Must-See December Events
24 Things to Do in the Lehigh Valley This Month
The holiday season is in full swing in Lehigh Valley! Mark your calendars for these events across the region including Christmas-y celebrations, New Year’s events, and more.
Koziar’s Christmas Village - Nov. 2 - Jan. 1 (daily through New Year’s Day)
Celebrating 72 years of Season's Greetings, Koziar's Christmas Village has grown to a mammoth and extraordinary seasonal attraction drawing visitors from near and far. This walk-through display features twinkling lights as far as the eye can see.
Winter Light Spectacular - Nov. 15 - Dec. 29 (Wednesdays - Sundays)
Lehigh Valley Zoo
The Lehigh Valley Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland! Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of nature as you stroll through tree-lined paths lit up by over 1.1 million twinkling lights and themed animated displays. Warm up next to the cozy outdoor fire pits, while enjoying hot cocoa and s’mores. Don’t forget the camera to capture the children’s delight when they encounter Santa, The Grinch, Woody, Buzz, Elsa, Princess Belle, Olaf, and friends!
Christkindlmarkt - Nov. 22 - Dec. 22 (Thursdays - Sundays)
SteelStacks
Shop 100+ vendors housed within large heated tents at Christkindlmarkt, an event that has been featured by Forbes, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. When you’ve had your fill of shopping, browse the selection of food and drinks, or even try your hand at glass blowing.
Christmas Huts on Main - Nov. 22 - Dec. 22 (Fridays - Sundays)
Holiday Tours with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites - Nov. 22 - Jan. 12
Various Locations
Tour Bethlehem at its brightest – aglow with holiday ambiance, Christmas cheer, and full of wonderful activities – with guided walking tours, special museum experiences, and even nighttime bus tours. Don’t miss the Trees of Historic Bethlehem and the Holiday Putz Trail.
Pip: The Mouse Before Christmas Puppet Show - Nov. 28 - Dec. 31
Liberty Bell Museum
It's a local holiday tradition. In addition to the puppet show, guests can enjoy Pennsylvania German Christmas Tree and putz with area historic buildings as featured exhibits during the holidays.
libertybellmuseum.org
Lights in the Parkway - Nov. 29 - Dec. 28
This spectacular drive-through light display transforms more than a mile of one of Allentown’s most beautiful parks into a winter wonderland. Featuring dazzling displays with hundreds of thousands of brilliant lights, this attraction will truly brighten your holiday season! You can enjoy this holiday spectacular in the comfort of your own vehicle and remember to tune your radio to 98.3 to enjoy the wonderful sounds of the season.
$15 per car | 5:30–10 p.m. | 1700 Martin Luther King Blvd., Allentown | 610.439.5999 | allentownpa.gov
Holiday Train Exhibit - Nov. 29 - Dec. 29 (Tuesdays - Sundays)
Enjoy the sounds, lights, and action of many model trains stationed around the Museum's galleries! Fun for children and adults of all ages!
Santa’s Polar Bear Express - December 1–12
This is not an ordinary train ride, but rather a trip into the Christmas past with Santa. Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and enjoy the view from the train window!
$10-$50 | 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. | Colebrookdale Railroad | Washington & 3rd Sts., Boyertown | 610.367.0200 | colebrookdalerailroad.com
Live Advent Calendar (Downtown Allentown Tree Lighting Celebration) - Dec. 5
PPL Plaza (800 block of Hamilton St.)
Christmas magic takes over the 800 block of Hamilton Street to welcome the season. Festivities include live musical performances, dance acts, horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities such as face painting, gifts for children, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free to the public.
Christmas City Follies - December 5-22 (Thursdays - Sundays)
Touchstone Theatre
For over twenty years, Touchstone’s holiday tradition has been a mainstay in the community. This classic holiday vaudeville celebrates the festivities of the winter season— and each other— with song, dance, sketches, merry-making, penguins, shopping carts, and heartfelt absurdity.
Christmas Carole 1944 - December 6–21
In this World War II adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, cosmetic magnate Carole Scrooge is introduced to a new series of “Spirits” who surprise and delight. Much of the script and lessons learned stay true to Dickens’ story.
$34 | 2 & 7:30 p.m. | Civic Theatre of Allentown | 527 N. 19th St., Allentown | 610.432.8943 | civictheatre.com
Craft Beer Fest - Dec. 7
Allentown Brew Works
This huge Craft Beer Festival features more than 50 craft beers to sample from dozens of the best local and national craft breweries. Two general sessions are available, as well as a VIP option.
Get Out Lehigh Valley - December 7
Lock Ridge Park’s mile-long, castle-like stone structure is the perfect excuse to get outdoors this season. The park offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking and a nature study. It is also dog friendly!
Free | 10 a.m.–noon | Lock Ridge Park and Furnace Museum | 525 Franklin St., Alburtis | 610.965.4397 x 136 | wildlandspa.org
Bach Magnificat & Handel Messiah, Part 1 - Dec. 7 & Dec. 8
First Presbyterian Church of Allentown - Dec. 7
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem - Dec. 8
This year’s Christmas concerts celebrate the joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth with glorious pieces from Bach and Handel. Bach’s Magnificat and Part One of Handel’s Messiah offer musical journeys that focus on the meaning of Christmas.
Santa Will Run for Beer 5K-ish - December 7
The fun kicks off with drinks at Roosevelt’s 21st and continues through Bethlehem. The first 25 Santas to arrive at each participating bar location receive a free beer, so this is definitely a race!
$30 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Roosevelt’s 21st | 21 E. Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem | 484.727.8155 | runlehighvalley.com
Clash of the Carols - Dec. 7, 14, 21
Sun Inn Courtyard
Downtown Bethlehem Association (DBA) is hosting their first ever holiday a cappella choral competition: Clash of the Carols! On each date, different age groups and chorus sizes will compete to be named best choral group in their category by a panel of acclaimed judges, as well as a People’s Choice winner. December 21 will host the final holiday showdown and an overall winner will be crowned.
Grain to Glass Advanced Tour - December 7, 14, 21 & 28
Not only do they make their own alcohol, but they’re ready to let you in on their secrets. Learn about the ingredients, processing, fermentation, aging and bottling process while tasting Social Still’s best gins, whiskeys and vodkas.
$10 | 3 p.m. | Social Still Distillery | 530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.625.4585 | eventbrite.com
41st Annual Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant - Dec. 14-15
Bethlehem Rose Garden
The Pageant is a fully costumed re-enactment of the historical events surrounding the birth of Christ featuring live animals. Singers and a narrator tell the beautiful story as the Pageant unfolds. The pageant is approximately one hour long and takes place outdoors.
Author Talk - December 9
David Pratt will be reading and signing his latest book, Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High, this month at The Library in Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.
Free | 6–8 p.m. | Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center | 522 W. Maple St., Allentown | 610.347.9988 | bradburysullivancenter.org
Warmer In The Winter Christmas Tour - December 9
Known for her violin-driven electronic music, Lindsey Stirling’s first-ever holiday album was the number one new Christmas album of 2017. Experience the magic this month at Wind Creek Event Center!
$39.50–$99.50 | 7:30 p.m. | Wind Creek Event Center | 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.297.7414 | windcreekeventcenter.com
2nd Annual Winter Solstice Walk - Dec. 21
Karl Stirner Arts Trail
Join friends for a moonlight stroll, a few winter songs to take the chill off, and a candlelight celebration of Rachel Hayes’s vibrant and colorful banners. The evening festivities, “Cold Moon, Warm Colors, Still Hearts” begins immediately at 5:23 p.m. when the solstice arrives after walking a short distance down the trail.
Pre-New Year’s Eve Party - December 29
This afternoon celebration is great for families, complete with ice cream, a children’s resolution station and music by DJ Jimbo. Children under 12 are granted free admission.
$12 | 12:30–3 p.m. | America On Wheels | 5 N. Front St., Allentown | 610.432.4200 x10 | americaonwheels.org
PEEPSFest - Dec. 30-31
Each year, fans arrive from all over the country to enjoy family-friendly activities and marvel at the PEEPS® Chick Drop – a 4-feet, 9-inches tall, 400-pound lit PEEPS® Chick that descends at 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 31 to commemorate the beginning of an exciting new year.
Free | 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | SteelStacks | 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem| 610.332.1300 | steelstacks.org
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