Every holiday season, the same question resurfaces in Pennsylvania history circles, Easton and Bethlehem tourism meetings, social media posts, and probably a few living rooms: where was the first Christmas tree displayed in America?
And if you are not asking yourself that question, why not?
Bethlehem’s midwinter party season will stretch a little longer when Hearthsong Folk Arts and Celtic musical troupe The Chivalrous Crickets & Friends host the Third Annual Bethlehem Twelfth Night Celebration, themed for Scottish Hogmanay, on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Charles A. Brown Ice House.
Sophia and Noah topped Jefferson Health’s list of 2025 baby names, leading the charge among thousands of babies born across the system’s 10 hospitals that deliver babies. For girls, Sophia was the most popular choice with 60 babies given the name, followed closely by Emma (53) and Isabella (52). For boys, Noah claimed the top spot with 103 babies, with Liam next at 91.
We are partnering with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites for a special holiday giveaway tied to the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition, one of the Christmas City’s must-see traditions.
Lehigh Valley with Love made a national appearance this morning on Fox & Friends First, as one of our photos from Bethlehem’s annual tree lighting was featured during a segment on “Christmas City, USA.”
The Lehigh Valley Holiday Lights Map is back for 2025, and this year it comes with its own soundtrack. To go with your nighttime tour of neighborhood displays, we have put together a Spotify playlist that runs from movie classics to soul, rock and jazz favorites.
When the snow starts falling, the Lehigh Valley turns into sledding country, and our throwback video highlights just a few of the local favorites. In Bethlehem, the hill at Memorial Pool is a go-to spot for families, with an easy slope and convenient access. Over in Allentown, Rockland Park and Cherry Hill near the Allentown YMCA are popular choices when conditions are right, offering plenty of space for kids and grownups to ride.
We went behind the scenes at PBS39 Studios in Bethlehem for a special taping of Home for the Holidays, the heartwarming podcast co-produced by WDIY 88.1FM, –TS Brand Elevation, and Lehigh Valley Public Media.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, as dusk settles over Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, more than 4,000 homes are expected to glow with the warm light of luminaria. An estimated 100,000 candlelit bags will line sidewalks and driveways for Luminaria Night 2025, a community tradition that supports neighbors facing poverty, hunger, and homelessness through New Bethany.
On Friday, November 28, 2025, the David Bennett Cohen Trio rolls into Godfrey Daniels, Bethlehem’s legendary 90–seat listening room, for an 8 p.m. show that connects 1960s psychedelia to today’s blues scene.
Our friends at Wind Creek Event Center are bringing a beloved holiday classic to Bethlehem, and you could be there with the whole family. Enter now for your chance to win a Family 4 Pack of tickets to Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, presented by St. Luke’s at Wind Creek Event Center.
Illumination at Coca-Cola Park is back, and it might be one of the most over-the-top fun holiday nights out in the Lehigh Valley. The ballpark is transformed into a walk-through wonderland with nearly 1.5 million lights, themed displays, and synchronized light shows that flash and dance along to festive music.
Bethlehem residents have several meaningful ways to give back this holiday season, with nonprofits and small businesses organizing food drives, toy collections, fundraisers and outreach efforts that directly support local families and neighbors in need. Below are several opportunities for community members to get involved.
Banko Beverage Company is marking Walnut Week (November 17 – 21) in downtown Bethlehem with a special giveaway tied to the city’s new Walnut Street Garage.
Throughout Walnut Week and the month of November, or while supplies last, visitors who show a receipt from the Walnut Street Garage at participating restaurants and bars will receive a free prize.
Bethlehem is kicking off Walnut Week and the start of the Christmas season with a free parking promotion at the city’s new Walnut Street Garage.
On select days from Thursday, November 20 through Saturday, November 22, 2025, visitors will receive their first four hours of parking free at the garage as part of its grand opening celebration.
The Bethlehem Parking Authority, together with Larken Associates and Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, is sponsoring the promotion.
Each day features a different community partner: the Parking Authority on Thursday, Larken Associates on Friday, and Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, on Saturday.
