BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Looking to make your holiday season merry and bright?
It should be no surprise that the Lehigh Valley — being home to its own Christmas City — comes to life with festive spirit, from Bethlehem's Christmas huts to Allentown's Lights in the Parkway.
Find some of the region's holiday traditions and events below:
Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour – This hour-long motorcoach tour explores the history and traditions of Bethlehem with tour guides in Colonial period attire.
The tour will visit the famous star atop South Mountain and the historic highlights of North and South Bethlehem, Nov. 29-Dec. 31.
For more, including additional holiday events from Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, visit HistoricBethlehem.org.
Bethlehem’s Christmas Huts on Main – The 2024 Christmas Huts on Main are open Fridays through Sundays starting November 15 and running through December 22.
Each year, the holiday-themed wooden huts are filled with unique gift ideas. Vendors this year include Loving Imprints, Matt-Hatt Beef Jerky, Melmo’s Dog Treats, Panchitas Kitchen, Rosetta Soaps, Ruby Hottie Hot Sauce and more.
This event is free and open to the public.
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem - Christkindlmarkt 2024 begins on Friday, November 15 and runs weekends until December 22. The event is open Friday-Sunday through early December. Starting December 5 it also adds Thursdays.
Twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, the event features handmade works by dozens of artisans, live Christmas music, visits with a traditional St. Nick, Kathe Wohlfahrt collectibles from Germany, hot glass experience, ice carving, festive foods and drinks and more.
Christmas City Follies – It’s the 25th year of Christmas City Follies performed by the Touchstone Ensemble and Friends.
From Dec. 5-22, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional shows on Saturday, Dec. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m.
Christmas Putz and Star and Candle Shoppe – Since 1937, Central Moravian has been offering a Community Putz for the City of Bethlehem. A putz tells the story of Jesus’ birth with carved figures.
The Putz opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 29. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 1-7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
After Christmas, the Putz is open daily from 1-5 p.m. through Dec. 31.
The Shoppe will be open during Putz hours.
Community Advent Breakfast – Ring in the holidays with the 56th Annual Community Advent Breakfast on Saturday, December 7at Moravian Village in Bethlehem. The event will include food, music and special guests as part of this annual tradition. Event highlights include appearances by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and actor Danny Roebuck, along with traditional beeswax candles and homemade Moravian Sugar Cake.
Easton Winter Village – The winter village will hold its Opening Day and ceremony on Saturday, November 23 at 1 p.m.
The village will run through December 22, with hours on Fridays from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 1-9 p.m. and Sundays from Noon-5 p.m.
A synthetic ice rink returns, with skating free for 18042 (zip code) residents and $5 for non-residents, with a $5 skate rental fee (no cash). There also will be more than 40 huts for holiday shopping and treats in Centre Square, along with live music, Santa, ice carving and more.
Parking is recommended at the South Third Street Parking Garage or the N. Fourth Street Garage.
Illumination – This walk-thru holiday lights experience with over one million lights will blanket Coca-Cola Park, immersing visitors in a winter wonderland of light displays, synchronized shows, and festive activities.
Take pictures with Santa, enjoy holiday foods and drinks and more.
Opening night is Nov. 15, with the 44-night event — running from 6 to 9 p.m. each night — featuring a synchronized music light show every 15 to 17 minutes.
Theme nights will include giveaways, Lights & Leashes and more. For information, including ticket prices, visit https://illuminationlv.com/.
Lights in Greenawalds – This free outdoor lights experience returns for the 2024 season in South Whitehall Township.
Open daily through Dec. 22, parking, walkthrough and concessions are all free, with Lights in Greenawalds dubbed, “The only ALL FREE Christmas Attraction in Pennsylvania.”
Friday, Saturday and select Sunday nights: get popcorn, hot chocolate, candy, tote bags, keychains, magnets, koozies and pens all free. Gift cards also will be given out to random visitors.
For more information, including hours, location and more visit https://lightsingreenawalds.com/
Lights in the Parkway – Allentown hosts its 28th Annual Lights in the Parkway, a holiday tradition that transforms Lehigh Parkway with a drive-thru experience through a massive lights display.
Opens Friday, Nov. 29 and runs through Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Moravian University Christmas Vespers – Share the traditional Moravian candlelight worship services on six evenings in December. Dates for the 2024 Christmas Vespers services are:
- Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m.
Snowflake Square – Running Nov. 15-Dec. 24 at Promenade Saucon Valley, Snowflake Square will feature a 40-foot tree, photos with Santa, outdoor sheds for vendors and more.
For more information, click HERE.
SteelStacks Ice Rink – Outdoor ice skating returns to South Bethlehem as the SteelStacks ice rink opens on Friday, Nov. 22 and runs until Sunday, January 5.
The rink features fresh ice maintained throughout the day and this year will include events for all ages, including theme nights, birthday parties and more.
Trees of Historic Bethlehem – Decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club, this year’s Trees of Historic Bethlehem lets visitors experience cities from across the U.S. without having to board a plane.
Journey across three historic sites where over 20 trees display city-themed decorations. While viewing the trees, complete a scavenger hunt for ornaments highlighting World Heritage Sites and National Historic Landmarks throughout the U.S.
The Nutcracker – Enjoy this holiday classic of The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's production with a live orchestra.
Witness Clara's dream come to life, with guest artists from ballet companies worldwide and a cast of nearly 100 dancers.
At the Zoellner Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15. For more information, visit https://zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu/content/nutcracker-2.
Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo – This holiday tradition returns for its eleventh consecutive year, with classic holiday scenes, photo ops, fire pits, seasonal treats, live performances, photos with Santa and more.
For tickets and additional information, visit https://www.lvzoo.org/wls/.
Tree lightings and other ceremonies
Allentown Tree Lighting – The Chamber, the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and the City of Allentown light up a Christmas tree during this event on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4-7 p.m. at The Allentown Arts Park. This is free and open to the public, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, giveaways, and a variety of holiday activities for all ages. Santa will arrive on a PPL all-electric F150 to kick off the celebration.
The Lehigh Valley Marine Corp. Toys for Tots will be in attendance to donate and distribute toys to the children. (Toys are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Borough of Bath – Yuletide and Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 1-9 p.m.
Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting – This holiday tradition returns to Christmas City USA with twinkling lights, festive carols, local musicians, and a chance to meet Santa. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and a community gathering at Bethlehem's Payrow Plaza.
Friday, Nov. 29. The program begins at 5 p.m.
Coopersburg Tree Lighting – Join the Coopersburg Fire Company and Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. for their Tree Lighting Event.
Kick off the holiday season with craft vendors, pictures with Santa, a gingerbread decorating contest, and lighting the Fire Company tree. For more details, contact the Fire Company directly. (Rain Date is TBD)
Easton Peace Candle Lighting – The Peace Candle Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, in Downtown Easton.
This kick-off of the holiday season in Centre Square will feature live music, entertainment, the presentation of the Gretchen Wrenshall Award and a visit by Santa. All-day activities are planned, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and shop at the Easton Winter Village.
Emmaus Old Fashioned Christmas – Join the Emmaus Main Street Partners on December 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. as they transform Emmaus into a winter wonderland for the 2024 Old Fashioned Christmas tree lighting event.
This event will feature free pictures with Santa after he arrives at 5 p.m., along with hayrides and more.
After the event, Emmaus Main Street Partners is holding a Cheers Trail through local businesses from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $30 before Dec. 2 and $40 after.
Forks Township Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting – Join an evening of holiday cheer at the Forks Township Community Park in the Amphitheater Area on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 7 p.m.)
There will be food trucks and live music. Activity stations will include kids crafts, cookie decorating, bonfire and s’mores, story time around the fire, wreath making, a gingerbread house contest and more before Santa’s big arrival.
Hellertown Light Up Night – Hellertown holds its annual celebration on Black Friday, Nov. 29, at Morris J. Dimmick Park.
Enjoy live performances and music, indulge in hot chocolate and tasty treats from food trucks, and even grab some adult beverages for purchase. Kids can look forward to visits with Santa, exciting children’s activities, and the chance to see live reindeer up close.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m.
Northampton Borough – This year’s Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Main St. and Laubach Ave.
Northwestern Lehigh - Northwestern Lehigh Tree Lighting presented by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce. Includes Heidelberg, Lynn, Lowhill, and Weisenberg townships. Festivities will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ontelaunee Park on Sunday, Dec. 1. It is free and open to the public.
North Whitehall Township Tree Lighting – Join the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and North Whitehall Township for the 4th Annual North Whitehall Township Tree Lighting Ceremony.
This event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will include holiday music and performances, live reindeer, hot chocolate, food from the Upper Lehigh Lions Club, craft & business vendors, holiday activities, a craft area, s'mores and fire pits and a food drive to benefit Parkland C.A.R.E.S.
The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m.
Pen Argyl Borough Tree Lighting – The tree lighting event "Cookies, Carols and Claus" takes place Friday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m. at Weona Park at 201 S. Main Street. There will be vocal performances by Mackenizie Hughes, along with sweet treats and a visit from Santa.
Promenade Saucon Valley Christmas Tree Lighting – Kick off the holiday with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Town Square. This event on Nov. 16 will feature a tree lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus, escorted by the Upper Saucon Township Volunteer Fire Department.
From 4 to 8 p.m. enjoy live music, the chance to see live reindeer, write letters to Santa and so much more. The tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m.
SouthSide Arts District Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration – Get ready for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 5-6 p.m. at The Greenway, located between 306 S. New St. and 324 S. New St. in Bethlehem.
Event highlights include cocoa, cookies and cider, live performances from Christmas Rock Carols and more.
South Whitehall Tree & Bridge Lighting Holiday Event – Join the crowd at Covered Bridge Park on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to unveil decorations for park, the covered bridge and the holiday tree.
There will be food trucks, vendors, free crafts and activities and other entertainment.
(Location: 2465 Wehr Mill Road, Allentown, PA 18104)
For participating vendors, organizations and the latest details visit the event website.
Tree Lighting by LehighValley Newsdotcom on Scribd
Whitehall Township Tree Lighting – Join The Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce at the Whitehall Area Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Mall (Lower Level, between Starbucks and Macy's).
The event includes a live dance show from the dancers of Innovative Arts Academy, under the direction of Sami Schugardt. Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ MeLVin and Big Z from Whitehall-Coplay School District will make appearances for photo ops and help light the tree, welcoming Santa to the stage.
Additionally, the township will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony outdoors on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Come out to 3219 MacArthur Road to take pictures with Santa at this free event for the entire family.
