Your Lehigh Valley Holiday Bucket List
Take in the magic of the holiday season in ways only Lehigh Valley offers!
Throughout the region, you’ll find plenty of holiday fun, like light shows, carriage rides, unique theatrical performances, and so much more.
Make the most of the holidays by checking off your bucket list before the New Year rolls around!
1. Get Your Christmas Tree
Take a ride to a local tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas Tree! Cut it down yourself or pick a pre-cut. Heads up - most tree farms are cash or check only!
2. Attend a tree lighting
Hang out with family and neighbors as local towns kick off the holiday season with their festive tree-lighting celebrations.
3. Experience Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
Browse crafts and toys from more than a hundred vendors and makers at Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem!
4. Go to the theatre
Start a new family tradition by seeing a performance of The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays at Act 1: DeSales University Theatre, or another local show!
5. See the lights at the Zoo
Stroll through the grounds of the Lehigh Valley Zoo as you take in over a million of lights featured in Winter Light Spectacular.
6. Tour the Christmas City at night
Get an up-close view of the famous star of Bethlehem as it shines atop South Mountain as part of the Bethlehem by Night bus tour.
7. Drive through Lights in the Parkway
Hop in the car and enjoy a leisurely drive through Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway; you might even get a glimpse of the big guy in red!
8. Live Advent Calendar
Head to the 1810 Goundie House nightly at 5:30 p.m. between Dec. 1-23 to experience the Live Advent Calendar. Each night, local businesses welcome guests with a special surprise.
9. 2025 Holiday Train Display
Head to the America on Wheels Museum for the 2025 Holiday Train Display featuring a special appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine! (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s)
10. Shop around the Peace Candle in Easton
Start checking off that holiday shopping list by browsing through the Belleville Market, Salvage Goods, Easton Winter Village and local boutiques before or after the peace candle lighting!
11. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
Take in the charm of Bethlehem during the holiday season as you ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the city’s historic district. The Bethlehem Carriage Company offers a number of options for couples or small groups.
12. Sip a holiday cocktail
Step back into the 1920s at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem as you admire their stunning holiday decorations. While you’re there, grab a festive cocktail at the Tap Room bar or enjoy the view of the Star of Bethlehem from 1741 on the Terrace.
13. Shop Christmas Huts on Main
Shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list at the Christmas City Village, inspired by an authentic German Weihnachtsmarkt. The wooden huts line the south end of Bethlehem’s Main Street throughout the holiday season.
14. Shop Tax-Free
Take advantage of tax-free shopping on clothing throughout Pennsylvania. Stops at the Lehigh Valley Mall, Promenade Saucon Valley, and Crossings Premium Outlets are sure to help you check off that list.
15. Indulge in homemade treats
Stock up on festive treats at local candy makers Josh Early and Premise Maid. From freshly made chocolates to caramels and more, you’ll find the perfect stocking stuffers for anyone with a sweet tooth!
16. Illumination at Coca-Cola Park
Rent a heated igloo while you sip on hot chocolate and admire the lights at Illumination! Discover special themed nights during the week and weekend.
17. Ring in the New Year at PEEPSFEST®
Ring in the New Year with the whole family. Each year, PEEPSFEST® is celebrated on Dec. 30-31 on the SteelStacks campus. Be sure to catch the PEEPS® drop in the early evening on Dec. 31 to commemorate the start of a new year.
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