Discover Lehigh Valley® shares its list of top things to safely do in the original Christmas City and across the region.
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., November 24, 2020 – It’s that
magical time of year, when twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriages, and joyous
laughter begins to radiate from Lehigh Valley’s Christmas City. Founded by
Moravians on Christmas Eve in 1741, Bethlehem, Pa. is a nationally recognized
top holiday destination in the U.S. and it has much to offer both residents and
visitors. Just in time for the holiday season, Discover Lehigh Valley® is
sharing how to safely experience attractions in Bethlehem and around the region
in 2020.
“The holiday season is here and people are seeking new ways
to create cheerful memories and heartwarming moments more than ever before,”
said Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for
Discover Lehigh Valley. “And, whether it’s a peaceful walk through the historic
streets of Christmas City or perusing the beautiful hand blown glass ornaments
and unique treasures at Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem offers a picturesque scene
of holiday charm that brings hope to locals and visitors alike.”
A quick and easy drive from both Philadelphia and New York
City, a holiday getaway is made possible in Lehigh Valley with these insider
tips from Discover Lehigh Valley:
Christmas City Attractions
- Premier
Holiday Markets – Recognized as a top holiday market by Travel +
Leisure, Christkindlmarkt
Bethlehem's reimagined outdoor format features 60 artisans
and vendors, delicious food, St. Nicholas, and German ornament
manufacturer Käthe Wohlfahrt. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is open until
December 6. Visitors may also enjoy the Christmas Huts on Main, an outdoor
shopping experience inspired by the German Weihnachtsmarkt that is open
weekends until December 22.
- Holiday
Décor & Shopping – Named a top historic hotel by USA
Today, Historic
Hotel Bethlehem is decked for the holidays with 35,000
lights, an elegantly adorned exterior and lobby, and stunning Nativity
scene. Located steps away, the Moravian
Book Shop is recognized as the oldest continually operating
bookstore in the country. Visitors can browse their impressive collection
of authors and genres and purchase a Moravian star to complete their
holiday décor.
- Historic
Bethlehem Holiday Tours – Nominated to the U.S. Tentative List
for World Heritage Designation, Historic
Bethlehem welcomes visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour of
the city’s 19 historic buildings, 20 acres of land and two National Historic
Landmarks. As visitors stroll the grounds, they will witness twinkling
lights on Main Street, candle-lined windows, and the iconic “Star of
Bethlehem” atop South Mountain. Discover more of Christmas City during
a horse-drawn
carriage ride through the historic streets.
The festivities don’t stop there. Lehigh Valley also boasts a wide variety of
holiday events and activities throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties to
keep the magic going all season long. “It’s been truly impressive to see how so
many businesses and attractions have found ways to bring these events to
residents and travelers, prioritizing safety and implementing COVID-safe
practices to ensure a more enjoyable experience,” said Quinn. “Many attractions
now have timed, ticketed events and have mask requirements to remain in
compliance with state mandates. We’re encouraging all visitors to check event
details and websites for the most up to date information.”
Safe, Family Fun
- Wow-worthy
Light Displays – Featured on TODAY, Koziar’s
Christmas Village boasts more than 1 million lights covering
buildings, barns, and countryside. The walk-through display is
family-owned and operated for more than 70 years and shines until January
1. The Lehigh
Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular is another walk-through
display with over 1.2 million lights. The Lehigh Valley Zoo display
operates until January 2 and tickets are required. To enjoy over a mile of
lights from the comfort of your car, discover Allentown’s
Lights in the Parkway until December 27.
- Historic
Train Rides – Colebrookdale
Railroad is located in the heart of Lehigh Valley and
welcomes visitors to enjoy holiday music and a reading of “'Twas the Night
Before Christmas.” Allentown
& Auburn Railroad’s holiday ride features Santa and Mrs.
Claus as visitors sightsee many of Lehigh Valley’s delightful boroughs. Both
train rides are offered on various dates in November and December.
- Family
NYE Fun – PEEPSFEST® is
a two-day premier, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. This year’s
event welcomes families virtually or in-person with limited seating to
kick off the New Year by dropping a 4-foot-9-inch tall, 400-pound, giant
yellow, light-up PEEP. PEEPSFEST® commemorates the New Year before bedtime
at 5:15 p.m. on December 31.
Unwind this Holiday Season
- Enjoy
an in-person show of “At the Stroke of Midnight” at Pines
Dinner Theatre until December 20. Catch the Allentown
Symphony Orchestra in Miller
Symphony Hall from the comfort of your home with shows on
December 11 and December 18. Nutcracker enthusiasts will enjoy the
historic State
Theatre Center for the Arts' virtual performance on December
19.
- Sample Fegley’s
Brew Works’ award-winning Rude Elf’s Reserve, a seasonal
Belgian-style ale. Find the perfect locally made spirit at Eight
Oaks Farm Distillery and Social
Still for handcrafted seasonal cocktails. Select a Lehigh
Valley award-winning wine to pair with holiday dinner,
including the region’s signature Chambourcin, which helped Lehigh Valley
earn American Viticultural Area distinction.
- The Winter Village in Historic
Easton, Lehigh Valley’s newest holiday attraction, welcomes guests
to enjoy hot cocoa, ice skating, sweet treats, and local holiday shopping
huts while gazing upon the Easton Peace Candle. The Winter Village in
Historic Easton is open Friday thru Sunday starting November 27 until
December 31.
Holiday magic is made possible in Lehigh Valley. Visit DiscoverLehighValley.com/holidays for more
information and follow @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram,
and Twitter.
About Discover Lehigh Valley
Established in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley® makes Lehigh and Northampton
counties a premier destination through marketing and image building that
increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number
of things they do in the region.
Discover Lehigh Valley’s official visitor website,
DiscoverLehighValley.com, keeps locals and visitors abreast of all things
happening in the region. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events,
themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos,
brochures and detailed visitor information make the sites effective
trip-planning tools. Along with Discover Lehigh Valley’s social media channels,
the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also
call and stop into one of the many visitor centers for additional information.
About Lehigh Valley, Pa.
Set amid gentle hills and charming country sides, Lehigh Valley, Pa. is home to
Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque
boroughs.
The region is steeped in pre-Colonial, Early American and
industrial history. Lehigh Valley has an impressive range of tourist
attractions including nationally-recognized events like Musikfest, wineries and
breweries, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, outdoor activities, world-class sporting
events, 10 colleges and universities, and is home to America’s favorite brands
such as Crayola®, PEEPS®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars and Mack Trucks. The
region offers a diverse array of memorable things to do and plenty of dining
options to fit every budget and taste.
And, it’s easy to get to and around. Lehigh Valley is
located approximately 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of
New York City by car.
Media Contact:
BENJAMIN GUELL
DiscoverLehigh Valley
Phone: (304) 582-0544
Email: info@DiscoverLehighValley.com
Website: https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/
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