cost: $5
The Sofa Kings at ArtsQuests: What better to send off 2022 than with a high-energy 10-piece band? The Sofa Kings, originally from Southeastern PA, cover every genre of music from dance to Motown to R&B and classic rock. They will be playing at the SteelStacks on Thursday, Dec. 29. Just so you know, there will be a food and beverage minimum for those who reserve seating. Cost: $10-28
Wind Creek’s New Year’s Eve Party: For those willing to spring for a VIP experience, reserve bottle service at Wind Creek. It comes with escorted entry, private servers and reserved seating. And for those on a budget, there will still be party favors and balloon drops to enjoy once midnight hits. The artist performing is DJ Smiith, and the party starts at 9:00 p.m. Cost: $20-1750.