BETHLEHEM, Pa. - This holiday season, there's no shortage of festive events taking place around the Lehigh Valley. From Lights in the Parkway to the 30th year of Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem — and an abundance of tree lightings — there's something for everyone.
Take a look at our list and plan your holi-day out.
Lights in the Parkway
What: A drive-through, ticketed display of lights that runs more than a mile.
Where: Inside of Allentown's scenic Lehigh Parkway.
When: Daily from Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., except for Christmas Day and during inclement weather closures.
More info: https://www.allentownpa.gov/Home/Special-Events/Events/Lights-in-the-Parkway
Christkindlmarkt
What: A large holiday market featuring handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, collectibles from Germany and other handmade works by artisans from across the country.
Where: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem at the SteelStacks campus
When: Began on Friday, Nov. 18 and runs weekends until Dec. 18. Open Friday-Sunday the first two weekends of its run and starting Dec. 1 adds Thursdays to the mix.
More info: https://www.christmascity.org/christkindlmarkt/
Ice Rink at SteelStacks
What: An outdoor ice rink placed over the lawn in front of the Levitt Pavilion at the SteelStacks campus
Where: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
When: Open daily from Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 (weather permitting)
More info: https://www.christmascity.org/icerink/
Christmas Huts on Main
What: Holiday-themed wooden huts filled with gift ideas
Where: Main Street in Historic Downtown Bethlehem
When: Open Thursdays - Sundays through Dec. 24 (Thurs-Sat 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
More info: https://www.visithistoricbethlehem.com/
Lehigh Valley Zoo Winter Light Spectacular
What: Over 1.2 million holiday lights displayed inside Lehigh Valley Zoo
Where: 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville
When: Nov. 11 through Jan. 1
More info: https://www.lvzoo.org/wls
Easton Winter Village
What: Retail huts, live entertainment, ice skating, visits by Santa and more.
Where: Downtown Easton around Centre Square
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 18 through Dec. 18.
More info: Easton Winter Village website
Winter Wonderland Extravaganza
What: Allentown Fairgrounds' first Christmas craft show and extravaganza. Shop and enjoy a hot chocolate bar, hot apple cider and more.
Where: Ag Hall at Allentown Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, Nov. 26 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Nov. 27 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
More info: Forthcoming / Allentown Farmers Market Facebook
Live Advent Calendar
What: Each night, local businesses welcome guests with a surprise.
Where: In front of the 1810 Goundie House in Historic Downtown Bethlehem
When: Nightly at 5:30 p.m. from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23.
More info: https://www.visithistoricbethlehem.com/events/series/live-advent-calendar/
Christmas Putz
What: A putz tells the story of Jesus’ birth with carved figures.
Where: Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem
When: Opens to the public Friday, Nov. 25 and will be open Thursday–Sunday, Nov. 25 – Dec. 23. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
More info: https://www.centralmoravianchurch.org/seasons/christmas-putz
Additional Putz information/Putz Trail in Bethlehem: https://historicbethlehem.org/holiday-putz-trail/
And in Nazareth, The Moravian Historical Society will open Morning Star, the annual putz display, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 at 1 p.m.
Visitors are invited to view the annual putz display in the historic 1740 Gray Cottage, the oldest Moravian structure in North America.
The exhibit will be open daily from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 26, 2022–January 8, 2023. The Moravian Historical Society will be closed on December 24, 25, 26 and 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023.
More info: https://www.moravianhistory.org/
A Christmas Carol & Christmas City Follies
What: The classic holiday tradition of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' returns to the stage for the 31st year.
Where: Allentown's 19th Street Theatre
When: Dec. 2 through Dec. 17
More info: https://civictheatre.com/theatre/upcoming-performances/a-christmas-carol.html
OR
What: Christmas City Follies XXIII
Where: Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem
When: Dec. 1 through Dec. 18
More info: https://www.touchstone.org/events/christmas-city-follies-xxiii/
Holiday Train Exhibit
What: Enjoy the sights, sounds and action of model trains
Where: America on Wheels Museum, Allentown
When: Nov. 25 through Dec. 31
More info: https://americaonwheels.org/event/holiday-train-exhibit/
Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour
What: A motorcoach tour exploring the history and traditions of Bethlehem.
Where: Leaves from the Visitors Center at 505 Main Street
When: Select nights and times, Nov. 18 - Dec. 30
More info: https://historicbethlehem.org/christmas/activities/#BBNTour
Trees of Historic Bethlehem
What: A display of 28 Christmas trees. This year, each tree is decorated by members of the Bethlehem Garden Club to reference timeless games.
Where: At 5 historic sites in Bethlehem.
When: Tours are offered at various times from Nov. 18 through January 8. You can buy a one site pass or a multi-site pass.
More info: https://historicbethlehem.org/christmas/activities/#TreesHB
Other activities in Bethlehem will include horse-drawn carriage rides, a Christmas City Stroll, a Wassail Party at the Kemerer Museum and more.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Alburtis Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting: Sunday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m. at Alburtis Fire Company. The Festival begins at 4 p.m.
Allentown: Saturday, Dec. 3, 4-7 p.m. at the Arts Park.
Allentown West Park: Sunday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m. between Linden & Turner Sts.
Bath: Sunday, Nov. 27, 6 p.m. at Monocacy Creek Park.
Bethlehem: Friday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m. at Payrow Plaza.
Coopersburg: Saturday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m. at Coopersburg Fire Company.
Easton Peace Candle Lighting: Saturday, Nov. 26, 12-8 p.m. The ceremony to light the candle will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Centre Square.
Emmaus’ Old-Fashioned Christmas: Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m. (event 4-7 p.m.) at Triangle Park.
Forks Township: Sunday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. (event 5-8 p.m.) at Center Circle.
Hanover Township: Friday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Hanover Township Community Center.
Hellertown Light Up Night: Friday, Nov. 25, 4-8 p.m. at Morris J. Dimmick Park.
Kutztown: Saturday, Dec. 3, noon to 6 p.m., 200 block of Main St.
Lower Macungie: Friday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. at Faith Church
Nazareth: Dec. 9, 7 p.m. at Center Circle
New Tripoli Sunday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. (event 4:30- 7:30 p.m.) at Ontelaunee Park.
North Catasauqua: Sunday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m. at North Catasauqua Park
Palmer Township: Saturday, Dec. 10, 6:15 p.m. at Charles Chrin Community Center
Promenade Shops: Saturday, Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m.
Southside Bethlehem: Saturday, Nov. 26, 5 p.m. at Tranquility Park
South Whitehall Township Tree and Bridge Lighting: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at Covered Bridge Park, Covered Bridge Lane and Wehr Mill Rd.
Slatington: Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. (event 5-7 p.m.) at Veterans Memorial Park.
Whitehall Area Chamber Tree Lighting: Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 6:15 p.m. (event 5-7 p.m.) in Lehigh Valley Mall's lower level.
Did we miss something? Send us your event information by emailing news@lehighvalleynews.com.