Every holiday season, Lehigh Valley transforms into a festive wonderland beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. In addition to popular holiday attractions like Christkindlmarkt, Easton Winter Village, and Lights in the Parkway, there’s a quieter layer of nostalgia full of small-town charm and places that feel like you’ve been transported right into a Hallmark movie.
This year, I made my way to Becky’s Drive-In, America On Wheels, Pines Dinner Theatre, and Downtown Nazareth. Along the way, I was reminded that some of the most memorable holiday moments sometimes happen off the beaten path!
I started at Becky’s Drive-In for their Holiday Lights Spectacular! It's an exciting show with twinkling lights that dance along to classic Christmas music, all from the warmth of your car (a win for anyone like me who isn’t a fan of the cold). The lights flash to the tune of the music as a festive backdrop changes to different snowy scenes on the movie screen. To set the scene just right, grab a hot chocolate from the concession stand. It’s the perfect sweet touch to round out the night!
America On Wheels’ holiday train display is the perfect weekday outing for both car enthusiasts and Christmas lovers. One of my absolute favorite parts of the museum was the photo op with the real taxi from It’s a Wonderful Life - I even got to hop in the back seat for a picture and walked away with a free vintage-esk Chicago Taxi Cab pin. Watching the trains loop around Christmas trees instantly reminded me of my childhood. It’s the kind of experience that brings out the kid in everyone, no matter your age. Just be sure to catch it before the exhibit wraps up on December 31!
Want an added perk? Lehigh Valley Insiders get 15% off regular admission (Merry Christmas to you!).
The holiday exploration continued at Pines Dinner Theatre, where all the sounds of the season take center stage in Allentown. Lehigh Valley has plenty of festive shows this time of year, but Pines adds its own special touch by offering food and drinks à la carte so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the performance on a full stomach. Most of their shows, including their current production of Christmas at the Pines, are family-friendly and rated PG. They just moved to their new location on Cedar Crest Blvd, but the entertainment value did not change or disappoint. My favorite part of the show? The visit from Santa, of course!
For my final stop, I found myself strolling through a Hallmark town, where I was the main character in a Christmas movie. I blinked and remembered I was actually in Downtown Nazareth, a beautiful small town that seems perfectly designed for December. Its historic streets glow with seasonal lights, and local shops like The Hive Marketplace display thoughtful, handmade gifts you won’t find anywhere else! I will definitely be stopping by again before Christmas for some last-minute gifts. Stop by for the ultimate weekend of Christmas celebrations on December 12-13, for Claus Comes to the Circle and Christmas in Nazareth, which includes food trucks, the Annual Putz Display, a holiday market, and more!
For travelers looking to build a holiday itinerary, you could easily turn this journey into a festive weekend to truly take in all Lehigh Valley has to offer during the holidays. In a season often filled with long lines and crowded events, these quieter experiences reminded me that the heart of the holidays lies in connection, nostalgia, and moments that make us be more present.
If you’re looking to uncover a different side of the Lehigh Valley this holiday season, let this journey inspire you to explore the hidden gems that make the region shine. Sometimes, the most unforgettable Christmas memories are found in the places you least expect!
