10 Ways to Celebrate: The Best Holiday Activities in Lehigh Valley
Ready to deck the halls this holiday season? You’ve come to the right place. Bethlehem is one of the most festive towns in the US! Here are 10 of the best holiday activities in the Lehigh Valley to let your hearts be light and help make spirits bright. This getaway to Christmas City may just be exactly what you need to get into the holiday spirit!
1. Easton Winter Village
Easton City Square transforms every weekend from November 16th to December 22nd for this family-friendly winter event. Visitors may shop for holiday gifts at vendor huts, stroll around the Peace Candle, sip hot cocoa and even take a spin around the ice skating rink.
2. Winter Light Spectacular
Walk on the wild side as Lehigh Valley Zoo glows with 1.2 million lights. The self-guided tour through tree-lined paths features twinkling lights and animated displays. There are also outdoor fire pits, cocoa and s’mores to help beat the chill. Winter Light Spectacular runs from November 15th to January 4th.
3. Christmas City Stroll
Bethlehem’s historic district takes on a special glow during the holiday season. Join in a guided walking tour around the centuries-old buildings to find out about the city’s Christmas traditions, architecture and origins of the famous Bethlehem Star. A guide in period dress leads the tour, which departs from the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center multiple times throughout the day from November 15th through January 5th.
4. Live Advent Calendar
Countdown to Christmas every day (starting December 1st and running through December 23rd) at the 1810 Goundie House. Visitors gather outside the door of the home on Main Street at 5:30 p.m. for a presentation by a member of a local business or organization who hands out special treats among the crowd. The annual tradition. is the only event of its kind in the country.
5. Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour
This hour-long tour will take you on a magical ride to see the history and traditions of Bethlehem. Tour guides will even wear traditional colonial attire to add to the festive historical aspect! See Christmas City like never before, and don’t miss out on seeing the famous star on top of South Mountain!
6. Christmas Huts on Main
Reminiscent of a traditional German market, Christmas Huts on Main are a staple of the season in Bethlehem. Spread all around the historic district, the charming outposts feature unique vendors overflowing with one-of-a-kind gifts. The huts are open Thursday through Sunday from November 15th until December 22nd.
7. Trees of Historic Bethlehem
At this holiday exhibit, members of the Bethlehem Garden Club have decorated over 25 Christmas trees with the theme “Finer Things.” Each tree showcases exquisite craftsmanship, featuring elegant ornaments, sparkling lights, and unique holiday designs. Take a self-guided tour from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and enjoy the festive charm and creativity these trees bring to the historic setting. With trees on display daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, this enchanting experience is perfect for all ages, making it a must-see holiday attraction in Bethlehem!
8. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Climb aboard an open-air carriage for a festive tour through the lights and decorations of downtown Bethlehem! With rides departing every 20 minutes, this holiday outing runs from November 16 to January 4, from 2 PM to 9 PM, offering a cozy way to take in the season’s best sights as you glide through Bethlehem’s beautifully lit streets.
9. Peepsfest
A family-friendly New Year’s celebration held annually at the Steelstacks in Bethlehem. Fun activities abound during the two-day event, December 30 and 31. The festivities culminate with the Peeps Chick Drop each night at 5:30 p.m. Visitors may cheer on the descent of the nearly 5-foot-tall lighted Peep to mark the start of a new year.
10. Lights in the Parkway
Take a drive through Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway to see thousands of twinkling lights. The mile-long self-guided route features light tunnels, animated holiday scenes and dazzling light displays accompanied by seasonal music. Lights in the Parkway is open daily (except Christmas Day & New Years Day) from November 29th – January 6th from 5:30-10 p.m.
Book Your Holiday Stay at the Sayre Mansion
Later on, you can conspire as you dream by the fire. Snuggle up in a guest room with a cozy fireplace and enjoy the sights of Bethlehem. Check availability and book a getaway today to enjoy holiday activities in the Lehigh Valley.