BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Santa Claus is coming to town — literally.
With more than a dozen stops across the region, the jolly old elf will be helping kick off tree-lightings and spreading holiday cheer.
This year, several communities are also giving back by collecting food and unwrapped toys for families in need.
Here’s a guide to where you can catch Christmas tree-lighting celebrations near you.
Advent in Allentown
Mr. and Mrs. Claus celebrate the Advent season at Arts in the Park with live musical performances, cozy fire pits (perfect for making s'mores), hot chocolate, and other desserts provided by local businesses, plus holiday giveaways.
Bring unwrapped toys for the city's Toys for Tots collection and stop by the Allentown Art Museum, 31 North Fifth St., for free family arts and crafts activities.
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Arts in the Park, 1524 West Linden St.
Info: Visit the Facebook page
Christmas City U.S.A. — Bethlehem
Enjoy festive carols and holiday performances by local musicians, along with free cookies and hot chocolate, and a visit from St. Nick at the annual Christmas City celebration, which features the lighting of a 43-foot spruce Christmas tree.
This year's Christmas tree will feature more than 25,000 LED colored lights and a 3D star placed at its top.
When: 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
Where: Payrow Plaza, 10 East Church St., Bethlehem
Info: Visit Bethlehem's Christmas website.
Christmas bells in Bath
This year's tree-lighting will feature new traditions, including a special honor to attorney Daniel G. Spengler, with special guest speakers helping to mark the occasion.
Families can also enjoy free horse-and-carriage rides from 5–8 p.m., performances by the George Wolf Elementary School Singers, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Desserts will be provided by Girl Scout Troop 8361 and food provided by Cub Pack 33, with beverages for sale by Homecoming Winery.
This year, attendees are also invited to bring their own metal fire pits, blankets and lawn chairs (bring your own wooden logs and supplies).
Bath Volunteer Fire Department Chief William Tully will be on-site to supply fire extinguishers for those bringing fire pits.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Where: Cliff Cowling Park, 301 Allen St., Bath
Info: Visit the Borough's website.
Cheery in Coplay
North Whitehall Township's fifth annual holiday soiree features a vendor market and a special appearance by Kris Kringle and The Grinch at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3.
This year's performers include dancers from the Innovation Arts Academy.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
Where: Kolapechka Park, 4075 Coffeetown Road, Coplay
Info: Visit the township's website.
Carols in Coopersburg
The seasonal celebration, hosted by members of the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, will feature performances by the local Girl Scouts choir, DJ Riley, and the St. Joseph Church Handbell Choir.
Get a head start on holiday shopping with artisan goods from 20 local craft vendors and take a photo with St. Nick, who will help light the Christmas tree at 7:55 p.m.
There will also be hayrides provided by Hausman Fruit Farm, as well as a winter drive to support families in need, hosted by the staff and volunteers from Coopersburg Fire Company.
Trade in a gently-worn winter coat or accessories, or donate to Betty Lou's Food Pantry, 538 Thomas St.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: Five North Main St., Coopersburg
Info: Check out the Coopersburg Facebook.
Easton Peace Candle
While the lighting of the Peace Candle will be the main attraction, enjoy the lighting of the Christmas trees at Easton's seasonal celebration.
At the celebration, there will also be the presentation of the Gretchen Wrenshall Award and a visit by St. Nick.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: Intersection of Third and Northampton streets, Easton
Info: Visit Shop Downtown Easton's page.
Emmaus' Old-Fashioned Christmas
The all-day seasonal fun begins at noon Dec. 6 with the seasonal strolls: a Cheers Cocktail Trail and Candy Cane Lane trail.
There will also be a free screening of "The Polar Express" at 3 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. inside Emmaus Theatre, 19 South Fourth St.
Starting at 4 p.m., gather around Triangle Park, 342 Main St., with live music, visits from Santa Claus and his reindeer at 5:15 p.m., and food trucks.
After he visits with families, St. Nick will kick off the start of the Advent season with the tree lighting at 7:15 p.m.
When: Noon to 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Info: To learn more about the holiday trails, visit the chamber's website.
Fa-La-La in Forks Township
Forks Township will celebrate the season with a tree-lighting, arts and crafts activities, a bonfire, and s'mores.
There will also be a storytime around the bonfire with staff from Easton Area Public Library, wreath-making by Gift Box Floral (pre-registration is required), and a gingerbread house contest judging.
For some extra hugs, visit with a cuddly calf from Klein Farms, who will arrive before Santa Claus lights the tree.
Food vendors Dinky's Food Truck, Sunnies Bake Shoppe, and Easton Wine Project will be on-site.
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: 500 Zucksville Road, Forks Township
Info: To register for the wreath-making, visit the township's Park and Recreation website.
Holly in Hanover Township
Meet Santa Claus, take a horse carriage or hayride, and get into the Christmas spirit with a performance by students from Nitschmann Middle School.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Hanover Township Community Center, 3660 Jacksonville Road
Info: Visit the township's events page.
Hellertown Light Up
This year's celebration features live performances from students of the Saucon Valley School District choir and band, and a flag presentation by local Boy and Girl Club Scouts.
There will also be face painting by Art by Randy and wagon rides from Hausman Farms and Steel Club, and a chance to meet reindeer, plus roaming characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Elf on the Shelf.
Santa Claus arrives at 7:45 p.m. for the official tree-lighting and free photos.
Food trucks will be on-site — with a portion of sales supporting community initiatives — and adult beverages will be available from local favorites including Lost Tavern Brewing, Five Maidens Cider and Easton Wine Project.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Morris J. Dimmick Park, 570 Durham St., Hellertown
Info: Visit the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Facebook page.
Nativity in Nazareth
Hosted by members of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce, the tree-lighting kicks off the annual "Christmas in Nazareth" weekend, which includes holiday activities on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Santa Claus will arrive at the borough's circle before the tree lighting and participate in a Christmas sing-along with the community.
When: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Where: Central Square, North Main St., Nazareth
Info: Visit the chamber's website.
'Frozen' in Northwestern Lehigh
Now in its fifth year, the festive night will feature holiday performances by the Ebenezer Church Choir, Innovative Arts Academy Dance Team, and the Northwestern Lehigh and Weisenberg Elementary School Choruses, leading up to an appearance by Santa Claus, who will help light the tree at 6:30 p.m.
A vendor market will take place in the lower pavilion featuring crafters, nonprofits, and local businesses, as well as activities for children.
The upper pavilion will feature hot chocolate and hot dogs, and music from a DJ.
Throughout the evening, attendees will have the chance to visit with reindeer and engage in a petting zoo, as well as photo ops with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Ana and Elsa from "Frozen."
Food trucks will also be on-site.
When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Where: Ontelaunee Park, 7344 Kings Highway, New Tripoli
Info: To learn more, visit Northern Lehigh Chamber’s Facebook page.
Cookies and Claus in Pen Argyl
Spread seasonal Slate Belt cheer at the borough's annual tree-lighting.
This year's event, dubbed "Cookies, Carols and Claus," will feature live holiday music, free sweets, and a special visit from the Jolly Old Elf.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Weona Park, 201 South Main St., Pen Argyl
Info: Visit the borough's website.
Sleigh bells in Slatington
Join the community at the tree-lighting's new venue, featuring seasonal treats such as hot chocolate and popcorn, plus live performances and kid-friendly activities.
There will also be a food drive for the Northern Lehigh Food Bank (canned goods).
The tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. with a visit from Santa Claus.
When: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Friday, Dec 5
Where: Slatington Trailhead, 89 Main St., Slatington
Info: Visit the chamber's Facebook.
Winter wonderland in Whitehall
This year's tree-lighting will feature a performance by the Whitehall School District Chorale, pictures with Santa Claus, and the official Christmas Countdown with Whitehall Township Mayor Joe Mark and St. Nick.
Santa Claus arrives via fire truck at 7:05 p.m. and will take photos with families from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
Where: 3219 MacArthur Road, Whitehall
Info: Visit the township's website.
