Take in the magic of the holiday season in ways only Lehigh Valley offers. Experience Bethlehem, the “Christmas City,” for a classic take on the most wonderful time of the year. From horse-drawn carriage rides to historical walking tours, you’re bound to experience charm around every corner. 

But Bethlehem isn’t the only place that comes alive during the holiday season. Throughout the region, you’ll find traditional celebrations, unique theatrical performances, and family-friendly outings that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. 

Make the most of the holidays by checking off this list of must-sees before the New Year rolls around.

  1. Get Your Christmas Tree
  2. Attend a tree lighting
  3. Experience Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
  4. Go to the theatre
  5. See the lights at the Zoo
  6. Get Creative
  7. Tour the Christmas City at night
  8. Drive through Lights in the Parkway
  9. See the Christmas Putz
  10. Live Advent Calendar
  11. Christmas City Follies
  12. Shop around the Peace Candle in Easton
  13. See the Nutcracker
  14. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
  15. See a Holiday Train Display
  16. Go to Koziar's
  17. Sip a holiday cocktail 
  18. Pip the Mouse
  19. Shop Christmas Huts on Main
  20. Go on a nostalgic train ride
  21. Have a pint of Christmas cheer
  22. Moravian Bookstore
  23. Shop Tax-Free
  24. Indulge in homemade treats
  25. Ring in the New Year at PEEPSFEST®

A festively dressed dog pads through the snow at Rispoli Family Christmas Tree Farm in Bath, Pa.

1. Get Your Christmas Tree

Hunt for the perfect Christmas tree at a local farm - including cutting it down yourself!

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2. Attend a tree lighting

Gather round with fellow community members as local towns celebrate their holiday tree lightings.

Horse drawn carriages pass the Christmas Tree street in Hamilton S downtown Allentown, Pa.
 

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A young shopper looks up at Star ornaments at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pa.

3. Experience Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Browse the wares of more than a hundred vendors at Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem.

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4. Go to the theatre

Start a new family tradition by seeing a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Civic Theatre of Allentown.

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Walk-through the Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo

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.

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6. Get Creative

Create a handmade gift for someone on your list. Shop local artisans and made in Lehigh Valley items.

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7. 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.

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8. 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!

Lights at Lehigh Parkway for the Lights in the Parkway event in Allentown, PA

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9. See the Christmas Putz

Admire the Christmas Putz, a display that tells the story of the birth of Jesus, at the Edgeboro Moravian Church.

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10. 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.

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11. Christmas City Follies

Enjoy a twist local holiday traditions as part of Touchstone Theatre’s Christmas City Follies, a one-of-a-kind variety show featuring stories from local performers.

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12. Shop around the Peace Candle in Easto

The Peace Candle lit in Easton's Centre Square as part of Easton Winter Village.

Admire the Easton Peace Candle during the Easton Winter Village, thought to be the largest non-wax Christmas candle in the country. Each year, the structure shines brightly in the city’s Centre Square and is adorned with shopping huts and an ice-skating rink.

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13. See the Nutcracker

Treat your little ballerina to a magical performance of the Nutcracker, hosted at local venues including Miller Symphony Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, or the State Theatre Center for the Arts.

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14. 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.

Carriage Ride Bethlehem _ Discover Lehigh Valley _ Ang Caggiano _ Edited

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15. See a Holiday Train Display

Choo choo! Make your way to the America On Wheels Museum to catch their annual Holiday Train Display. While you’re there, grab an old-fashioned ice cream soda from the HubCap Cafe.

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16. Go to Koziar's

Make your way to Koziar’s Christmas Village, a family-owned attraction celebrating more than 70 years with more than a million lights on display.
Koziars Christmas Village Interior

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17. 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.
 

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18. Pip the Mouse

Little ones will love a visit with Pip the Mouse. Each season, the Liberty Bell Museum hosts performances of The Mouse Before Christmas, a holiday favorite for youngsters.

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19. 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.

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20. Go on a nostalgic train ride

All aboard! Join historical passenger rail services including the Colebrookdale Railroad and the Allentown and Auburn Railroad for seasonal rides with Santa or Mrs. Claus.

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21. Have a pint of Christmas cheer

Cozy up with a seasonal beer. Rude Elf’s Reserve, a Belgian strong dark ale, from Fegley’s Brew Works is a favorite among locals!

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22. Moravian Book Shop

Visit the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continually operating bookstore in the country, and pick up a Bethlehem or Moravian Star to adorn your tree.

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23. Shop Tax-Free

Promenade Shops at Christmas

Take advantage of tax-free shopping on clothing throughout Pennsylvania. Stops at the Lehigh Valley Mall, Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, and Crossings Premium Outlets are sure to help you check off that list.

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24. 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!

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25. 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.

PEEPSFEST celebration in Bethlehem, PA

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