ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lights in the Parkway was closed Sunday after a significant act of vandalism caused extensive damage to holiday light displays and facilities at Lehigh Parkway, city officials said.
The vandalism included port-a-potties pushed into the river, bent light poles and posts and crushed light bulbs throughout the display area, according to the City of Allentown. Officials said crews are still assessing the full extent of the damage and determining how it will affect the remainder of the Lights in the Parkway season.
Preliminary assessments indicate that restoring the damaged displays during the current season will be difficult and costly. As a result, officials have not yet determined whether Move It Monday, scheduled for Monday, will proceed. An update is expected once more information becomes available.
Residents and visitors who purchased tickets for Sunday night’s event are encouraged to contact the city’s Parks Office for assistance with rebooking or refunds by calling (610) 437-7757 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by emailing [email protected].
The city has deployed its full complement of Parks crews, who are simultaneously responding to damage from Saturday night’s snowstorm, assisting Public Works crews and securing and evaluating the vandalized site.
Significant vandalism closes Lights in the Parkway on Dec. 14, 2025 in Allentown, Pa. (Photo Courtesy: City of Allentown)
City officials condemned the vandalism, noting that the incident impacts not only a beloved holiday tradition, but also city staff, volunteers and families who look forward to the annual event each year. Officials said every effort will be made to continue Lights in the Parkway with the resources currently available while repair options are evaluated.
The incident is under investigation by the Allentown Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (610) 437-7753 or submit tips anonymously through the TIP411 application available on the city’s police website.
Additional information will be released once the damage assessment is complete and next steps are determined.
Isabel Hope is a journalist and website designer based in Bethlehem, PA. She graduated with a degree in journalism from The University of Alabama in 2022, where she served as News Editor of the student newspaper. Isabel has lived in the Lehigh Valley for three years and is passionate about reporting for the communities she now calls home.