When it comes to celebrating the season, what are your #LehighValleyTraditions? We’ve rounded up the quintessential things to do and places to go that make December a month to remember. Peruse our list to see if we share the same tried-and-true traditions, or use it as a guide to discover a new one or two. Ready? Let’s go!
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Photo by Elaine Zelker
Santa & His Reindeer?! Yes, Please!
Santa’s Pit Stop at Z Arch Barn Farm
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen—Santa’s Pit Stop at Z Arch Barn Farm in Easton is home to all of Santa’s reindeer, as well as pre-cut Christmas trees and evergreen wreaths made on site. Visit Santa and his posse every weekend.
Saturdays & Sundays: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Christmas Eve: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Brunch with Santa
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Take a self-guided tour of the hotel’s spectacular decorations, then head over to The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem to pick up this year’s collectible ornament or tin (filled with peppermint bark made by Allentown-based Bazzini Nuts), each depicting a snowy scene of the hotel, painted by local artist Mary Jane Lahr.
This year’s decoration theme at Historic Hotel Bethlehem is “Believe in the Magic of Christmas” and surely you will when you reserve a table for Sunday Brunch with Santa.
Now Through Dec. 24: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Start a New Tradition
Breakfast with Santa
Camel’s Hump Farm
Dine with Kris Kringle amid the picturesque preserved acres of the Johnston Estate (former home of Archibald Johnston, the first mayor of Bethlehem), a true hidden gem. Besides enjoying a delicious breakfast, tots can make gifts alongside elves in Santa’s Workshop, decorate gingerbread houses and leave with a keepsake photo ornament.
Dec. 9, 9 a.m.–Noon
1311 Santee Mill Rd., Bethlehem
Photo Courtesy of Koziar’s Christmas Village
Can’t-Miss Tradition
Koziar’s Christmas Village
No, Santa doesn’t reside at the North Pole—his actual address is Santa Claus Lane at Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville. More than one million twinkling lights illuminate this winter wonderland, celebrating its 70th Christmas season this year.
Photos with Santa
Santa’s Castle
Lehigh Valley Mall
Santa is on site to hear your wish list through Christmas Eve. Strike a pose in the new (free!) holiday photo booth, donate a gift to WLEV’s Giving Tree and get your gifts wrapped by volunteers from Camelot for Children.
Signing Santa for the hearing impaired: Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m.
Caring Santa: Dec. 3, 8:30–10 a.m.
Pet photos: Dec. 3 & 10, 7–9 p.m.
Town Square
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
As usual, Santa is cozied up hearthside in the Town Square gazebo along with photographers from Dan’s Camera City.
Editor’s Tip: New this year, take your photo over to Yankee Candle to create a personalized candle!
