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A Christmas weekend in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley brings together several different holiday experiences within a surprisingly compact area. Bethlehem offers historic streets and a German-inspired Christmas market beneath towering blast furnaces. Easton adds a festive downtown, independent shops, and its distinctive Peace Candle. Around Allentown, illuminated parks and walk-through displays provide a spectacular evening finale.
The appeal is the variety. You can shop for handmade ornaments, learn about Moravian Christmas traditions, pause for a leisurely meal, and finish the day surrounded by lights without spending most of the weekend driving.
This three-day itinerary connects Bethlehem, Easton, and Allentown, with an optional excursion to the Lehigh Valley Zoo in nearby Schnecksville. Stay in one hotel, plan around the weekend market schedules, and give each destination enough time to reveal its own character.
Your Three-Day Christmas Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Main destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethlehem | Historic downtown, Christkindlmarkt, and an evening Christmas tradition |
| 2 | Easton | Winter Village, independent shops, and the illuminated Peace Candle |
| 3 | Allentown and Schnecksville | A relaxed daytime visit followed by Winter Light Spectacular or Lights in the Parkway |
Bethlehem makes a convenient base, particularly if you want to walk to dinner and enjoy the historic district after dark.
As rough driving allowances, plan approximately 20–30 minutes between Bethlehem and Easton, 20–30 minutes between Bethlehem and central Allentown, and 30–40 minutes from Bethlehem to the zoo. Holiday traffic and parking can extend these times.
Because the final day includes an evening attraction, arrange a late departure or add a third overnight stay.
When to Visit for the Full Christmas Experience
For this itinerary, a Friday-to-Sunday trip between Thanksgiving weekend and December 20 provides the strongest overlap of markets and seasonal attractions.
The first three December weekends are especially useful because they also coincide with Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar.
| Experience | Announced seasonal schedule |
|---|---|
| Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem | November 13–December 20, on selected Thursday-to-Sunday dates |
| Bethlehem’s Christmas City Village | Fridays–Sundays, November 20–December 20 |
| Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar | December 1–23 at 5:30 p.m. |
| Easton Winter Village | Fridays–Sundays, November 27–December 20 |
| Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo | Selected evenings, November 13–January 2 |
| Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway | November 27–January 6, with holiday closures and special Monday arrangements |
Do not assume the Christmas markets remain open through Christmas week. Several finish on December 20, while the light displays continue later.
For a particularly festive opening weekend, Easton’s Peace Candle ceremony is scheduled for November 28, from 6–6:30 p.m. That is an excellent reason to put Easton on the Saturday of your trip.
Day 1: Bethlehem, Christmas Markets and Historic Streets
Begin in Bethlehem, the natural centerpiece of a Lehigh Valley Christmas getaway.
Its appeal comes from two distinct settings: the historic downtown on the north side of the Lehigh River and the SteelStacks campus on the south side. Give both time, and remember that they are separate destinations.
Start With Historic Downtown Bethlehem
Arrive in the morning if possible and begin around Main Street and Church Street. Browse independent shops, stop for coffee, and enjoy the historic streets before the busiest afternoon period.
Look for Moravian stars, wreaths, and candlelit-window traditions rather than expecting every building to be covered in multicolored lights. Bethlehem’s historic setting has a quieter Christmas character.
A Christmas City Stroll is worth considering if you enjoy local history. The guided walk explores the city’s architecture and holiday traditions, giving context to details that are easy to overlook during a shopping visit.
If you book a tour, let its departure time shape the rest of the day rather than trying to squeeze it between two market visits.
Explore Christmas City Village
The Christmas City Village’s wooden huts provide a smaller shopping experience in the historic downtown area.
It is a useful stop for browsing gifts while exploring Main Street, but it should not be confused with Christkindlmarkt. The two markets have different locations, schedules, and admission arrangements.
Visit the downtown huts during your morning walk, then have lunch before heading across the river.
Spend the Afternoon at Christkindlmarkt
Christkindlmarkt takes place at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, where the former Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces provide a striking backdrop to the holiday market.
The contrast is what makes it memorable: Christmas decorations and artisan shopping set against enormous industrial structures.
Allow two to three hours for browsing, food, and the atmosphere. Look for handmade ornaments, glasswork, seasonal decorations, and gifts from independent makers rather than rushing past every stall.
Published opening hours are 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on scheduled Thursdays and Sundays.
Admission is ticketed. Bring a card or supported digital payment method: admission, food, drinks, and official ArtsQuest merchandise are cashless, although individual retailers may accept cash.
Add a Special Experience if It Interests You
The surrounding Winter Wonderland area includes bookable heated igloos for small groups. These are an optional extra, rather than part of ordinary market admission, and should be reserved in advance.
Hot Glass Experiences and other special activities also require a closer look at the schedule and booking conditions.
Choose one extra that appeals to your group. The market itself already fills a substantial afternoon.
Return Downtown for the Live Advent Calendar
For visits between December 1 and 23, return to the Sun Inn Courtyard before 5:30 p.m.
Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar turns the familiar countdown tradition into a short community gathering. A different participating business or organization provides the evening surprise, which can include treats or entertainment.
Leave enough time to travel back from SteelStacks and park. This is best enjoyed as a relaxed early-evening stop, followed by dinner nearby.
If your visit falls outside the Advent Calendar dates, use the evening for a downtown walk or a prebooked seasonal tour.
Day 2: Easton, the Peace Candle and a Downtown Christmas Village
After breakfast, drive east to Easton and spend the day exploring on foot.
Its Christmas experience is spread through the downtown streets, combining seasonal programming with shops, galleries, restaurants, and indoor places to warm up.
Begin Around Centre Square
Start at Centre Square, then explore the surrounding streets rather than staying in one spot.
The Peace Candle is Easton’s signature Christmas landmark and the photograph to save for later in the day. See the square in daylight first, then return after dark when the lighting changes its atmosphere.
Nearby independent businesses give the visit substance beyond the seasonal displays. Browse a bookstore, explore local art, or choose a shop that you would not find in a conventional mall.
Have Lunch at Easton Public Market
Easton Public Market makes a useful indoor break, particularly if members of your group want different things to eat.
It also gives you a comfortable pause between outdoor activities. Avoid scheduling every hour: a long lunch and a little browsing can be part of the getaway.
Check the day’s event program, because additional holiday activities sometimes take place inside participating downtown businesses.
Explore Winter Village and the Winter Garden
Easton Winter Village runs over four weekends, with shopping, music, Santa visits, and activities that change throughout the season.
Treat it as a downtown celebration rather than expecting every attraction to operate continuously in one enclosed market.
A notable addition is the Winter Garden on South Third Street, an outdoor lounge area with fire pits, vendors, and scheduled entertainment.
The announced weekends have different themes, including vintage holidays, family activities, and a finale weekend. Choose your dates according to what interests you, and check the daily program before promising a particular activity to children.
Admission to the village is free, although purchases and individual experiences may cost extra.
Stay for the Peace Candle After Dark
Make an early dinner reservation or leave time for a warm drink before returning to Centre Square.
This is the day’s most atmospheric moment: the illuminated Peace Candle, historic downtown buildings, and people moving between restaurants and shops.
If you are visiting on November 28, make the Peace Candle ceremony your evening priority. On other weekends, check for music, carolers, or special events that can add to the visit.
Return to your Bethlehem accommodation afterward, keeping the same base for both nights.
Day 3: Allentown and a Spectacular Evening of Lights
Keep the final morning slower. Have breakfast, check out if necessary, and choose one daytime activity before the evening attraction.
The key decision is whether you want to walk through a light display or enjoy one from your car. Both options work well, but combining them into one night can make the final day feel rushed.
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Enjoy a Relaxed Allentown Afternoon
Spend time downtown, choose a museum or another indoor attraction that suits your group, and have an early dinner.
Check Sunday opening hours before committing to a particular daytime stop. You do not need to fill the entire afternoon to justify the visit; saving energy for the lights is often the better choice.
Then choose one of the following finales.
Option One: Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo
For an immersive walk-through experience, head to the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville.
Winter Light Spectacular features 1.7 million lights, Christmas scenes, photo settings, fire pits, and seasonal refreshments. The announced additions include Candy Land, Gingerbread Junction, and an enhanced Whoville.
Book tickets for your specific evening and arrive prepared for an outdoor walk. Hours vary by date, with longer opening periods on some busier nights.
The event runs on selected evenings between November 13 and January 2. It is not open every night, and it takes a break on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Most animals are off exhibit during the event, so treat this as a holiday light experience rather than an ordinary zoo visit.
Allow enough time to enjoy the displays without hurrying back to the car. Warm boots, gloves, and a hat make a considerable difference.
Option Two: Lights in the Parkway
If you prefer to remain warm inside your vehicle, choose Lights in the Parkway in Allentown.
The route covers approximately a mile through Lehigh Parkway, with illuminated tunnels, animated displays, and familiar Christmas scenes.
Published evening hours are 5:30–10 p.m. The event closes on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Standard tickets are currently listed at $16 per vehicle for up to eight passengers, plus online processing fees. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; there are no on-site sales.
Mondays have separate Move It Monday arrangements for walking, running, or cycling, so do not assume the ordinary drive-through format applies if you extend your stay.
This is the easier finale for visitors who have already spent two cold days outdoors or who want a shorter final evening.
Where to Stay for This Getaway
Choose Historic Bethlehem for Atmosphere
A hotel within walking distance of Main Street makes it easier to enjoy dinner, seasonal shopping, and an evening stroll.
It is particularly convenient if Bethlehem’s history and Christmas traditions are your main reasons for visiting. Confirm parking arrangements before booking.
Choose a Central Hotel for Value and Easy Driving
Accommodation elsewhere in the Bethlehem–Allentown area can work well if your priority is straightforward parking and access to the regional attractions.
Compare the full cost, including hotel parking, rather than judging only by the room rate.
For a short trip, staying in one place is usually more convenient than changing hotels to save a small amount of driving.
Which Experiences Deliver the Biggest Christmas “Wow”?
Christkindlmarkt offers the most distinctive setting, with festive shopping beneath Bethlehem’s industrial landmarks.
Historic Bethlehem provides the strongest traditional atmosphere, especially when paired with a guided walk or the Live Advent Calendar.
Easton delivers the memorable downtown landmark in the form of its Peace Candle, while Winter Light Spectacular is the strongest choice for a dedicated walk-through light experience.
Lights in the Parkway offers a comfortable alternative when you want the spectacle without another long evening outside.
The best three-day trip combines these different moods rather than trying to visit every available attraction.
Practical Tips for a Better Christmas Weekend
Book the Weekend Around the Markets
Choose dates when both Christkindlmarkt and Easton Winter Village are operating. A Monday-to-Wednesday visit will not reproduce this itinerary’s full market experience.
Reserve Evening Attractions Before Dinner
Secure your light-show ticket or tour first, then book meals around it. Leave room for parking, traffic, and the walk from the car.
Alternate Outdoor Stops With Indoor Breaks
Plan lunch, a museum visit, or a café stop between longer walks. Pennsylvania’s winter evenings can feel significantly colder than the afternoon.
Leave Room for Small Discoveries
A handmade ornament, an unexpected performance, or a quiet street after dinner can become the detail you remember most.
Give the major attractions their time, then leave enough space to enjoy the cities around them.