EASTON, Pa. — Downtown Easton will celebrate the start of the holiday season this weekend with the opening of the Easton Winter Village and the lighting of the Peace Candle.
Festivities kick off on Friday, with the opening of the Winter Village, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network/Jefferson Health. They continue at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, with the lighting of the Peace Candle in Centre Square, presented by IBEW Local 102.
More than 30 vendors will open their holiday huts to the public, offering shoppers a chance to do their Black Friday shopping at small, local spots — all starting at noon.
A new Winter Village attraction this year is the Winter Garden offering attendees a cozy outdoor lounge with firepits, Adirondack chairs, and a big screen. It's in the lot on South Third Street, between Belleville Market and Mesa Modern Mexican restaurant.
On Friday, LeCompte Realty will present the Black Friday Tailgate starting at 2 p.m. in the Winter Garden.
Visitors are invited to relax, watch the Eagles game at 3 p.m., and enjoy food and drink specials from select vendors.
The event will also feature a raffle for signed Eagles items, with funds raised in support of the Eagles Autism Foundation. Those who make a $5 or more donation to the Eagles Autism Foundation will have a shot at a Dallas Goedert-signed football or a Jalyx Hunt-signed mini-helmet.
Cheesesteaks and drinks will be available from Rivals Sports Bar with tasty treats, hot chocolate, and coffee by Glazed Donuts.
"One of the things we focused most on for 2025 is better involving Downtown businesses and really reconnecting with the original purpose of the Winter Village, which is to help independently-owned small businesses connect with shoppers during the holidays."Joe Dimeck, special events manager for Greater Easton Development Partnership
Small Business Saturday
On Saturday, shoppers can visit the Bank Street Annex from noon to 8 p.m. for the Small Business Saturday Holiday Pop-Up — a one-day market showcasing a curated selection of local makers, artisans and specialty vendors.
Saturday evening will usher in the lighting of the Peace Candle — one of Easton’s most beloved traditions, in Centre Square.
“Residents and visitors are invited to gather for the dazzling ceremony, live entertainment, and the warm glow that officially ushers in the holiday season,” said a news release from the Greater Easton Development Partnership.
Throughout the season, Easton Winter Village will host live music in the Winter Garden every Saturday. Families can also enjoy Holiday Movie Matinees each Sunday, featuring favorite seasonal classics in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
Colonial-era Happy Hour
The festivities continue into December with Holiday Happy Hours held from 4 to 6 p.m. each Friday beginning Dec. 5 at the historic 1753 Bachmann Publick House. Guests can unwind in one of Easton’s oldest buildings while enjoying drinks, seasonal specials, and Colonial-era ambiance.
"We are excited about some of the new elements coming to the Easton Winter Village this year," said Joe Dimeck, special events manager for Greater Easton Development Partnership.
"Most importantly, though, one of the things we focused most on for 2025 is better involving Downtown businesses and really reconnecting with the original purpose of the Winter Village, which is to help independently-owned small businesses connect with shoppers during the holidays," he said.
“Our weekly business spotlights should help there, as well as our collaborations with different businesses in the Winter Garden and throughout the Winter Village."
The Easton Winter Village will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21st, and is free for all visitors.
Sponsors for 2025 include Lehigh Valley Health Network, IBEW Local 102, LeCompte Realty, Lafayette College, City Center Group, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Astound by RCN, Unity Bank, Alloy5, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, North Star Construction Management, Inc, ASR Media, Brown-Daub, Kessler Wolf & Miller and more.
The events are all brought to the public by the city and the Greater Easton Development Partnership.
