The Reading Symphony Orchestra will continue a New Year’s Eve tradition in Berks County when it performs its annual concert at the Santander Performing Arts Center. This year’s concert is “The Music of James Bond.” It’s set to begin at 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Dec. 31. The SPAC is located at 136 N. Sixth St. in downtown Reading.
The RSO, conducted by Andrew Constantine, will be joined by special guest world-class vocalist Morgan James.
This special evening will feature unforgettable selections spanning more than five decades of Bond films —showcasing the work of legendary artists such as Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, and Adele. From soaring ballads to powerful pop anthems, the audience will experience the thrill and elegance that have defined one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.
Morgan James
James is a classically trained vocalist, Broadway veteran, and recording artist. She recently paid tribute to Judy Garland for her centennial, performing “Get Happy” with Sinfonia Gulf Coast and Nashville Symphony.
The evening of entertainment will begin with a pre-concert party that will feature a casino-inspired experience. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.
Also, the RSO has teamed up with the DoubleTree Hotel on Penn Street for a special room rate that will include an overnight stay with breakfast for two, complimentary parking, and shuttle service to and from the performance. The hotel will also host a post-concert reception.
Tickets cost $25 to $95.
PeepsFest in Bethlehem
ArtsQuest
PeepsFest will return next Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 30 and 31, to the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem with two days of family-friendly activities. The festival will run from 3 to 6 p.m. both days and feature live musical performances, activities, the Peeps chick drop, and fireworks.
The Peep, weighing 400 pounds and standing 4 feet, 9 inches tall, will descend to a countdown at 5:35 p.m.
Events also will include Peeps-themed games, crafts by local nonprofit groups, and interactive shows by the Wildlands Conservancy and the Da Vinci Science Center. Kids can get creative at a friendship bracelet creation station or step into the kitchen with Peeps in the Kitchen, where they’ll learn to make recipes from Chef Julie of Levy Restaurants.
Children under 12 can get a special Peeps tote bag to fill with goodies throughout the event. There also will be meet-and-greet sessions with Lehigh Valley mascots.
To ensure an inclusive experience for everyone, the festival also will offer a sensory-friendly room, where guests can relax and unwind in a quieter, comfortable space.
Tickets cost $7.
Hockey puck drop in Allentown
Downtown Allentown will present a block party with fire pits and a drone show before it drops a giant hockey puck at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
The Allentown Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the city and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, will present its New Year’s Eve celebration from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Hamilton Street Plaza, which is located at 47 S. Seventh St. in Allentown.
For the first time, drones will take flight high above Seventh and Hamilton streets in a custom show produced by Lehigh County-based StarFlight Drones.
The free event will also feature music by DJ Menace, DJ Meltdown, and DJ Express.
Downtown restaurants along Hamilton Street will offer drink specials.
Crayola New Year’s Eve
The Crayola Experience at 300 Northampton St. in Easton will present the Jazzberry Jamming New Years’ Eve from noon until 4 p.m. next Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Families can ring in the new year with colorful fun, including countdowns with a streamer launch at 1 and 3 p.m.
There will be special crafts, and families can star in their own coloring page at Be A Star and create a 2026 resolution list at Colossal Caddy. There will be a DJ dance party from noon to 4 p.m. with DJ Ray.
Crayola Experience will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature character appearances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Crayola Experience will also be open on New Year’s Day with special crafts and coloring pages from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets cost $30.99 online or $33.99 at the door.
Fireworks in Reading
Reading will present its 29th annual New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration next Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. near the Pagoda atop Mount Penn.
“The New Year’s Eve fireworks are a long-standing tradition in Reading and a moment for our community to come together,” said Mayor Eddie Morán, (D) Reading. “I want to thank our Fire & Police Department, and Berks Festival Inc. for their continued coordination to ensure this event is both safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
The Pagoda gates will remain closed for the evening, so people are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of their homes, porches, or favorite neighborhood spots.
“As we turn our gaze upward, we welcome the New Year with hope and optimism for what lies ahead,” said William Koch Sr., president of Berks Festival Inc., which is collaborating with the city to host the celebration.
WEEU 830 AM will broadcast music synchronized with the fireworks. The radio station will also stream the music online and on the Audacy app.
69 WFMZ-TV is one of the event’s sponsors.
Fireworks at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown
Illumination at Coca-Cola Park will host a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ stadium, which is located at 1050 IronPigs Way in Allentown, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31.
The IronPigs have transformed the ballpark into a walk-thru holiday lights display with more than 1.5 million lights, immersing visitors in a winter wonderland that features dazzling themed light displays, synchronized shows, and festive activities. There are optional private igloos, hayrides, carousel rides, curling lanes, and Polar Express train rides. The fireworks will begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets start at $14.50.
Pip the Mouse
For decades, “Pip the Mouse” has been a holiday staple of the Lehigh Valley, and this year, the beloved puppet show can be seen at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, which is located at 432 W. Walnut St. in Allentown.
“Pip: The Mouse Before Christmas,” a show created by Dr. George Creegan, will be presented at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The show premiered at Hess’s Department Store on Hamilton Street in Allentown on Oct. 27, 1962. This “unusual puppet show” inaugurated a holiday tradition that continues to this day.
Each show will include a performance and a live appearance by Pip the Mouse.
Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children age 2 to 11.
New Year’s Eve Under the Stars
The Reading Public Museum’s Neag Planetarium will host New Year’s Eve Under the Stars from 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Tickets cost $100 and include food stations by Anthony’s Kitchen, an open bar with PJ Bartending, a photo station, New Year’s Eve props, dancing under the stars with DJ Girl’s Best Friend, and a champagne toast midnight. Other experiences and activities will be available at additional costs, including a glitter bar, hair tinsel, and temporary tattoos by WePaintFaces and specialty jerky tasting and sales by SnackKing.
Noon Year’s Eve at Reading Public Museum
Families will ring in the new year a little earlier at the Reading Public Museum’s sold-out Noon Year’s Eve celebration.
The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to noon for guests to visit the galleries, play games, and gather some goodies to take home.
Families will be able to create some fun props and noisemakers commonly used for the holiday. Children will also be able to dance the wait away as everyone counts down to the noon hour.
Guests can learn how other cultures celebrate the holiday season in “Yuletide Around the World – Festival of Trees.” The exhibition features holiday trees and displays decorated by community organizations and inspired by the customs and traditions of their heritage. The displays are presented by Chabad of Berks County, Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County, Jewish Federation of Berks County, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Peter Cieslukowski, “The Polish Star Man,” Polish American Heritage Association, Reading Chinese Association, Reading Liederkranz Ladies Auxiliary, Reading Theater Project, St. Xenia Philoptochos Society of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, and Victor Emmanuel.