{"id":45609,"date":"2025-11-26T21:10:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T21:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/45609\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T21:10:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T21:10:12","slug":"things-to-do-latin-parranda-returns-to-allentown-venue-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/45609\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do: Latin Parranda returns to Allentown venue | Things To Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Latin<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A vibrant Puerto Rican holiday tradition will return to Miller Symphony Hall<\/a> in Allentown on Saturday.<\/p>\n

After last year\u2019s sold-out debut that brought together the Lehigh Valley\u2019s Latin community, this year\u2019s Latin Parranda<\/a> is billed as being bigger and brighter. For its second year, the unique holiday event will expand to two sittings so more people can enjoy it.<\/p>\n

The afternoon celebration will include a pinata and other family-friendly activities, while the evening will feature a coquito contest and music by DJV Spice. Both will provide a festive ambience with Latin music, food, dancing, and community spirit. Both sittings will also feature live Latin music led by H\u00e9ctor Rodriguez and the Parranda All-Stars, plus dance performances and tango and salsa lessons from Latin dance groups.<\/p>\n

Guests will enjoy traditional Latin dishes from restaurants and caterers, including Grandpa\u2019s Kitchen and El Tipico. Alcoholic beverages and specialty soft drinks will be available for purchase, while complimentary soft drinks, water, and lemonade will be offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to be planning the second year of our Latin Parranda with the support of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra,\u201d said Elizabeth Ortiz, co-owner of Cactus Blue Mexican Restaurant.\u00a0\u201cThis festive celebration brings together music, food, culture, and community. We are excited to offer two seatings this year, one for families and another for all. Parranda is such a beautiful reminder of how tradition brings us all together in the city that so many of us call home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really want to connect more deeply to people in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley who come from different cultures,\u201d said Carolyn Powell, director of education for the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and planning lead for the Latin Leadership Committee. \u201cHistoric Miller Symphony Hall strives to be a place where everyone can gather around meaningful music and traditions. Latin Parranda is a wonderful way to celebrate that togetherness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under.<\/p>\n

\u2018A Christmas Carol\u2019 and tree lighting in Allentown<\/p>\n

\"Jarrodas<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A holiday classic will return to Civic Theatre of Allentown<\/a>, and residents can join the tree lighting from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday outside the theater on North 19th Street. There will be entertainment, giveaways, crafts, Santa photos, and an appearance by Scrooge and Tiny Tim of \u201cA Christmas Carol<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The theater\u2019s production of Charles Dickens\u2019 classic tale of redemption will return for its 34th year, inviting audiences to experience the heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his unforgettable journey through past, present, and future.<\/p>\n

The show, which tells the tale of Scrooge and\u00a0his redemption, has included thousands of Lehigh Valley children over the years. More than 70 children in two casts will fill the stage with urchins, carolers, and party children.<\/p>\n

This adaptation is by the theater\u2019s managing artistic director, William Sanders, and Sharon Lee Glassman, board president emeritus.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sanders directs this production, which will feature Jarrod Yuskauskas returning to play Scrooge. Yuskauskas is a familiar face on Civic\u2019s stage, most recently portraying the height-impaired Lord Farquaad in \u201cSkrek The Musical,\u201d and this will be his second time playing Dickens\u2019 \u201ccovetous, old sinner.\u201d He previously played Scrooge in 2023.<\/p>\n

The production, filled with Victorian atmosphere, familiar music, and dazzling stagecraft, will celebrate kindness, compassion, and the joy found in community.<\/p>\n

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 10, 12, 18, and 19; at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and\u00a014; and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20.<\/p>\n

Civic will offer a \u201cpay-what-you-can\u201d performance on Dec. 6.<\/p>\n

Follies returns to Bethlehem<\/p>\n

\"Christmas<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Touchstone Theatre<\/a> in Bethlehem will celebrate the 26th anniversary of a holiday favorite by presenting \u201cChristmas City Follies XXVI<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thousands of people have made the family-friendly, vaudevillian-style holiday show an annual addition to their holiday festivities, knowing that they can expect something special every time.<\/p>\n

Writers, actors, and designers from Touchstone\u2019s ensemble work each season to create a fresh and fun production, which is directed by JP Jordan. Every year is a surprise, staging brand-new stories while sprinkling in some recurring fan-favorite characters and scenes from past shows, such as Mary Wright\u2019s doleful Little Red and Bill George’s inquiring old guy. This year will see the return of Lisa Jordan as an ensemble member. Jordan recently stepped down from her role as managing director of Touchstone Theater after nearly 18 years, but is staying involved as a performer.<\/p>\n

Performances of \u201cChristmas City Follies XXVI\u201d will be at 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 17, and 18; at 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, and 21; and at 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20.<\/p>\n

Touchstone will offer a \u201cpay-what-you-will\u201d performance on Thursdays.<\/p>\n

The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission.<\/p>\n

Audiences can get a sneak preview of this year\u2019s \u201cFollies\u201d on Friday at 4:30 p.m., when Touchstone ensemble members perform during the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem.<\/p>\n

The theater also will host the Downtown Bethlehem Association\u2019s live advent calendar, which will happen daily from Dec. 1 through 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sun Inn courtyard. Every evening, some Touchstone actors will select a member of the audience to open the door and see what surprises await inside.<\/p>\n

Both events are free and open to the public.<\/p>\n

Lighting of the Peace Candle<\/p>\n

\"Easton<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Downtown Easton will kick off the holiday shopping season on Saturday with a full day of merriment, culminating with the grand lighting of the Peace Candle at 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

For decades, the candle has stood as a visual reminder and call for peace. It stands 106 feet tall and is displayed from mid-November to mid-January around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Centre Square. The Christmas Candle (as it was called) was first lit in 1951 at an interdenominational program in honor of those serving in the armed forces. Today, the candle lighting has become a full-fledged festival with live music, carriage rides, ice sculptors, gingerbread house contests, and a visit from Santa. Since 2013, Easton Main Street Initiative, the Greater Easton Development Partnership, and volunteers have organized the Peace Candle lighting\/holiday open house. It coincides with Small Business Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The event will feature live music, the presentation of the Gretchen Wrenshall Award, and a visit by Santa Claus.<\/p>\n

Easton Winter Village will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday; from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21\u00a0for gifts, seasonal food\/drink, live carols, live music, visits with Santa, ice carving, carriage rides, and more.<\/p>\n

Holiday specials at Pines<\/p>\n

\"Christmas<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Pines Dinner Theatre<\/a> in Allentown will host a special Thanksgiving celebration<\/a> at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday. It will include a Thanksgiving meal of ham and turkey and a performance of \u201cChristmas at the Pines.\u201d Tickets cost $78.<\/p>\n

Pines’ other special event is a family show, \u201cSanta\u2019s Christmas Sing Along Celebration,<\/a>\u201d on Friday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. It will include a kid-friendly buffet and a performance of the sing-along show.<\/p>\n

Audience members, young and old, will be taken to the North Pole with singing elves Snickerdoodle and Jingle to meet Santa and sing holiday favorites. After the show, everyone will get to meet Santa and take photos. Tickets cost $30,<\/p>\n

Tickets for regular performances of \u201cChristmas at the Pines<\/a>\u201d through Dec. 28 cost $42 and include the show only. Food is available a la carte.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas at the Pines\u201d was written by Pines co-owner Oliver Blatt in 2009 and has become a staple of the theater\u2019s Christmas offerings.<\/p>\n

Blatt directs the show, which mashes up holiday favorites, including multiple variations of \u201cJingle Bells,\u201d \u201cWe Need a Little Christmas,\u201d \u201cThe Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),\u201d \u201cLet it Snow,\u201d and \u201cHome for the Holidays.\u201d It takes the small ensemble cast to Hawaii, complete with singers and dancers in Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts; to the old West with a cowboy chorus; and to New England for a Victorian Christmas.<\/p>\n

The show also features the Nativity and a visit from Santa Claus to get everyone in the holiday spirit.<\/p>\n

The cast features Moriah Faith, Deb D’Haiti, Connor Sternberg, Deven Windisch, Lydia Walker, Ryan Domalewski, Hannah Reiniger, and Robert Rice.<\/p>\n

Performances are noon dinner, 1:30 p.m. show Thursdays and Sundays; 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show on Fridays; noon dinner, 1:30 p.m. show and 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show on Saturdays.<\/p>\n

Advent concert at Moravian church<\/p>\n

\"Central<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Central Moravian Church<\/a> in Bethlehem will present its annual Advent and Christmas concert on Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in a program featuring choral and instrumental music. The concert is free, and doors will open at 1 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cCentral Moravian Church is happy to share this festive and reflective concert with our Lehigh Valley neighbors and visitors to Bethlehem,\u201d said Becky Lepore, minister of music at the church. \u201cIt\u2019s a time to relax and enjoy carols and fellowship as we prepare for the busy Christmas season. We hope this gift to our community will help spread the message of God\u2019s love through music and word as we gather in this historic church, which is listed with worldwide Moravian Church Settlements as a World Heritage site.\u201d<\/p>\n

The concert will include \u201cDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy\u201d and \u201cSkater\u2019s Waltz\u201d performed by Lepore on Central Moravian\u2019s M\u00f6ller Opus 8650 organ, with its four manuals, 109 ranks, and 3,057 pipes. Central Moravian\u2019s choir will perform \u201cMorning Star in Darkest Night\u201d by Georg Friedrich von Hellstr\u00f6m, a Dutch Moravian composer, organist, and violist. For 40 years, he served the Moravian congregation in Christiansfeld, Denmark, also part of the Moravian Church Settlements listed as a World Heritage site. The choir will also perform \u201cFestival Nowell\u201d by American composer Dan Forrest\u00a0and \u201cThere Shall a Star\u201d by Felix Mendelssohn, part of his unfinished oratorio Christus, Op. 97. It has been performed at almost every Christmas Eve vigil at Central Moravian Church since 1891.<\/p>\n

Mainstreet Brass, ensemble-in-residence at Central Moravian, will perform two sets of carols, and the audience will be invited to join in singing hymns of the season, including the final verse of \u201cJesus Call Thou Me,\u201d sung on Christmas Eve in 1741, when Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf named this new community Bethlehem, and \u201cMorning Star,\u201d a cherished Moravian hymn by Francis Florentine Hagen, a Moravian bishop and composer born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

The concert will conclude with an organ and brass arrangement of Samuel Scheidt\u2019s \u201cIn dulci jubilo.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A vibrant Puerto Rican holiday tradition will return to Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown on Saturday. After last…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":45610,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[27031,119,121,120,5527,7019,27030,20902,17641,1132,1274],"class_list":["post-45609","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-allentown","tag-advent","tag-allentown","tag-allentown-headlines","tag-allentown-news","tag-christmas","tag-concert","tag-latin-parranda","tag-miller-symphony-hall","tag-musical","tag-performance","tag-thanksgiving"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45609","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=45609"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45609\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}