With the Christmas City twinkling at the heart of Lehigh Valley, it's no surprise there are endless activities to celebrate the holiday season. Lights, shopping, stories and shows—there's at least one reason to brave the cold every day of the month, but we'll limit ourselves to 12.
December 8th
Christmas Trivia
Hopefully you broke out the holiday playlists and curled up in front of Love Actually early, because the Downtown Allentown Market's monthly trivia night tests your knowledge on Christmas movies and songs. Fuel up at this one-stop food hall where you can get Korean, Mediterranean, Italian and many more mouthwatering cuisines—and you could win a $50 gift card! The fun begins at 6 p.m.
December 9th
Christkindlmarkt
In authentic German tradition, this winter market is bursting with merry music, festive food and all the artisan crafts your stockings can hold. Heated tents take some of the edge off the cold, creating a warren of merchants for your perusal. St Nick is a fixture and the Hot Glass Experience allows you to make your own glass ornament or candy cane! Tickets are $10.
December 10th
A Jazzy Holiday
Smooth or sprightly, jazz renditions of holiday songs bring an irresistible energy to the music. Allentown's Miller Symphony Hall hosts a concert of Peter & Will Anderson's jazz sextet following a historical narrative through the ages. From Greensleeves to Jingle Bells, this performance will carry you through the season's musical milieu. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available for $30 in advance or $35 at the door.
December 11th
Christmas City Follies
Celebrate the holiday season with jingle bells and ukuleles at a spirited performance of Christmas City Follies. Touchstone Theatre promises music, merriment and more with the 22nd iteration of this homegrown variety show. The fun starts at 2 p.m.
December 12th
A Christmas Carol
Year after year, Dickens' Christmas classic is reimagined, reinvented and revered, and it's no wonder—this story has shaped holiday traditions with enormous influence. See it live from DeSales University's Act 1 theatre company for that roller coaster ride of greed, regret, redemption and a prize turkey the size of Tiny Tim. The show begins at 2 p.m., with tickets available for $33.
December 13th
Christmas in Color
Allentown's world-class amusement and water park is a destination in summer and even fall for Halloween Haunt, but now it's making winter waves by hosting the animated attraction Christmas in Color all month. This drive-through light show is synced to Christmas music and altogether extravagant, so when you're done with your favorite decked-out neighborhoods, book a half-hour of dazzling delight at the park! Tickets are available for $35; check it out between 5:30 and 10:30 p.m. on the half-hour.
December 14th
Live Advent Calendar
Yes, you can scarf a nightly chocolate from your advent calendar, but consider the vivid thrill of standing before the door of Bethlehem's 1810 Goundie House as a gathering crowd of as many as 300 waits with bated breath for the nightly ritual counting down to Christmas. The door opens at 5:30 p.m. and a special 10- to 15-minute program greets those attending. What's in store tonight?
December 15th
Home for the Holidays
The Pines Dinner Theatre presents Home for the Holidays, featuring an original score and a heartwarming message. When Sam and Marty's family visit to upstate New York gets derailed by a winter blizzard, they're reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 2–12. Dinner is available à la carte at 12:30 p.m., followed by the show at 1 p.m.
December 16th
Photos with Santa
Socially distant photos with Santa Claus show your child believes in both the magic of Christmas and the guidance of the CDC. The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley are a shopper's playground replete with lunch options, and it's also hosting St Nick in the stone gazebo this month for professional photos from Dan's Camera city! Photo packages start at $27.
December 17th
Winter Light Spectacular
The annual display of over 1.2 million lights throughout the Lehigh Valley Zoo keeps getting better year after year. Feast on Geakers Tacos and toast the holidays with spiked cocoa or cider from the Spirits Station as twinkling strands light up the night. Kids will be enchanted by the visiting vocals of Disney princesses deployed for songs and photo-ops with fans. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
December 18th
Santa Train Rides
Take a ride on the Allentown and Auburn Railroad and stop at the North Pole! Once there, the little ones can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, get their photos taken and share what's on their Christmas lists. Tickets range from $10–$16. Departure times are 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
December 19th
Holiday Open House
This holiday season, be sure to check out the Christmas Model Train Display of the Lehigh Valley & Keystone Model Railroad Museum. Travel back in time and see the route of the Lehigh Valley railroad from 1950 to 1970! Experience "Steam Weekend" from 1–5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
