BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Even Elsa from Disney’s animated movie "Frozen" couldn’t tame the wind on the opening night of PeepsFest.
Despite frigid temperatures — gusts drove the wind chill down to a bone-chilling 14 degrees Tuesday — families still lined up both indoors and outdoors across the SteelStacks campus for ArtsQuest’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, now in its 17th year.
The festival, sponsored by Bethlehem-based Just Born Quality Confections, makers of Peeps, continues from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The ticketed event sold out both days and culminates with the signature Peeps Chick drop and a fireworks finale at 5:30 p.m. each day.
Imaginations run wild
While Elsa didn't warm the chilly air, she did manage to melt the hearts of kids — as did her onscreen sister, Anna, and fellow Disney princesses Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" and Ariel from "The Little Mermaid."
The princesses — part of the cast from A Storybook Party — entertained crowds on the ArtsQuest's Highmark Stage and posed for photos with families inside ArtsQuest Center.
Throughout the festival, characters from Netflix’s "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and "Gabby’s Dollhouse," along with Ms. Rachel and Blippi, kept the energy high with sing-alongs that had 'tweens and tots dancing.
“To see the kids really get into it is so fun — especially seeing kids of color recognize themselves on stage and have fun with it,” said Khylah Eure, who portrayed the cat-loving Gabby.
“It means a lot to see that representation and to watch their imaginations run wild.”
In all, five stages and activity areas entertained crowds at the SteelStacks campus, including the Univest Public Media Center, home to Lehigh Valley Public Media.
Lehigh Valley Public Media — which includes PBS39, LehighValleyNews.com and 91.3 WLVR radio — held a friendship bracelet-making station and a sensory room.
At Peeps in the Kitchen at PBS39, visitors learned new recipes from Chef Julie Marble of Levy Restaurants.
Telebear, of course, joined in on the fun.
Sharing facts, nurturing connections
Things took an animal-friendly turn at the Discovery Den inside Christkindlmarkt’s Winter Wonderland, thanks to environmental educators from Wildlands Conservancy.
A three-person team — joined by Ester the skunk, Munch the snapping turtle, Obi the opossum and Fig the pigeon — led an hourlong wildlife presentation.
It captivated eager audiences who watched closely, raised their hands and asked the staff questions.
“I really love when people get excited to learn about the animals, especially when I get to share fun facts they might have never heard before,” said Syd Simitz, an environmental educator with the nonprofit.
“The animals like traveling and meeting new friends — though some are definitely more social than others.”
While PeepsFest may lean toward younger audiences, Simitz said the event also gives Wildlands Conservancy — which stewards 14 nature preserves maintained as wildlands — an opportunity to reach a broader community.
“It’s always about nurturing that connection between people and the environment around them — helping them appreciate it and understand the importance of all living things,” Simitz said.
Other local nonprofits participating in PeepsFest include Equi-librium, Haven House, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Mikayla’s Voice and The Mindful Child Initiative.
Also, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Humane Society, Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center and the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living.
Countdown to 2026
By 5 p.m. Tuesday, thousands had gathered near the ball-drop stage as DJ Wesley Works kept the energy high with a mix of pop hits.
The countdown to 2026 — a day and several hours early — officially was underway.
Before the 400-pound chick made its descent, staff from Just Born Quality Confections premiered a clip showcasing this year’s new Peeps Easter flavors, including strawberry shortcake.
“I think it’s a great way to close out the year. People always talk about how you want to start the new year on a good foot, and this feels like a really nice way to do that.”Fiona Clifford
Moments later, second-graders from Megan Brown’s class at Bethlehem Area School District's William Penn Elementary joined the yellow Peeps mascot to pull the lever as Katy Perry’s bass-heavy song “Firework” boomed through the crowd.
It ignited a burst of lights and confetti.
“The best part of the job is having those moments where you know you’re creating a memory for a kid — something they’ll actually hold onto,” said Fiona Clifford, who earlier in the afternoon portrayed YouTuber Ms. Rachel.
“It’s so rewarding. I think it’s a great way to close out the year. People always talk about how you want to start the new year on a good foot, and this feels like a really nice way to do that.”
