Explore the best 2025 holiday events in Lehigh Valley: lights, markets, festivals, and historic celebrations in Pennsylvania’s Christmas region.
The Lehigh Valley might be known for its charming small towns, historic districts, and industrial heritage, but when December arrives, it steps into a new identity: a glowing, snow-dusted holiday region brimming with character and community magic.
In 2025, holiday events in Lehigh Valley are bigger, brighter, and more imaginative than ever—from Europe-inspired Christmas markets and immersive light gardens to classic performances, historic tours, and family-friendly winter festivals.
Whether you’re a local ready to rediscover Pennsylvania’s winter charm or a visitor searching for a festive getaway, the 2025 holiday events in Lehigh Valley deliver the perfect mix of nostalgia, culture, and seasonal sparkle.
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
Bethlehem earns its title as Christmas City USA, and Christkindlmarkt remains the beating heart of its holiday scene. This award-winning market features handmade goods from the nation’s top artisans, glassblowing demonstrations at the SteelStacks, live music, and seasonal foods like German bratwurst and warm strudel. The 2025 Christkindlmarkt expands its maker roster and introduces an interactive holiday craft workshop series.
“Christkindlmarkt isn’t just a market—it’s a tradition that reflects the spirit of Christmas City,” says event director Maya Roth.
Location: SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Website: https://www.steelstacks.org/christkindlmarkt/
Contact: (610) 332-1300
Plan to stay a few hours—every aisle holds another artisan gem.
Historic Bethlehem’s Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour
A signature cultural event, the Trees of Historic Bethlehem Tour invites guests to explore themed Christmas trees across Bethlehem’s museums and historic sites. The 2025 theme—“Generations of Joy”—features trees decorated by local artists, historians, and community groups, each telling its own holiday story.
Location: Various museum sites throughout Bethlehem
Website: https://www.historicbethlehem.org/
Contact: (610) 882-0450
It’s immersive, educational, and full of warm nostalgia.
Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo
The Winter Light Spectacular transforms the Lehigh Valley Zoo into a glowing wonderland with over 1.2 million LED lights, animated displays, themed zones, fire pits, and holiday treats. In 2025, the event adds new light tunnels, a “Frozen Forest” installation, and upgraded character appearances.
“We want families to feel transported—like the zoo has become a winter fairy tale,” says curator Kelly Brennan.
Location: 5150 Game Preserve Rd., Schnecksville, PA
Website: https://www.lvzoo.org/
Contact: (610) 799-4171
Perfect for families—but adults love it just as much.
Easton Winter Village
Set in Centre Square, the Easton Winter Village brings European charm to the Lehigh Valley with wooden vendor chalets, live music, holiday cocktails, fire pits, and pop-up shops. The 2025 edition expands its food offerings and introduces a maker tent showcasing local artisans.
Location: Centre Square, Easton, PA
Website: https://www.eastonwintervillage.com/
Contact: info@eastonwintervillage.com
Make time for the craft cocktails—they’re a highlight.
PeepsFest at SteelStacks
The Lehigh Valley is the birthplace of the iconic marshmallow treat, so naturally, it hosts PeepsFest, a quirky, family-friendly New Year’s celebration featuring live entertainment, kids’ activities, appearances from the PEEPS® Chick, and the famous Marshmallow Drop. The 2025 PeepsFest promises new interactive zones and expanded live music.
Location: SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Website: https://www.steelstacks.org/
Contact: (610) 332-1300
Fun, silly, and uniquely Lehigh Valley.
Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway
A beloved local tradition, Lights in the Parkway is a drive-through holiday lights show featuring animated displays, themed environments, and illuminated tunnels stretching through Allentown’s parkway system. The 2025 edition includes upgraded LED designs and a downloadable audio narration that shares local holiday stories.
Location: Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, PA
Website: https://www.allentownpa.gov/
Contact: (610) 437-7750
Expect lines on weekends—weeknights are best.
Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar
The only one of its kind in the United States, Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar features nightly surprises such as performances, giveaways, and treats offered by local businesses. Each evening at the Goundie House reveals a new themed activity.
“It’s small moments of joy—exactly what the season needs,” says Downtown Bethlehem Association director Jordan McKee.
Location: 501 Main St., Bethlehem, PA
Website: https://www.downtownbethlehem.com/
Contact: info@downtownbethlehem.com
A charming, community-driven must-experience.
SnowBlast Winter Festival in Emmaus
Emmaus’s SnowBlast Winter Festival returns in 2025 with ice sculptures, live performances, maker booths, winter activities, and a community pub crawl. The event emphasizes local artists and small businesses, offering a uniquely homegrown winter celebration.
Location: Emmaus Triangle & Community Center, Emmaus, PA
Website: https://www.emmauspa.gov/
Contact: (610) 965-9292
Authentic, artistic, and perfect for families and couples.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley
Performed at Zoellner Arts Center, the Ballet Guild’s annual Nutcracker brings classic holiday ballet to the region with stunning choreography, local talent, and professional guest performers. The 2025 show features refreshed costuming and enhanced staging.
Location: 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, PA
Website: https://www.bglv.org/
Contact: (610) 865-0353
An elegant winter outing—and a local holiday staple.
Why 2025 Holiday Events in Lehigh Valley Feel More Magical Than Ever
The Lehigh Valley thrives during the holidays because it understands the value of tradition—and knows how to reinvent it with heart, creativity, and community spirit. In 2025, the holiday events in Lehigh Valley are not only more immersive but more interconnected: markets collaborating with local makers, historic tours deepening cultural appreciation, family attractions expanding their winter spectacles, and small towns elevating their seasonal festivals.
What makes the region special is its ability to balance large-scale attractions with intimate, community-centered experiences. You can wander from a dazzling zoo light display to a centuries-old historic home tour, or from a quirky marshmallow-themed festival to a refined ballet performance—all within a short drive.
The season feels less like an itinerary and more like a living holiday storybook.
Why You Must Experience 2025 Holiday Events in Lehigh Valley
Make the Most of 2025 Holiday Events in Lehigh Valley
Whether you’re seeking festive lights, artisan markets, historic celebrations, or family-friendly winter fun, the 2025 holiday events in Lehigh Valley deliver a season rich with charm, creativity, and community spirit. This year’s offerings prove that holiday magic doesn’t require a big city skyline—it thrives in warm-hearted places where tradition meets imagination. Bundle up, plan ahead, and let the Lehigh Valley enchant your December.
Explore the best 2025 holiday events in Lehigh Valley: lights, markets, festivals, and historic celebrations in Pennsylvania’s Christmas region.
