Lehigh Valley Winter Festivals and Holiday Lights

One of the reasons the Lehigh Valley is one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country is the spirit of the people who live here. As a steadfast part of the Lehigh Valley since 1961, Kay Builders embodies this spirit, continuing to build our new communities in such a vibrant area to call home.

As the weather turns colder, the Lehigh Valley warms up with fun, enjoyable things to do. As the holidays approach, the area really comes alive with festive winter festivals and lively holiday light shows.

Ready to get caught up in some winter fun and holiday spirit? Here’s our guide to winter festivals and holiday lights in the Lehigh Valley:

Winter Festivals Full of Holiday Spirit

Easton Winter Village, Easton
With many fun activities and festivals, Easton is a great town all year long (and just a few miles from our exciting new Lafayette Way community!) During the holidays, downtown Easton transforms into the festive Easton Winter Village, a free holiday market that includes dozens of vendors. Enjoy an amazing dining experience and then grab a hot chocolate and a cookie while you stroll around, take in the lights, listen to holiday music, and maybe even cozy up to a firepit and watch a Christmas movie. Browse the vendors for a festive holiday sweater, sip a glass of wine, and look for the perfect gift while supporting small, independently owned businesses.

Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem
Christkindlmarkt, one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the nation, is a German-inspired holiday market that brings the magic of a traditional European Christmas market to the historic SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem. Here you’ll find dozens of unique artisan vendors, festive treats, and fun holiday activities for the entire family. This is a ticketed event, but admission is free for ArtsQuest members (Silver and up).

Historic District, Bethlehem
Bethlehem is called “The Christmas City” for good reason. During the holiday season, the entire city decorates for Christmas. As you walk around downtown, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas movie. Visit all the local, independent businesses for festive food, drink, and merch. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to check out the lights. Enjoy a walking tour of over two dozen illuminated themed trees, courtesy of the Bethlehem Garden Club. Visit the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts.

Amazing Holiday Light Displays

Winter Light Spectacular, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville
What’s better than enjoying holiday lights? Enjoying them with animals! Every holiday season, the Lehigh Valley Zoo decorates with 1.7 million twinkling lights and inspiring holiday displays. The event includes live performances, seasonal treats like hot chocolate and s’mores, numerous photo opportunities including pics with Santa, sing alongs, and (for the adults) a spirit station presented by Kilimanjaro Distillery. Due to the popularity of this event and the likelihood of sold-out dates, the Lehigh Valley Zoo strongly recommends purchasing your tickets online to guarantee availability.

Illumination at Coca-Cola Park, Allentown
This incredible light experience, hosted by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, features almost 1.5 million lights in themed displays and synchronized shows. Because you’re inside the stadium, you are truly immersed in lights to create a unique holiday experience. As you walk through the lights you can enjoy festive food and drinks, special giveaways, and a variety of attractions including hayrides with Mrs. Claus and a carousel. On special “Lights & Leashes” nights, you can bring your dogs along for a fun night for the whole family!

Lights in the Parkway, Allentown
The Lehigh Parkway is one of the Lehigh Valley’s treasures all year long, but during December over 1 mile of the parkway is a winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights. On most nights you can pack your car with the kids and drive through the event, but on “Move It Mondays” (5:30pm-10:00pm), you’re invited to walk, run, or bike through the lights. No reservations are required, and ticket proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations.

Griswolds on Sullivan, Nazareth
If you’re a fan of the movie Christmas Vacation, you’ve got to check this residential light display inspired by the movie. This residential display features over 36,000 lights. The hosts collect donations for local animal shelters, so you can share your holiday joy with some animals in need this season.

Holiday Lights Spectacular, Becky’s Drive-In, Walnutport
Discover the only holiday lights display in a drive-in movie theater! Stoney Ridge Lights presents the Holiday Lights Spectacular, a Christmas light display that also features amazing video projections on the big screen to accompany 250,000 dancing lights, all synched to music in your car! Enjoy hot chocolate and seasonal treats from the concession stand while you enjoy the show in the warmth and comfort of your car. The show is priced by vehicle, so you can pack the car with family and friends and get everyone into the holiday spirit for one low price!

Lights in Greenawalds, South Whitehall Township
Imagine if you could get an entire neighborhood on board to celebrate the holidays. That’s what’s happening in Greenawalds in South Whitehall Township! This cheerful community-run display features thousands of synchronized lights, themed decor and a concession stand with festive treats. Walk around the street or drive by to stay warm. The event is free but donations are welcome.

Still More Fun Holiday Activities

America on Wheels Holiday Train Exhibit, Allentown
America On Wheels currently has a holiday train display to accompany their car exhibits. Watch the model trains loop around Christmas trees and remember holiday train exhibits you might have seen as a child.  You can even get your picture taken with the taxi from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Christmas at the Pines, South Whitehall
Not really feeling the holidays this year? This Christmas show will fix that! This high-energy show features your favorite Christmas songs plus the Nativity and even a visit from Santa himself! The show is family-friendly and rated PG. Food and drinks are available.

Happy Holidays from Kay Builders! We hope you and your family enjoy everything the holidays in the Lehigh Valley have to offer this year! If you’re thinking that next year might be the right time to build your dream home in the Lehigh Valley, contact us! We can build you a CUSTOM-i-ZABLE home to fit your needs and style, all built with the finest craftsmanship of Lehigh Valley’s 3rd generation, family-owned builder.  

Call us at 484-353-6100 or submit our online form to learn more about our communities and see for yourself why the Lehigh Valley is a great place to celebrate the Holidays and live all year long!