Best things to do during Christmas time in Allentown
Is it surprising that it’s lovely to celebrate Christmas in Allentown? After all, Bethlehem is right next door.
Christmas dad jokes aside, Allentown is a beautiful place to enjoy the holiday season. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Allentown holiday places, and our top traditions that make the yuletide extra merry and bright.
Christkindlmarket
COVID can’t bring down holiday spirits in the area, and the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem is scheduled to go on as usual. Thankfully, the organizers are putting in new safeguards to keep shoppers as safe and well as possible.
For example, they’ve moved the entire shopping experience outside, which gives the market a more traditional open air feel. The market timeframe has also been expanded, so shoppers can have more opportunities to peruse the offerings in a less crowded setting.
And, while the holiday decor, fine arts, gifts and collectibles are the main draw for the event, no one can forget or ignore the delectable goodies that form a traditional part of the holiday market. From strudel to holiday cookies to craft beers (you simply must try the Hershey Chocolate Porter), you’ll leave the market with a carol in your heart and a satisfied rumbling in your tummy.
Lights in the Parkway
Seeing holiday lights is always a family favorite during the holiday season. If you’re just moving to Allentown, you’ll be surprised to see so many glowing emblems of cheer all in one place.
The annual event transforms the Lehigh Parkway into a fairyland, with more than one mile of gorgeously decorated spaces. The boldest among you may be ready to brave the wintry chill for the Lights in the Parkway 5K – as a little extra motivation, runners are treated to cocoa and cookies after the race.
For those who’d rather enjoy their light-watching excursion from the coziness of their car, radios can also be tuned to a holiday-themed station so you can enjoy carols and the sweet sounds of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” while you wish for peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Live Advent Calendar
Advent calendars have again become all the rage in the digital world, as you can order a calendar for almost any proclivity. From chocolate lovers to sock aficionados, there’s probably an advent calendar designed for you.
However, we can say with great certainty that you won’t be able to order an advent calendar like our local Allentown/Bethlehem one with a few clicks of your mouse.
The historic 1810 Goundie house is home to a live advent calendar, where treats and cheer are handed out during the evening’s celebration. Each day from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, a different local business member of the Downtown Bethlehem Association provides something special to mark the approach of Christmas.
One last note – while Christmas is marvelous in Allentown, we have to say that New Year’s Eve is pretty spectacular as well. The city wide celebration includes fireworks and lots of high spirited fun to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. With all the tumult of 2020, we can’t say we’ll be too sorry to see it go!
If you’re looking to make a change, make a move and find a welcoming community this holiday season, Allentown offers a wonderful community to connect with – the Christmas joy in the area is just the tip of the iceberg. Let us help you get settled after your move to Allentown, and we can have you moved in with plenty of time left to get your tinsel hung and your yard decorations in place!
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Photo by Chad Madden.
