{"id":44555,"date":"2025-11-25T21:00:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T21:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/44555\/"},"modified":"2025-11-25T21:00:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T21:00:07","slug":"holiday-events-to-not-miss-in-the-lehigh-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/44555\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday events to not miss in the Lehigh Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa \u2014 As the Lehigh Valley slips into its holiday glow, the region\u2019s three largest cities are rolling out the traditions that make this time of year feel unmistakably ours. Only here does the season officially begin with a 400-pound Peep and end with a parade to America\u2019s first Christmas tree. Here are the celebrations worth bundling up for.<\/p>\n<p>Bethlehem<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artsquest.org\/festivals\/more-festivals-and-experiences\/peepsfest\/#:~:text=Celebrate%20early%20with%20a%20sweet%2C,m\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">PEEPSFEST<\/a>\u00ae \u2013 New Year\u2019s Peep Drop \u2013 Located at the SteelStacks, the two-day family festival celebrates New Year\u2019s Eve with Peeps candy. The highlight is a 400-pound, 4\u20199\u2033 Peeps chick dropped from the SteelStacks chimney at 5:35\u202fp.m. on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, followed by fireworks. The indoor\/outdoor party (3:00\u20136:00\u202fp.m. each day) also features live music, Peep-themed games and crafts and holiday treats.<\/p>\n<p>Dates: Tuesday\u2013Wednesday, Dec 30\u201331, 2025.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eastonpost.com\/event\/2025-bethlehem-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">2025 Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting<\/a> \u2013 Come see the festive ceremony on Bethlehem\u2019s SouthSide at Payrow Plaza (10 E. Church St.) with carols, musicians, free hot chocolate and cookies and a chance to meet Santa.<\/p>\n<p>Date\/Time: Thursday, Nov. 28, 4:30\u20135:30\u202fp.m.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverlehighvalley.com\/events\/holidays-christmas\/christkindlmarkt\/#:~:text=Event%20Dates\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem<\/a> \u2013 At the PNC Plaza at SteelStacks (645 E. First St., Bethlehem), Bethlehem\u2019s famous Christmas market features dozens of wooden vendors selling handmade gifts, ornaments and holiday treats, plus appearances by St. Nicholas and holiday entertainment.<\/p>\n<p>Dates\/Hours: Thursday\u2013Sunday, Nov. 14\u2013Dec. 21; hours vary (e.g. Fridays\/Sundays 10\u202fa.m.\u20136\u202fp.m., Sat 10\u202fp.m.\u20138\u202fp.m.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverlehighvalley.com\/cities-towns\/bethlehem\/explore-bethlehem-during-the-holiday-season\/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20unique,Nightly%20surprises\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Live Advent Calendar<\/a> \u2013 A unique Bethlehem tradition (the only \u201clive\u201d Advent calendar in the US) held nightly in December. At the Goundie House (501 Main St.) each evening from Dec. 1-23 at 5:30 p.m. a new visitor knocks on the house door to receive a surprise gift or performance from local businesses.<\/p>\n<p>Dates\/Time: Daily Dec. 1\u201323 at 5:30\u202fp.m.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverlehighvalley.com\/cities-towns\/bethlehem\/explore-bethlehem-during-the-holiday-season\/#:~:text=Ready%20to%20make%20your%20list,items%20from%20wooden%20huts%20dotted\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ch<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverlehighvalley.com\/cities-towns\/bethlehem\/explore-bethlehem-during-the-holiday-season\/#:~:text=Ready%20to%20make%20your%20list,items%20from%20wooden%20huts%20dotted\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">ristmas City Village<\/a> \u2013 An outdoor holiday shopping market along historic Main Street. Dozens of local vendors in festive booths offer handcrafted crafts and gifts, bringing a German Weihnachtsmarkt feel to the \u201cChristmas City\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dates\/Hours: Friday\u2013Sunday, Nov. 14\u2013Dec 21. (varied hours)<\/p>\n<p>Allentown<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eastonpost.com\/event\/allentown-holiday-tree-lighting-powering-the-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Allentown Holiday Tree Lighting<\/a> \u2013 A free evening festival in Allentown Arts Park featuring live holiday music, fire pits with s\u2019mores, children\u2019s activities and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. As night falls, the city\u2019s official tree will be illuminated with festive lights.<\/p>\n<p>Date\/Time: Saturday, Dec. 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/allentownpa.myrec.com\/info\/activities\/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30018#:~:text=Join%20us%20for%20the%2029th,the%20comfort%20of%20your%20vehicle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lights in the Parkway<\/a> \u2013 At the Lehigh Parkway, a long-running drive-through light display will transform the space into a winter wonderland. Enjoy tens of thousands of twinkling lights and animated holiday scenes from the warmth of your vehicle.<\/p>\n<p>Dates\/Times: Runs nightly from Friday, Nov. 28 \u2013 Tuesday, Jan. 6, 5:30-10:00 p.m.; closed on Christmas Eve\/Day and New Year\u2019s Eve\/Day<\/p>\n<p>Easton<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eastonpost.com\/event\/peace-candle-lighting-ceremony-presented-by-ibew-local-102\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Easton Peace Candle Lighting<\/a> \u2013 In Centre Square, come see the famous Easton tradition of lighting the 75-foot Peace Candle, symbolizing hope and unity. This culminates a full day of festivities (including an artisan market and live music) in downtown Easton<\/p>\n<p>Date\/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29; Peace Candle lit at 6:30\u202fp.m. (activities run 12:00\u20138:00\u202fp.m.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eastonwintervillage.com\/#:~:text=Located%20in%20the%20charming%20and,support%20small%2C%20independently%20owned%20businesses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Easton Winter Village<\/a> \u2013 Also located in Centre Square, this is a free, open-air holiday market in downtown Easton. More than 30 local artisans set up booths around the Winter Garden, with festive decorations and a holiday lounge with fire pits. Come by to see live music, Santa visits and holiday movie screenings.<\/p>\n<p>Dates\/Hours: Fri.\u2013Sun., Nov. 28\u2013Dec 21. (Fridays 4:00\u20138:00\u202fp.m., Saturdays 12:00\u20138:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00\u20135:00\u202fp.m.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eastonpost.com\/event\/parade-to-americas-first-christmas-tree-and-lighting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Parade to America\u2019s First Christmas Tree<\/a> \u2013 This family-friendly parade takes its guests from Centre Square to Scott Park, ending with the lighting of America\u2019s first Christmas tree (an annual Easton tradition). Bands and performers lead the procession through Center City.<\/p>\n<p>Date\/Time: Thursday, Nov. 28, 6:00\u20137:00\u202fp.m.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/lehighdaily.com\/author\/julie-snyder\/\" class=\"flex-shrink-0 group block leading-none\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/julie-snyder-headshot-144x144.jpeg\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\"  alt=\"Julie Snyder\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-96 alignnone photo block rounded-full w-20 h-20 md:w-14 md:h-14 object-cover ring-2 ring-white dark:ring-[#2a2a2a] shadow-lg group-hover:ring-brand transition-all duration-200\"\/>                <\/p>\n<p>        <\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-sm text-text-secondary dark:text-gray-400 mt-1.5 leading-relaxed\">Julie Snyder is a first-year college student and journalist based in Bethlehem, PA. She grew up in NJ where she served as Editor-in-Chief of her high school\u2019s newspaper and a section editor for their magazine. Julie is passionate about storytelling and connecting with different voices in her new community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa \u2014 As the Lehigh Valley slips into its holiday glow, the region\u2019s three largest cities&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":44556,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[153,155,154],"class_list":["post-44555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bethlehem","tag-bethlehem","tag-bethlehem-headlines","tag-bethlehem-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44555","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44555"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44555\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}